Generative AI Usage Statement

I do not use assistive or generative artificial intelligence (AI)  in editorial, proofreading, indexing, or client deliverables. All built-in AI features in the software I use are disabled by default. I offer fully human, hands-on services that are grounded in the principles of intellectual integrity and respect for human expertise and autonomy. 

     While I unequivocally do not support the use of GenAI as a substitute for human creativity, scholarship, or editorial judgment and skill, I recognize that the technology isn't going anywhere and authors and/or publishers are free to choose whether and how they use these tools.  I also recognize that, for some people, AI functions as an assistive technology that supports accessibility by helping them express and communicate the ideas they have.  The publishing industry is still navigating these nuances, and I continue to reflect on where I believe the appropriate professional boundaries should lie. The following reflects where I stand today. 

Publisher-Commissioned Work

In publisher-commissioned work, I recognize that as a freelancers, I do not always know the full drafting or revision history of an assigned manuscript, whether fiction or non-fiction. Publishers ultimately determine their own acquisition and production practices, and they often have internal policies, procedures, and designated roles responsible for addressing AI-related issues.

Direct Author-Commissioned Work

If you are an author engaging me directly to work on your publication and have used assistive or generative AI at any stage of preparing it—even as a search tool—you must disclose that use before I begin work. Often, it is quite obvious when AI has been used. Being transparent about its use from the beginning allows me to provide an accurate estimate of turnaround time and avoids the possibility of me withdrawing from a project because of undisclosed AI use.

• Research and Non-Fiction Manuscripts. Manuscripts that have been drafted, revised, or edited using AI frequently contain errors that require extensive verification and correction, which requires more editorial time than working with an entirely author-written and researched manuscript. AI-generated content must be independently verified to meet professional publishing, research, and authoritative nonfiction standards, as generative AI often produces content that is inaccurate.  Assistive AI requires  more intensive semantic review, contextual verification, and attention to terminology and authorial voice because its interventions, though perhaps grammatically correct, are still wrong in context or inconsistent with the author’s voice or what they mean to communicate.
• Fiction Manuscripts. I do not offer editorial services for fiction in which generative AI has been used to create or develop the creative content. My editorial practice is centred on working with authors to help them shape, refine, and communicate their own imagination, creativity, and perspective through their story. I believe fiction should remain an expression of human creative labour, artistic choices, and voice. 

These principles reflect my own values and approach to editing rather than a judgment of authors or professionals who choose differently.

A quick note: You may notice a “Powered by GoDaddy Airo” label at the bottom of this website, which refers to GoDaddy’s built-in AI tool (for those who wish to use it). Despite my efforts to delete it permanently, it keeps reappearing. If you see it while visiting my site, it is because it is a platform default and has reappeared. Please know that I did not use it when creating this site's content, and its presence does not reflect my process or values.