When you submit your manuscript to a journal, your submission embodies all the hope and effort that went into your research. Years of painstaking work are often represented in just a few thousand words.

Inevitably, what happens to your submission next depends on the way you present that work as well as the quality of your research and the uniqueness of your academic contribution. That’s daunting for everyone. However, it’s especially daunting if you’re a multilingual scholar (an author working in English as your second or third language). Multilingual scholars have to do more work just to deliver equal outputs (Amano et al.). And even though journal editors will say that they judge purely on academic contribution and not on language quality, the stats suggest that is not true.

The tech world is brimming with excitement about AI. The technology is fascinating and amazing and has incredible potential. Early adopters can’t stop talking about it. At Intelligent Editing, we’ve even produced our own AI product, Draftsmith.

But what does the average language professional think?

If you believe in the power of your own writing without the help of AI, then you are not alone! Writing helps you to think. By starting with your own idea, your own outline and your own first draft, you can often produce your best work.

AI writing tools can create impressive first efforts, which can be a useful jumping-off point. However, like many writers, you may consider the act of drafting an essential part of your creative and cognitive workflow, preferring to pen the initial draft yourself. Either way, once you have that first draft, it’s time to start refining.

I’m still an AI cynic. Everyone should continue to push for transparency, fairness, and ethical practices in the development and use of AI. We must also be mindful of the potential social and economic impacts of AI, and work to address all of the popular misconceptions about what it is. From there, we can work to stop its misuse.

For centuries, writer’s block has been the relentless foe of creative minds, tormenting authors, journalists, and poets alike. What writer hasn’t experienced the chilling feeling of staring at a blank page, desperate for inspiration. Yet, lurking in the shadows is a lesser-known but equally debilitating condition: “editor's block.”

The first time I saw ChatGPT simplify some text, my jaw dropped wide open. I asked myself if editing would ever be the same again. I watched as ChatGPT simplified one sentence. Then ChatGPT converted another to plain English. The results were staggering.