Everywhere I turn these days, someone is asking me, “Will AI replace writers?” It’s become the most frequent topic of conversation in my world, and I understand why. With all the buzz around artificial intelligence and its rapid advancements, it’s only natural to wonder about its impact on the craft of writing. Having spent 20 years in the publishing industry and the last two deeply immersed in AI, I felt it was time to share my thoughts on this question.
First off, I believe the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Like most things in life, it’s nuanced. It really depends on which writers we’re talking about. There are those who bring fresh ideas, innovative concepts, groundbreaking research and profound emotional depth to their work. These writers push boundaries, challenge norms and introduce perspectives that shift our cultural conversations. In my view, they’re not at risk of being replaced by AI anytime soon.
Then there are writers who, let’s be honest, tend to rehash old ideas or stick to formulaic patterns that don’t add much to the dialogue. We all know that the publishing world includes both kinds of writers. For those whose work doesn’t break new ground, the situation is a bit more complicated.
I don’t foresee a moment when AI suddenly replaces these writers overnight. But it’s important to recognise that sometimes they’re valued more for their ability to produce competent, coherent content than for introducing truly original ideas. This is where AI starts to become a significant factor.
Now, let’s go into this a bit deeper. Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page (though you’d be surprised how many people think it is). It’s about conveying ambiguous thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that connects with readers. It’s about sparking imagination, provoking thought, and sometimes even inspiring change. AI, impressive as it is, doesn’t possess consciousness or genuine creativity. It can mimic patterns, generate text that follows certain rules, and even produce content that reads well at a glance. But it doesn’t feel, and it doesn’t think in the way humans do.
For writers who are innovators — those who pour their hearts into their work, who explore uncharted territories of thought and emotion — AI is more of a tool than a threat. It can assist with research, help organise ideas, or even suggest alternative phrasings. But it can’t replace the human element that makes their writing unique.
On the flip side, writers whose work is largely derivative or formulaic might find AI encroaching on their territory. AI can efficiently produce content that fits established templates or covers well-trodden topics. If a writer’s primary contribution is delivering large volumes of predictable “content”, it’s worth worrying about how AI might affect their role.
But even here, the situation isn’t black and white. Writing, at its core, is a human endeavour. Even formulaic writing often requires a level of understanding, nuance, and adaptability that AI hasn’t fully mastered. Tone, voice, context, cultural references — all these elements contribute to effective communication and are areas where human writers still have the upper hand.
Readers value genuine voices. They seek connections with the author through their ideas, shared experiences, emotional resonances. AI can’t replace a writer’s personal journey, their failures, triumphs, and everything in between.
So where does this leave us? I think it’s wise for each writer to reflect on their own work. Are you pushing boundaries? Bringing new ideas to the table? Offering perspectives that challenge or inspire? Or are you sticking closely to established patterns without adding anything?
This isn’t about inducing fear but about bringing awareness to what I think has been a black-and-white conversation. The landscape is changing, and being realistic about these shifts allows writers to adapt and grow. Embracing AI as a tool where needed, rather than viewing it solely as a competitor can open up new possibilities. It can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for writers to focus on deeper research, creativity and depth.
The act of writing is a way of thinking, processing, and understanding the world. It’s a deeply personal journey that AI can’t replicate. But even within that, there’s room for adaptation. Writers are great at evolving and finding ways to infuse more originality into their work. The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and not shy away from new things.
The future isn’t set in stone. It’s shaped by how we respond to the changes around us. Keep writing, keep pushing boundaries, and keep the conversation going.
The writer is founder, Editrix.ai
