AI: Will it Replace Human Editors?
What this post covers:
Can AI do all it claims to do?
Using AI editing tools wisely
A take on editing as a Christian
Can AI Do All it Claims to Do?
AI (artificial intelligence) is everywhere–our homes, our cars, our cell phones, our internet searches. There is no getting away from it, and like most industries, the editorial world is feeling its impact. So, should editors throw in the proverbial towel and reassess their career choices? Should authors be reconsidering their editorial relationships? Before you reevaluate your life choices over a tear-soaked keyboard, read on to see if AI is all that it’s talked up to be. And maybe, in the process, we can save that keyboard from a watery demise! After all, you’re going to need it for all the incredible writing you’re going to do.
Grammarly, arguably the most famous of all AI-based editing solutions, promises to “instantly generate clear, compelling writing while maintaining your unique voice.” Sounds just like an editor, right? And in clear-cut editing issues, like placements of commas, typos, repetitive word use, and mixing tenses, it is very good. It can bring you back to the rules that all of us learned to varying degrees during our time at school, and we all know that we did not retain the information we needed to decide if that word ending in “ing” is a gerund that requires a comma! Or whether that introductory clause would be considered dependent or independent. Grammarly, and other AI programs, will help you in that regard, and, honestly, I encourage you to use them for that. You will become a better writer when that bot gives you its reasons why you should add that comma or remove that semi-colon.
Using AI Editing Tools Wisely
Use AI tools with the understanding of their limitations because, despite Grammarly’s claims, this AI editor, just like all other AI-based programs, does not understand unique voice. It can’t because of the simple fact that it isn’t human. AI programs are fed information by humans so they can then feed information back to other humans. The creators of these software solutions are literally mining us in order to mimic us, and that is precisely where the limitations occur. AI can only give us what has already happened; it can’t work with anything new that it hasn’t seen before. And AI can only work within a prescribed list of rules because it doesn’t think for itself, no matter how human the voice may seem. It will miss passive voice because it doesn’t understand how to think in terms of active and passive. It will take your turn of phrase and try to make it fit rules that don’t apply. It will turn your unique voice into a set of rules that it has determined need to be followed by all authors to be successful. It’s the written equivalent of keeping up with the Joneses.
If you have used an editor before, then you know the joy of finding someone who “gets” you. They like your project and understand where you’re heading with it. An editor who is worth the investment is going to respect your voice and make gentle suggestions that fit the potential they can see in your work. As an editor, I want to make your words shine, and your unique voice is an integral part of that. There may be other works out there that are similar to yours, but none of them are yours because you have written it. Don’t let AI convince you to vanilla your manuscript.
A Take on Editing as a Christian
As a Christian editor working with Christian authors, I have another layer to add to this–the Holy Spirit. He is an excellent guide when I am looking at a manuscript. He knows the intentions that the Father has for the project and the people that He wants to reach with your words. He aids in the editing process as I prayerfully approach the manuscript. He created you to uniquely deliver the message that He wants to bring life to when a reader picks up your book, article, devotional, or memoir. He isn’t interested in producing cookie-cutter writing, but He is interested in what you have to say and how you say it. AI is a fascinating tool to keep in our tool bags, and I am intrigued to see where it heads, but it is just that. A tool. Knowing that a screwdriver is not going to cut it when you want to paint your walls is smart. Knowing that AI has its place but also its limitations is wisdom. If you have questions regarding your manuscript, including which stage of editing it needs, please reach out on the Contact page. Let’s make your work the best it can be!
