My Story: Guiding Freelance Writers in the Age of AI

Hey, let me tell you a bit about where I'm coming from. I'm Hill Menchavez, a 36-year-old dad, and like many of you, I'm trying to figure out how to navigate this crazy AI world.

My journey, and my day job, revolves around helping freelance blog writers do just that.

My background is a bit unique. I've worked as a registered nurse, which taught me an incredible amount about people, empathy, and the intricate ways we communicate.

Now, as an Outreach Manager, I work remotely, directly with a talented pool of freelance blog writers. We've collaborated on over 1,600 articles across more than 40 different industries – from cybersecurity to cosmetic dentistry, real estate to fitness.

This hands-on role has given me a front-row seat to the shifts in the content world, especially how AI is changing the writing game. It's also shown me what it takes to produce content that truly resonates and achieves a high publish rate, something we've managed to do 74% of the time.

The AI Disruption: A Familiar Feeling

If you're a freelance writer, you're probably feeling the ground shift beneath your feet, much like the writers I work with daily. AI tools are popping up everywhere, promising to churn out blog posts at lightning speed.

It's easy to start worrying about being replaced, about your hard-earned skills being devalued, or feeling that income instability that so many creative professionals now face. I get it; I’ve been there in my own way, wondering how my own skills would measure up in an evolving industry and how to maintain a stable path.

Facing the Truth, Together

What I've learned, and what I emphasize to the writers I guide, is that it's crucial to face the truth head-on. AI is changing things, and it's not going away.

But here's the thing: AI has limitations. It can generate text, sure, but it often misses the nuance, the personal experience, the strategic thinking, and the genuine connection that comes from a human writer.

Think of it like fast food – it might fill a gap quickly, but it's rarely the same as a home-cooked meal, crafted with care, attention, and a deep understanding of who you're cooking for. Some clients might opt for the speed of "fast food" content, but many others still seek, and will pay for, the depth and quality that a skilled human writer provides.

My experience has shown me that businesses still value, and desperately need, writers who can be strategic partners, not just text generators.

Finding Our Value, Amplifying Our Strengths

So, how do we adapt and ensure we're seen as those valued partners? It starts by focusing on what we, as human writers, bring to the table that AI can't replicate.

This includes strategic thinking, a deep understanding of your client's audience, and bringing unique insights from genuine experience and critical thought. It’s also about mastering that "secret sauce" of brand voice and personality that makes content truly distinctive.

My work involves helping writers streamline their research and outlining, enhance their drafting speed where appropriate with AI, but most importantly, maintain those high standards of originality and quality. This allows them to focus on the high-value aspects of writing – the strategy, the empathy, the unique human touch that clients pay premium rates for.

I want to help you do that too, whether you're part of my daily team or a fellow writer looking for ways to navigate this new terrain.

My Approach: Experience, Honesty, and a Willingness to Help

Personally, I'm all about honest, direct communication. I figure, if I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but I'm going to be upfront about what I've learned through my experiences managing and guiding writers across so many fields.

I try not to judge, because we're all on our own journey, facing our own challenges, and trying to achieve our own dream outcomes – like establishing a sustainable, premium service or being seen as an indispensable strategic partner.

What works for one might not work for another, but I'm happy to share my experiences in case they're helpful in preventing some of those worst fears, like skills becoming obsolete or being unable to differentiate your value.

I believe in taking responsibility and doing the best with what you've got. No point in blaming others; that just wastes energy.

And while hard work is important, don't be a slave to it. Remember, even Superman needs to recharge in the Fortress of Solitude! We all need that space to think, adapt, and grow.

Looking Ahead: A Place for Skilled Human Writers

The AI world can seem daunting, but I truly believe there's a strong, vital place for human writers who are willing to adapt, focus on their unique strengths, and keep learning. My story has been about supporting writers in this, and I hope that by sharing it, I can help others feel more confident and equipped for what's next.

And hey, a little humor never hurts, right?