Will AI take my job?

AI technology is becoming more and more popular in the writing industry. But can AI really replace ghostwriters?

Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) take my job

Two clients recently asked me questions to that effect.

One author said he wanted to experiment with ChatGPT to write his book, before engaging me.

Another author asked, “Has ChatGPT changed the way you write?”

Since the launch of Microsoft’s ChatGPT search bot, artificial intelligence has plastered the news.

Soon after, Google announced its own version called Bard, and Facebook said it would “pivot” (yet, again) to AI technologies.

AI has already taken over many aspects of the writing and editing process. For example, online programs can proofread writing. (We don’t use them in our professional work, because they do not meet the requirements for book industry standards, yet.)

Meanwhile, ChatGPT can already write blogs and even essays. But can they do higher level thinking, as book ghostwriting requires?

My own questions were more fundamental.

I wondered, “Can AI replace book ghostwriters, like me?”

So I decided to ask ChatGPT itself. I typed in the question, “Will AI replace book ghostwriters?”

Here’s what it said (emphasis mine):

“It's possible that AI could replace book ghostwriters to some extent in the future, but it's unlikely to happen completely. While AI technology has made significant strides in recent years, it still has limitations when it comes to creative writing and storytelling.

“Ghostwriting involves more than just putting words on a page. A ghostwriter needs to understand the author's voice, style, and tone, as well as the message and purpose of the book. They also need to be able to tell a compelling story that captures the reader's attention and keeps them engaged.

“AI can certainly assist with some aspects of ghostwriting, such as generating ideas, organizing content, and even writing basic sentences or paragraphs. However, AI is still limited when it comes to more complex tasks, such as understanding human emotions and cultural nuances, crafting vivid descriptions and metaphors, and developing unique characterizations.

“Ultimately, while AI may be able to augment the work of book ghostwriters in the future, it's unlikely to replace them completely. Human creativity and the ability to understand and connect with readers on an emotional level will remain valuable skills in the world of writing for the foreseeable future.”

I can’t agree more.

For the foreseeable future, AI lacks the unique messaging, storytelling skills and emotional connections that professional ghostwriters can provide.

But, boy, did ChatGPT provide an amazing answer to that question—in just 2 seconds!

Will ChatGPT take my job?

Doesn’t look like it will anytime soon.

But it is already changing how we all think and work.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to chat with me.

A real person.

With real intelligence.

Connect with ChatHelen.

Let’s talk about your book.

by Helen Chang, ABM Editorial Director

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