Editors

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 7 (33%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 13 (62%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (5%)

• Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Arrange for copyright permissions.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task