Nextory’s move drives a critical lesson: the future of books lies not just in content, but in how seamlessly readers can find it.

The Rise of AI in Publishing

Nextory has become Europe’s first book streaming service to integrate a generative AI librarian directly into its platform. This innovative feature allows users to receive personalised book recommendations through a conversational chat interface, marking a significant shift in how readers discover new titles.

By enabling natural language queries – such as “I want a funny yet thought-provoking book with a female protagonist” – the AI librarian eliminates the need for manual browsing, offering tailored suggestions that align with individual preferences.

A Response to Declining Readership

The launch addresses a pressing issue: research by Norstat reveals that 15% of Swedes – and 27% of young adults – read less than they’d like due to difficulty finding the right book. With children’s reading rates also falling, Nextory positions its AI tool as a bridge between technology and literature, aiming to re-engage reluctant readers.

Founder and CEO Shadi Bitar emphasises the feature’s potential to “make reading accessible and appealing to younger generations” by simplifying discovery.

Industry Implications

Developed in-house using Google Cloud’s AI infrastructure, the tool leverages user data to refine recommendations. Maria Wiss of Google Cloud Sweden highlights how such innovations can “transform the user experience” – a sentiment that resonates in an industry grappling with digital adaptation.

Read the Nextory press release.

The View From the Beach

For publishers, this signals a growing need to collaborate with tech platforms to enhance discoverability, particularly for niche titles.

While AI-driven recommendations raise questions about algorithmic bias and data privacy, Nextory’s beta rollout in Sweden (with plans for international – for which read European – expansion) suggests cautious optimism. The feature’s success could redefine reader engagement, proving that technology, when thoughtfully applied, can complement – rather than replace – the human love of storytelling.

For publishing professionals, Nextory’s move drives a critical lesson: the future of books lies not just in content, but in how seamlessly readers can find it.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.