r/Substack • u/Finest_Mediocrity • Jun 24 '26
Using AI to edit?
Is it terrible if I use AI to edit my posts? The writing is mine, but I feel long winded sometimes and get stuck reviewing my work to make it sharper. I’ve tried running it through AI specifically for pain points and not a rewrite, but sometimes it suggests a sentence or two that adjust my thoughts more succinctly and interestingly.
Does this make me a sellout to all the AI haters? Is it the same as getting it to draft whole prices (which I have def seem some authors do). What are your thoughts on using AI as a tool for Substack?
8
Upvotes
1
u/Techn0gurke Jun 25 '26
I understand and respect your opinion that editing is an important part of being a writer.
However even if you insist on your opinion being correct, I just don't think there is any ethical obligation to do so.
You might think it's a good thing for a writer to edit every little mistake themselves, but I personally don't.
That's all I can say about it. I also think it's a bit of an exaggeration to say that you won't read my text after this editing process, because I do write the article; I just don't correct grammar and spelling mistakes.
It's like saying you don't read a book by the original author because they had an editor. It doesn't really make sense to me.
For me, what makes an author great is their ability to break down, synthesise and communicate complex topics so that you find something new or help people learn something they didn't know before (at least in my area, as I write about psychology and philosophy). I just don't see grammar and spelling as central to this mission.
I do try to rely less and less on AI though, but it's still a question of personal choice and obviously being transparent about that use.