The fair use of generative AI

Generative AI appears here to stay and is likely to tighten its foothold exponentially. If you have already used a generative artificial intelligence chatbot (AI tool) such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Microsoft Copilot, then you'll know something of their strengths and weaknesses. Whether your view is that AI's use enriches or stifles creativity, one thing is certain–to ensure ethical and responsible use of AI, guidelines are required. Which brings us to submissions intended for the GossamerWight Literary Magazine, including our anthologies.

Guiding principles:

The editorial team (and our site members and visitors) would like to see your writing and hear your voice. Therefore:

  1. Ensure originality: your submission (be it prose, graphic short story, or poetry) should be unique, i.e., reflective of your ideas and voice. It is acceptable to use a generative AI tool as a starting point as described in the next section, 'Examples of fair AI usage,' but this should aid your creative output, not replace it.
  2. We will reject submissions that appear to be AI-generated, whether in whole or in part; the editor-in-chief's determination is final. We will do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure parity and fairness in the submissions process, and to protect our reputation and that of our users.
  3. Appreciate AI's limitations: AI-generated content has developed a reputation for being inaccurate or inapplicable, so blind reliance upon its query results is ill-advised. Should you use an AI tool in the ways described in the next section, 'Examples of fair AI usage,' then it is essential you verify the results against one or more reliable non-AI sources, i.e., perform a human test.
  4. We are firm believers in respecting the intellectual property rights of creators and will not accept submissions that appear to infringe others' copyright. The editor-in-chief's determination is final.

Examples of fair AI usage

  1. Ideas creation: use of generative AI tools to kick-start a creative writing submission by exploring ideas is acceptable, and may also assist with plot, character and setting development. However, remember the need for originality in your submission, i.e., the work is yours, not AI's. 🐾
  2. Language enhancement: use of generative AI tools after your own (human) editing and proofreading efforts is acceptable, as a secondary check to endorse clarity, style, syntax, grammar, punctuation and spelling. AI may also suggest alternative phrasings and more precise vocabulary choices and help develop critical register.* Two examples of suitable AI tools are Grammarly and ProWritingAid. A word of caution–be consciously engaged with the process, i.e., do not blindly accept what your AI grammar/style checker recommends.
  3. Research aid: AI tools can assist with research for your writing as a secondary (supplementary) resource.
  4. First-level feedback and critique: grammar and style checkers, like Grammarly and ProWritingAid, can provide constructive feedback on your writing drafts, highlighting areas for improvement. As always, be mindful of feedback/critique from these sources, ensuring that the final version for submission is an authentic account of your unique voice and original work.

These guidelines (although comprehensive) on the use of AI for submissions to the GossamerWight Literary Magazine, including our anthologies, are not exhaustive; we may amend or add to them at any time.

*(Critical what? Read Professor Lennart Nacke's accessible article, 'How to use writing registers' to learn more; it's not an article that will benefit academic writers alone).

Questions?

Email the editor-in-chief using ghost.harmony854@passmail.net. Please state 'Submission query' in the subject line. Alternatively, complete the contact form here.

[Header image credit: Photo by Saradasish Pradhan from Unsplash].

Date created: 28 August 2025. Date revised: 13 October 2025.

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