Dithering Chaps Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Our Approach

Dithering Chaps believes that artificial intelligence should support, rather than replace, human creativity, editorial expertise and professional judgement. We are committed to using AI responsibly, transparently and in a manner that respects the rights of authors.

How We Use AI

We may make limited use of AI-assisted tools for administrative and editorial support, including:

  • proofreading and checking grammar or spelling;

  • summarising information;

  • checking document consistency;

  • website admin and search engine optimisation;

  • marketing support and idea generation; and

  • other administrative tasks that do not involve creative or editorial decision-making.

How We Do Not Use AI

We do not use AI to:

  • generate, rewrite or alter poets' creative work;

  • evaluate the literary quality or suitability of submissions for publication;

  • replace human editorial judgement; or

  • make publishing decisions.

All editorial assessments and publishing decisions are made by members of the Dithering Chaps editorial team.

AI and Submitted Work

We recognise that many writers use AI-assisted tools as part of their creative process, for example, to brainstorm ideas, check spelling or grammar, or support research.

However, Dithering Chaps seeks to publish work that is the author's own creative expression. Poetry or other creative content that has been substantially generated by AI is not eligible for submission. Authors remain responsible for ensuring that all submitted work is their own original creation and that any use of AI has not replaced the creative process.

If authors are unsure whether their use of AI is compatible with this policy, they are encouraged to contact us before submitting their work.

Confidentiality of Submitted Manuscripts

Submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential.

Manuscripts will not be uploaded to AI systems unless:

  • the author has given explicit permission; and

  • the AI service provides appropriate privacy safeguards.

For the purposes of this policy, appropriate privacy safeguards include AI services that:

  • do not use submitted content to train public AI models without consent;

  • provide secure handling of uploaded content;

  • publish clear and transparent privacy information;

  • limit human access to uploaded content except where necessary for security, legal or operational reasons; and

  • comply with applicable data protection legislation.

Dithering Chaps does not submit manuscripts for the purpose of training AI models and does not authorise their use for that purpose without the explicit consent of the copyright holder.

Authors who would prefer their submissions not to be processed using any AI-assisted administrative tools are welcome to let us know when submitting their work. We will respect that preference wherever reasonably practicable.

Human Oversight

Any output generated with the assistance of AI is reviewed, verified and approved by a human before use.

Dithering Chaps accepts full responsibility for all editorial decisions and published content.

Review of this Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect developments in technology, publishing practice and applicable law.