More than half of Britain's published novelists fear artificial intelligence could ultimately replace them, according to new research from the University of Cambridge. The study, based on interviews with 322 fiction writers, found that 51% believe AI poses a direct threat to the future of their profession.

Researchers said two-thirds of authors reported their works had already been used to train AI systems, enabling models to imitate their prose and generate new stories in similar styles. Many expressed frustration that their material is being incorporated into commercial datasets without compensation or permission.

Clementine Collett, one of the report's authors, told BBC News the anxiety is widespread.“Novelists are deeply concerned that AI, trained on vast amounts of fiction, will devalue writing and emerge as a direct competitor,” she said.

Nearly all respondents held negative views about the idea of AI-generated novels. About 40% said AI technologies have already reduced their income, complaining that tech companies profit from their work while authors receive nothing in return.

Beyond style imitation, writers warned that rising volumes of AI-generated short fiction could reduce demand for complex, long-form novels, potentially shrinking an already fragile literary market. Some authors also reported discovering fraudulent books published under their names, intensifying concerns about identity misuse.

The findings add pressure on UK publishing and regulatory bodies as calls grow for stronger copyright protections, clearer data-use rules, and mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for writers whose work is used to train AI models. Analysts say that without new safeguards, trust between authors, readers, and technology firms may continue to erode.

Industry groups have urged the government to move quickly, warning that unchecked AI expansion risks destabilizing key parts of Britain's creative economy.

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