In 2023, I was commissioned by the Independent Publishers Guild to develop a training course on generative AI for the publishing industry. I spent several months intensively researching the subject—talking to technology companies, investors, researchers, publishing organisations and early adopters in other sectors—and launched the training in September 2023. It was the first independent, CPD-accredited AI course designed specifically for publishing professionals. It won Best Learning/Professional Development programme at the 2024 Association Excellence Awards. Since then I have delivered it to delegates from nearly three hundred organisations in fifteen countries.
The course is updated continuously to reflect the pace of change in AI. It is not a generic introduction to ChatGPT—it is built around the specific workflows, challenges and opportunities facing publishing and media organisations.
What the training covers
The course is structured around four areas:
Understanding the landscape. A clear, jargon-free overview of the AI landscape: how large language models work, what they can and can’t do, and how the technology is evolving. I explain the key concepts that matter for publishing professionals without requiring any technical background.
Issues, risks and opportunities. The practical questions organisations need to address: copyright and licensing, editorial integrity, author relationships, data governance, competitive dynamics and regulatory developments including the EU AI Act.
Strategy and implementation. How to move from awareness to action: identifying high-value use cases, building internal capability, developing AI policy and governance, and making the case for investment. This section draws on real examples from organisations I’ve worked with.
Hands-on practice. Participants work directly with a range of AI tools and models, guided through proven use cases relevant to their roles. This is not a demonstration — delegates leave having built real workflows they can use immediately.
Course options
Open courses. I run periodic open courses that anyone can register for. These are ideal for individuals or small teams, and delivered in partnership with the Independent Publishers Guild in the UK and the Independent Book Publishers Association in the US.
In-company training. I deliver training on-site or remotely for teams of up to twenty per session. This is the most popular option and can be tailored to your organisation’s specific context, tools and challenges.
Subject training. For 2026, I am offering specific short training courses on data analysis, content creation, websites and GEO, and risks and governance—all delivered in a concentrated 90-minute workshop.
Bespoke programmes. For larger organisations or more complex requirements, I design bespoke multi-session programmes. These can include follow-up coaching, implementation support and ongoing advisory.
All options are CPD-accredited and can be tailored to specific publishing sectors (trade, academic, educational, professional) and specific functions (editorial, marketing, rights, production, leadership).
What delegates say
“One of the best training days I have ever attended.”
“The training was exceptional, and everyone reported that they loved the experience and the opportunity to try out new tools with the right support — it was just the right introduction for the range of experience we have. I learned so much in such a short time.”
“A brilliant day, both inspiring and practical.”
“A really good balance of theory and hands-on tasks.”
“Brilliant coverage and background, excellent delivery.”
“The collaborative element of this course was outstanding.”
“The whole course was very open, inclusive and participatory.”
“George was extremely knowledgeable, responsive to the audience, and absolutely had the interests and needs of his audience in mind at all times.”
Book a course
To discuss training for your team, or to register interest in the next open course, please get in touch by email or call me on +44 01722 435610.
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