Reckoning does not accept work that was created or edited in any part by an LLM-based app, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and/or assistive software like Grammarly. LLM-based apps are against our principles as a magazine and their use is subject to a permanent ban from further submissions.
Reckoning’s editorial staff, along with editors, publishers, contest judges, and writers the world over, are now deeply engaged in learning to perceive the linguistic and stylistic “tells” of generative AI; we believe this to be essential work for living and working towards environmental justice in the future. It’s impossible to determine definitively whether a piece of writing was made using an LLM. AI “detection” software exists and has become broadly used by some editors; however, even at its most reliable, it’s been shown to be as prone to mistakes as chatbots themselves. Reckoning will not be employing such software. Instead, we’re going to rely on evolving experience, due diligence, and collaborative internal and external professional discussion. This is how we will continue to find the writing we love and want to bring to our readers.
At Reckoning, we take accusations of LLM/AI use very seriously and we investigate each one. We don’t want anyone to feel they can’t come to us with their concerns. However, we may not always be able to conclude with certainty that a piece was written with the assistance of LLM/AI, and we are wary of how such accusations can replicate society’s biases and be wielded against writers from marginalized communities. Thus, Reckoning will not be setting the dangerous precedent of allowing outside accusations to determine the outcome of our internal decision-making processes. We owe that much to our writers, our readers, and our team.
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