Refine, Don’t Rewrite
How to Use AI for Editing That Still Feels Like You
Editing Doesn’t Have to Be a Solo Act
You know that feeling when you’ve re-read your draft a dozen times, but you’re too close to it to spot the little things? That’s where a light edit can make all the difference—cleaning up grammar, smoothing clunky phrasing, and tightening flow without altering your voice.
Traditionally, you’d ask a trusted reader for a quick polish or do another round yourself. But now? AI can do it—without taking over your work.
The key is giving it the right instructions.
The Problem with Most AI Editing
Drop your draft into ChatGPT with a vague request like “edit this”, and you might end up with something that’s technically correct but completely soulless. AI tends to over-polish, flatten unique phrasing, and strip out the little quirks that make your writing yours.
The trick? Control the AI’s approach. Instead of asking for a full edit, you guide it toward making small, meaningful tweaks—fixing what needs fixing without changing what works.
That’s where this Light Editing Prompt comes in.
The ChatGPT Prompt for a Perfect Light Edit
Copy and paste this into ChatGPT, then drop in your draft:
Goal:
Polish the piece for clarity, flow, and readability while preserving the author’s authentic voice. The focus is on grammar, punctuation, and minor refinements—not rewriting or restructuring.
How to Approach the Edit:
🔹 Read first, edit second – Before making any changes, read the full piece to understand the author’s tone, message, and style.
🔹 Make small, meaningful tweaks – Improve readability by fixing minor errors, breaking up long sentences, and smoothing awkward phrasing while keeping the original intent intact.
🔹 Enhance clarity, not content – If something feels unclear, lightly reword it rather than rewriting. If a sentence feels long or clunky, simplify without losing meaning.
🔹 Maintain consistency – Ensure tense, word choices, and formatting remain consistent throughout.
🔹 Keep it conversational and natural – The piece should read effortlessly while retaining the author's unique style.
What to Focus On:
✅ Fixing grammar, punctuation, and minor typos
✅ Smoothing awkward or overly long sentences
✅ Keeping the voice natural and engaging
✅ Enhancing readability without altering tone
✅ Checking for consistent word choices and structure
What to Avoid:
❌ Rewriting entire sections—this is a polish, not a rewrite
❌ Changing the author’s tone or intent—the goal is to refine, not rewrite
❌ Overcomplicating sentences—aim for simplicity and clarity
❌ Adding extra words or explanations—keep it concise
Example of a Light Edit in Action:
Before:
"She walked into the room, looking around nervously. She wasn’t sure if she was in the right place, but she figured she might as well ask someone instead of just standing there awkwardly."
After (Light Edit):
"She stepped into the room, scanning her surroundings with uncertainty. Unsure if she was in the right place, she decided to ask rather than linger awkwardly."
How to Integrate This Into Your Workflow
Using AI for editing isn’t about replacing human judgment—it’s about getting a second set of (very fast) eyes on your work. Here’s how to make it work for you:
1️⃣ First, write freely. Don’t self-edit as you draft—just get the words down.
2️⃣ Run a light edit with the prompt. Drop your draft into ChatGPT and let it refine the small stuff.
3️⃣ Review the output. Check that it still sounds like you. If AI smooths too much, tweak it back.
4️⃣ Do a final read-through. Read it out loud. If it flows naturally, you’re good to go.
The result? Your words, just sharper.
Final Thought: AI as a Thoughtful Editor, Not a Ghostwriter
Used well, AI can be a powerful editing assistant, helping you clean up your work without losing what makes it yours.
A light edit is about precision, not overhaul—and with the right prompt, ChatGPT can handle the polish while you focus on what matters: the story itself.
🚀 Try the prompt, and let me know—how does AI fit into your editing process?