How to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading

How to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading

Author: Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor) February 26, 2026 Duration: 11:46

Learn about how to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading.

Listen to find out more about

  1. What do we mean by 'AI tools' in editing?
  2. The ethical questions
  3. Protecting client confidentiality
  4. Being transparent with clients
  5. Accountability
  6. Respecting authorship
  7. Staying informed and critical
  8. Real-world scenarios
  9. The editor's role in shaping AI ethics
  10. AI Use and Ethics Checklist (free resource): https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/ai.html

Book series: Notes from the Podcast

Want to hone your editorial business skills? Our actionable guides and workbooks help you plan and implement a programme for business growth and development.

Find out more here: https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/notes.html

Support The Editing Podcast

Tip your hosts: Support Louise and Denise with a one-off tip of your choosing.

  1. theeditingpodcast.captivate.fm/support

Join our Patreon community: Our patrons benefit from access to PDF transcripts for episodes featuring just Louise and Denise, and for some of our guest episodes. Tier-2 patrons also receive bonus content for most episodes.

  1. patreon.com/editingpodcast

Denise and Louise

  1. Denise Cowle: denisecowleeditorial.com
  2. Louise Harnby: harnby.co/fiction-editing

Post-production

  1. Liv Cowle: livcowle.com

Music credit

'Vivacity’ by Kevin MacLeod

  1. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4593-vivacity
  2. Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a professional editor's desk? The Editing Podcast pulls back the curtain, offering a genuine and practical look at the craft and business of editing. Hosts Louise Harnby, a fiction editor, and Denise Cowle, who specializes in non-fiction, bring their distinct perspectives to every conversation. They don't just talk about theory; they delve into the real-world challenges editors face, from tricky grammatical choices and style guide dilemmas to the nuts and bolts of running a successful freelance business. Each episode feels like a chat with knowledgeable colleagues who are generous with their hard-won advice. You'll hear specific strategies for improving your technical skills, whether you're working on novels or academic texts, alongside frank discussions about client communication, pricing, and sustainable workflows. This podcast is a trusted resource for both newcomers finding their footing and seasoned professionals looking to refine their practice. Tune in for relatable stories, actionable solutions, and the reassurance that comes from two experts who have been there, making the often solitary work of editing feel a lot more connected.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Editing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Dealing with editorial scope creep and client boundaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Learn how to manage scope creep and set healthy boundaries in your editorial work.Listen to find out more aboutWhat is scope creep?Why scope creep happensHow to prevent scope creepSpotting scope creep earlySetting and co…
Building an editing portfolio that converts browsers into buyers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:50
Learn how to create an editing or proofreading portfolio that wins you clients.Listen to find out more aboutWhy Your Portfolio MattersWhat Makes a Portfolio ConvertWhat to Include in Each Portfolio EntryWhat If You Can’t…
8 copyediting essentials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:41
Learn about 8 tips that will make your copyediting life easier.Listen to find out more aboutUnderstanding the power of Microsoft Word’s Styles paneKnowing how to use consistency-checking softwareBeing able to use macrosU…
Why CPD matters for editors and proofreaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
Learn about CPD and why it's core to professional editorial practice.Listen to find out more aboutWhat CPD actually meansWhy CPD mattersThe professional confidence factorTypes of CPDCPD on a budgetTracking and reflecting…
Why editors should review their businesses annually [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
Learn why doing an annual editorial business review is a good, professional habit.Listen to find out more aboutWhat an annual business review isWhy regular reviews matterChecking your financial healthReviewing clients an…
Do editors and proofreaders need insurance? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:41
Learn about insurance and what you might need for your editing and proofreading business.Listen to find out more aboutWhy insurance mattersCommon risks that editors and proofreaders faceInsurance policy optionsHow to cho…
Reflections on the CIEP annual conference [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
Denise and Louise reflect on the 2025 Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) conference.Listen to find out more aboutthe buzz at the conferencehow well the hybrid structure workedthe value of the editoria…
Notes from the Podcast: New book series! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
Liv Cowle interviews Denise and Louise about their new book series, Notes from the Podcast.Listen to find out more aboutTurning 140+ episodes of audio content and written transcripts into a 5-book seriesOvercoming projec…
Should you make changes to your editing business? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:47
Denise and Louise discuss why your editorial business offering might be ripe for some changes.Listen to find out more aboutSignals that it’s time to make changesWhat change looks likeHow to make change strategicallyResou…
15 types of materials that academic editors work on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:22
Explore a selection of the different types of materials you might consider working on if you’re an academic editor.Listen to find out more aboutBooks and monographsConference materials Grant proposalsJournal articlesPeer…