TL;DR

AI isn't just for generating first drafts. This guide shows you how to use AI throughout your entire writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, and polishing. The result? Better writing in less time, while keeping your authentic voice.

Why it matters

Most people use AI for writing in one of two ways: generating complete drafts (which often sound robotic) or not at all. The sweet spot is using AI as a collaborative tool at each stage of writing—amplifying your thinking rather than replacing it.

The AI writing workflow

Stage 1: Brainstorm

Before you write a word, get AI to help you think.

For ideas:

I need to write about [topic]. Help me brainstorm:
- 5 unique angles I could take
- Questions my audience might have
- Points that are often overlooked
- Compelling examples I could use

For scope:

I'm writing [type of content] about [topic] for [audience].
What should I definitely include? What should I avoid?
What's the one thing readers must take away?

Pro tip: Don't accept the first list. Push back: "What's missing? What would make this more interesting?"

Stage 2: Outline

Structure your piece before diving in.

Create an outline for [content type] about [topic].

Goal: [what should readers learn/feel/do]
Audience: [who they are]
Length: [target word count]
Key points I want to make:
- [point 1]
- [point 2]
- [point 3]

Make the outline detailed enough to guide writing but flexible.

Then refine:

  • "Move section 3 before section 2. Does that flow better?"
  • "The introduction feels weak. Give me 3 alternative hooks."
  • "Add a section about [topic]. Where should it go?"

Stage 3: Draft

Two approaches to drafting with AI:

Approach A: Write first, enhance later

  • Write your draft without AI
  • Use AI to improve specific sections
  • Keeps your voice front and center

Approach B: AI drafts, you sculpt

  • AI generates section drafts from your outline
  • You rewrite in your voice
  • Useful when stuck or under time pressure

Section-by-section drafting prompt:

Based on this outline, draft [section name].

Guidelines:
- Tone: [casual/professional/authoritative]
- Include: [specific points]
- Avoid: [clichés/jargon/etc.]
- Length: [word count]

Outline for this section: [paste outline]

Stage 4: Edit

Use AI as a sophisticated editor.

For clarity:

Review this text for clarity. Point out:
- Confusing sentences
- Jargon that needs explaining
- Paragraphs that are too long
- Places where I'm vague when I should be specific

[paste text]

For conciseness:

Make this 30% shorter without losing key information.
Preserve the main arguments and examples.

[paste text]

For flow:

Review the transitions between paragraphs.
Where does the flow feel choppy? Suggest improvements.

[paste text]

For strength:

Identify the weakest parts of this piece:
- Arguments that need more support
- Examples that don't land
- Sections that drag
- Claims that feel unsupported

[paste text]

Stage 5: Polish

Final refinements before publishing.

Voice consistency:

I want this piece to sound [describe your voice].
Review it and flag any sentences that feel off-brand.
Suggest revisions that match my intended voice.

[paste text]

Grammar and style:

Proofread this for:
- Grammar errors
- Typos
- Punctuation issues
- Awkward phrasing
- Consistency (spelling, capitalization, formatting)

[paste text]

Final check:

Before I publish this, give me honest feedback:
- What's the strongest part?
- What's the weakest part?
- What might I be missing?
- Any red flags?

[paste text]

Workflow by content type

Emails

  1. Brainstorm: Usually skip
  2. Draft: AI creates first version
  3. Edit: Adjust tone and specifics
  4. Polish: Quick grammar check
    Time: 2-5 minutes

Blog posts

  1. Brainstorm: Angles and examples
  2. Outline: Full structure
  3. Draft: Section by section
  4. Edit: Multiple passes
  5. Polish: Voice and grammar
    Time: 1-2 hours

Reports

  1. Brainstorm: Structure and scope
  2. Outline: Detailed sections
  3. Draft: Data-focused sections first
  4. Edit: Clarity for audience
  5. Polish: Formatting and consistency
    Time: 2-4 hours

Keeping your voice

The biggest risk with AI writing: sounding like everyone else.

Strategies:

  • Write key sentences yourself (especially openings)
  • Add personal examples AI can't know
  • Read drafts aloud—does it sound like you?
  • Edit for your quirks (specific phrases you use)
  • Let AI suggest, but you decide

Train AI on your voice:

Here are 3 examples of my writing style:
[paste examples]

Now write [new content] matching this voice.

Common mistakes

Mistake Fix
Accepting first draft as final Always edit and add your perspective
Over-relying on AI Your thinking should drive the content
Ignoring AI suggestions entirely AI catches things you miss
Same prompt for all content Adapt prompts to content type

What's next

Expand your AI writing skills: