Author's Guide to Responsible Generative AI Use in Writing

Wiley acknowledges the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in manuscript preparation and welcomes its thoughtful application by authors. When used responsibly, AI tools can help authors maintain rigorous editorial standards, safeguard intellectual property, and foster transparency with readers. While authors retain full accountability for their material and any tools or sources used in its creation, Wiley provides specific guidance to ensure AI integration is both beneficial and compliant. This guidance applies to book authors preparing material for Wiley, emphasizing that AI should serve as a companion to the author's expertise, not a substitute.

Before utilizing any AI Technology, authors must meticulously review its terms and conditions, terms of use, or any associated licenses. It is crucial to confirm that the AI Technology does not claim ownership of the author's content or impose restrictions on its use, as this could infringe upon the author's rights or Wiley's ability to publish the material. Authors should periodically revisit these terms to ensure ongoing compliance. Paying close attention to clauses related to 'ownership,' 'data reuse,' and 'opt-out' options is vital for preventing unintended transfers of rights and ensuring the AI tool's usage aligns with the author's and publisher's interests.

Maintaining transparency with readers and the publisher is a non-negotiable aspect of using AI tools. Authors are required to document their use of AI Technology, detailing its purpose, whether it influenced key arguments or conclusions, and the specific steps taken to review and verify AI-generated content. Crucially, authors must disclose the use of AI Technologies when submitting their material to Wiley. Failure to provide this documentation may result in requests from the Wiley contact for further information. This commitment to transparency is fundamental to Wiley's dedication to ethical publishing and maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record.

The ethical use of AI Technology extends to respecting privacy, confidentiality, and compliance obligations. Authors must adhere to data protection laws and avoid using AI to replicate the unique styles or voices of others. Fact-checking AI-generated content for accuracy and neutrality is paramount. Authors should be acutely aware of potential biases inherent in AI outputs and actively take steps to mitigate stereotypes or misinformation. When inputting sensitive or unpublished content, it is imperative to use tools with robust privacy controls to protect confidentiality and prevent unauthorized data usage or training.

The quality of AI-generated output is directly proportional to the clarity and specificity of the prompts provided. AI tools perform best when given precise instructions, well-defined goals, and constructive feedback. To enhance AI outputs, authors should clearly define the AI's role and task, be specific and detailed in their requests, and break down complex tasks into manageable steps. Providing context about the target audience and purpose, along with relevant examples, is also highly beneficial. Continuous experimentation and refinement of prompts based on AI responses are essential for optimizing results and ensuring the AI effectively meets the author's needs.

AI models can produce content that appears authoritative but may contain factual errors, fabricated citations, or outdated information. This challenge is particularly pronounced in academic writing. To combat misinformation, authors must adopt a rigorous verification process. This involves identifying all information requiring verification—specific statistics, technical terminology, methodological descriptions, and factual statements—and cross-referencing each element with authoritative sources in their field. Peer review of technical content by colleagues with relevant expertise is also highly recommended. Ultimately, authors are responsible for the accuracy of their final work and should rely on their own expertise when in doubt.

Wiley values the unique creativity and expertise that authors bring to their work. Generative AI tools are viewed as powerful aids that can enhance, rather than replace, this creativity. By adhering to these guidelines, authors can confidently integrate AI into their writing process, ensuring high-quality, original, and ethically produced content. The overarching message is that AI should serve as a collaborative partner, augmenting the author's capabilities while the author retains full control and accountability. This approach fosters trust with readers, protects authors' and Wiley's rights, and upholds the integrity of scholarly publishing.