Most professional writers say they're now using AI tools for their work, and most also say that they think AI tools will lead to decreased opportunities for writers, according to recent research from Gotham Ghostwriters and Josh Bernoff.

The report was based on data from a survey of 1,190 writing professionals (content marketing writers, journalists, ghostwriters, thought leadership writers, etc.).

More than a quarter (26%) of professional writers say they use AI tools daily for writing, editing, or research; 19% say they use AI tools at least weekly; and 16% say they sometimes use AI tools.

The researchers classified 15% of respondents as 'advanced' (use AI daily; perform 6+ different types of tasks with AI weekly), 17% as 'basic' (perform 3-5 different tasks with AI weekly), 29% as 'dabbler' (use AI at least sometimes or performs up to two different tasks with AI weekly), and 39% as 'nonuser' (use AI rarely or never, perform no tasks with AI weekly).

Thought leadership writers are the most likely to say they use AI tools daily (33% do so).

Among professional writers who use AI, the most popular tools are ChatGPT and Grammarly.

Advanced AI users are significantly more likely to say they use certain tools like Claude, Perplexity, and Notebook LM compared with other groups.

Professional writers say they're using AI tools most often to suggest possible headlines and titles, as a replacement for search, and to brainstorm.

Some 73% of respondents say they believe AI will lead to decreased opportunity for professional writers.

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey of 1,190 writing professionals (content marketing writers, journalists, ghostwriters, thought leadership writers, etc.).