The $47,000 AI Divide Among Writers

Last summer, I used ChatGPT to illustrate my book for young adults graduating high school or college, Take the First Step. The images weren't perfect, but they got the job done. More importantly, they helped me push past perfectionism and actually publish.

Turns out I'm not alone in the AI experiment. A groundbreaking new study conducted titled AI and the Writing Profession surveyed 1,481 professional writers. It revealed something fascinating: those of us actually using AI tools are earning an average of $47,000 more than those who refuse to touch them. 

Let that sink in for a moment.

The divide is stark. While 61% of writers report that they are now using AI at least occasionally (with three-quarters reporting increased productivity), the remaining 39% say they view these tools as an existential threat to both craft and career. Only 3% of non-users see AI as positive for our profession. 

The writers who are embracing AI say they aren't replacing their creativity, but rather amplifying it. This is how I feel, and what I encourage among our authors at Your Bestselling Book.

We see AI as a tool to overcome writer's block, generate title ideas, create rough outlines, and speed up the editing process. Just like the imperfect illustrations that helped me get my book out the door, I see AI as a terrific collaborator.

But this is crucial: I still feel strongly that any AI output always needs the human touch. Every AI-generated sentence requires editing. Every content or title suggestion needs refinement. 

Most importantly, you still must tell your authentic stories, sharing your personal experiences that taught you lessons and brought you wisdom. This is the only way to connect with your readers on a deeply human level. 

The magic happens when we stop seeing AI as the enemy and start seeing it as what it really is: A slightly awkward assistant who needs constant supervision but can help us move faster toward our goals.

What's your take? Are you in the AI-embracing camp or standing firm in the resistance? Hit “Reply” and tell me how you're navigating this new landscape.

Aloha, 

MeiMei

TIP OF THE WEEK:
Start Small with AI

If you're AI-curious but hesitant, then just take the first step (yes, that reference to my book was intentional and not AI-generated, ha!): 

• Use AI to generate 10 alternative titles for your current project. 
• Ask it to create a rough chapter outline based on your main points.
• Feed a section of writing or text into it and ask it to “uplevel to sound like a New York Times bestselling book” or “make it sound like my favorite author, T.S. Elliot (or Hunter S Thompson or Glennon Doyle.”
• Don't use what AI gives you verbatim. Treat it as a brainstorming partner who occasionally has decent ideas.
• Remember: You're still the author!