5 Signs Your Content Was Written by AI (and Why That’s a Problem for Authors)
At Transcendent Publishing, we believe in empowering authors to share their message with clarity, credibility, and impact. That’s why we need to address a growing issue we’re seeing more often: AI-generated content that hasn’t been properly edited.
Whether it’s a manuscript from a potential client or a social media post circulating online, unedited AI writing is easy to spot, and unfortunately, it often undermines the message. If you're copying and pasting raw AI output, there are telltale signs that scream, “AI wrote this.” To some readers, that can cost you credibility.
Let’s be clear: we’re not against AI. It’s a powerful tool when used for the right purposes, such as brainstorming book ideas, refining chapter titles, or assisting with research and outlines. (Never for actual book writing or editing.) When it comes to your book’s content, we strongly advise against running it through AI at all.
Why? Because your manuscript is your intellectual property. Uploading it to AI tools means feeding your original work into a system that could, in turn, train itself to support your competition and offer your ideas.
Even more importantly, AI can’t replicate the nuance, voice, or emotional resonance of human storytelling. That’s why the actual writing and editing of your book should always be done by the author and a professional book editor.
That said, if you’re using AI for blog posts, emails, or social media content, always edit before you hit publish.
Here are five red flags to watch for, along with examples and quick fixes.
1. Overuse of Em Dashes
AI loves em dashes and tends to overuse them, often in places where a simple period or comma would work better. Now, I appreciate a well-placed em dash as much as the next writer, but not in every other sentence.
Overdone Example:
Writing a book is a journey—it takes time, energy, consistency—and let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster—it’s not for the faint of heart.
Fix Option (clean, with one em dash):
Writing a book is a journey—it takes time, effort, and consistency. Let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster; it's not for the faint of heart.
Fix Option (no em dashes):
Writing a book takes time, effort, and consistency. Let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster; it’s not for the faint of heart.
Pro Tip: Use em dashes sparingly—for emphasis or interruption—not as a replacement for every other punctuation mark. (See what I did there?) And if you’re not sure when to use a hyphen, en dash, or em dash, here’s a helpful guide.
2. Fragmented or Implied Questions
This is a newer trend popping up in AI-generated content: short, punchy sentence fragments posed as questions for dramatic effect. They’re not grammatically complete, and when overused, they lose their impact.
Overdone Example:
You want to write a book. But time? You barely have any. And support? You feel alone. Confidence? Still missing.
Fix Option (clean and direct):
You want to write a book, but you're short on time, lacking support, and feeling unsure of yourself.
Fix Option (light use for effect):
You want to write a book. But confidence? That part grows with every word you write.
Pro Tip: One rhetorical or fragment-style question can add flair—just don’t build your whole message around them.
3. Too Many Sentence Fragments
AI often writes in short, clipped fragments. While this can add emphasis or rhythm, using too many in a row makes your writing feel disjointed and hard to follow. It can disrupt the pacing of your writing.
Overdone Example:
You’ve got a message. A story. A calling. Ready to inspire the world.
Fix Option (balanced):
You’ve got a message—a story and a calling—and you're ready to inspire the world.
Fix Option (clear and structured):
You have a message, a story, and a calling. You're ready to answer it and inspire the world. It’s time.
Pro Tip: Fragments work best when used intentionally and sparingly, not as a default writing style.
4. Emoji Overload 😬✨🔥📚
AI-generated content often uses emojis liberally, regardless of tone or audience. While emojis can enhance casual content, too many can make your message look immature or off-brand.
Overdone Example:
Want to write a book? 📖💡🔥 Let’s go! 🚀✨💥
Fix Option (intentional emoji use):
Want to write a book? Let’s get started. 🚀
Fix Option (no emoji):
Want to write a book? Let's get started!
Pro Tip: Emojis should enhance your message, not distract from it. Use them intentionally in informal content, like social media posts. However, when it comes to your published book, we do not recommend using emojis at all. They can undermine the professionalism and credibility of your work.
5. Excessive Bold Text
AI tools often bold multiple words and phrases for emphasis, which ends up looking loud, cluttered, and amateurish.
Overdone Example:
Writing a book is a journey. You need clarity, support, and determination to see it through.
Fix Option (minimal emphasis):
Writing a book is a journey. You need clarity, support, and determination to see it through.
Fix Option (no bolding):
Writing a book is a journey. You need clarity, support, and determination to see it through.
Pro Tip: Use bold text sparingly—only when you truly want a word or phrase to stand out, and ideally, no more than once or twice per section. When it comes to your published book, we recommend using italics for emphasis instead.
Use AI Strategically, Not Creatively
AI can be a powerful assistant, but it should never replace your voice.
At Transcendent Publishing, we encourage authors to treat AI output as a starting point, not a final product. Use it to brainstorm, research, or outline if it helps you move forward. But when it comes time to write your manuscript—or polish it—trust a human. Better yet, trust a professional editor who understands your voice, your message, and your reader.
Your words carry energy that your audience can feel. Your work is uniquely yours. And when you hand too much of it over to a machine, you risk removing the very thing that makes your writing powerful: you.
So use AI wisely, but never remove yourself from the process. You are what gives your message soul.
Need help crafting or editing your manuscript?
At Transcendent Publishing, we offer book coaching and professional editing for authors who are ready to stand out. We never run your manuscript through AI because your words deserve thoughtful attention, not automation. Let’s bring your message to life with real impact and the expert support you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can support you.