10 Ways Freelance Writers Can Use AI to Work Smarter (Not Get Replaced)

Publication Date

December 7, 2023

Summary

This post walks you through exactly how to do that—no hype, no BS. Just 10 legit ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Lex in your freelance writing workflow, plus my two favorite tools to get started.

10 Ways to Use AI in Your Freelance Writing Workflow

I’ve tested more than 50 different prompts and techniques. These are the ones that actually help—and that I keep coming back to.

1. Writing Introductions and Outros

Ask ChatGPT to summarize the post or draft you’ve already written—or use Lex’s “summarize” feature. Then, use that as your skeleton for a stronger intro or outro.

I usually edit for tone, add a lede, and infuse more personality to match the brand voice. But it saves me at least 20 minutes every time.

2. Brainstorm in a Brand’s Voice

This is one of my favorite hacks.

I’ll prompt ChatGPT with something like:

“What would April Ludgate think about AI for sales?”
“How would Ryan Reynolds talk about digital business cards?”

It’s fun, weird, and surprisingly effective at unlocking voice-y content. Just don’t forget to edit—it gets goofy fast.

3. Generate Name or Headline Options

Stuck on a title? Ask for 10 variations using a brand’s tone or personality archetype. You don’t have to use any of them directly, but they’ll help you brainstorm faster.

4. Write First Drafts of Emails or Social Copy

I’ll give ChatGPT the goal, audience, tone, and key points. What comes back usually needs trimming, but it’s way easier than writing from scratch.

✨ Pro tip: Ask for 2–3 versions and mash them together.

5. Speed Up Repurposing

Turn a blog post into a LinkedIn post. Turn a YouTube script into an email. Give AI the original content and ask it to adapt for another format or platform.

6. Format Long-Form Content

Feed AI a rough draft and ask it to:

Break it into clear sections
Add headers and subheads
Suggest a bullet list or summary

Helpful for making your writing skimmable and structured without losing flow.

7. Outline a Long Piece (Before You Write)

Instead of writing cold, use ChatGPT to map out:

A blog structure
What sections to include
What kind of research or examples you might need

You’ll still do the real work—but with a faster, clearer path.

8. Rewrite Passive Voice or Dry Sentences

If a paragraph sounds clunky or robotic (ironic, I know), ask AI to rewrite it in an active voice or with more energy.

9. Use AI as Your Assistant

Literally. Talk to it like a teammate:

“Can you help me rephrase this in a more casual tone?”
“This paragraph is boring—what would make it pop?”
“I need three ways to say this without using the word ‘authentic.’”

Let it be your brainstorm buddy.

10. Clarify Tech or Complex Topics

Need to explain blockchain to a Gen Z skincare brand? Ask AI to break it down in simple terms, or translate jargon into something your target reader will actually get.

Try This: 5 Tools to Start Using AI as a Freelancer

If you're new to using AI, start with one of these beginner-friendly tools that can help you work faster, brainstorm smarter, and reduce decision fatigue.

ChatGPT

Flexible, powerful, and works best when you give it detailed context. Think of it like your copywriting intern—you’re still the editor-in-chief. Use it to outline articles, rewrite emails, ideate social content, or simplify complex concepts. For best results, give it a clear role and detailed instructions. Here’s a guide to writing better AI prompts.

Lex

Created by the team at Every, Lex offers a minimalist doc interface with embedded AI commands. Great for drafting, editing, and reorganizing long-form content. It shines when you want to stay in the flow state while writing blog posts or newsletters, thanks to tools that let you rewrite, summarize, or autocomplete with a single keystroke.

Claude

Claude by Anthropic is known for its conversational tone and ability to handle large chunks of text. If you want to analyze client documents, summarize long interviews, or have a back-and-forth brainstorming session, Claude feels like chatting with a smart, friendly peer who gets nuance.

Perplexity

Think of Perplexity as a supercharged research assistant. It cites sources, summarizes complex topics, and helps you fact-check or gather background quickly. Perfect for pitching article ideas or building authority in your niche. Bonus: the free version is powerful enough for most use cases.

Notion AI

Already using Notion for client management or content planning? Their built-in AI helps with everything from summarizing meeting notes to drafting social posts or reworking your proposals. Because it works inside your docs and databases, it streamlines your workflow without switching tabs.

Pro tip: Start small. Try using one of these tools for a low-stakes task, like rewriting a cold pitch or summarizing a blog draft. You don’t have to "master AI" to benefit from it—you just have to experiment.

💬 FAQ: AI and Freelance Writing

Is AI going to take freelance writing jobs?

Only from people who were already underpricing themselves and/or who aren’t upskilling. AI might replace low-cost content mills—but clients who care about strategy, voice, empathy marketing, and connection still want you.

Can I use AI without being unethical?

Absolutely. Use it like a tool—not a ghostwriter. Think: brainstorming, outlining, rewriting. Don’t submit unedited AI output as your own.

Should I tell clients I use AI?

If they ask, be honest. And check the contracts before signing. Some clients have “anti-AI” clauses written into their contract – in those cases you can’t use AI with that client. For most use cases (outlining, idea generation, formatting), it’s no different than using something like Grammarly.

Isn’t using AI cheating?

Nope. Think of it like an assistant who helps you work smarter. You still own the strategy, edits, voice, most of the actual written words, overarching ideas, and final result.

What’s the best AI tool for freelance writers?

Start with ChatGPT Claude, Notion, or Lex for simplicity. Just pick one to try at first. Once you’re more confident, you can explore other tools based on your workflow.

Looking for something else?

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