A.I. is a hotly debated topic these days, but like the invention of computers or the internet, AI is not going away. It’s only going to become more prevalent. Yet it’s also an extremely useful tool. So, how does an artist like me decide what is ethical and what is not? It’s tricky, for sure. But A.I. tools can help me be a more efficient author, which saves me time—which is one of my most valuable resources.
I have written my A.I. policy below. And if you’d like to read more about my thoughts on this topic, you can read my post here. This policy may change as technology continues to develop. When that happens, I will revise this policy.
USING A.I. TEXT GENERATORS
I will never publish a story that was written with AI generated text. Not a whole book, a chapter, an expert, a short story, an article, or even a sentence. I also have no interest at this time in using AI as an editor.
I currently use AI text generators much like a search engine or talking to Siri or Alexa, asking it to give me facts about certain topics so that I don’t have to take as much time to do research.
I might use AI text generators to help me brainstorm stories from scratch or plot twists when I’m stuck. I might use AI to help me outline and organize ideas for nonfiction texts. I might also use AI to help me write marketing copy, blurbs, email subject lines, titles, headlines, and advertisements.
USING A.I. IMAGE GENERATORS
I will not use AI generated images to solely create anything that I will sell or purchase in print. That means I will not use AI alone to create ebook, print, or audiobook covers in which I sell to consumers. I will not solely use AI generated images to create bookmarks, character cards, postcards, posters, buttons, or other marketing materials.
I might choose to create temporary book cover images with AI to accompany stories I am writing on my blog, social media, or Patreon accounts. If I someday choose to publish these stories widely, then I will pay a professional artist to create cover artwork.
Many cover artists have begun using AI tools in their creative processes. I am not opposed to commissioning work from such artists as long as the majority of the cover design has not been created with AI image generation and there is no copyright infringement. In these cases, and as long as I am aware of it, I will note on the inside cover that generative AI technology was used on the image.
In the event I am creating a cover of my own using stock photos, I will only use stock photos for cover designs that were not created with AI technology. I might use AI in small ways to make minor changes to the cover art in the same way I might use Photoshop to lengthen a table or add details.
I will not use AI to create maps for my books. I will continue to make those myself by hand and in Photoshop or like art programs.
I may use AI image generators to help me brainstorm ideas for cover designs, city designs, and maps.
I will use AI image generators to create character images to inspire my writing. I will use AI to create other images for storyworld mood boards. I will post character, storyworld, and mood board, images on my website and social media and use them in reels and book trailers. I will also use AI to create writing prompt images for social medial posts. I may also use AI to create images for presentations when teaching at writing events.
Last updated, 1/14/2024