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AI-Assisted Stories: What we are looking for

Purpose

AI-assisted stories at All About Jazz are creative explorations that connect jazz to imaginative contexts—science fiction, speculative history, alternate realities, or unexpected cultural intersections. These pieces are concept-driven and community-facing, designed to entertain, inspire, and expand how jazz stories can be told.

They do not replace traditional journalism, criticism, reviews, or interviews.


Who Can Submit

Anyone may submit an AI-assisted story concept—writers and non-writers alike. You do not need prior publishing experience, but you do need a strong idea.


What We’re Looking For

We are interested in clear, imaginative concepts that:
  • Center jazz or jazz culture in a meaningful way
  • Place jazz in an unexpected context (future, alternate history, cross-cultural, speculative)
  • Respect the spirit and history of jazz, even when the setting is fantastical
  • Tell a story, not just present a gimmick
Great submissions usually answer:
  • Why does jazz belong in this world?
  • What does this story reveal about jazz, musicians, or listening?

How to frame your idea for AI

Develop the following:

Concept Summary
Describe the premise of your story. Focus on the idea, not the prose.

Story Outline (bullet points are fine)
Include:
  • Opening situation
  • Key moments or turning points
  • How the story ends
Perspective & Tone
Example: first-person musician, omniscient narrator, lighthearted, reflective, adventurous, etc.


Length & Format

  • Typical final length: 800–1,500 words
  • AI-generated content will be clearly identified in the byline:

    Concept by [Your Name] | Written by AI

Editorial Standards

All submissions:
  • Are reviewed by an editor before publication
  • May be edited for clarity, length, or alignment with AAJ standards
  • Must avoid plagiarism, hate speech, or misuse of copyrighted material
  • Should aim for originality in concept—even when drawing on existing cultural references (example)

What We’re Not Looking For

  • Prompt dumps without narrative intent
  • Stories with little or no connection to jazz
  • Content generated and submitted without human direction or review
  • Articles attempting to impersonate real writers or historical figures without context

Why Concepts Matter More Than Prose

AI can generate text. It cannot generate intent.

At All About Jazz, the value of these stories comes from the human idea behind them. A thoughtful concept will always matter more than elegant sentences.


What Contributors Should Expect

We’re excited to explore creative, AI-assisted storytelling with our community. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, here’s what contributors should expect when submitting an AI-assisted story concept to All About Jazz.


This Is a Collaboration

AI-assisted stories are a collaboration between:
  • Your idea
  • Our editorial guidance
  • An AI writing tool
Your role is to provide the concept, direction, and intent. AI helps execute the draft. Editors ensure the final piece aligns with All About Jazz’s standards.


Editorial Review Is Required

All AI-assisted stories are reviewed before publication. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and revisions may be requested. This is not a reflection of your creativity—only a commitment to quality and clarity.

Editors may:
  • Suggest structural changes
  • Tighten focus on jazz-related elements
  • Adjust tone, pacing, or length
  • Decline concepts that don’t align with AAJ’s editorial goals

Clear Attribution Is Required

If your story is published, the byline will reflect AI involvement clearly:

Concept by [Your Name] | Written by AI


This transparency protects contributors, readers, and the integrity of the site.


Quality Over Volume

Submitting multiple concepts does not increase the likelihood of publication. We encourage contributors to submit their strongest, most thoughtful idea, rather than many variations of the same premise.


Originality Matters

Your concept must be your own. While stories may draw inspiration from familiar genres, musicians, or historical periods, they should not imitate the voice or style of a specific living writer, nor reproduce copyrighted material.


Editing Is Part of the Process

Editors may make changes to improve clarity, flow, or alignment with AAJ’s voice. In some cases, we may ask you to refine your concept or provide additional direction before moving forward.


What This Is... and Isn’t

This initiative:
  • Encourages creativity and experimentation
  • Invites non-writers into storytelling
  • Expands how jazz narratives can be told
This initiative does not:
  • Replace human-written journalism
  • Guarantee publication
  • Automate editorial decisions

Finally...

If you have an idea that connects jazz to an unexpected place, time, or world—and you care about how that story is told—you’re exactly who this initiative is for.

Bring the concept. We’ll help you shape the story.

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