Software For Writers

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By amy jane


Software to make your job easier.
Software to make your job easier.

Even the most talented writers need a little help now and then, when it is time to polish and perfect their work. Typically, that is the job of an editor, but what if you don’t have an editor? What if you are just getting started writing; have tons of ideas and no system for organizing your potential masterpiece?

Fear not my creatively disorganized friend!

There are many resources available for just this purpose. The following are just a few software products that may be exactly what you need to boost your writing to the next level.

White Smoke

You may not believe me when I tell you – there is software designed to improve your writing, which actually works. It doesn’t just clean up your spelling and fix your grammar errors. It will help you improve your choice of words by giving you alternatives and allowing you to quickly replace a dull word with a strong word that conveys your meaning with clarity. This is thanks to White Smoke’s context-sensitive thesaurus that is driven by an artificial intelligence system. You need to be connected to the Internet when using White Smoke, as it automatically sends your text to White Smoke’s AI system.

Additionally, it provides the user with an advanced dictionary and translator, a proofreading tool and over 600 writing templates.

White Smoke makes a software solution for every writer. Word enrichment depends on context, so there are various categories to choose from, such as: business, legal, medical, creative writing and general writing. Prices range from $79.95 to $125, but look out for the occasional sale price.


Writers Blocks

This is an excellent aid for the organizationally challenged writer, swimming in sticky notes both on their computer and physical desktops. They call this an idea processor because it aims to organize your many ideas and allow you to view them in blocks that can be rearranged by dragging and dropping them into place. This is extremely useful for organizing and structuring bits and pieces for a large project, like a book, allowing you to see the big picture. Prices start at $119

Style Writer

Style writer aims to polish your work like a professional by clarifying style and language problems in your text. It is more powerful than a grammar checker and helps you learn to write in a clear and uncluttered fashion, enabling your readers to get the point, and get it quickly. Prices start at $150

Wizard of Words

This software will create the structural layout of your book, article, dissertation or query letter, or any of the many daily projects of a writer. Prices start at $75




Comments

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stephhicks68 profile image

stephhicks68  says:
2 months ago

Wow - I didn't know this software existed! White Smoke, huh? I'm going to check it out. Just don't think I'm willing to part with some money yet...

Peter M. Lopez profile image

Peter M. Lopez  says:
2 months ago

My mouse is getting hung up on sticky notes all over my desk as I'm scrolling down reading this hub...literally. LOL. Nice hub.

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

Hi Steph, I was surprised to find this software existed too! It's like having an editor at your service - well, almost.

LOL, Peter! I have full size sheets of paper littering my desk and every now and then my 1-year-old comes over and pulls everything down on to the floor. She is just tall enough to reach her little fingers up to the edge!

Blogger Mom profile image

Blogger Mom  says:
2 months ago

Amy Jane, I had no idea about any of this - I'm pretty new to writing so I can't see myself buying any of this just yet, but it's so cool that it exists! =)

Mystic Biscuit profile image

Mystic Biscuit  says:
2 months ago

Great hub - I also had no idea! I'll have to check these products out. Thanks, Amy Jane!

LdsNana-AskMormon profile image

LdsNana-AskMormon  says:
2 months ago

I think that maybe I should go get me some?

tDMg

LdsNana-AskMormon

Thanx for the info!

Zsuzsy Bee profile image

Zsuzsy Bee  says:
2 months ago

This is a great hub full of info. I'm amazed at what technology is coming up with.

regards Zsuzsy

prasadjain profile image

prasadjain  says:
2 months ago

Well , that may be useful. But such mechanised things may be enough for writing project papers, reports, etc, but may not be of much for creative writings like literery essays, poetry, biographies, etc.Can anything match human talent?Thanks for the information.

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

Hi Blogger Mom and Mystic Biscuit, thank you for reading and commenting - you never know when these things may come in handy - like to compose that great novel that has been in your head for years!

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

LDS Nana, that was my first thought when I came across these different software options! I need that! Thanks for reading and commenting :)

Thanks for stopping in Zsuzsy, glad you found it interesting!

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

Prasadjain, I agree that nothing can match human talent in writing creatively, but I think these products (particulary my favorite, WhiteSmoke) can help the process go a little smoother and help even a creative writer refine their work. Many writers are oozing with talent but lacking training in the techinical (and boring) aspects of writing.

kashifmahmood profile image

kashifmahmood  says:
2 months ago

Thanks for sharing this info.I always though I could use a little help to double check my grammar mistakes .Thanks again.

Rob Jundt profile image

Rob Jundt  says:
2 months ago

Always interested in helpful tools. Thanks for doing such a nice job of research for us struggling stylists out here. :)

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

kashifmahmood, thanks for commenting - and you are welcome!

Hi Rob, anything to make the job easier is worth a look :) Thanks for stopping by!

Dorsi profile image

Dorsi  says:
2 months ago

This is very good to know- although I have good "writing chops", I sometimes sruggle with my grammar, and need help with some aspects of my writing. I am going to invest in one these programs to help me.

Funny thing when I applied for college I was off the charts as far as my writing skills went but really sucked at my grammar...lol..

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 months ago

Hey Dorsi, I have the same issues! Grammar just doesn't come naturally. It has never stopped me from writing, but I do find I have to work a little harder at it. Thanks for stopping by :)

Sally's Trove profile image

Sally's Trove  says:
5 weeks ago

Another great hub, amy.  I had no idea these products were out there either. Maybe someone will invent software to create a hub at the click of a mouse. You just type in the title, click, and the appropriate text, allied images, and properly specified affiliate capsules, RSS feeds, and links appear.  Wouldn't that be fun?  :)

Oh, and you get to pick a voice, too!

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites  says:
5 weeks ago

Good information - I'm going shopping!  Marisue

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
5 weeks ago

Thanks Sally! You made me laugh, yet again! Who knows what will be next :) I would like to be able to move my thoughts from my brain directly into my computer and have them appear on the screen. This idea was inspired by Dumbledore in Harry Potter. I love the way he can store his memories in the "penseive." Aside from saving me the typing time, it would clear out some of the cluttered up spaces in my head!

Hi Marisue, thanks for reading and commenting!

I also forgot to mention in the article: if you are a Mac user (like me) White Smoke only offers a web based version at this time. I find this to be slightly troublesome, but this is just a personal opinion.

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