Michaela Riley | Award-Winning Author

The imagination is mine. The stories are mine. Technology is simply one of the tools I use to bring them into the world.

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My Approach to AI-Assisted Authorship

As an independent author of historical fantasy, dark fantasy, psychological thrillers, and other fiction, I believe in creative integrity, transparency, and the importance of human storytelling.

I identify as an AI-assisted author, not an AI-generated author.

I use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to support certain aspects of research, brainstorming, editing, cover design, marketing, and publishing.

I do not use generative AI to write the prose, dialogue, chapters, or final manuscripts of my novels.

My stories, characters, plots, narrative voice, and creative decisions are my own.

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When I Began Using AI

I did not use artificial intelligence in my writing, creative development, or publishing processes before April 2026.

As AI technology has evolved and become more accessible to independent authors, I have explored ways to incorporate these tools responsibly into certain aspects of my work.

My decision to begin using AI-assisted tools reflects the changing landscape of independent publishing, not a change in my commitment to human authorship.

Books and creative projects completed before April 2026 were produced without my use of AI tools.

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How I Use AI and Digital Tools

Historical Research & Fact-Checking

Historical accuracy is particularly important in The Witch's Rebirth series, which combines real historical events, people, and locations with Celtic mythology and fantasy.

I use AI-assisted research tools, search engines, historical references, and other resources to investigate timelines, geography, cultural practices, and historical details.

Because AI-generated information can be inaccurate, I evaluate and verify important facts rather than treating AI responses as definitive sources.

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Brainstorming & Creative Development

I occasionally use AI as a brainstorming partner to explore ideas, organize research, and consider creative possibilities.

These tools support my creative process but do not replace my imagination or make storytelling decisions for me.

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Manuscript Editing & Proofreading

I use Grammarly to assist with spelling, punctuation, grammar, and technical corrections during manuscript preparation.

I review editorial suggestions and retain control over my writing style, narrative voice, and final manuscript. I also may hire an editor for final manuscript review or story deveopment.

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Book Cover Artwork & Design

I personally design and complete my book covers using Canva.

During the creative process, I may use AI-assisted tools to brainstorm visual concepts or generate artwork that serves as a starting point or an element within a cover design.

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When I incorporate AI-generated imagery, I may substantially edit, modify, combine, or transform those images in Canva to achieve my final artistic vision.

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I make the decisions regarding composition, typography, colors, visual elements, and the overall presentation of each cover.

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Some of my finished book covers may therefore contain AI-generated visual elements that I have personally edited and incorporated into my designs.

I believe in being transparent about this process while recognizing the creative work involved in developing and completing each cover.

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AI Disclosure & Publishing Transparency

When I use AI-generated artwork or visual elements in my book covers or other published book imagery, I disclose that use to Amazon during the publishing process, in accordance with its AI-content disclosure requirements.

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I personally edit and complete my book cover designs in Canva, and I remain responsible for the final creative decisions.

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I believe readers and publishing platforms deserve transparency about how creative works are produced.

My use of AI-assisted visual tools does not extend to generating the prose or manuscripts of my novels.

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Audiobook Narration

My audiobook narration practices vary by series and title.

The Witch's Rebirth Series: These audiobooks feature human narrators who bring their own interpretation, emotion, and performance to my stories.

Other Audiobooks: Some of my other books available through Amazon use AI-assisted narration offered through Amazon's audiobook publishing services.

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This option allows me to make additional titles available in audio format without the substantial production costs associated with traditional audiobook production.

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I disclose this distinction so listeners can make informed choices.

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Translations & Language Tools

All my books are currently published in English. I do not currently publish translated editions of my novels.

When researching or incorporating spells and foreign-language expressions into my fiction, I may use Google Translate as a reference tool.

These tools assist with individual words or passages and are not used to produce translated editions of my books.

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Marketing, Website & Publishing Support

As an independent author, I manage many aspects of my publishing business.

I use AI-assisted tools for:

• Brainstorming marketing campaigns and promotional ideas

• Developing social media content and advertising concepts

• Creating promotional images, graphics, and video materials

• Researching publishing trends and marketing strategies

• Developing website content and promotional descriptions

• Organizing business and publishing activities

These tools help me manage the practical demands of independent publishing while allowing me to dedicate more time to writing.

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My Commitment to Human Creativity

I believe there is a meaningful distinction between using technology to support creative work and using technology to replace the creator.

My novels are written by me.

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The worlds I create, the characters who inhabit them, and the stories they tell come from my imagination, research, and creative work.

I recognize that AI-assisted technology is evolving and that authors may make different choices about its use. I respect those choices while remaining committed to transparency about my own practices.

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I also believe that using modern technology responsibly does not diminish the dedication, research, imagination, and creative effort required to write and publish a book.

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My guiding principle is simple:

AI may assist my research, editing, visual design, and publishing business. It does not replace me as the storyteller.

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Transparency & Annual Review

This policy reflects my current use of artificial intelligence and digital publishing tools, which began in April 2026.

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In keeping with the transparency principles encouraged by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), I will review this statement at least once each year and update it whenever my practices materially change.

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As artificial intelligence and publishing standards continue to evolve, I remain committed to responsible use, accurate disclosure, and maintaining the integrity of my creative work.

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Last updated: November 7, 2026
Next scheduled review: November 2027

Michaela Riley
Award-Winning Author
Michaelariley.com