As my Master’s in Fine Arts – Writing and Literature – draws to an end (yay and boo) I’ve turned my focus to getting representation, especially with a newly completed magic realism novel and two new projects begun. But I’m coming across this statement more and more on my search:

Please note that we do not accept submissions originated, written or edited by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This includes use of AI to write your cover letter or synopsis, or to submit your work.

Fortunately, I started writing before AI was even a consideration, and so I feel I’m not contravening the statement. But I did panic about the editing aspect. You see, I purchased an application purely for editing back before COVID. However, since that time, the app has continually added more functionalities, many AI-driven, with additional costs. I didn’t sign up, but thought it prudent to check I wasn’t breaching the ‘editing’ guidelines.

I, of course, did an AI-powered search and found that I can turn off the rephrasing suggestions within the app, which ensures that AI is not engaged when using the editing functions of the app. But I thought I’d check it out beforehand and wanted to share some with you and ask – why would use the suggestions? Here’s a laugh for the writers out there;

There were heated lights in the bathroom and a dryer in the kitchen.

AI suggested:

Heated lights illuminated the bathroom, while a dryer stood in the kitchen.

Seriously? I’m writing fiction, not a pamphlet for a real estate magazine!

She had to go through the shape.

AI suggestion:

She would need to examine the shape.

Honestly! It doesn’t even mean the same thing. The first sentence is referring to Maud, the protagonist, just realising her rented hut is haunted and the shape – not quite materialised yet – is a ghost!! LOL!

Anyway, each of us is different, and we take varied paths to get to publication. I am truly in awe of those who self-publish – I tried it for a month – what a lot of work! Me, I’m too lazy. I’d rather be ensconced in my library tapping away on the keyboard in my imaginary world than dealing with marketing, finances, cover designs … the list is endless.

Happy writing, and fingers crossed I find representation.