Case-spiration E52: Hot Topic Edition - Who Really Owns the Words?

Understanding Authorship in the Age of Collaboration

Author

Matthew Schonewille
May 05, 2025

Hey Fellow Case Writers!

I have a hot topic edition today as this is a major conversation I have been having with many case writers.

This edition was written by me but assisted with AI.

You’ve got the ideas. The direction is yours.
But what happens when someone or something helps you put it all into words?

Maybe it’s a friend, an editor, or an AI tool. You give them your thoughts, they help shape them into sentences, and then you go in, tweak, adapt, reshape, and rework every part. So, the big question is:

Who’s the author now?

This newsletter is not supposed to be a definitive answer or response but some food for thought as are making decisions for your writing.

I asked ChatGPT the question….

Don’t mind the quick writing and typos in the Prompt… it was real!!

What Is "Authorship," Really?

At its core, authorship means being the originator of the creative expression. It’s not just typing the words, it’s about shaping the ideas, structure, and voice of a piece.

Across different fields, authorship has specific definitions:

In Academic Circles

You’re considered an author if you:

  • Contribute substantially to the ideas or research

  • Participate in writing or revising

  • Approve the final draft

  • Take full accountability for the content

Simply editing or proofreading? That’s not enough.

In Copyright Law

The author is the person who puts original expression into tangible form — and owns the copyright, unless a contract says otherwise.

AI-generated content? In most jurisdictions, AI cannot legally hold copyright. So, if you guided the tool and revised the output, you own it.

In Creative Writing

If the story, message, and creative direction came from you — and you rewrote or approved the final version — you’re the author, even if someone helped polish the language.

Assisted Writing: Tool or Co-Author?

Let’s say you:

  • Provided the core ideas

  • Directed the flow and message

  • Received help (AI, person, or both) putting it into words

  • Modified and reshaped everything after

In this case? You are the author.

You exercised creative control and ownership at every stage. Anyone who helped, human or machine, acted more like a collaborator, scribe, or assistant.

Unless someone added original ideas or made major creative decisions independently, they’re not a co-author.

What to Ask yourself…

Before assigning credit, try these checks:

  • Did I create the core ideas?

  • Did I shape the structure and tone?

  • Did I rework or approve all content?

  • Could I stand behind the whole thing as my work?

If you can say yes, then congrats — you’re the author.

Summarizing it from ChatGPT

🔸 Exceptions to Watch Out For:

  • If the helper made significant creative decisions — not just phrasing but what to say and how to structure it — that can edge toward co-authorship.

  • Contracts change the rules. If you hired someone and agreed they’d be the author (or ghostwriter), that matters.

✅ Bottom Line:

In your case where the ideas, direction, and final editing were yours; you are the author.

If you’re still unsure, here are some reflection questions:

  • Did the other person/tool add substantive ideas, or just help shape yours?

  • Did you have final creative control?

  • Could you reasonably stand by every part of the work as reflecting your thinking?

If the answer is yes: it's yours.

In today’s world of AI writing tools, ghostwriters, and collaborative workflows, authorship can feel fuzzy. I hope this newsletter can get some conversations going and challenge/grow in our definitions of authorship in hopes that are writers we can have some clear expectations on what we are able to do and claim.

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Wrapping it all Up!

If you are interested in trying out the Free Case Study Prompt Generator .. Click the image below.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we're shaping the future of education, one case study at a time!

AI In Education: I’m walking beside you in the weeds.

Matthew is the creator of  the "Case-spiration," newsletter, a platform designed to share his extensive experiences and insights in case-based teaching from an educator's perspective. His primary goal is to empower faculty and staff in educational settings with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in teaching and learning during this era of significant generational shifts. His approach emphasizes practical, case-based learning that prepares students for real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills via thought provoking scenarios.

Warm regards,

Matthew 

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