There’s been a lot of talk recently about the new artificial intelligence, specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and how it will change the way we do our jobs—or overtake them. While AI is a marvellous tool for authors, it does have limitations, particularly on sounding “human”. ChatGPT did, in fact, pass the Turing Test, and is a sophisticated piece of software,  but it does not possess human intelligence (at least, not yet!), which shows in the writing with formulaic structures, and a lack of nuance or emotional resonance. AI often sounds like a computer, especially in longer pieces, where the writing is generic, and without the individual style of an author. Humans are natural storytellers, with unique perspectives and original thought. So don’t worry about being replaced by AI just yet—unlike you, it doesn’t have its own story and a unique voice in which to tell it.

When I asked ChatGPT to write me a blog post about how its use is changing the business of publishing, it suggested a few ways: Firstly, that it’s an accessible program, and when appropriately implemented, can take on the writing of all those pesky administrative and management tasks, such as email correspondence, social media posts, Q&A’s, and even query letters (if you give it enough information). With the business side of things efficiently handled, you’ll have all that extra time for your creative writing! And isn’t that the dream? To just be able to focus on the writing? ChatGPT has the ability to source and synthesize massive amounts of data, which you can use to generate high-quality content on a wide range of topics, quickly. When time is money, using AI to create content where it makes sense, will give you more space to be writing your literary hit!

Secondly, I’ve personally always found it easier to edit from something rather than write from nothing, and AI-generated drafts can get you started, especially if you are feeling stuck. (I’ve done just that with this blog post!)

Going further, ChatGPT can produce personalized content, meaning your articles, posts, blogs, essays, etc. will reflect the interests of your particular audience, hopefully increasing engagement and retention. I’m looking forward to testing its ability to draft search engine optimization (SEO) content that is keyword-rich, upping 5OE’s online visibility and traffic. And I might also consider seeing what AI can do for me in responding to that increased traffic and interest, meaning I might actually be able to get back to more enquiring writers (instead of unintentionally ghosting them because as an agent, I’m still only human, not a machine :))! 

When asked what ChatGPT can do for you as writers, here’s what it said:

Can you write me a blog post about how ChatGPT is changing the business of publishing for authors?

Certainly! As a large language model trained by OpenAI, ChatGPT is changing the business of publishing in many ways. Here are some of the ways in which ChatGPT is making a difference for authors:

1. Generating new ideas: ChatGPT can be used to generate new ideas for authors who may be struggling to come up with fresh content. By providing prompts and suggestions, ChatGPT can help authors overcome writer’s block and generate new material.
2. Improving productivity: ChatGPT can also improve the productivity of authors by generating first drafts of articles, essays, or book chapters. This can save authors time and allow them to focus on refining and editing their work.
3. Enhancing collaboration: ChatGPT can also be used to enhance collaboration between authors and editors. By providing suggestions and feedback on drafts, ChatGPT can help authors and editors work together more effectively and efficiently.
4. Personalizing content: ChatGPT can be used to personalize content for individual readers, which can be a powerful tool for authors looking to build a loyal following. By tailoring content to the specific interests and needs of their readers, authors can improve engagement and retention.
5. Automating marketing: ChatGPT can also be used to automate marketing by generating social media posts, email newsletters, and other promotional materials. This can save authors time and allow them to focus on writing and other creative pursuits.

Overall, ChatGPT is changing the business of publishing for authors by improving productivity, enhancing collaboration, and personalizing content. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of ChatGPT in the world of publishing.

From writing prompts and conquering writer’s block, to editing tips and hassle-free marketing, make ChatGPT and the new AI work for you. As Lauren Jackson writes in the NYTimes, AI is here to help, largely by saving you time, and freeing you up for more writing.

So, my dear writers, put your worry aside: your craft remains safely in your hands and pens for the foreseeable future. The AI cup is half full for authors! Consider how new technology can bolster and improve your skills, aid in your writing goals, and put you on a path to publishing success. And, of course, we are here at 5 Otter Editorial to work with you to perfect your writing, for when you really need that human touch 🙂