New literary prize launched for books ‘written with AI’

Paris - Three French tech entrepreneurs have announced the creation of the inaugural literary prize for works produced using artificial intelligence, named the Prix Pascal. The prize, still in its early stages without a jury or established prize money, accepts submissions until November 30. The initiative, unveiled by Philippe Rodriguez, Albin Serviant, and Gilles Menten, aims to address the challenges faced by other literary awards in regulating AI and its application by authors.

The prize is open to all French-speaking writers, irrespective of nationality or residence, and does not necessitate a publisher. The organizers emphasize that the substance of the work is paramount: an unpublished French-language fiction piece co-written with AI that pushes the boundaries of what has never been read before. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny in France's literary community since September, following allegations that debut novelist Thelyson Orelien allegedly used AI to write his book, "It Was Either That or Die."

Orelien won the FNAC prize in September before being removed from the shortlist for the Goncourt, France's most esteemed literary award. Following Orelien's admission, his Canadian publisher, Boreal, confirmed his use of AI in the writing process. As literary organizations grapple with the integration of AI in the creative process, initiatives to distinguish human-authored books are gaining momentum.

Meanwhile, established prize committees are revising their guidelines to exclude AI-generated submissions. However, the introduction of the Prix Pascal raises complex questions: should authors be permitted to utilize AI tools like chatGPT or Claude for research or obtaining writing advice? At what point does AI-assisted research transition into AI writing?

The debut Prix Pascal will accept submissions until November 30, with the award ceremony scheduled for mid-December.