There is also a text reader built into recent versions of MS Word that works well, though it sends your text to Microsoft’s servers so is not as private as Balabolka which runs entirely on your local computer.Īre there other tools you find useful for writing and proofing? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear about them. You can also create new themes, if you dont like any of. Even after all the other tools have done their work, reading out loud as you follow the written text always, always catches more errors. You can choose from a variety of themes that change how the background and page look in FocusWriter. I’ve started using Balbolka, a free text-to-speech reader for MS Windows to speak the text as I proof-read. To compensate, I use ProWritingAid and other grammar checkers, and proof-read multiple times (using different fonts… it’s amazing what jumps out when you switch to a monospace typeface or anything other than what you’re used to). Too bad that’s impossible: no one can really edit their own work. LanguageTool can also be added to MS Word, Google Docs, Chrome, and Firefox, plus there’s a stand-alone version to download.īalabolka text-to-speech: I rarely have the luxury of beta readers or an editor, so I rely on editing my own stuff. Drag and drop scenes inside your document until its just the way you want it. Other free grammar checkers I’ve used (in the order I’ve found them useful):Īlso, if you use LibreOffice, ditch the bundled Lightproof grammar checker and install the LanguageTool extension. Write your novel one scene or chapter at a time. There’s a limited free version, but it’s well worth the small annual subscription cost. odt files too, but doesn’t have a plug-in for LibreOffice: you have to use the stand-alone or web version to check. Integrates with MS Word and Google Docs, plus there’s a Windows-based stand-alone version and web version to check documents created in anything else. It can comment on dialog, style, overused words, and much more. ProWritingAid catches all the usual basic grammar mistakes, plus it can be set for creative writing (instead of business writing like Grammarly and the grammar checker in MS Word). ProWritingAid: For fiction, I find this grammar tool much better than the heavily advertised Grammarly, plus it’s much less expensive. Supposed to also run on Linux via Mono, but I’ve never been able to get that to work. Windows only, but there’s also a Android/iOS version of sorts. Excellent for keeping track of all those pesky details in larger works and to easily move scenes around. YWriter: Many professional authors use Scrivener for books, but many of the same concepts are in the free yWriter: allows you to break works into scenes which can then be grouped into chapters, and provides worksheets for characters, locations, items and goals. This video gives an overview of starting a writing project and how to set the preferences to fit your workflow. Check out my more detailed post about it here. FocusWriter is a word processor with writing-specific features. Comparable to Scrivener but with far fewer features and thus less intimidating. SmartEdit Writer: A wonderful writing tool with outlining, places for notes and research and some built-in grammar and style checking tools. Cross platform: runs on Windows, Linux and MacOS. I use this for everything except the final draft, and can easily move the same document between FocusWriter, MS Word, and LibreOffice for further editing and grammar checks. Many useful features such as basic document navigation where you can set a section indicator (I use four tilde characters) and a pop-out sidebar lets to jump to each section. Edit in MS Word, LibreOffice, or plain text formats. Hides all the desktop clutter and distractions so you can focus on your words. If you have a subreddit you think would be great featured here, please send us a modmail message with a link and we will check it out and let you know if it is something we feel would be a good fit here.These are some writing tools I’ve found useful to craft my filthy stories:įocusWriter: A free,simple, distraction-free writing editor. No kidding! It can be done, and is - every November. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a month where ordinary people write novels. If you need anything: have a look at the links in the sidebar, hit up the IRC room or Discord Channel (note: might not be active until November), and unleash your inner writer! See you all at the finish line! Please note that this community is not supported or affiliated with the official National Novel Writers Month organization in any way.
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