Proofreading Software Suggestions?

Alex Bravo · Mar 29, 2009

Does anyone have any recommendations? I understand that grammar tools aren't great for creative writing (constantly pointing out my sentence fragments) but I'm looking for something to catch obvious errors that amazingly sneak by me after I've looked over a document repeatedly. I have a terrible habit of leaving off the y in they. The other day I noticed a sentence that had no punctuation.

In my research, Rightwriter, for the price, seems to be the best; but is Rightwriter better than the grammar tool in Word?

Alitriona · Mar 29, 2009

I've just asked a question about a free one a few questions down. No responses yet. I found it good so I'm hoping there are no bad comments about it. It's called Virtual Editor.

Alex Bravo · Mar 29, 2009

Thanks, I saw your post, after I posted.

Matera the Mad · Mar 29, 2009

Nothing beats well-programmed wetware.

Alitriona · Mar 29, 2009

I'm still trying to programme mine. The software needs updating.

jimbro · Mar 13, 2011

I've read good reviews for WhiteSmoke. Does anyone here have any experience with it? I'm looking for something to use as a first pass before I send my work to a human.

Carmy · Mar 13, 2011

Have you taken a look at AutoCrit? http://www.autocrit.com/wizardformpage.php

DanielleSilverheart · Mar 25, 2011

I like autocrit, but its a little pricy

Jamesaritchie · Mar 25, 2011

Nothing is nearly as good as grammar check in a recent version of Word, and this should tell you everything. If you rely on any of the "proofreading" software out there, your manuscript will suffer greatly.

Try running any piece of classic fiction through such software. Find recent published stories and run them through it. Even autocrit says they have countless problems. They do not.

There is no substitute for the human eye and mind. This software, all of it, can ruin the best of stories.

Purple Rose · Mar 25, 2011

Jamesaritchie said:
There is no substitute for the human eye and mind. This software, all of it, can ruin the best of stories.

I would agree. Two people I know who write for magazines said that their work was worse after running through software. One used Autocrit, not sure about the other. I should have asked for examples but didn't think to as I wasn't interested enough at that time.

If a human is going to evaluate it, then it should be checked by a human.

My two cents' worth.

maestrowork · Mar 25, 2011

I don't like using a "program" for that, because it's too mechanical and rule-based. But literature is more fluid than that. However, such programs could be good analytical tools. Certainly may help you examine your word choices, repetitions, etc. The final decision, however, should be a human's.

Proofreading Software Suggestions?

Alex Bravo

Alitriona

Attends The School of AW

Alex Bravo

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

Alitriona

Attends The School of AW

jimbro

Carmy

DanielleSilverheart

Words like paint; hard to remmove

Jamesaritchie

Purple Rose

practical experience, FTW

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray