Is this use of AI cheating?
I'm using AI three ways as I plan out and write my next novel:
I use it for research instead of Google. I needed to know how FBI Special Agents run interrogations and researched the hell out of it using Claude. I also asked for several non-fiction titles where I could learn more (not surprisingly, I had read many of them already.)
I walk a lot (1-3 hours a day, depending on the weather), and I listen to audiobooks and sometimes I'll have an idea for my book. I open Claude and dictate what I'm thinking and where in the book it should go. Claude is connected to my Notion, which I use for outlining and organizing characters. Claude inserts my words into my outline or character bibles in the right spot. I used to use index cards, but I prefer things to be digital so I can write from anywhere, including on my phone, without having to bring stuff with me.
I created comprehensive Claude skills to review my manuscript and provide feedback. I have one that acts as a developmental editor and gives me feedback. I do pay for a real, human developmental editor who I adore, but to me, this is the equivalent of cleaning your house before the cleaner shows up. I also have another skill that acts as 8 different book reviewers with different POVs and using those personas, Claude provides me with fake book reviews so I can see how my story lands with different audiences. Again, this is before I get to the live human beta reader or reviewer stage.
In no way, shape, or form does AI write my words for me (though, I do tend to naturally use emdashes, think in rules of three, and, ugh, "it's not X, it's Y," which is forever ruined for me).
Would any of this be considered out of bounds? I'm curious what people think.