Real questions from writing job applications (and my answers)
Searching for new clients isn’t for the faint of heart. I had the benefit of avoiding the job search process for most of 2026 because I was lucky enough to work for a startup eLearning company, LXA. While at LXA, I spearheaded editorial agenda creation for their flagship martech/digital transformation conference AntiCon, based in London. This involved conducting speaker research, outreach, and coordination. I got to interview many smart marketing executives and help them clarify their sessions for the AntiCon agenda. It was a tremendous learning experience and a great way to employ my research, interviewing, and journalism skills in a new way (e.g., beyond straightforward content writing.)
Alas, all good things must end. The conference took place in May and my contract ended in June. I’m once again open to work and finding the content ecosystem has shifted quite a bit, particularly when it comes to how AI plays a role in just about every job description. I’ve been answering questions about my own approach to creating content using AI. The questions are fascinating and have helped me unpack my current process, something I’ve developed over the past four years of working with many different AI tools. Got a question for me? Send me a note and I’ll add it to this list.
Please explain how you'd review an AI-generated draft. How do you edit around consistency, accuracy, tone, and positioning.
I view AI-generated drafts as if they're outlines versus finished pieces. I never generate an entire piece of content in one sitting, though I have edited (and rewritten) complete drafts when a client asks. When I work with AI to create a new piece, I typically write in content chunks, so I can edit, refine, check facts, and redirect as I move through a piece. I create AI guidelines and guardrails prior to drafting content, and check the output against these guidelines, which is how I ensure consistency, tone, etc. I think of it like those gutter protectors in bowling. They prevent the ball from going in the gutter and recorrect to keep the ball in pay. I guess that makes me a gutter corrector when it comes to AI writing.
Briefly describe a content system or publishing framework you built from scratch. What problem did it solve?
The content systems I’ve created are generally for a party of one (me). Typically I’ll build a project in Claude or Abacus that includes content guidelines, a list of AI tells to avoid, and clear direction. I often have the AI help me create the guidelines based on client kickoff calls and other background materials. I do all content creation in the relevant project, and pull in additional AI tools for research and planning. Every step content creation has a designated process (steps include kickoff, brief review, outline creation (if needed), research and drafting, QA/fact validation, and final editorial review which happens prior to submitting version 1 of the draft. Having a well-thought out process solves the problem of guesswork and ensures that anything created or assisted using AI is thoroughly reviewed, factual, and (importantly) sounds fully human and on brand.
Last question for all the marbles: Give me your best joke
The best joke is on me. In 2018, I pivoted to writing content full-time after managing paid search campaigns for over a decade. Refocusing my career on content three years before AI was about to totally disrupt content is objectively hysterical.