AI has a voice, just like you.
In this article, we explain the importance of the AI editorial process. It is increasingly obvious when you use AI to write. Although not criminal, AI writing still sounds artificial. You may be tempted to use generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to polish your original thoughts and prose effortlessly. But it is important to remember that artificial writing is not superior to writing skills developed through passion and practice. In good faith, people still need to hear your authentic voice for your message to create impact, stand out, and forge human connections.
Note: I write about editorial and curatorial authenticity and strategy in the book, Elevate Your Voice.
The AI editorial process protects your brand voice
The AI editorial process protects your brand’s integrity and authority.
The truth is: more people are using AI than those willing to admit it. Even though the conversation surrounding AI is controversial and fairly new, almost everyone is using it to some capacity. Most people find it to be extremely beneficial to the human experience. The benefit of cognitive offloading means not having to think as hard.
Writing is one of the most thought-intensive activities because it requires the literal act of documenting your thoughts, understanding language, and processing grammar. AI can write entire works of thought using just a few words or simple prompts. Why spend months writing and editing a manuscript or web copy when you can spend 10 minutes?
It is sensible to use AI for writing, especially if you value efficiency and productivity. However, your audience deserves an artistic and authentic experience. You do not want your audience to feel like they are reading AI. So, if you are going to use AI in the writing process, then learning how to write and edit with AI is important for maintaining your brand’s integrity.
How to write with AI
Writing with generative AI means using the appropriate pre-loading and prompts to produce better outputs. First, train your AI by loading it with your brand guide. A brand guide should detail your brand’s tone and voice. If you do not have a documented brand voice, consider booking a Storytelling Systems and Standards consultation to help you determine yours.
Second, use a prompt structure specifically for writing outputs. Start your prompt by assigning the AI a role with this phrase: You are a seasoned and talented writer. Then, tell the AI what its subject-matter expertise is. For example, “You are a seasoned and talented writer. Your subject-matter expertise is in 20th-century contemporary art.” You must provide a descriptive role and context before telling the AI what you want it to write. Do not just enter “Write a blog post about 20th-century contemporary art.” Remember, AI can not read your mind. And AI is not more intelligent than humans. Finally, finish your prompt with the desired finished product and a reminder to reference the brand information you trained it with.
A suitable prompt would look like this: You are a seasoned and talented writer. Your subject-matter expertise is in 20th-century contemporary art. Write a 500-word blog post about the nuances of contemporary art across different cultures in the 20th century. Align the writing style with our brand voice as detailed in our brand guide.
Try experimenting with different prompts. You can use this general structure: role + context + task + alignment with different writing purposes in business, marketing, or content creation.
The next part of writing with AI is extremely valuable for improving your credibility. When writing with AI, human sourcing is imperative. Human sourcing means using traditional research methods to find credible sources to back your claims and support your theories. Why? Because AI relies entirely on the internet to find information. Proprietary data and protected journals require human access.
How to edit AI
A great method is to write your content, copy, or manuscript completely in your own voice and editorial style, as best you can. Then, use the AI editorial process as a more productive way to polish your script. Using this method, you keep more of your voice in the final version while benefiting from AI assistance to speed up the editing process.
Or, if you are not a strong writer or you do not have one on your team, you can use AI to write the first draft, then have a human edit it for a second draft. The goal is to make the syntax and style more natural. AI tends to use more em dashes, clauses, and exaggeration. AI can get the initial work going, but you should never post an AI draft without editing it first.
The first edition is for syntax. Syntax is the grammatical arrangement of words and phrases to form meaningful sentences. The second edition is for cross-referencing and citations. AI can make this process a lot easier. Ask the AI to cross-reference your sources and create proper citations, footnotes, and appendices.
AI Editorial Services
AI editors make the publishing process more efficient and effective. Yes, you can save time and energy by using AI for writing. But it is not worth risking your voice, credibility, or integrity. Find balance by leaning on skilled writers and editors to perfect creative or business writing for taste and tact. Overall, it is important to remember that AI is less intelligent and imaginative than humans. It often makes similar recommendations. So, if you want your voice and story to sound unique, always bet on yourself.
If you are looking for AI editorial services, contact DH MEC LLC and tell us more about your story.
