Connor Brooke
Anyone can start a blog – but not everyone can start and maintain a quality blog that offers valuable insights and advice. Part of running a high quality blog is offering high quality content with high quality writing – see the theme? (In case you missed it, it’s quality…) Not everyone is a natural writer, but thanks to a slew of online tools, everyone can become a better writer.
Here are just seven of the many helpful online tools out there that help writers to improve their final versions:
1. Hemingway App
Hemingway App is my #1 favorite of all tools listedin this post. Think of Hemingway App like your own personal editor. It helps to evaluate your work, flagging overly long or difficult to read sentences. Additionally, it flags grammatically challenging writing, such as that written with passive voice, an overuse of adverbs, and more.
Visit online: http://hemingwayapp.com/
2. 750 Words
Not all bloggers love the actual writing part – for many, it’s the behind-the-scenes part that they love. If this sounds like you, try out 750words.com to turn your writing into a game. You’ll receive points for everything you write via a digital bowling-esque score card. Keep track and compete – it’s great motivation to keep those words flowing.
Visit online: http://750words.com/
3. Urban Dictionary
Ever wonder about what a certain word or term really means? Expand your standard dictionary to the Urban Dictionary, a colorful site with a variety of current and local interpretations of the English language. It’s helpful for writing and generally just plain humorous for all applications.
Visit online: http://www.urbandictionary.com/
4. Written Kitten
Love cats and the idea of turning writing into a motivational game? Jump on the positive reinforcement bandwagon and get adorable photos of cats and pre-established intervals. Set your reinforcements to appear after every 100, 200, 500, or 1000 words – it’s your call, and whichever you choose, it’s sure to be entertaining and to keep you writing.
Visit online: http://writtenkitten.net/
5. Synchro Edit
Play with collaborative writing to gain insights and edits from other writers and to expand your own writing horizons. This group writing/ group editing platform allows multiple writers to simultaneously work on the same document with a continual refresh so that everyone always has access to the most current version.
Visit online: http://www.synchroedit.com/
6. Zoho Docs
This app is an easy way to collaborate with other members of your writing team and/ or clients. Create your documents online so that you can access them anywhere, any time. Perhaps best of all, there is a mobile app so that you can even access your documents and make edits from your phone and mobile devices.
Visit online: https://www.zoho.com/docs/
7. Grammarly
Ever wish you had an editor? Now you do. Simply drag and drop, copy/ paste, or upload your text into the textbox for an instant grammar check. By running your copy through, you’ll not only receive eyes on mis-spellings, dangling modifiers, and misplaced punctuation, but you’ll also receive a check to safeguard you against plagiarism. This app goes far beyond what Microsoft Word does – definitely check it out.
Visit online: http://www.grammarly.com/
Over to you!
There are tons of apps out there that can help improve your writing – it’s just a matter of taking a few extra minutes to check them out. Take advantage of the free ones and constantly work toward becoming a better writer – who knows, you may even enjoy it.
Have a favorite writing site or app that isn’t on the list? Share it below!
Read more:
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Connor Brooke.
Learn how to publish your content on B2C
Join our Telegram channel to stay up to date on breaking news coverage
Add B2C to your Google News Feed
Grammarly sounds particularly interesting. Thanks for sharing these tools.