Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Awards
Artificial Intelligence Policy
Definition
Artificial Intelligence (A.I)- generated content refers to text, images, or translations generated or modified by deep or machine-learning processes, commonly known as A.I-based tools.
Purpose
This policy aims to guide the responsible, ethical, and safe use of A.I technologies in the submissions entered in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA). A.I should be employed to enrich the learning experience, promote idea brainstorming, and support entrants in their book-writing process as a research tool, all while aligning with NGIBA's guidelines and values.
A.I should augment human intelligence without replacing it, thus ensuring that all A.I use begins and ends with human insight. Generative A.I will never replace the creative human effort that goes into imagining, creating, writing, and editing books.
Permitted Use
- A.I can be used as a research tool to generate ideas and assist with learning about the book-writing process, provided it is done transparently and with proper attribution.
- A.I can be used as a sample-providing tool that provides examples of the various book submissions we receive in each category.
- A.I can be used for critical thinking and verification of information generated by online sources.
- A.I can be used to check grammar and style in entrants' original written work.
- A.I use must align with NGIBA's goals, such as honoring the best books and the creative human minds behind the words while upholding values like integrity, honesty and creativity.
Steps for Entrants
The steps entrants can take to ensure they are using A.I tools ethically include:
- Understanding, reviewing and adhering to NGIBA's A.I policy and the use of A.I tools, including when and how they can be used for research and submissions.
- Being aware of the limitations of A.I and fact-checking A.I-generated information with reliable sources.
- Being critical consumers of A.I i.e. using the tools as aids rather than replacements for their own work and decision-making.
- Ensuring their use of A.I tools aligns with NGIBA's goals and values.
Prohibited Use
- NGIBA does not support the use of generative A.I to write books that are entered for submission. This cannot be stated explicitly enough.
- A.I tools may have copyright infringements and will not be eligible if entered as books in the awards program.
- Entrants should not plagiarize or paraphrase from any A.I source.
- Entrants should not use sample books/ideas/written material created by generative A.I as references in their submissions.
Potential Consequences for Ignoring the Policy
NGIBA uses A.I checkers to ensure books with A.I-generated content are not entered into the awards program.
Violations of the A.I policy will have consequences like warnings and being disqualified. If A.I-generated content is found repeatedly, NGIBA will prevent the entrant from entering their book into the awards program.
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving A.I technologies and entry practices.
Plagiarism Policy
Definition
Plagiarism is the act of copying another individual or group's ideas, words, illustrations, or work in general and pretending it is the writer's own.
Prohibited Use
Plagiarism of all kinds is prohibited in the NGIBA. These can fall into any of the following types:
- Direct plagiarism: When the book's text, cover or design, flow, dialogues, characters, etc., have been copied word-for-word.
- Self-plagiarism: When the writer inadvertently uses similar words, terms and phrases in multiple book submissions entered into the program.
- Mosaic plagiarism: When some, but not all phrases used by one writer are reused by another writer without attributing the source. Submitting a book that multiple writers work on without crediting all of them also constitutes plagiarism.
- Quoted/Paraphrased plagiarism: When content is paraphrased using paraphrasing tools online or is quoted without proper citation of the source.
- A.I-based plagiarism: When generative A.I tools write a book, which could be copyrighted or has been created from another/multiple books combined together or a published source. Entering sample books provided by A.I also constitutes plagiarism.
Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA) implements plagiarism-checking tools on all books received to ensure that submissions entered in the awards program are original. Plagiarism is not tolerated, and submissions that violate this policy will be disqualified.
Avoiding Plagiarism
One of the easiest ways to ensure all content is original is to run it through a plagiarism checker such as Copyscape or Grammarly before submitting it to the awards program. This will ensure submissions entered into the program align with the values and goals of the NGIBA.