Australian Business Book Awards: AI Usage Policy

Purpose

The Australian Business Book Awards recognise original ideas, expertise, insight and communication. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly common in writing, editing, research and publishing workflows, and the awards acknowledge that many authors may use such tools in some capacity.

This policy is intended to provide clarity around acceptable AI use while ensuring that submitted works remain fundamentally the product of human authorship, judgement and expertise.

Guiding principle

Books entered into the Australian Business Book Awards must represent the genuine knowledge, experience, ideas and intellectual contribution of the named author or authors.

AI may assist the creative and production process, but it must not replace the author’s fundamental intellectual contribution.

Permitted use of AI

The following uses of AI are generally acceptable:

  • spelling and grammar assistance

  • copyediting support

  • transcription assistance

  • brainstorming or idea generation

  • summarising or organising notes

  • generating marketing or promotional material

  • limited drafting assistance

  • research support

  • formatting or production assistance

Authors remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality and integrity of all content submitted.

Unacceptable use of AI

The following may result in disqualification or removal from consideration:

  • submitting a book substantially generated by AI without significant human authorship

  • presenting AI-generated content, stories, expertise or experiences as genuine lived experience or original insight

  • using AI to fabricate case studies, testimonials, interviews, research or references

  • using AI-generated material that infringes copyright or intellectual property rights

  • failing to disclose significant AI involvement if requested by the awards organisers

  • using AI in a way that undermines the spirit or integrity of the awards

Disclosure

Entrants are not required to proactively disclose routine or minor AI-assisted workflows.

However, the awards organisers reserve the right to request clarification regarding the use of AI in any submitted work.

Authors must provide honest and reasonable disclosure if such clarification is requested.

Judging approach

The Australian Business Book Awards do not judge books based on whether AI tools were used.

Books will continue to be judged on their overall quality, originality, usefulness, clarity, credibility and impact.

The organisers acknowledge that AI tools are evolving rapidly and that reasonable use of such tools is increasingly part of modern publishing and business practice.

Integrity and discretion

The awards organisers reserve the right to:

  • request additional information regarding authorship or AI usage

  • determine whether a submission complies with the spirit and intent of the awards

  • disqualify entries where AI use is deemed excessive, misleading or inconsistent with the values of the awards

All decisions relating to eligibility and compliance are final.

This policy may be updated from time to time as AI technologies, publishing standards and industry expectations evolve.