There’s no doubt that technology has had a profound impact on the way we live and work. In many cases, it’s made our lives easier and more productive. That’s why people use smart thermostats and analytics software to help them trade.
It may be that you’re a writer who’s seeking to reap the benefits of modern innovation. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 tech-based methods writers can use to improve their work.
1. Online Services
There are a number of online services available and whilst some are free, others charge a fee. The Writers’ Union of Canada offers online workshops, one-on-one consultations, and a directory of professionals. The Canadian Association of Journalists has an online job board and a directory of professionals. You can use specialist websites to hire top freelancers from around the world. Here’s a list of some of the writing professionals who have an online presence:
- Developmental editors and copy editors
- Proofreaders and book designers
- Cover designers and illustrators
- Book marketers and ghostwriters
If you’re a short story writer there are people listed above who are specialized in this specific area. If you need short story editing services it’s possible to sign up online, upload your project brief, and request quotes from the professionals of your choice. Many websites display these people’s photos, customer ratings, work experience, and genres to help you decide.
2. Grammar And Spelling Checkers
These are software programs that help identify errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Some key examples include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Hemingway Editor. These programs work by scanning your text for errors and then providing suggestions on how to fix them. While they may not catch every mistake, they can be a great way to catch common errors that you might otherwise overlook.
If you plan on sending your work to a publisher, it’s essential that your manuscript is of top quality. By catching mistakes early on, you can avoid embarrassing yourself or your company down the road. It can also help you save time in the editing process. Interestingly, most grammar and spelling checkers allow you to customize your settings. For example, you can choose to have the program ignore certain words or focus on specific areas such as your grammar or punctuation.
3. Online Thesauruses And Dictionaries
An online thesaurus is a digital dictionary that writers can use to find synonyms for words. This can be helpful when trying to avoid repeating the same word throughout a piece of writing, or when searching for a word with a specific connotation. Online dictionaries can also be used to check spelling, definitions, and pronunciation.
There are many online thesauri and dictionaries available, some of which are free to use. A few popular ones include Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus, Oxford Dictionaries, and Dictionary.com. Using an online thesaurus or dictionary is simple: just enter the word you want to look up in the search bar and hit enter. A list of results will appear, often including the word’s definition, synonyms, antonyms, and related words.
4. Plagiarism Checkers
Plagiarism can involve taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally. If you’re found to have plagiarized someone else’s work, you could be (depending on the scenario) expelled from school, lose your job or be sued. Whether you’re a professional writer or a student, you should always check your work for plagiarism before submitting it.
There are many plagiarism checkers available online, such as Copyscape and PlagScan. They’re basically pieces of software that compare your document to a database of others, looking for similarities. If they find any, they’ll highlight them so you can decide whether or not to change them. Once these tools have scanned your work they’ll provide you with a report. Some checkers are free, while others charge a subscription fee. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s a reputable service that’ll give you accurate results.
5. Time Management Tools
Apps like RescueTime, Toggl, Clockify and BeFocused Pro track how you spend your time on your computer and/or phone. They give you data about where you spend the most time, which can be helpful in identifying patterns and setting goals. For example, if you spend two hours daily on social media, you might set a goal to cut that down to 30 minutes.
By becoming more aware of how they actually spend their time, writers can make more deliberate choices about how to use it. Having concrete data about their writing habits can help them troubleshoot issues and set achievable goals. If a writer wants to increase their daily word count, they can use a time management tool to track their progress and see how much time they’re spending on other things. They can also use time management tools to ensure they have sufficient breaks, so they remain refreshed and productive.
6. Accessibility Tools
If you save your work in different file formats (PDF, Word, etc.) it can make it easier to share and edit your documents. You can then harness the power of things like social media to connect with others and gain valuable feedback.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is an amazing way to save and access files online. It can enable writers to access their work from anywhere, and it also makes it easy to share files with editors or collaborators. There are a few different cloud storage providers, but some of the most popular ones include Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
Text-To-Speech Software
This converts written text into spoken word, which can be helpful for proofreading or editing your work. There are a few different options available, but one of the most popular ones is NaturalReader. This software can be especially helpful for writers who are dyslexic.
These have been 6 tech-based methods that can help you improve your writing. You may also wish to check out things like mind mapping tools. By using all that these things have to offer you can ride the wave of modern technology and take things up a level. In turn, you’ll produce better work and increase your chances of success.
