AI (artificial intelligence) is here to stay. I’m told that using an AI engine, you can paint a picture, create a spreadsheet formula, write a term paper, research a character or setting, and even—believe it or not—compose a blog post. (See where I’m going with this?)
So I decided to try it. After all, how hard can it be? Here, with no changes, is what AI produced when I asked it to “write a blog post of advice from a literary agent”:
Embarking on a literary journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. Aspiring authors often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering how to navigate the complex world of publishing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the valuable advice shared by a seasoned literary agent. These insights can serve as a compass, guiding writers through the twists and turns of the literary landscape.
1. Craft Matters:
The foundation of any great work lies in its craftsmanship. Literary agents emphasize the importance of honing your writing skills. Take the time to revise, edit, and polish your manuscript. A well-crafted story stands out in a crowded market and demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
1. Know Your Genre:
Understanding the nuances of your chosen genre is crucial. Literary agents stress the significance of market awareness. Be well-read in your genre, and identify the unique elements that set your work apart. A clear understanding of your target audience will also help you tailor your pitch to the right agents.
1. Research Agents Thoroughly:
Not all literary agents are created equal. Take the time to research potential agents and agencies. Consider their track record, the authors they represent, and their submission guidelines. A personalized query letter that demonstrates you’ve done your homework is more likely to catch an agent’s attention.
1. Build a Platform:
In the digital age, building an author platform is essential. Literary agents often advise writers to establish an online presence through social media, blogs, or other platforms. A solid platform not only showcases your writing but also proves your ability to engage with potential readers, a factor publishers consider when evaluating new authors.
1. Patience is a Virtue:
The publishing industry moves at its own pace, and patience is a virtue every aspiring author must cultivate. Rejections are a part of the process, and literary agents encourage writers to view them as stepping stones toward improvement. Keep honing your craft and submitting to agents who align with your vision.
1. Develop a Thick Skin:
Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Literary agents emphasize the importance of receiving feedback with an open mind. Develop a thick skin and use feedback to refine your work. Remember, even the most successful authors faced rejection before finding the right agent and publisher.
1. Embrace Networking Opportunities:
Attending writing conferences, workshops, and networking events can open doors in the literary world. Literary agents often encourage writers to seize opportunities to connect with industry professionals, fellow authors, and potential mentors. Building relationships can be as crucial as writing a compelling manuscript.
Embarking on a literary journey requires a combination of talent, perseverance, and strategic thinking. By heeding the advice of experienced literary agents, aspiring authors can navigate the challenges of the publishing world more effectively. Craft your story with care, know your market, research agents diligently, and above all, maintain the resilience to persevere in the face of challenges. The journey may be long, but with the right guidance, your literary dreams can become a reality.
So … yeah. A few things are obvious, of course. Apparently, this particular AI engine doesn’t number lists very well. It also lacks my signature charm and unique sense of humor. But otherwise? It’s not wrong; it just feels so “freshman-in-high-school” general, stiff, and bland. (Like me, you say? Take it back!)
Seriously, if I submitted this to Steve Laube for the agency blog, he would ask what the heck I was thinking … for the thousandth time, sure, but still …
Sure, AI can help (and is helping) writers and agents in many ways. And it’s already beginning to replace and displace some people and jobs. But it may be a while before artificial intelligence can tell a dad joke as well as I can. Right, Alexa?
The First Lines of Your Novel
The olden days are on the run,
they say, and all progress is good,
and anything, now, can be done,
but not everything should.
Take AI, the current fashion,
that hip bright new technology
by which I think we will be lashing
our world to mediocrity.
Machines, in truth, will never ponder
the purpose of their worth,
nor do more than ape the wonder
that God has placed in us at birth,
leaving us Eve’s Garden choice
to follow God’s, or Satan’s, voice.
Andrew, this one is gold. May I publish it in the next issue of God and Nature?
Sy, yes, absolutely! I am so honoured!
Right on, Andrew.
Wow . . . that one was great, Andrew.
Well said, Andrew. You always know how to zero in on the point.
AI, Cap’n! And agreed. You and your humor are irreplaceable. That is you, Bob, right?
1. 1. 1. 1. Haha! Yeah, there’s no artistry in AI.
Did you notice?
Generality – three sentence paragraph filled with generality – next point
Generality – three sentence paragraph filled with generality – next point
No wonder it can’t figure out the numbers.
It was very formulaic, and read like the high school essays I used to grade, but it lacked personality.
I always tell people that AI-generated content is awful. AI-asisted content writing is a major skill. Those two are very different.
AI has no soul so it lacks the ability to touch readers. And it never will. 😉
I agree with the previous comments – it is dead! I had to force myself to read it. It was as enjoyable as reading the instructions on how to assemble a piece of office furniture, written by a non-native English speaker. It was also very formulaic (is that a word?): Tom is tall. Mike is short. Jan bakes cake. Rita plays piano.
“It was as enjoyable as reading the instructions on how to assemble a piece of office furniture, written by a non-native English speaker.” My reaction exactly.
Thank you so much for this valuable and comprehensive information!
Oh, and you, too, Mr. . . um . . .
Even if you hadn’t said this blog was AI generated, I would have known. AI failed to capture your voice and personality from the first sentence.
Besides, AI cannot copy emotion, heart, compassion, humor (you’re the perfect example), or any of the wonderful gifts God put into writers to help us share His truths and love.
Doesn’t even come close to you, Bob. I can get this information anywhere. Your humor, compassion, wisdom, and love for God are why I read your posts. 😊
I used Leonardo.ai to try to design a book cover for my (Lord willing) soon to be discovered novel, The Conversion Factor. The AI above is right about it being daunting, when you work two jobs it is difficult to find the time “to navigate the complex world of publishing,” as the AI said. My design would be for the book if I choose to self publish. There are several people in our congregation (with more $ than ¢) who have offered to allay the costs, should I go that route.
I tried repeatedly to direct the AI to place two people in a lab, she a young, 21 year old, attractive PK with glasses and he a handsome 26 year old man in a yellow baseball cap AND NO GLASSES. While each result was beautifully crafted, he inevitably had glasses and she usually had the yellow baseball cap. I eventually used the video editor that I use in one of my jobs to meld 3 different AI results. It was a fun and frustrating process.
I must say, Bob, you mentioned that, “Apparently, this particular AI engine doesn’t number lists very well.” It seems like I’ve seen you use the number 1 for all of the points in a past blog post. Though, if I recall correctly, your were making the point that each of the points were equally important.
Dear Bobby, I’ve never owned an “Alexa.” Never trusted her nosey ears.
We just discussed AI at Word Weavers last Monday. No one really trusts it. I can’t figure out how AI took to answering comments on my FB author page … Make it STOP!!!
I asked my Navy Commander son one day what he thought about AI. His Answer? “Terrifying.”
So I’m left with memories of “2001 – A Space Odyssey.”
“Dave? Dave?”
Another thing … I know, I can’t stop “chatting.”
One of our members is a veterinarian. She knew AI as “artificial insemination.”
I wonder what AI says about that?
Elaine
First noticed was the lack of your unique humor — until your conclusion. I also noticed the repitition of # 1. Stay with your own voice, Bob, and we will not only get the best knowledge but enjoy getting it. As you can tell, I’m not a fan of AI. I do notice with writing emails that some sentences are being completed by whoever in the box. Not enjoying that.
I have worked in higher education in various roles for many years. In each college and university, character was a priority and honorable behavior was encouraged by stringent rule enforcement. I caught a first-semester freshman who had plagiarized a paper for my class from a collection of them held by her sorority. She was placed on academic probation. I was asked to be the faculty ombudsman for two different senior students who accidentally plagiarized by not citing quotes in formal papers, and were brought up for discipline. The policy in that college was dismissal if found guilty of cheating. Both were found guilty, but their formal appeals were accepted and they were allowed to finish their senior year on probation and graduate. With AI, and human nature what it is, I cannot escape thinking a vast number of students will resort to AI-written papers, and learning within our entire academic culture will decline. A lot of faculty would not have had the time nor the background to critically evaluate a paper like the one created for you, Bob. It would have earned at least a B.
I’m bothered by the line: “we’ll delve into the valuable advice shared by a seasoned literary agent,” because no actual source is given. I understand that a test like this was done by the Washington Post (I think that was the one) and four books were quoted as authoritative sources. Only problem was, upon further investigation, none of those books even existed. AI is very comfortable with lies and is seemingly training itself to lie.
I agree that AI-generated texts are too vanilla-flavored to pass for quality writing. However, I find the AI tools incredibly helpful for generating ideas. As a teacher, I use AI to create practice items for specific learning skills. AI did a wonderful job of writing my intention to retire letter to the school district. AI helps me find collections of quotes for my Instagram posts, even though I sometimes have to verify the sources. And as a newsletter composer, AI generates idea lists that I can then build on for future publications. It’s a tool that, in the hands of the carpenter, can be quite effective. It will never replace the builder, though.
Thanks so much for this great post, Bob! I will re read it again and again.
As for AI, I’m yet to come in to grips with it. I pray I won’t be left behind! Ilove originality and the works of our own hands. That is what makes us writers. That is God’s gift to us.The question is – Did God make AI?
Blessings.