Will AI replace Editors?

Many of your tasks are within reach of AI. The role will change, so it pays to act now.

Task exposure to today's AI

57/100

High exposure

This is the occupation's typical task mix. Your own score can be up to 30 points higher or lower depending on how you work: routine share, people contact, judgment and how much you already use AI.

Get your personal score

Will AI replace Editors?

Not entirely. Today's AI tools can take on about 57% of the typical work in this occupation, mostly: read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. The parts that stay human include: Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.; Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.; Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication..

People who learn to use AI for the automatable parts keep the edge. The 3-phase plan below shows where to start.

Which tasks AI can take on

The largest tasks in this occupation, their share of the working week, and how much of each today's AI tools can do.

TaskAutomatable

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. 85%

Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.AI already used 80%

Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters. 75%

Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.AI already used 68%

Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication. 65%

Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors. 12%

+ 15 more tasks (38% of the week) in the full test.

Your human edge

Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.

AI tools to try

ChatGPT / Claude for writing and ideasImage and video generators (e.g. Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Runway)Editing tools with AI (Adobe, CapCut, Descript)

Related roles

A 3-phase AI learning plan

Phase 1

AI in your craft

Ideas, drafts and variations with AI.
Editing, retouching and transcription with AI features.
Keep your own voice and style; AI is the assistant.

Project

Run AI a first-pass copyedit on five of your own past articles, then compare its catches with your original edits and log how many real errors it found versus false flags.

Phase 2

Faster production

Templates and workflows for repeat work.
Rights, licensing and disclosure of AI-generated material.
Quality control before publishing.

Project

Build a reusable AI editing workflow with a house style prompt, fact-check and AI-disclosure checklist, and measure turnaround time on 10 submissions before and after.

Phase 3

Creative direction

Direct AI output toward a clear concept.
Offer services built on taste and judgment.
Build a portfolio that shows how you work with AI.

Project

Commission AI drafts for a themed 6-piece content package you concept and direct, then publish a portfolio case study showing your brief, the raw output and your final edit.

Take the free 11-question test