Pairing AI with writing – it’s opened a firestorm of controversy within the publishing world. Interestingly, the use of AI as a brainstorming tool or even a faithful writing companion is becoming more and more mainstream.
While AI can take some of the mundane and difficult tasks (like outlines, headline writing suggestions, etc.) off your plate, it’s still crucial to pair this tech wizardry with the human touch of a good editor.
I have a friend who is a teacher at a local university who just the other day told me one of her students turned in an essay containing the words, “As an AI I can’t really…”.
For real! So yes, if you’re going to use an AI assistant, you really need to edit! And not only edit, but critically evaluate the use of the language the AI rolls out in front of you.
We’ll also touch on the ever-important subject of copyright when AI enters the writing scene.
The AI Revolution in Writing: A Game Changer for Authors
If you’ve ever experienced a block when beginning a writing task or assignment, Imagine this: You’re sitting at your desk, the cursor blinking on your screen, and ideas are flowing like a river. But here’s the twist—these ideas are coming from an AI, from a prompt you just input for those ideas.
AI writing tools have evolved from simple auto-correct functions to sophisticated software capable of drafting entire chapters. They can analyze tons of data, learn your writing style, and, if you write fiction, even suggest plot twists you hadn’t considered. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy who never gets tired.
But using AI is not all sunshine and rainbows. AI writing can sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle, where the pieces don’t always fit perfectly. That’s where the magic of editing comes in.
The Indispensable Role of a Human Editor
Enter the human editor, often the unsung hero of the writing world. While AI can churn out thousands of words, it lacks the human touch, including lacking the ability to understand the nuances of language, cultural references, and the emotional depth that makes a story resonate with its readers. If you ask an AI to evaluate something, it will often come back with the standard, “As an AI I cannot …,” as an explanation for why it can’t assign feeling to a prompt. Interestingly enough, the AI content is often over flowery for my style, and I never end up using the generated content as is.
So even if you’re planning to outline and fully write a book using AI, you will still need an editor. And a good editor doesn’t just correct grammar; they can also breathe life into AI-generated content. Even if you’ve “trained” your AI to write in your “voice,” a good editor will spot inconsistencies, add personality, and ensure that your voice shines through.
Making AI-Generated Content Uniquely Yours
Now, let’s talk about ownership of the content—a particular hotbed of unanswered questions currently. When you use AI to write, it’s like being handed a brush and a palette—but the painting is still yours to create. You’re writing the prompts, but it’s crucial to put AI-generated content into your own words, to infuse it with your personality, your experiences, and your perspective.
This isn’t just about originality; it’s about authenticity. Readers can tell when a story lacks a personal touch. If your readers know you—if you’re a business owner or influencer, for example—they will be able to tell that AI-generated content isn’t necessarily your “voice.” By weaving your experiences and emotions into the AI-generated framework, you create something that’s uniquely yours.
But is it—really yours?
Navigating the Copyright Maze
The intersection of AI and copyright is a bit like the Wild West right now–lots of potential, but also so many unanswered questions. Here’s the deal: when you use AI tools, you’re typically working with algorithms that have been fed a diet of existing texts. This raises the question (and often also raises the hackles of published authors): who owns the content?
Most AI writing tools come with terms of service that grant you ownership of what you create using them. This is a rapidly evolving area of law, however, so it’s always a good idea to check the fine print and stay updated on legal precedents.
What’s clear is that you can’t claim copyright on phrases or passages the AI directly lifts from copyrighted works. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the final product is original and doesn’t infringe on anyone else’s rights.
The Final Word: Embracing the Future, Respectfully
Using AI in your writing process is like strapping a jetpack to your creative process. It’s fast, exciting, and full of possibilities. But remember, you still have to steer a jetpack.
The key is to find the sweet spot where AI-generated content and human creativity meet. Use AI to break through writer’s block, to explore new ideas, to write or edit outlines, and to draft faster. But rely on your editor to ensure that your story remains just that—your story.
And remember, the most important part of any book is not the words on the page, but the connection they create with the reader. AI can help you build the bridge, but it’s your voice that will lead the reader across it.