The pros and cons of using editing programs #amwriting

This piece accords with my experience. I haven’t used the “pro” versions of editing software, so maybe they would work better than the free versions, but I’ve found that the suggestions are wrong as often as they are right. Here’s a quote from the article that I agree with:
“A person with no knowledge of grammar will not benefit from relying on Grammarly or any other editing program for advice. There is no way to bypass learning the craft of writing.”
Do you agree? If not, why not?

Life in the Realm of Fantasy

A number of people have asked me about editing programs, and if I use them in my own work. I do–but also, I don’t.

I rely on my knowledge of grammar and what I intend to convey more than I do editing programs, which are not as useful as we wish they were.

You may have found that your word processing program has spellcheck and some minor editing assists. Spellcheck is notorious for both helping and hindering you.

Spellcheck doesn’t understand context, so if a word is misused but spelled correctly, it may not alert you to an obvious error.

  • There, their, they’re.
  • To, too, two.
  • Its, it’s

Grammarly is an editing program I use for checking my own work, in tandem with Pro Writing Aid. I pay a monthly fee for the professional versions of these two programs. Each one has strengths and weaknesses.

For me, especially in…

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2 Comments

Filed under correct grammar for writers of fiction, Editing your novel, grammar rules for writers, Learning to write, self editing for fiction writers, Self-publishing, style for writers

2 responses to “The pros and cons of using editing programs #amwriting

  1. I am a writer/editor, so I know I am biased, BUT … I was recently widowed last year when my most loyal author published her book without my support. She was giving me time to heal. She used a top-of-the-line “pay” app. She sent me a copy of her book … I am meticulous, I kid you not, but I know in the overcrowded publishing arena, it is “any excuse to refuse”. The editing app left about 30 errors a page. I edited the book at no charge. Enough said.

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  2. Anonymous

    Computers are faster, but they aren’t all that smart!

    Like

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