AI is an editorial tool, not the editor
Clear Copy Clinic may use ChatGPT and other AI systems as editorial assistants. They can help us analyse material, compare versions, identify repetition or inconsistencies, test structures, simplify difficult wording, retrieve relevant material and develop working drafts.
We do not treat AI as the author, the subject-matter expert or the final decision-maker.
What remains human
Human editors remain responsible for meaning, accuracy, context, voice, difficult editorial choices and the final work.
Where we are working from source material, the source remains authoritative. AI-generated wording or analysis is treated as a working contribution that must be assessed in context rather than as verified fact.
AI should not introduce new findings, claims or interpretations that are unsupported by the source material.
Our normal workflow
- Source material
- AI-assisted analysis or working draft
- Human editorial review and verification
- Subject-matter or client review where appropriate
- Final work
The exact process varies according to the project. Some work requires very little AI assistance; other projects benefit substantially from it. The purpose is to use technology for leverage without handing over human responsibility.
Confidential and restricted material
Where work contains confidential, unpublished, embargoed or institutionally restricted material, we first consider whether there are contractual, ethical, employer, institutional or client restrictions on the use of external AI services.
Where such use is prohibited or inappropriate, the workflow must be adapted accordingly.
Clients should tell us about any relevant confidentiality, data-handling or AI-use requirements before work begins.
Public Clear Copy Clinic tools
Some Clear Copy Clinic tools use AI to provide diagnosis, coaching, comparison or other editorial assistance.
Their output should not be treated as an automatic professional, factual, legal, academic or regulatory determination. Where a question requires specialist judgement or the available evidence is insufficient, human review may be required.
Our principle
Technology for leverage. People for judgement.
Our aim is not to make the writer or editor disappear. It is to use technology intelligently so that people can produce clearer, stronger and more trustworthy work.
Questions
If a client wants to know how AI will be used on a particular project, they are welcome to ask before work begins.
Contact: hello@clearcopy.clinic