The Secret to Great Writing (It’s Editing)
Ben • January 28, 2024

The rise of ChatGPT usage in writing has more often been viewed as a threat to professionals, whether they are professional writers or not. There’s either skepticism that content was created originally, or fear AI will make many jobs obsolete. While AI will no doubt have a profound impact on industries and careers, what’s obvious is that content creation still needs human interaction. AI programs require thoughtful user input to generate great content. And even the best AI generated content needs a human touch. 

And that’s the secret to great writing with AI, the human interaction through the editing process. 

  • Editing will allow professionals to better refine and communicate their ideas. 
  • Editing allows a greater focus on the “brand”, either of the person or the organization.
  • Editing helps ensure the content is factual, without bias, and appropriate for the audience. 

If you’re a frequent reader of this website, you’ll also be very aware that engaging with AI in a meaningful way is how magic happens. This happens through prompting, and through editing. 

Does AI Reflect Your Originality and Authenticity?

AI technology has revolutionized content creation, affecting everything from writing to speaking, and even the generation of images and videos. But this brings us to a pivotal question: How much of AI-generated content genuinely reflects the creator’s originality and authenticity? The essence of any content, whether for a website, blog, or internal organizational communication, lies not just in its creation but in the nuanced process of editing.

Editing can be an art form, a strategic tool that significantly impacts your personal and professional branding. It’s about infusing personality into AI creations, crafting a unique voice, and establishing credibility and trust. The thoughtfulness of connecting to an audience will be a more important skill in the future. 

What writers need to recognize is that great editing with AI is a skill that needs to be applied with all content. It’s easy to only think of editing marketing, blogs, or long form writing. But most of us communicate by email or chat, and that limited character space can quickly project confidence and build support for ideas. Or miss the mark and create confusion or animosity.

Infusing Personality into AI Creations

AI might provide the basic structure of content, but it often lacks a nuanced understanding of individual style and perspective. Editing allows you to inject personality into this AI-generated “skeleton”, transforming it into content that resonates with your unique voice.

Through editing, you can create content that not only enhances readability but also reflects your unique style and approach, building a stronger connection with your audience. Well-edited content demonstrates dedication and professionalism, fostering trust and enhancing your credibility in your field.

All of us (just like AI), write with a cadence, tone, or you could even call it a vibe. It’s your brand. Think of editing as the difference between restaurants. One restaurant – much like great content – stands out due to its attention to detail, polished service, and that indefinable ‘extra something.’ It’s not that fast food or casual restaurants are bad, it’s that successful restaurants have a brand which they reinforce through marketing, service, quality, and other factors. 

AI as a Collaborator, Not a Crutch

While AI can assist in content creation, it’s the human touch in editing that infuses your work with a unique perspective and voice. Every edit, from a minor tweak to a major overhaul, should align with your brand’s overarching vision and values. It’s about maintaining a consistent voice that echoes through all your communications.

Embracing the art of editing is crucial in defining and differentiating your brand in an AI-dominated landscape. It’s the process through which your content becomes an authentic representation of your vision and values, and the impact you’re trying to make with any writing you produce. Your editing is the final, crucial step that turns a draft from AI into meaningful communication.

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