Editing Tools and AI Information 

When I edit, I rely first and foremost on my own skills, but I also use a set of tools to help ensure my editing is as thorough, accurate, and efficient as possible. The following is a list of resources and other tools I may use to complete a successful edit:

• Google Chrome - Online searches typically retrieve AI-generated results; I don't rely on these but may reference them to guide me toward more reliable resources.

• Grammarly - Grammarly uses AI to operate. While I don't run Grammarly on client work, I am asked to use it for some of my contract work; therefore, it operates in the background of my computer system and may flag items in documents. I will address any relevant issues, but I'll do so using my own judgment (rather than Grammarly's recommendations) for revising.

• Microsoft Word - This software program includes an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. Although I don't use Copilot and have selected to block it from operating, it may run in the background of my system and access portions of your text or my edits.

• PerfectIt - I use this professional proofreading software as a later step in my editing to check for consistency within Word documents. The software runs offline, and its developer, Intelligent Editing, has stated that it is a non-AI tool.

• Reference books and online resources - These include The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Chicago Manual of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook, The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction, Garner's Modern English Language, and more. I continually use either physical books or online versions of these resources.

• Word Macros - These are instructions I've recorded in Word that act as a shortcut for performing a series of editing steps, such as highlighting a list of words to double-check. They don't run on AI. I use macros regularly as a later step in my editing.

I do not run client work through open AI systems, but some of the digital tools I use operate with AI assistance. While I allow the above-listed and similar tools to enhance my editing, I review and refine all information that comes from sources involving AI systems. I don't rely on AI to replace my own qualified judgment. By submitting your content for editing, you acknowledge and consent to my supervised use of these and similar tools.