Question 1

What is the difference between AI and generative AI?

Accepted Answer

Artificial intelligence (AI) incorporates a set of technologies that analyse information, make predictions, classify or recognise patterns or automate tasks. Think about things you use every day like predictive text, spam filters and some spelling/grammar tools like Grammarly or the spelling function in Word.Generative AI specifically refers to new content that is generated in response to a brief or instruction to the platform. This could be text, images, video as well as computer code and audio. Just about anything can be generated and this functionality is getting more sophisticated every day. Generative AI systems have been trained on enormous quantities of existing material, often scraped from the Internet, often without the knowledge or permission of its creators.Watch this CSIRO video for an introduction to AI and generative AI:

Question 2

Do you use generative AI to edit clients' work?

Accepted Answer

For general editing – I do not use generative AI to edit. I edit each manuscript myself, using my own editorial decisions, and provide suggestions and comments based on more than 35 years as a professional editor. I use editing tools such as the Australian Government Style Manual, Macquarie Dictionary and Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar checking functions, using track changes and the comment feature for author queries. I make all editorial decisions.For scientific editing – I use ChatGPT Plus only to assist with editing and formatting reference lists to the required reference style. It’s possible to upload a reference style and ChatGPT will export a formatted list of references to that style. I then edit and crosscheck each individual reference to ensure it is correct. This saves an enormous amount of time in dealing with references. I edit the rest of the text.For manuscript assessments – I do not use generative AI to assess a client’s manuscript or write their report. I never submit an author’s work into a generative AI platform. I read the entire work, take detailed notes on the various aspects of writing and story, and leave comments as I go, select examples to illustrate where improvements can be made and to highlight areas done well, and write the final report.

Question 3

Do you accept work that has been partially written by AI?

Accepted Answer

I will edit text that has been partially written by AI but it may require additional editorial work, especially where there are issues with repetition, accuracy, consistency, structure, unacknowledged source material, breach of privacy laws or inconsistent authorial voice. There are generic and formulaic ‘tells’ – verbosity, fabricated information that needs careful fact-checking, changes in style and author’s voice that I will flag as needing attention. I will not rewrite any text; I will point out what text needs to be rewritten. This is the same with original text – it is not my job to write for you. Consider then, that allowing AI to write for you may increase the cost of the editing work.

Question 4

Should I use generative AI to help with my writing?

Accepted Answer

This is a complex and rapidly evolving area, with strong views on both sides.This excellent article by Jane Friedman gives a detailed recent (September 2026) overview of the pros and cons of all things AI.Wiley Publishers have created a set of AI Guidelines which appear to be the best in the business so far.

Question 5

Is my writing safe if I upload it to generative AI?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the platform you are using and its settings. Before uploading, check the terms and privacy settings and make sure to opt out of any training permissions. This does not guarantee that your work will not be used for training or stored. Seriously think about the consequences before you do this.The Authors Guild outlines some guiding principles and risks you should be aware of if you are considering using AI.

Question 6

Does using generative AI affect my copyright?

Accepted Answer

It could if you have used AI to generate large parts of your manuscript. Australian copyright law is based on human authorship, so questions can arise about copyright protection for AI-generated material.Read more about copyright on Arts Law Centre of Australia website.

Question 7

Do I need to disclose that I’ve used generative AI when I submit to publishers or competitions?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes you do. Carefully read the submission guidelines for the publisher or competition. Some publishers reject any use of AI at all; some will allow the use of AI for brainstorming or structuring. Requirements vary.

Question 8

Will publishers and authors ever get paid for the work that has been taken without permission?

Accepted Answer

Let’s hope so but this is an evolving area. Copyright Agency (Australia) is developing licensing arrangements to enable Australian creators and publishers to be paid for authorised use of their work by AI systems.

Question 9

Is there any research happening about the use of generative AI in publishing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IPEd has set up a working party on Artificial Intelligence to examine the impact of AI on the editing profession. Bookmark this link for progress.

Question 10

Where can I learn more about the ethical use of generative AI?

Accepted Answer

The following organisations and publishing professionals provide useful information, commentary and guidance on generative AI in editing and publishing.Australian Publishers Association https://publishers.asn.au/Web/Our-Work/Advocacy-Policy/Artificial-Intelligence-and-publishingAustralian Society of Authors https://www.asauthors.org.au/advocacy/artificial-intelligence/The Authors Guild  (16 April 2026) https://authorsguild.org/news/use-of-ai-in-publishing-and-new-model-contract-clauseThe Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/17/everything-australians-put-online-could-be-scraped-for-ai-under-proposed-new-rules-how-will-you-be-affectedIPEd (3 April 2024) https://www.iped-editors.org/news/iped-statement-on-the-impact-of-ai-and-llms-on-editors-and-the-editing-professionJane Friedman (provides verified commercial publishing information) https://janefriedman.com/ai-and-publishing-faq-for-writers/For a thought-provoking and different perspective on AI, creativity and what it means to be an author, read Rafael Abreu-Canedo’s AI Slop, Hip-Hop, and the Death of the Author

Generative AI: FAQs for writers