Verbatik Media

If I had a rupee for every time some writer inquired about my editing fee and then reverted with an “I think I can do this on my own using (XYZ) software,” I’d probably be richer than Mr Ambani. Well… maybe not, but close enough. Though, I’d still be writing and editing 😉

Today, there’s some software for everything, right from the useful ones like powerful word processors to insanely useless ones like, well, the editing softwares (the case in point.)

And the novice writers, who barely write even 50 words a week, believe (and I kid you not!!) that they can simply write up a story and edit it with a “software”—well, what a wonderful idea! If only the veteran writers, like the favourite authors of such writers who’ve been writing for decades, could also get it in their heads to simply use a “software” and save all that time, energy and possibly money. My… won’t that be simply marvellous?

Have you ever wondered why are editors a big deal in the writing community? There’s a good reason – what editors can do, no one else can, not even AI. Especially not some software, no matter how advanced. Because there’s one essential thing that is missing in softwares and AI (I’ll be posting a separate article breaking down why AI is just as useless when it comes to editing) – computer programmes don’t have emotional intelligence. They can’t be creative, artistic, or even original. So you see the problem? Well, if you don’t, then please get back to writing your draft and having it edited by whatever pathetic software you prefer while I enlighten the wiser minds.

And not just emotions, computer programs lack a lot more than that. Here’s an easy breakdown of some of the vital points:

Human Editors Vs Editing Softwares

Aspect	Human Editor	Editing Software
Understanding	Empathises with author’s voice, style, and intentions.	Lacks emotional intelligence; focuses on technical rules.
Emotional Nuance	Preserves emotional subtleties and tone in writing.	Struggles to grasp emotional nuances; provides mechanical edits.
Contextual Insight	Offers personalised feedback based on contextual knowledge.	Applies generic suggestions; lacks adaptability.
Collaboration	Engages in dialogue with author; provides constructive feedback.	Operates autonomously; offers limited interaction.
Creativity and judgement	Provides creative input and judgement based on experience.	Relies on algorithms; may overlook stylistic choices.
Flexibility	Adapts editing approach to suit author’s needs and goals.	Applies uniform edits regardless of writing style or intent.
Turnaround Time	Provides personalised editing with longer turnaround.	Offers quick edits but lacks depth and customisation.
Cost	May be more expensive but offers personalised service.	Generally more affordable but lacks human intuition.
Result Quality	Enhances writing with nuanced edits and insights.	Provides basic corrections but may miss deeper issues.

In the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing, human editors remain indispensable. Their ability to connect with the author’s voice, provide contextual insights, and collaborate creatively sets them apart from even the most advanced editing software. While software can offer quick and affordable solutions for basic editing needs, it falls short in delivering the depth and quality that human editors provide.

For writers aiming to produce their best work, the investment in a human editor is invaluable. It’s not just about correcting errors; it’s about developing the narrative, preserving emotional depth, and ensuring the story resonates with readers.

Further reading:

1. Why AI won’t replace human editors – and AI agrees by Wordstitch Editorial
2. The Limitations of Editing Software by Writers Services
3. 6 Things Human Editors Do That AI Can’t by Proofreading Pal
4. 7 Reasons Why Human Editors Will Always Be Superior to AI by Weilded
5. Why You Still Need a Human Editor in the Age of AI by Christina Richins
6. AI vs human editor: Building the future of academic texts by Plag