The Write Software: Editing
Oh No! I said it! Editing Software! Editing Software! Editing Software! Okay, I'm done being silly. Seriously though this list is in no way a guide to replacing a professional or human editor. These are just a few ways to help catch basic errors and possibly save a few bucks in the editing process.
Free Software
Hemingway Editor- I personally haven't tried it but many of my writing peers enjoy this program immensely. It's not as flashy as Grammarly, but it does have a desktop app.
Basic layout but functional
Grammarly- Yes, I know that Grammarly offers a paid subscription to access their full features, but if you write short stories and don't mind using a web browser to edit your work, the free version is just fine.
Fancy layout but similar features as Hemingway
Paid Software
Grammarly Premium
I have a premium subscription and "I put that ish on
Pricing
- Monthly Subscription $29.95/month
- Quarterly Subscription $19.95/month billed as one payment of $59.95
- Annual Subscription $11.95/month billed as one payment of$139.95
For a detailed review and a 20% discount on the premium version, check out Grammarly Review 2019 by Brian Collins on becomeawritertoday.com
Fictionary
Fictionary is meant to be an extra editing layer between your self-edits and a professional editor. I found it to be a little cumbersome with a slight learning curve even after watching the provided tutorials.
The best feature: Being able to see your plot points in graph form.
The worst feature: Only able to work on one project at a time.
Pricing
- Offers a 14 day free trial no credit card needed
- Monthly Subscription $20
- Annual Subscription $200
For a detailed review of Fictionary Click Here
AutoCrit
Biggest Claim to fame is being able to compare your work to Best Sellers in your genre.
Best Feature: Whatever algorithms they use, it actually works! I got lots of positive feedback from my beta readers and editor after submitting a short story I put through the program.
Worst Features*: It's a web-based app so not good if you have slow internet or a computer with not enough functional memory. I have issues with it lagging or freezing up when working with larger documents (close to their 50K max word suggestion). Also no reliable autosave, have to manually save before switching tabs otherwise your editing progress will be lost.
Pricing
- Basic Plan $10/month No comparison feature and limited to 1000 words at a time
- Professional Plan $30/month Comparison Feature, genre preference, customized report
- Elite Plan $80/month adds an author spotlight and writing courses to the Professional Plan
- Deals on Membership: 14-day Trial for $1 if you sign up for the professional or Elite plan. NaNoWriMo 2018 deal $45 for three months (what I am currently using)
Check out this article by TechRadar for a detailed review
*Update 5/20/2019: I can't honestly recommend AutoCrit as I had a terrible customer service experience with the billing department. Was over charged several times despite paying for several months in advance. I was refunded but cancelled my subscription because I rather not have to worry about random funds being pulled from my accounts.
WhiteSmoke Writing Assistant
WhiteSmoke is another option that I have just started playing with. I haven't used it much but it seems to be comparable to Grammarly and Hemmingway just without the fancy platform.
Features
- Online, mobile, and computer based software
- Grammar checker
- plagiarism checker
- Translator
- Tiered Subscription Plan
Pricing
- Essential (online only) $8.33/month billed as $49.95 for the year
- Premium (online and software download) $13.33/month billed as $79.99 for the year
- Business (online and software up to three computers) $22.99/month billed as $137.94 for the year
Mobile App can be included with each for an additional $1
So that's it for the editing software that I am aware of. If there are any others you use or have heard of feel free to put it in the comment section below!