AI-Written Isekai Wins Big-Then Loses Its Book Deal. Here's What That Means for Working Writers
AlphaPolis cancelled the physical publication and manga adaptation of its 18th Fantasy Novel Awards Grand Prize and Reader's Choice winner after discovering the entry was predominantly AI-generated. The novel, Modest Skill "Tidying Up" is the Strongest! ~ Corporate Slave Office Lady Started An Accidental Isekai Revolution, and is Now Adored by the Head Knight and His Majesty the Emperor (unofficial translation), still remains up on the platform and marked as a winner.
This move followed AlphaPolis' guideline update on November 18, 2025, which bans AI-generated works-likely a response to the spike in AI content and potential rights complications. The author says the cancellation isn't a loss, framing future work as "collaboration" with AI. The headline is clear: policy shifted, and the deal vanished.
What Actually Happened
AlphaPolis awarded the top prizes, then later pulled the print and manga plans once the entry's AI origins were confirmed under the new rules. The awards stand; distribution doesn't. That split decision signals a transition period: recognition for the story, but no commercial rollout under AI bans.
At the same time, AlphaPolis launched "Novel AI Proofreading" last September-an assistive tool that checks typos and idioms. That suggests a line many publishers are drawing: AI for editing and formatting is acceptable; AI as the principal author is not.
Why This Matters If You Write For A Living
Your contracts, submissions, and brand risk get tied to how you use AI. Even if your story is strong, undisclosed or predominant AI generation can cost you deals after the fact. Expect more publishers to require disclosure, provenance, and process detail.
If you're using AI at all, build a clear policy for yourself now. "How was this made?" is becoming as important as "Is this good?"
The Practical Playbook
- Read the guidelines twice. Policies change mid-cycle. Lock in the rules for each submission window and save a copy.
- Disclose AI use. If you used AI for brainstorming, outlining, or line edits, say so. Keep it honest and specific.
- Avoid predominant AI generation. Keep final language and narrative decisions human-led. Treat AI like an assistant, not a ghostwriter.
- Keep an audit trail. Save drafts, prompts, and revision notes. If questioned, you can show your process.
- Watch rights and indemnities. AI-heavy work can trigger warranty issues (originality, ownership). Don't sign what you can't stand behind.
- Protect your voice. Use AI to tighten, not to replace. Readers buy you.
- Segment your workflow. Ideation and proofreading tools are generally safer than text generators for final prose.
Submission Checklist (Use Before You Hit Send)
- Policies: Did you confirm AI rules for this publisher or contest?
- Disclosure: Clear statement of any AI assistance (if allowed)?
- Originality: No training data leaks or derivative outputs you can't claim as yours.
- Version history: Drafts and notes saved with timestamps.
- Final pass: Human revision for voice, consistency, and theme.
Sample disclosure you can adapt: "This work was human-written. AI tools were used for proofreading and surface-level edits." If AI generation touched any prose, be precise about where and how.
What To Watch Next
Expect more publishers to split the difference: greenlight AI for editing, reject AI-led content creation. Some may add third-party checks, request process logs, or require contractual warranties about authorship.
If you publish online first, remember that visibility can outpace compliance. A win today can become a rescind tomorrow if it conflicts with updated rules.
Bottom Line
Use AI like spellcheck with teeth: helpful, fast, but never the author. Keep your process transparent, your drafts documented, and your name attached to the voice readers feel on the page.
If you're refining your workflow with AI-while staying publishable-these curated options can help you separate safe assists from risky shortcuts: AI courses by job.
For context on the publisher, see AlphaPolis.
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