The AI Draft Handoff Gap: 5 Steps to Human-Ready Content
AI drafts often fall short of publication standards. Here's a systematic approach to bridge the gap between raw AI output and content that actually connects with readers.
The AI Draft Handoff Gap: 5 Steps to Human-Ready Content
AI generates decent first drafts, but they're rarely ready for human consumption. The gap between AI output and publishable content is predictable—and fixable.
The Common Handoff Problems
Generic voice: AI defaults to corporate-speak and hedge words ("may," "could," "potentially")
Weak structure: Ideas flow logically but lack narrative tension or clear takeaways
Surface-level insights: Points are technically correct but miss nuance and practical application
No personality: Content reads like it was written by committee
5-Step Revision Process
1. Extract the Core Argument
Read the AI draft once. Then close it and write one sentence: "This piece argues that ___."
If you can't complete that sentence clearly, the draft lacks focus. Start there.
2. Rewrite the Opening
AI openings are typically weak. Replace with:
- A specific example or scenario
- A counterintuitive statement
- A concrete problem the reader faces
Skip introductions that explain what the piece will cover.
3. Add Supporting Evidence
AI often makes claims without backing them up. For each major point, add:
- Specific examples
- Data points
- Personal experience or case studies
- Links to sources
4. Inject Personality
Remove hedge words: Delete "might," "could," "potentially" unless uncertainty is the point
Use active voice: "Companies should consider" becomes "Consider"
Add opinions: Where does the author disagree with conventional wisdom?
Include personal stakes: Why does this matter to the writer?
5. Test for Skimmability
Most readers scan before reading. Check:
- Subheadings tell a story on their own
- First sentence of each paragraph contains the key point
- Lists and bullet points break up text walls
- Bold text highlights important concepts
Quality Checkpoints
The specificity test: Could this apply to any industry/situation, or is it tailored to the reader?
The expertise test: Does this piece demonstrate knowledge beyond what's publicly available?
The action test: After reading, what concrete step would someone take?
Implementation
Start with one piece of AI-generated content. Apply these five steps systematically. Time yourself—this process should take 30-60 minutes for a 1,000-word piece.
The goal isn't perfect prose. It's content that sounds human and provides genuine value.