Grammar and Dictation Tools for the Writers Among Us

In this article, I highlight software and apps that you can use to edit your grammar and punctuation or to automatically transcribe your dictations. Scroll down to see these tools for yourself.

Image Description: The nib of a quill pen brushes against a sheet of lined paper, leaving behind cursive text.

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6 Grammar Tools to Help You Master Your Writing Style:

1. Grammarly: Grammarly's free option helps you correct your mistakes and identify your writing tone. See more at https://www.grammarly.com/. 
2. Hemingway Editor: The Hemingway App's free option directs the user to potential mistakes, however, AI supported suggestions only come with a paid plan. Learn more at https://hemingwayapp.com/. 
3. Pro Writing Aid:  Pro Writing Aid's free plan offers 10 instances of rephrasing per day as well as assistance with grammar, spelling, and punctuation, plus access to their thesaurus. Find out more at https://prowritingaid.com/. 
4. Slick Write: This platform is designed to help you identify your writing style and edit your grammar. You can support the work of the platform by donating to their Tip Jar, but you don't have to pay to access this service. Learn more at https://www.slickwrite.com/#!home. 
5. Thesaurus.com: This website is exactly as it implies. Thesaurus.com will help you identify more creative word choices and will help you to avoid unnecessary repetition. Try it out at https://www.thesaurus.com/. 
6. Word Counter: Word Counter is a simple tool that helps you identify how frequently certain words occur in your manuscript. If you're overusing a word, it will let you know and will help you select a replacement. Check it out at https://wordcounter.net/. 

4 Dictation Apps for Writers Who Think Out Loud:

1. Descript: Descript's free plan allows for 1 hour of transcription per month, filler word removal, limited access to the stock library, as well as other features. Software like this can support writers who think best out loud. Learn more at https://www.descript.com/. 
2. Notta: Notta's free option allows you 120 minutes per month of free dictation with live recording transcription. The downside is that it limits your maximum transcription per recording to 3-5 minutes. Learn more at https://www.notta.ai/en. 
3. Google Docs Dictation: Much like Microsoft and similar suites, Google Docs has a dictation feature. If you're having difficulty figuring out how to start dictating your Google Docs, visit the dictation support page at https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en. 
4. Gboard: This app is available for Android and iOS and is another useful dictation tool. It's handy for folks who like to make quick notes for themselves when they are on the go. Find it in your app store.

Sources:

• 6 Fantastic Tips for Writing Stellar Science Fiction (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-science-fiction/ 
• 9 Best General Resources Websites for Writers (Writer's Digest): https://www.writersdigest.com/resources/9-best-general-resources-websites-for-writers-2021 
• 15 Amazing Free Writing Resources (TCK Publishing): https://www.tckpublishing.com/free-writing-resources/ 
• 20 Incredibly Useful Resources for Aspiring Authors (Medium): https://writingcooperative.com/16-incredibly-useful-resources-for-aspiring-authors-730012a4d91c 
• Best dictation software for typing in Google Docs (Zapier): https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/#googledocs 
• Best free mobile dictation software (Zapier): https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/#gboard 
• Descript: https://www.descript.com/ 
• Hemingway Editor: https://hemingwayapp.com/ 
• How to Write a Children's Picture Book in 8 Steps (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-childrens-picture-book/ 
• How to Make a Comic Book in 5 Superheroic Steps (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/how-to-make-a-comic-book/ 
• How to Write a Children's Book Families Will Love (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-childrens-book/ 
• How to Write a Cookbook in 9 Bite-Sized Steps (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-cookbook/ 
• How to Write a Fantasy Novel (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-fantasy-novel/ 
• How to Write a Romance Novel (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/romance/how-to-write-a-romance-novel/ 
• How to Write Literary Fiction in 6 Steps (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/literary-fiction/writing/ 
• How to Write a Mystery (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-mystery/ 
• How to Write a Thriller in 7 Heart-Stopping Steps (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-thriller/ 
• How to Write a Self-Help Book (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-self-help-book/ 
• Google Docs Editors Help: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en 
• Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ 
• MailChimp: https://mailchimp.com/ 
• Nonfiction: 24 Genres and Types of Fact-Based Books (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/nonfiction/ 
• Notta: https://www.notta.ai/en 
• Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ 
• Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/ 
• Reedsy's Recommended Writer's Resources for 2024 (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/writers-resources/ 
• Slick Write: https://www.slickwrite.com/#!home 
• Substack: https://substack.com/ 
• The best dictation software of 2024 (Zapier): https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/ 
• The Diversity Style Guide: https://www.diversitystyleguide.com/ 
• Thesaurus.com: https://www.thesaurus.com/ 
• What is a Memoir? An Inside Look at Life Stories (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/memoir/ 
• Word Counter: https://wordcounter.net/ 
• Writing Young Adult Fiction: An Editor's Guide to Awesome YA (Reedsy): https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-young-adult/ 
• VoiceTyper: https://www.voicetyper.com/