Using Grammarly to Proofread

[G Allen]

I have never had AI write one word of my work.

That stated, I have used Grammarly (and MS Word's "check document") to help catch the things my tired old eyes miss. I use only the free version, so I don't get the "sentence rewrites" offered with the paid subscription.

Have I violated agents/editors/publishers ban on using AI?

If so, how do I fix that? Since "Spell Check" with the grammar addition has been available in Word for decades, I do not consider this to be AI. Updates to how those base features work should not be considered using AI, but who am I?

I would appreciate all honest feedback on this, particularly from anyone who is an agent, editor, or works for a publisher.

Thank you.

[Teni]

Hi G Allen,
As a book agency, we can confidently say using tools like Grammarly or Word for basic proofreading isn’t considered AI writing. It’s standard practice to catch minor errors, and doesn’t violate industry norms.

Have any agents or publishers expressed concerns directly to you about this?

[Ant & Aardvark Publishing]

Hi G Allen,

We wouldn't consider using Grammarly or Word to be AI writing.

You may find the AI-generated vs AI-assisted explanation that Amazon provide via their KDP portal helpful:

We distinguish between AI-generated and AI-assisted content as follows:

- AI-generated: We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content (whether text, images, or translations), it is considered "AI-generated," even if you applied substantial edits afterwards.

- AI-assisted: If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered "AI-assisted" and not “AI-generated.” Similarly, if you used an AI-based tool to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately created the text or images yourself, this is also considered "AI-assisted" and not “AI-generated.” It is not necessary to inform us of the use of such tools or processes.

[Jennifer]

I personally think it is fine as an author to use tools to help edit or proofread your writing. So long as the writing is yours, I do not think it would be a problem.