Overview
Humanizing your manuscript means editing AI-generated content to make it feel like a human wrote it. While AI can help speed up writing, adding a personal touch is crucial to ensure your book resonates with readers.
This article covers:
What humanizing your manuscript means
Why it's important for success
Step-by-step instructions to humanize your content
Key information about AI-assisted content policies
What Does "Humanizing" Your Manuscript Mean?
Humanizing your manuscript means transforming AI-generated text into personal and authentic content that reflects your unique voice and perspective.
Why This Matters
Without this step, readers might sense that the book was written by AI, which could lead to:
Reader doubt about authenticity
Negative reviews
Reduced trust in your content
Humanized manuscripts better connect with readers by addressing their needs with your unique perspective and voice.
Why Humanizing Is Important
Humanizing your book is crucial for several key reasons:
Reader Trust
Readers expect authentic guidance and personal insight
AI-written content can sometimes lack the depth to fully address reader concerns or interests
Market Perception
Books that feel "AI-generated" may be considered lower quality
This perception can result in reduced sales or negative reviews
Long-Term Success
Investing time in editing and adding your personal touch increases the likelihood of:
Positive reviews
Higher sales
Better reader engagement
How to Humanize Your Manuscript
The key to humanizing your manuscript is ensuring that when readers pick up your book, they feel they're engaging with high-quality content written with their needs and interests at heart.
Step 1: Edit for Readability
Improve Sentence Flow
Look for odd sentence breaks that disrupt the reading experience
Smooth out choppy or awkward transitions between sentences
Choose Better Word Choices
Opt for more natural word selections
Example: substitute "girl" where the AI uses "female"
Replace overly formal or robotic language
Eliminate Repetition
Remove repetitive words or phrases that don't add value
Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary
Simplify Complex Language
If any part of the manuscript feels too "flowery" or excessive, simplify it
You will know if something feels like "too much"
Aim for clear, direct communication
Reorganize Structure
Edit the structure of chapters and subchapters if needed
Ask yourself: Do they make sense in the current order?
Consider: Would changing the order improve the book's flow?
Pro tip: You can reorganize this in the Outline phase!
Step 2: Infuse Your Voice
Personalize the Content
Add your unique elements throughout the book:
Your voice and writing style
Personal ideas and insights
Personal stories and experiences
Your knowledge and expertise
This is probably the most important part of humanizing your manuscript!
Ask Yourself Key Questions. Before finalizing any section, consider:
Alignment: Does this manuscript align with my vision for the book?
Expansion: How can I expand on the vision I have for the book?
Connection: How do I want to connect with my readers?
Research Integration: What insights from my customer research report can I use to make the content more relatable to my audience? (Example: incorporating appropriate slang or terminology)
Engagement: Is the writing engaging and authentic? Will my readers connect with it?
Personal Touch: If I'm connected to my topic personally, what can I add to this book that is authentically from me?
Rewrite When Necessary
If there are parts you think are not engaging or authentic:
Consider the questions above
Rewrite those sections completely
Focus on making them genuinely yours
Step 3: Make It Unique to You
Remember that no two people will approach a topic in the same way. Think about how you can add your unique perspective to help make your book sound like it was written specifically by you.
Ways to Add Uniqueness
Include your personal experiences with the topic
Share your specific methodology or approach
Add case studies or examples from your work
Include your opinions and viewpoints
Use your natural speaking style and tone
Important Information About AI-Assisted Content
Amazon's AI Policy
You can mark your manuscript as AI-assisted on Amazon
This is acceptable and allowed under their current policies
Copyright Eligibility Requirements
You want sufficient edits to qualify for copyright protection
The US Copyright Office requires "sufficient human authorship" to be eligible for copyright
Reference: Check out the "Copyrighting Your Book" lesson in your AIA modules
At approximately 3:15 in that lesson, we discuss achieving "sufficient human authorship"
AI Detection Tools
Don't worry about AI Checkers!
They are notoriously unreliable and unnecessary
Amazon is fine with AI-assisted content
You are good to go as long as you feel confident that you've thoroughly edited and humanized your book
Positive Impact
When done correctly, humanizing your manuscript can:
Boost sales performance
Improve your book reviews
Increase reader satisfaction
Build author credibility
Key Takeaways
Humanizing your AI-generated manuscript is just as important as the writing process itself.
The 90/10 Rule
AI can get you most of the way there (approximately 90%)
The final 10% of your personal touch makes all the difference
This final 10% is what transforms good content into great content
Success Formula
With careful editing and thoughtful personalization, you'll create a book that:
Satisfies your readers' needs
Showcases your authentic voice
Stands out in the marketplace
Builds long-term reader relationships
Bottom Line
The time invested in humanizing your manuscript will pay dividends in reader satisfaction, positive reviews, and increased sales success.