Try this freelance specialty with AI

Soon to be the most in-demand specialty for businesses that use AI [The Writer’ s Life]( March 22, 2023 "Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity — not as a threat." – Steve Jobs Hi {NAME}, The buzz surrounding AI and ChatGPT has been amazing. And we've heard your biggest concerns … that freelance writers will be replaced by these developments. If you haven't grabbed our comprehensive update on AI, what it means for writers, and how to leverage it in your own business, you should do that soon. ([You can find the report here.]() Because even though AI is changing the copywriting industry, some of the changes will be positive! One specialty is going to become even more important as AI develops … and that's copyediting. Now, some people confuse copyediting and proofreading. And that's understandable — there are some crossovers in the two activities. Proofing is more likely to include correcting typos, fixing grammar mistakes, checking punctuation, verifying math and statistic references … that sort of thing. Copyediting involves doing all of that if the copy needs it … But that's only the surface. Then it's time to dig much, MUCH deeper to help ensure the copy does the job it's setting out to do. "More copy and more content" will not help a company achieve their goals. Intentional and high-quality copy and content will. Looking at how the content is organized, eliminating awkward phrases, vetting sources … copyediting involves revising any writing project to improve its value, readability, style, and yes, results. That requires the "human" touch. So copyeditors not only fulfill an important role now, their skills will become more important as the industry evolves in the era of AI. Fortunately, you can get your "masters" in copyediting with our brand-new [Copyediting & Mastery Certification](. You'll gain "A-level" editing techniques and invaluable hands-on experience working on an actual editing project — all under the guidance of master copywriter and copyediting professional Kathryn Aragon. (She's the bee's knees!) You can use your advanced skills to make a good living as a Copyediting Specialist, or enhance and fine-tune your own editing skills in a world where AI is making a splash. [Check out all the details on this brand-new Certification here.]( Then read more about how AI is driving up demand for this specialty in the copywriting industry from our very own Barefoot Writer Managing Editor, Mindy McHorse. To your success, [Rebecca Matter’ s signature] Rebecca CLOSING: Now Accepting New Members Your new life as a well-paid and in-demand writer is just one click away … A life that offers freedom, lots of fun, no more money worries, and so many unique, high-paying writing opportunities. But the clock is ticking … The discounted new-member pricing disappears in a matter of hours! [Get it before midnight tonight!]( Why AI Is Driving Demand for This Specialty in the Digital World By Mindy McHorse [Female freelance copyeditor working on computer at desk] If you're curious how AI is going to affect the demand for certain types of freelancing, ask yourself this: When you're ready to checkout at the grocery store, do you prefer - the self-service checkout, or … - the cashier stationed at a conveyor-belt lane? The first option can be fast, but it's impersonal. It also gets tripped up by purchases that aren't clearly barcoded or marked, bringing the whole process to a grinding halt. The second option takes longer but offers a human experience. If a price tag is missing or there's a question about a final sale, the cashier solves the problem right then. As a writer who works from home 99% of the time, I prefer the human cashier. Part of that is because it's just nice to receive a smile and a "have a nice day!" when you spend most of your day alone. I also appreciate the quick-solution benefit. No price tag or code on that group of stemmed beetroots? No problem! The cashier has the PLU code memorized or they know how to quickly find it. Self-checkout kiosks can't do this. You're left waiting for someone to come solve your problem. Yep, if something goes wrong with the machine, or the purchase isn't straightforward, or the customer wants to use coupons or rewards cards or anything else that complicates the process … They're going to need a human cashier to save the day. This is why there's always at least one cashier or supervisor stationed around a cluster of self-service kiosks: Someone needs to be there to put out the fires in a way the machines just can't. Now let's jump back to the idea of AI taking over freelance positions … For sure, AI is going to — and has already — proven to be a worthy competitor in the world of content generation, especially when it comes to short copy or idea generation. (Note: In the February issue of Barefoot Writer magazine, I interviewed Brian Whitaker, a hugely successful copywriter who's been using AI for years to help with ideation and coming up with different angles on content. [Read his story here.]() So for copywriters, AI is a supplemental tool more than anything else. But there's another freelance position that's actually going to be more in demand than ever because of AI … And that's the position of copyediting. Copyeditors are basically the "secret weapon" behind all the good copy and content out there. I'm not talking about proofreading here, by the way, which is more about checking for grammar and structurally-sound sentences. Copyeditors are elevated over proofreaders because while they'll certainly correct any typos they see in a document, they're also looking at the bigger picture of the message. Among other things, a good copyeditor will make sure a piece of content: - has a consistent voice throughout, - follows the requirements laid out by a clients' style guide, - targets the right customer profile, - and gets the job done. In other words, a good copyeditor will comb through content with the end goal of the piece in mind. So if a writer crafted email copy that's supposed to move the reader to click a link, the copyeditor is going to consider whether the copy successfully drives that action. Same goes for a sales letter trying to get a reader to buy something, or landing page content trying to get a reader to opt-in. There's a lot at stake here. Without that final review to ensure that a piece will work to achieve the goal it was meant to accomplish, a company risks publishing a dud that doesn't attract necessary sales. Think about it … lost revenue can add up fast. Businesses don't want to take that risk, so the majority will always have copyeditors do the final pass on any materials. Now, picture a world where a LOT of businesses turn to AI to write certain types of content. That content will come out fast … and a lot of it will be reasonably decent … But as far as crossing the finish line over whether or not the end goal of a piece comes to fruition … They're going to need a copyeditor for that. So, much like the cashier who oversees all the self-service kiosks and holds all the keys and codes and tricks needed to make those kiosks run smoothly so the customer checking out leaves satisfied … There are going to be thousands of copyeditors hired to oversee all this AI work. It's a no-brainer. And even though these robot-cashiers replaced a lot of front-line human cashiers, now every store has their most informed and often elevated employee supervise those checkouts. Because at the end of the day, machines simply can't function without human oversight. AI will never have that fully-human component that bends messaging just enough to prompt the highest response rate or largest number of sales from written copy. If I were just starting my own freelancing career, I'd absolutely get trained in copyediting first. It's quick and easy to get your skills up to speed, and it's in high-demand right now — with demand only expected to rise. You can learn all you need to know when you are mentored by master copywriter and copyediting professional Kathryn Aragon. She'll guide you through tactics like her proprietary 4 M's Method for editing, and how to make sure copy is not too linear (a huge issue that comes up with AI-generated text). There's so much more you'll learn in this brand-new Certification, you really need to [check out all the details here](. What's Hot at AWAI … 📝 Interested in editing? [We have the perfect thing for you!]( 😇 [The one person whose good opinion you need.]( ⏰ You're running out of time to enter our Writing Contest. Don't miss your chance to earn $200. [Check out the details today.]( 😄 We love seeing our members succeed! [Check out their success stories]( if you need a little inspiration to get started. 😔 Concerned about AI and ChatGPT? [Here is what copywriters need to know.]( 😍 [Copywriter designs life as digital nomad.]( Tell everyone you know what you're doing … [Social media post about following up with a client they met in a business group] Way to go, Dave! We can't stress this enough … Telling people you know or meet what you're doing will help you make important connections and reach prospective clients. Many AWAI members have found clients that way. Can't wait to hear more about your progress in your writing career! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! TODAY! Get all this for $1 … [PWA Product Spread] The Professional Writers' Alliance (PWA) takes the stress out of running your writing business. With ready-to-use business forms, templates, and checklists … VIP job board access … networking opportunities … and a mountain of tips, tactics, and "been there, done that" advice from working freelance writers … You'll minimize the "unbillable" hours you spend working on your business and maximize your time writing — and getting paid. [Claim Your $1 Access Here]( Land Your First Paying Client in 21 Days [IBC Gif] This proven system is easy, effective, and takes less than 30 minutes a day … [Check it out for yourself here!]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- SEO Editor — The Philadelphia Inquirer  Full-time, Philadelphia, PA Work with editors in advance to provide SEO guidance around planned news events and respond quickly to breaking news situations with SEO guidance. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter — Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company Full-time, Hershey, PA The senior copywriter is responsible for supporting the creative director in developing and producing strategic creative campaigns and marketing copy. --------------------------------------------------------------- Marketing Copywriter — Fisher Investments  Full-time, Camas, WA You will write and edit compelling ads and branded content across digital, print, video, radio, internet, email and snail mail for U.S. and international audiences. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? 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