Proofreading Tools: Which Apps Work Best for Fiction Writers?
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Article by: Deborah Patten, freelance writer at Globe Soup.
Why is proofreading so important?
You wouldn't go onto an online booking site or store and merrily fill in all the blanks and then go straight to the make payment section without checking that everything is correct, would you? You have spent a lot of time and effort in writing your story. It is essential to go back and check before submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher or entering it into a competition. You need to ensure that it is the best version it can be. Not only for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes but taking an in-depth dive into your story. To make it easier to follow, more enjoyable to read and more likely to succeed. A clean, clear accurate copy will improve the reader experience and give you the edge that you need. A thorough proofreading is your last line of defense.
Proofreading software: so what is it?
Proofreading apps apply artificial intelligence (AI) to check your writing.
AI involves programming computers to behave and think like human beings. But it still has a long way to go.
But you have Microsoft Word's spelling checker. Isn't that enough? Yes, it is a start. But it just checks every word as you type it against a dictionary.
Proofreading and editing apps are way more than just spelling checkers. They check grammar and style. These are much harder to find than a simple spelling error. Grammatical errors depend on context. And this is where AI steps in.
Okay, so I need a good proofreading app. But there are so many out there. How do I choose? In this post, we highlight the best that is on offer. And most importantly the ones most suitable to you as a fiction writer.
Grammarly: FREE / $29.95 pm
Best for students and casual writers. General proofreading.
We start with Grammarly as it is the best known App currently on the market.
It is often listed as the best proofreading tool available.
Pros:
In terms of Grammar checking it does the job.
It is compatible with most programs, letting you write, edit, proof and publish in one place.
Easiest to use. The clean interface requires minimal learning time.
Good last check for typo errors.
Finds repetitive words or phrases.
Notices "picky" details like spacing errors.
Has the smartest AI of all apps.
The "Change All" option is great for getting rid of pervasive errors.
Basic suggestions are free. Advance including tone in the paid version.
Cons:
Not foolproof.
Don't fully trust it as it can give false positives.
Not to be used for self-publishing.
English only.
Does not give feedback on style or big-picture writing.
Only highlights basic style issues.
ProWritingAid: FREE / $20 pm $79 per year
Best for students and authors. Books and long blog posts.
In my opinion the best option for fiction writers. The Premium version offers tips for improving transitions, vocabulary and overall readability. Also suggests improved story structure. This makes it much more suitable for fiction writers than Grammarly. It is designed for fiction writers.
Pros:
Compatible with almost as many devices as Grammarly.
Capable of generating over 20 high-quality proof and writing reports.
Catches common grammar errors
Addresses word choices as well as repetitiveness issues.
Purpose-built to work directly with Scrivener files.
Affordable, Cheaper than Grammarly.
Supports long-form docs.
Focuses on fragmented sentences, but Grammarly does not.
Delivers on both PC and MAC.
Combines efficient grammar and spelling checker with stylistic tools to become aware of writing Peccadillos. No, that is not a Mexican takeaway. This relates to the overuse of adverbs, run ons, passive words etc.
Offers more clarity.
Has a Plagiarism checker.
Gives the most information of all the free versions.
Cons:
The large number of report options can be overwhelming to first-time users.
Mobile support can be lagging and slow.
The free version is limited to 5 words.
Usability and design: somewhat awkward. Suggestions can disappear if you move your mouse.
Hemingway Editor: $19.99
Best for Big picture feedback.
Pros:
Great for improving sentence structure and writing style.
Helps you to deliver better readability.
Easy to read. Aesthetically pleasing with its bright colours and large font. Would suit visual readers who have a good grasp of grammar and do not need a detailed checker.
Calls out passive voice and overuses Adverbs and run-ons.
Also flags over complicated wording and terms.
Desktop and Mobile versions.
Cons:
Does not check spelling or grammar or pick up punctuation errors.
Can not be used with Chrome or other browsers without plugins.
Can suggest changes that will lose style and voice so be careful.
Ginger: FREE / $19.99 pm
Best for Casual Writers.
Pros:
Basic spelling.
The strongest feature is the rephrasing tool.
Read aloud feature.
Translation to most languages.
Most comprehensive compared to Grammarly.
Great for spelling and grammar checking in Words Facebook, GMail and Linkedin.
Cons:
Does not work with Google Docs.
Not thorough, and does not spot things like double spaces or possessives. But ok to rephrase poorly written sentences.
Antidote: $59.95 per year or $119 Lifetime
Best for Academics and Authors
Pros:
Proofreading without internet access,
Great with those with privacy concerns or data security issues and of course poor internet access.
At 25 years it is one of the oldest proof writing tools.
Works on Web, Mobile, Chrome and Safari. Mobile is only in iOS.
Supports French.
Reasonably priced.
Picks up both grammatical and typographical errors.
Gives suggestions on style and vocabulary.
Assist with reader and gender neutrality.
Cons:
No plagiarism checker.
Requires some configuration to set up.
No free versions.
Autocrit: Free /$30 pm
Built especially for authors and fiction writers.
Pros:
Great for editing fiction and novels.
Focuses on word choice, repetition, pacing, dialogue and emotional tone.
Gives members access to a community of writers which offers premium content, guides and info. Similar to Globe Soup.
30 Plus editing reports
14 Day free trial option.
Looks for areas that need attention.
Tightens up stories.
Strong Suggestions.
Best used for development edits, rewrites and avoiding common writing mistakes.
Cons:
Expensive.
No plug-ins or apps for Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
.
Quillbot: FREE / $19.95 pm
Suitable for any type of writer.
Pros:
Helps with paraphrasing, summarising and generating citations.
Also checks grammar.
Free version as a browser extension.
Helpful and a great starting tool.
Cons:
Fewer features like spotting overused words or repetition.
Nothing can take the place of a human editor. But we don't all have access to one of those. You need to choose the AI proofreading App best suited to your needs and your current skill level. Based on my research I would recommend Pro Writing Aid and Autocrit as best for fiction writers.
Antidote is a great option if you can afford it and have limited internet access or security concerns.
Don't forget that Globe Soup also provides a free downloadable editing checklist.
Good luck and happy writing and proof checking.
Deborah Patten: Wildlife and Nature lover. Explorer. Dreamer. Writer.
Every dawn brings a new adventure. Join me.