Does anyone use writing/editing software? I want something more than Windows Spellchecker. Something that will just spiffy up my writing. I have researched it a little and found out that 'WhiteSmoke' https://buy.whitesmoke.com/bts/purchase.php?
was given a good review by BestEnglishSoftware.com. Just wondering if any of our writing experts can give an opinion on this?

They are having a sale but it ends today. Pricey software but can make a real difference to your writing.

Appreciate all comments, thanks!

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

I don't know this software, Jo-Carole, but as a writer/editor, I have to say it's more an art than a science, and so I'm naturally suspicious of software that claims to do it. Just a professional prejudice!

Editing your work can be as simple as taking the time to proofread; and/or having a friend or family member look it over; or partnering with another professional to do your editing either for compensation or trade. It will pay off better than any mechanical means, in the long run. IMHO!

As I recall, you're a darn good writer, as it is. If you don't like editing, send your important stuff to a partner and bite the bullet and do it yourself for all the little things. Or switch to podcasting!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Originally Posted by virtual writing

I don't know this software, Jo-Carole, but as a writer/editor, I have to say it's more an art than a science, and so I'm naturally suspicious of software that claims to do it. Just a professional prejudice! Editing your work can be as simple as taking the time to proofread; and/or having a friend or family member look it over; or partnering with another professional to do your editing either for compensation or trade. It will pay off better than any mechanical means, in the long run. IMHO! As I recall, you're a darn good writer, as it is. If you don't like editing, send your important stuff to a partner and bite the bullet and do it yourself for all the little things. Or switch to podcasting!

Thanks Mary for chiming in, I appreciate your comments especially since you are a professional writer and seeing how you handle this task. After I finish an article I keep going back to it and changing it around, editing how it sounds to me, looking for typos, grammar or punctuation errors. After I do this several times I finally decide to let go at this point. Yes I do need someone to help (me) out. It would be nice to have a proofreading buddy. Maybe someone reading this will need one too.... I also appreciate your compliment very much. I can't say that I agree with you that much but I do try to write the best that I can. I am always trying to improve and always looking for the next course I can take online. The last few days I have been looking to brush up on my press releases and have found several sources now for that. I find the more I do something the easier it becomes and I learn from my mistakes. Thanks again for your help!

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

Isn't it just so satisfying to actually learn from your mistakes?! I find this is possible in learning new software and whew, it's such a relief. I'm not a lost cause after all!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I agree with Mary. Writing/editing is much more an art than a science. I'd be suspicious about using a software program to edit anything. Sometimes people don't realize how bad their writing is until they give it to an editor to review! Some of my clients dread my red pencil but they're happy if it prevents them printing marketing materials containing errors.

One proofreading tip I use is to read the piece backwards. When you read something you have written you seldom read every letter or even word so you are less likely to catch errors. Reading it backwards forces you to concentrate on the words.

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Virtually yours,
Sue Boedeker

That is a great tip Sue, I will have to try that from now on. Thank you Jo for starting this thread.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Originally Posted by virtual writing

Isn't it just so satisfying to actually learn from your mistakes?! I find this is possible in learning new software and whew, it's such a relief. I'm not a lost cause after all!

Yes, I don't feel so bad when making a mistake if I learn something from it... that is always a good thing...

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

Originally Posted by Valley Virtual Assistance

I agree with Mary. Writing/editing is much more an art than a science. I'd be suspicious about using a software program to edit anything. Sometimes people don't realize how bad their writing is until they give it to an editor to review! Some of my clients dread my red pencil but they're happy if it prevents them printing marketing materials containing errors. One proofreading tip I use is to read the piece backwards. When you read something you have written you seldom read every letter or even word so you are less likely to catch errors. Reading it backwards forces you to concentrate on the words.

This is a great tip, something I never thought about, thank you

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

I have used Whitesmoke and was not impressed with it at all. It did not live up to its marketing. I do have a program from http://www.stylewriter-usa.com/ (not an affiliate link) that I do like. It helps with writing in a particular style which may be helpful for certain industries. I used while working as an executive assistant before becoming a VA and its great for business writing, but nothing replaces human editing for grammar and typos.