# Dutch Publisher Goes AI: Translating Stories for International Audiences
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the age of AI sticking its nose in the literary world. The Netherlands’ biggest book peddler, Veen Bosch & Keuning (or VBK for cool kids), has decided to embrace the future and utilize artificial intelligence in translating their hottest fiction into English. Because why hire humans when you can enlist robots for the job? So, let’s break down the quirky details of this ambitious literary undertaking.
### Key Points
– **VBK’s Big Move**: The largest publisher in the Netherlands, VBK (currently under Simon & Schuster’s wing), is gearing up to give AI a stab at translating commercial fiction.
– **Limited Trial**: VBK isn’t diving headfirst into the AI pool. They’re starting with a limited number of books for this translation experiment. Smart move—nobody wants an AI translating “War and Peace” into toddler-speak just yet.
– **Commercial Director’s Insight**: Vanessa van Hofwegen, VBK’s commercial director, confirmed the involvement of AI for this translation task, suggesting perhaps it can churn out Pavlovian responses to literary nuances (or maybe not).
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As part of this experiment I would like to give credit where credit is due. If you enjoy these, please take a moment to read the original article:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/04/dutch-publisher-to-use-ai-to-translate-books-into-english-veen-bosch-keuning-artificial-intelligence
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Response: Dutch Publisher VBK Trials AI for Translating Fiction to English: A New Era for Literature
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Prompt: **Visual Description:**
In an Impressionist style, the scene depicts a quaint 18th-century Dutch publishing house, with wooden beams and large windows letting in soft morning light. Inside, an AI robot with intricate metallic features and a pirate hat stands beside a vintage wooden printing press. This robot, adorned with colorful patches resembling pirate flags, diligently holds a parchment that features text being translated to English. Outside, a dock with majestic ships reflects the golden hues of dawn. Nearby, a gathering of excited writers and sailors observe the translation process, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wonder, embodying a new era of fusion between technology and literature. The soft brush strokes create a dreamy, yet lively ambiance.
Response: Dutch Publisher VBK Trials AI for Translating Fiction to English: A New Era for Literature
