Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts. #141 Solo Episode: Estelle's Edge on How AI Is Disrupting Content Marketing—And What Writers Should Do Next
AI is disrupting the writing industry—fast. But what does that mean for you as a freelance writer, content creator, or journalist?
In this Summer Shorts with Estelle solo episode, I share my editorial perspective on the recent Chicago Sun-Times controversy involving an AI-generated listicle that included fake book titles attributed to real authors.
You'll learn:
-
Why listicles and content marketing assignments are disappearing [3:38]
-
What types of editorial content are most vulnerable to AI outsourcing [6:09]
-
How ghostwriting and white papers are emerging as higher-paying, human-centered alternatives [9:30]
-
Why editorial integrity and fact-checking are more essential than ever in the AI era [11:13]
-
How to tell the difference between short-term panic and long-term opportunity [11:51]
Want context on where the industry is heading? Don't miss my 2025 Forecast episode:
How to Steer Through the Publishing Gauntlet https://estelleserasmus.com/119-solo-episode-estelles-edge-on-steering-through-the-publishing-gauntlet/
And if you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:
How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond
In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.
📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ
About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.
✨ Explore More: 📚 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the Book | Listen to the Audiobook📬 Subscribe on Substack – Craft tips, pitch advice & exclusive podcast extras. Latest posts Stop Counting Words. Start Shaping Your Story (and a bonus for paid subscribers) and How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen🎧 Freelance Writing Direct – Interviews, insights & behind-the-scenes publishing tips
Follow Estelle: 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🐦 Twitter | 🌐 BlueSky