Is AI Going To Put Writers Out Of Business?

Is AI a threat to authors? Yes, but only for those who aren't good at writing. 

I've been writing content for nearly 5 years, and I've seen many changes, the latest being the use of AI for content creation. 

As a writer for digital needs, I couldn't be happier.

Here's why ?

Skilled writers don't have to offer their work for less value.

With the introduction of AI, every client is now aware that there can be two types of content – generic, and expert-written content.

Earlier, clients used to treat content like ticking a box from their checklist, but now they value it more. 

Now, everyone involved in the research, generation, and publishing of content is aware that quality content makes a difference at multiple levels – search rankings, lead generation, and conversion of clients. 

Verdict: The clients have to pay the good writers more, as these writers can understand the client's brand from inside and out, and generate masterpieces accordingly.

Research time is slashed to half (or less!).

Earlier, for a well-equipped piece of content that details every aspect of the topic, a writer had to spend hours. For example, they had to search the entire web, refer to news articles, scramble for research papers, and find books that could help with the topic.

While writers may still have to do this, AI has reduced the amount of time and effort spent on this process. 

For starters, it can suggest the websites that one needs to visit related to their topic, the news articles that might be relevant, and it often accurately quotes the research papers with their links. 

On top of that, given the right prompt, it will also provide me the list of subtopics I can cover, and a detailed draft of the entire blog. 

Verdict: When a writer's time on research is reduced, they are better able to deliver user-friendly content and something that the readers are exactly interested in! 

Writers can tweak/edit/use AI content better.

As a writer, before starting with my topic-related research, I get the following questions answered –

• What tone is the client looking for?
• Where will it be published?
• Is there any pre-decided presentation style?

Besides, I also check out any document/ information that I might have been provided beforehand. With a detailed conversation around these questions with the client, I write the prompt and edit the content generated by AI, combined with my research.

When you don't invest the time to write and re-write the prompts, you will get generic content. The prompts can ask the tool to change tone (professional, lively, simple, etc.), add more topic-related content, list the pros and cons, and more.

Verdict: One cannot rely entirely on AI. To use it well, one still needs to have a content writer who can use the tool well. 

Fact-checking made easy (and faster!).

I earlier said that AI saves time on research by quoting the resources relevant to my content.

It does the other way around as well. For example, I may have landed a research finding, or want to check whether a particular day is observed or not for the cause that I have mentioned in my content.

How will I use AI here?

I can simply put my content with the prompt, and ask an AI tool to fact-check whatever I've written. It will find out whether I've cited a wrong resource, or whether I have used a fact partially.

Verdict: AI can safeguard you as a writer and publisher from posting anything that might be false news/ statement. It promotes responsible writing. 

Don't succumb to irritation due to writer's block (ANY MORE!).

How do I say this differently? 

?That's a question that I often ask AI when I am out of options (although I am aware of the impact I want to have on my readers). It's difficult to put something in the right words.

That's writer's block for you. 

AI can not only suggest alternative ways to write something, but it will also find suggestions, prompts, and different phrases that you can use instead of what you had in mind originally.

As a writer, when I suffer from writer's block, I have to seek help from a fellow writer. Sometimes, I have to throw the entire content away and start afresh. 

Verdict: With AI, this isn't the case anymore. A writer will save time on the content, and the help will be just a few clicks away!

Here's an analogy!

In essence, AI is likely to become a supportive technology for writers, rather than a complete replacement.

Similar to how calculators haven't replaced mathematicians, AI writing assistants will likely not replace human writers. 

These are powerful tools that enhance a writer's capabilities. However, they cannot replicate the creativity, critical thinking, and human touch that are essential for high-quality writing. 

These tools will only wipe out the menial task with little to no use of creativity. For me, it means a heavy weight is lifted off my shoulders. I can put more time into what I like doing as a writer… writing more creatively!

Author's Bio:

Aleeza is a versatile content writer, crafting engaging and informative written materials across various platforms. Her expertise spans SEO writing, technical writing, blogs, PRs, and social media.

Aleeza has a proven ability to adapt her writing style to diverse audiences and niches, tackling both technical and non-technical subjects with equal proficiency. In her free time, she likes to read books and play badminton.