Plagiarism, referencing and use of generative AI policy

Referencing, Plagiarism, and Use of Generative AI Policy

Font: Arial | Size: 12 pt | Spacing: Single | Citation Style: Vancouver | Referencing Tool: Zotero | Template: TLWJ Manuscript Template

  1. Purpose

The Lion’s Write Journal (TLWJ) is committed to academic, ethical, and creative integrity. This policy outlines the expectations for referencing, the prohibition of plagiarism, and the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in all submissions to the journal. It reflects our values of rigour, transparency, and trust in narrative and scholarly work shaped by lived experience and critical inquiry.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and contributors submitting or engaging with content in TLWJ.

  1. Referencing Standards

All sources, whether textual, visual, or audio, must be cited using the Vancouver referencing style, consistent with global academic conventions in health, social science, and interdisciplinary work.

  • Submissions are encouraged to use Zotero, a free, open-source referencing software, to manage and insert citations and bibliographies. This ensures consistency, accessibility, and ease of editing for authors and the editorial team.
  • All in-text citations must correspond to a numbered reference list at the end of the document.
  • References must be accurate, complete, and verifiable.
  • Tip: Use the TLWJ Manuscript Template to ensure proper formatting and choose Vancouver referencing style when using Zotero.
  1. Plagiarism

Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited and will result in rejection or retraction of a submission. This includes:

  • Copying or closely paraphrasing text, ideas, or data from any source without attribution.
  • Using another person’s work (including AI-generated text) as one’s own.
  • Submitting previously published work without disclosure or permission (self-plagiarism).
  • Presenting communal, collaborative, or cultural knowledge without proper consent or contextual acknowledgement.

The editorial team may use plagiarism detection tools and reserves the right to reject or return submissions that do not meet integrity standards.

  1. Use of Generative AI Tools

We acknowledge the creative and academic potential of generative AI. However, its use in TLWJ submissions must be transparent, ethical, and in service of human-authored expression.

5.1 Permitted Use

Authors may use generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E, Bard) to support:

  • Idea generation
  • Language editing or summarisation
  • Visual enhancement
  • Drafting outlines

5.2 Required Disclosure

If generative AI tools are used at any stage of the creative or editorial process, this must be clearly disclosed in a footnote or in the “Author’s Note” or “Acknowledgements” section, e.g.:

“This piece was edited with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI). All content was reviewed, curated, and finalised by the author.”

Do not include AI-generated references or unverified claims without checking original sources. Use Zotero to cite only valid and human-authored materials.

5.3 Prohibited Use

  • Submitting content generated wholly by AI as original work.
  • Fabricating data, experiences, or quotes using AI.
  • Using AI to bypass creative or scholarly accountability.
  • Allowing AI outputs to dominate or displace the author’s own voice, lived experience, or intellectual contribution.
  1. Formatting and Submission Guidelines
  • All manuscripts must use 12 pt Arial font, single spacing, and adhere to the TLWJ Manuscript Template.
  • Headings, paragraph styles, and reference formatting must be consistent with TLWJ's standards.
  • Submissions that do not comply may be returned for revision before peer or editorial review.
  1. Editorial Responsibility

The Lion’s Write Journal editorial team is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy and reserves the right to request clarifications or revisions to uphold these standards.