Editor's Toolkit: LLMs and Content Development - Page 2

EDITOR'S TOOLKIT: LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Strategy Overview: How to Work Chapter by Chapter and Learn as You Go

Writing a book takes time, and time is a precious commodity. Even the most experienced academics and educators may find that writing for students presents new and unique challenges. However, using a Large Language Model to generate a lot of content very rapidly can yield less than optimal results, and then wind up taking even more time to revise. Below is a simple sequence of steps that can help.

Do work, write, and revise chapter by chapter. Don’t rely on a Large Language Model to generate a first draft, or even multiple chapters, quickly. This is not your own original writing and not copyrightable.
Do carefully review the results of any ideas or brainstorming generated by a Large Language Model. Don’t assume that the writing will be clear, grammatically correct, or 100% accurate.
Do clear up repeated vocabulary and wording first to improve and elevate the writing. Don’t rely on the same words/wording over and over again, since readers will quickly lose interest.
Do check to make sure that each chapter has a clearly indicated beginning and ending, with an appropriate heading. Group like items (introductions, conclusions, summaries) together and place them in the right spot. Don’t leave random content pieces stranded in the middle of the main body.
Do remove endless numbered or bullet point lists. Rewrite those ideas and transform those lists into paragraphs. Then, read them carefully and revise as needed to make sure they are written in complete sentences. Add your own commentary. It will better represent your knowledge, experience, and authentic voice. Don’t leave the chapter looking like a shopping list, which can make students remember “items,” but not ideas.
Do make use of tables instead of repeated “groups of three” to add visual interest, allow for effective comparison and ease of reference, and support better retention of information. Don’t stifle reader engagement with pages and pages of overly broad, seemingly disconnected explanations.
Do verify examples. Use clear wording to indicate when something is theoretical rather than verifiable. Model how fact can be distinguished from fiction. Don’t risk inadvertently including inaccurate or fuzzy information that could mislead readers.

Working chapter by chapter is a great way to acquire new writing skills, build your own confidence as an author, showcase your experience and expertise, and create a textbook that represents the real you. Soon, with each new chapter, you will very naturally begin using the strategies and skills you’ve learned. Your students will benefit, and it will be a joy to see your name on the cover of a book you wrote.