Guardrails for writers and editors

When you finish, you can use AI without inventing facts, leaking client material or misleading readers.

Invented facts and fake quotes

AI writes fluent text whether or not it is true. It can invent statistics, book titles, court cases, quotes and the names of experts. Never let a fact, quote or source into your work unless you have checked it against a primary source. If the tool gives a reference, find the real thing yourself.

A good routine: ask for a list of claims to verify, then verify each one by hand. For quotes, go back to the original recording, document or interview. A single invented quote can end a career.

Confidential and unpublished work

Unpublished manuscripts, client drafts, embargoed news and anything covered by a contract can be sensitive. Do not paste them into a tool your client or publisher has not approved. Read your contract and your client's policy. Some publishers forbid AI use on submitted work, and some require disclosure.

When in doubt, work with a short invented sample or describe your problem in general terms. Ask your client in writing what is allowed. A short question now prevents a dispute later.

Originality, copyright and bias

Rules about who owns AI-assisted text, and how much it can echo existing work, differ by country and are still evolving. Do not ask a tool to imitate a living author's style in order to pass the result off as theirs, and do not publish text you suspect is copied. Check suspicious passages with a search.

AI can also repeat stereotypes in descriptions of people, places and jobs. Read for assumptions and for who is left out. Sensitivity and accuracy are part of your craft, and no tool can take responsibility for them.

Disclosure and saying no

Be open with editors, clients and readers about how you use AI, in line with their rules. A simple statement works: “I used an AI tool for outline brainstorming; all reporting, writing and fact checking are mine.” If a platform or contract requires disclosure, give it.

You may also say no. If a client asks for fake reviews, invented testimonials or made-up expert quotes, decline. “I can write honest copy that makes the product shine” is a good answer. Protecting your name is protecting your income.

Practice now

Take a short AI-written paragraph that includes facts. List every claim and check each against a real source. Mark any that were wrong or unverifiable.
Write a two-sentence disclosure statement you could give a client, and a two-sentence reply declining a request for fake reviews.

Use any AI assistant you have. Do not paste private, client or patient information into it.

Check yourself

1. An AI gives a quote from an expert. What do you do?

2. A client's unpublished manuscript is under contract. Which action is safest?

3. A client wants invented customer reviews. What is the right reply?

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Next lesson: Grow with AI: your 30-day plan

AI-drafted. Checked by an automated validator and a separate AI reviewer; a person has not read every lesson. Translations and tutor answers are AI-made. Found a mistake? Tell us. AI can be wrong. General information only, not professional advice. Not affiliated with any AI company named. Current University is not accredited.