AI vs. Author: Are Writers Losing Work to Machines in 2025

If you make a purchase after clicking on links within this article, Lee Enterprises may earn affiliate commissions. The news and editorial departments had no role in the creation or display of this content.

Ever since ChatGPT first launched, some writers – especially freelancers – have been questioning how it might impact their income. With uncertainty around how Google would handle AI-generated content, many businesses were hesitant to fully replace their writing teams. Instead, they cautiously experimented, using tools to verify whether their writers were sticking to human-created content. Now that business owners may have a better understanding of how to use AI as a supportive tool, such as enhancing photos with tools such as portraitpal.ai,  rather than a total replacement, it’s time to take a serious look: Are writers actually losing work to machines in 2025? The observations in this article are based on industry trends and current market conditions and should not be taken as guaranteed forecasts.

There is a Decline in Freelance Writing Jobs

While AI hasn't completely replaced human writers, some freelancers report a noticeable decline in available writing opportunities, especially for entry-level and general content creators. Many businesses, particularly small to mid-sized ones, may be turning to AI tools to handle bulk content needs like blog posts, product descriptions, newsletters, and social media captions. These tools may be able to produce content in seconds, possibly at a fraction of the cost of hiring a freelance writer. This shift has made it more difficult for freelancers to command the rates they once did, especially if they aren’t offering something AI can’t replicate – like deep industry knowledge, strategic content planning, or a unique voice.

The Reduced Demand For Writers Results in Increased Competition 

As more businesses adopt AI to generate content, the need for human writers, especially for straightforward or repetitive tasks, may have decreased. This could result in fewer job openings, which may lead to a spike in competition among freelance writers, content creators, and even journalists. Writers may now find themselves competing for fewer gigs, and clients can afford to be picky, often sifting through dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for a single job.

This surge in competition has resulted in lower rates as many talented writers undercut each other just to secure work. In today’s landscape, standing out may require more than just good writing; it calls for a unique voice, the ability to adapt, and a knack for creating value that AI can’t match.

Entry-level writing jobs appear to be less common in today’s market 

One of the most striking changes in the writing field may be the significant drop in entry-level roles. These positions used to be the backbone for new freelancers – think $40 blog posts, listicles, and other basic assignments that didn’t need extensive expertise. Typically, these gigs came from clients who had limited marketing budgets but still needed content for SEO or brand visibility.

Now, this type of work may be handed off to AI almost entirely. Some clients appear to have shifted away from paying freelancers for basic content when AI tools can generate similar outputs quickly and inexpensively. Clients who may once have accepted lower-quality human writing due to budget issues may now find AI a quicker and less expensive solution that fulfills their basic content requirements.

New Job Opportunities Have Emerged

Even though traditional writing jobs might be shrinking, the rise of AI in content creation is creating entirely new roles. Instead of wiping out writers, AI may be changing what writing jobs look like in 2025. A key new role is the AI content writer – essentially a mix where humans guide, prompt, and refine AI-generated drafts to fit a brand’s voice and goals. These pros aren’t writing from scratch; they’re crafting machine-generated content into something ready to publish.

There’s also an increasing demand for AI content proofreaders. These specialists focus on spotting AI “tells,” fixing awkward phrasing, ensuring facts are correct, and keeping everything consistent. Since AI can sometimes churn out incorrect or bland content, proofreaders play an essential role in maintaining credibility and engagement.

These newly emerging roles highlight that while some writing jobs are fading, others may be transforming. Writers who see AI as a helpful tool instead of a rival may be more likely to uncover new chances and stay connected in this evolving job market.

How to Potentially Future-Proof Your Writing Career

Conclusion

While AI may have cut down the number of traditional writing jobs, it hasn’t wiped out writers. Instead, it’s transforming the industry, encouraging writers to adapt, specialize, and find new ways to bring value that machines can’t match. Those who embrace AI as a tool instead of seeing it purely as a threat may find opportunities to thrive in this new content creation landscape.

This content is provided by a third party and doesn’t reflect the views of or an endorsement of any service by Lee Enterprises, Inc. or its affiliates. Readers are encouraged to review the terms of service of any service provider carefully. The views, thoughts and opinions in this contributor content belong solely to the writer. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute career, legal, or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making career decisions based on emerging technologies like AI.

The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission at no additional cost to you if you opt to purchase the product recommended. This goes towards supporting the advertiser's research team who are committed to only recommending high-quality products. Amber Smith is an award-winning ghostwriter who focuses on AI and health technology.