The Best Proofreading & Editing Software In 2021

Let’s begin by answering: what is proofreading software? Simple: editing software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to proofread your work. 

AI is a computer programmed to behave and think as humans do and while it is at the top of its game, there is still much more work that needs to be done to get it to where the programmers want. If you’d like to learn a lot more about AI, check out this in-depth article here.

While you have your basic spell-checker on Microsoft Word, it doesn’t even come close to what editing software can do for you. It looks over not only typos but grammar and style checks as well! And there is free software out there available to use.

Before we dive right into the rankings, we should look at what types of proofreading software there is out there.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROOFREADING APPS

1. Chrome Extensions

Just as you would with any other web browser, you can download free extensions that will check your spelling as you type on any site and possibly offer suggestions towards spelling, grammar and style of your works.

2. Online Tools

The internet is a vast space of unlimited resources and tools and you can easily find it for free at a website that’ll proofread your work (spelling, grammar and style) by copying and pasting it into a text box. Keep in mind though, you get what you pay for.

On the other hand, you can get full-service online apps, like Grammarly (spoiler alert! We will be talking about this app later on, so stay tuned), though limited in its formatting tools, nonetheless is still significantly better than using just a spell-checker and can drastically improve your written work.

3. Mobile & Desktop Apps

There’s always an app for something out there, so no doubt there is one made for proofreading outside of your typical spellcheck on your mobile or computer. Especially if you’re typing away on your mobile device, you’ll want one.

4. MS Add-Ons

For those who use MS Office products (Word, Powerpoint etc.) you can get an add-on that will proofread your work as you continue to make progress on it. But keep in mind, these only work for those on Windows computers.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty of what’s out there and which one has the best features and performance.

RANKINGS & REVIEW

1. Grammarly

Grammarly is easily one of the best proofreading software to exist out there, and guess what? It’s free. Sure there are paid plans for their services, but the free version is still pretty substantial in terms of what it is able to do. Not only does it offer browser extensions, a full-service online app, add-on for Windows but also works across both Windows and Mac platforms. It also allows for intercrossing between apps such as Google Docs.

For this program to work, you’ll need to be connected to the internet so that the program is able to communicate with the AI as it is still learning. Though this can be seen as a flaw with the system, the more feedback it gains the more it learns and will be able to pick up on any, if not all 

Otherwise, it offers all the different types of proofreading software mentioned above.

While the MS Add-On only works on Windows computers, if you are a Mac user, you can still use the desktop app and insert the .docx file into it and it’ll do the same thing - it’s just not real-time editing.

• Is offered as multiple versions and is consistent

• Super easy and user-friendly interface, its almost as if there’s no learning curve

• Quick one-click suggestions

While the basic suggestions are free, meaning your standard spellcheck, grammar and style check, there’s a premium version with paid plans that you can choose to pay for based on your needs.

2. ProWriting Aid

ProWriting Aid is one of the only apps that even comes to a close second to Grammarly. Just as with most, if not all proofreading apps, it does need internet to run. It can also run on web browsers such as Chrome, Google Docs, and as a desktop app. Like Grammarly, it does not run on MS Office with Apple.

While it runs like Grammarly, it lost in the battle because its features were not as useful. Rather, its suggestions cluttered the screen, the interface was not as clean and simple to use, and unlike Grammarly, it offered less one-click corrections - something that is a key aspect of Grammarly’s software due to its convenience.

3. Hemingway App

As for the Hemingway App, its purpose is more for bloggers rather than authors and didn’t do so well in the tests. But, one of the features it has that Grammarly and ProWriting Aid do not have is the ability to work offline. This can work in your favour but it also means a less smart AI as there needs to be an internet connection for the computer to communicate with the AI and for it to gain feedback to learn from.

While it does offer an online version, if you happen to lose internet connection, your computer randomly shuts down or even if you accidentally close a tab, then you can say goodbye because it doesn’t save any of your progress.

It also does not offer the same amount of features, rather when it gives you suggestions they’re very general as opposed to specifics, no one-click corrections, and is more catered towards sites like WordPress and Medium.

4. Ginger Software

Though Ginger Software’s marketing and sales strategy seems top notch, the software itself doesn’t even come up to par with Grammarly. However, like Grammarly it does offer a free Chrome extension with the option of paid premium plans. 

When you open their site, they give you the option of copying and pasting up to 300 characters (including spaces) for a quick grammar check.

5. LanguageTool

While Language Tool offers plenty of extensions and add-ons, and you can try it for free online but its AI, just like the rest of the proofreading softwares is not as smart as Grammarly’s. The online can be useful though it doesn’t offer one-click corrections and when undoing an action, you’ll have to go through your entire paper again.

6. Slick Write

Slick Write isn’t too bad at finding any errors or mistakes, but it sure isn’t a great tool for actually fixing the problem. In a sense, this can be seen as a more advanced option for a proofreading software because when asking for an explanation, it’ll be too complicated to understand unless you’re already knowledgeable in grammar and sentence structures - which isn’t particularly useful when you’re trying to edit a paper.

7. WhiteSmoke

Right off the bat, White Smoke is a paid software that doesn’t give you a free or trial version of the app. To see their plans you’d sign up for their email list and that’s when you’ll get an overview of their prices. Not to mention, the ‘demo video’ doesn’t really show anything to do with what the app actually has to offer and how it works. So, this one isn’t really an ideal choice unless you’re willing to risk it with some actual money spending.


8. PaperRater

PaperRater is supposedly a tool to help students with their papers - or at least that’s what they tell you. It doesn’t really do anything for you, and when you click on ‘advanced analysis’, expecting a detailed report, it’ll take you to - you guessed it: Grammarly.

BONUS: Google Docs

More recently, Google Docs has come to light with a new, already installed proofreader. It does your basic spell check as well as grammar checks, ensuring that you make sense and aren’t too wordy. Though it doesn’t necessarily have the same features as Grammarly, no explanations just simple suggestions in style, grammar and spelling, but for a quick simple edit it works well.

Simply go through your ‘Tools’ tab and click on it to activate this new tool!

CONCLUSION

There are plenty of editing softwares out there and though imperfect, Grammarly is the best one by far, and its AI is only continuing to learn from here on out which means it can only get better from here. However, if your goal is to write a book and become an author, you should still find a human editor since proofreading softwares only do the more simple, technical things.

Now that you’re all set, all that’s left to do is to get started (and don’t forget to download a proofreading software along for the ride, it’ll just make things easier for you as you type along)! That being said, what editing software will you be using? And how did it go? Let us know!

Once you’re done writing your book, think about looking into different formats and platforms to be able to sell it! One way that’s been rapidly growing are audiobooks.

Written by Tina Phong

If you need help turning your book into an audiobook, we offer audiobook production services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales. 

Listen to some of our audiobook samples here to get started.

Social Media and Video Marketing: What’s The Best Strategy?

As time passes, everything around us changes along with it and that includes video marketing and how we go about using it to further our brand. Being able to adapt to the times and making use of these changes allows for better and stronger marketing strategies, and for your social media engagement to increase.

What is Video Marketing?

The sole purpose behind video marketing is meant to create a video that is easily digestible content to a market audience as a means to appeal to them about what your product has to offer.

What is Social Media Marketing?

Plain and simple, Social Media Marketing is a way to create and increase engagement with your audience on social media platforms such as:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

• TikTok

• Snapchat

• YouTube

Almost, if not every single day people are using social media whether it’s to get in touch with friends or to simply scroll and browse the web, so focusing your resources into video marketing to be posted on social media websites is the way to go.

Does It Really Matter?

To put it simply, yes. More and more people are leaning towards watching videos as opposed to any other form of media, such as TikTok where the giant has grown its audience by 75% since the beginning of the year 2021. This is the most ideal and best way to showcase what your brand and company have to offer while attracting an audience that’s here to stay.

Need-To-Know

Once you’ve got yourself a following, the best way to keep them engaged and to increase the number will be to do what’s trending: videos. What started on YouTube has now become widespread across all different types of social media websites, where people are branching off to watch their videos now. 

And just with any other marketing strategy, it begins with a well-thought-out plan:

• Set your goals

• Pick a target audience

• Choose what kind of video you want to make and set the tone for it

• Create the video

• Share them

• Track the statistics

Keep in mind, each social media platform has a certain limit to how long videos can be, most ranging to a maximum length of 60 seconds. That being said, some do allow for longer videos, however, many people want the quick and dirty version of what it is you have to offer, so remember to keep it simple and short. Each second is as crucial as the next, so use them wisely and in the most tactical and sensical way to capture your audience.

Monitor Your Success

Now that you’ve planned, created and shared your video, all that’s left is to monitor its success. Each platform has its own analytical reporting system and being that Facebook and Instagram are two of the biggest social media platforms for videos, those are the two you’ll want to be looking at most. 

Facebook Analytics

Facebook will show you ‘Highlights’ of your video by showing you several things all related to the progress such as watch times, and the number of views you’ve gotten whether these numbers increase or decrease.

Instagram Insights

On the other hand, Instagram users will be able to see through individual post analytics with engagement and actions are taken once seeing the post. You can also see follower information if it increased or decreased and their demographics (age, location, gender) and their most active times and days throughout the week.

TikTok Analytics

TikTok has been growing tremendously over the past couple of years and has become the social media platform most go to first. Their analytics also cover the number of views seen over several days, increase/decrease of followers as well as follower demographics.

Written by Tina Phong

Conclusion

Video Marketing on Social Media platforms is the best way to market your brand. Whether it’s through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, creating content-filled, short videos make consumers find your brand more appealing.

If you need further help creating your own marketing videos, we offer video production services that will help you elevate your brand!

We look forward to being a part of your success. Contact us here to get started.

How to Make Money with Music

Do you want to make music more than just a hobby? Do you want to learn how to make money off the music you create? Does this seem impossible to do? If you answered yes to any of these questions then keep reading! 

Making music is one thing. Making money from it is a whole other thing. Knowing what to do and what not to do can be difficult when there are so many people giving you their opinion. 

Below I’ll be breaking down some “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to making money off your music. 

Keep in mind that this is not the only way to make money off your music, these are just some things you can do, and others that you can avoid to help you. 

Do: Find your target audience

This should be the first thing you do before even thinking about releasing music. Your target audience is the listeners who will become fans, so make sure the music you’re making is meant for them.

Ask yourself this:

• Who do I want to hear my music?

• What genre does my music best fit into?

• What does the average listener of this genre look like?

Once you answer these questions, you will have a better grasp of what you want your fans to look like, and start catering your music to them.

Note: Authenticity in music is important, but if you want to make money, you have to be willing to make music for your target audience, and not just for yourself.

Do: Focus on the Fans

Your fans will become the most important part of your career, so make sure you treat them right. Social media and the internet in general have made it incredibly easy to create personal connections with fans, so utilize it! 

It’s also important to understand the difference between listeners and fans. Listeners will check out a song or two and leave it at that. Fans will check out a song or two and then become devout followers who never miss a release. 

Likely, you will have more listeners than fans. Don’t try to win over new fans, focus on the ones you have because they will be the ones buying your merch, streaming your albums, and showing up to your concerts. Make sure you are treating them right.  

Tip: Create an email list with your dedicated fans and send them updates and links to stream/purchase your music. 

Do: Save Money

Making music is not a cheap thing to do. There are costs of instruments, studio time, gear like amps, microphones, etc., and million other little things that add up. 

Here’re are some things you can do while starting out to save money

• By secondhand gear

• Focus on bettering yourself as a musician before trying to get studio time

• Seek sponsorships and endorsements

• Teach yourself as much as you can about the music industry

• Use social media to get your name out into the world and create a following, it’s free

Do: Create High-Quality Music

Google how many songs there are on Apple Music. 

Now on Spotify.

Now in the entire world. 

Those are some big numbers and they are constantly being added to. In order for your music to reach people, it needs to be high quality. 

The first thing you should focus on in making your sound high quality is you. If you’re singing or playing an instrument, you need to practice like crazy before recording to make sure you are singing/playing to the best of your ability.

Practicing can feel like a lot of work and sometimes seem like you’re taking two steps backward and one step forward. If this happens try these things:

• Take a break

• Listen to songs that have a similar sound to what you’re practicing

• Don’t stop practicing once you get it perfect, keep going until you can perform it that way every time

• Set aside time to practice every day and stick to it

After you have practiced, the next step is to start recording, mixing, and mastering. Whether you do it yourself at home or with a professional in a studio doesn’t matter too much. Just make sure you are achieving a high-quality sound and you are not wasting money. 

If you’re a singer unsure of how to record the best vocals, check out this article from Jony Studios.

The next thing to focus on is creating visually pleasing art to go with your music. Your single/album/EP art should reflect the piece of music as a whole as well as look good. Contrary to popular belief people do judge books by their covers and they will judge your music based on your album art. 

Do: Get Your Music on Apple Music and Spotify

Once you have created high-quality music that you are proud of, the next step is to get it onto streaming platforms.

Start with a pre-order/pre-save before the initial release. This will allow you to make a bigger impact with your music and get more people excited about it. 

Once your music is released onto Apple Music and Spotify, you have the opportunity for millions of people to be exposed to your songs through playlists.

Now you’re probably wondering “how do I actually make money from streaming services?”

This article will break it down for you.

Do: Get Started

The hardest thing to do when it comes to making money in music is actually getting started. So if you want to make music your career then go for it! Don’t get hung up on the fact that you’re not going to be making money right away. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Check out this video to learn more tips about monetizing your music

Don’t: Sign a Record Deal right away

Signing a record deal will not solve all your problems, in fact, it will probably create more. Record deals are typically in favour of the record company making all the money from your music. 

Here’re some cons to signing with a record label:

• Any advances you receive from them have to be paid back

• You lose ownership of your music

• You’ll receive very little royalties (like 2% while the label keeps the other 98%)

In the music industry, everyone’s main goal is to make money and usually, that means that smaller artists get the short end of the stick. 

Don’t Release Music without Marketing

Unless you're a huge, successful artist, surprise releases should be avoided. Give people time to get excited about your music. Post about it on social media, email your fans about it and tell everyone you meet. 

You’d be surprised how many indie artists upload their songs and just hope it will go viral. Most of the time, this doesn’t work. 

Don’t: Assume Social Media will make you famous

Many people have the goal that they are going to go viral on Tik Tok or become Instagram famous. While there are methods that have been known to achieve this, don’t approach social media with the attitude that it will make you famous. 

Use social media to share authentic content and connect with fans. If you end up going viral in the process, that’s awesome! Just don’t base your entire career off of it. 

Written By: Leah Gerber

Conclusion: Don’t give up

You might be feeling a little bit discouraged and overwhelmed right now. That’s ok! The important thing is that you don’t give up. Music takes time and effort and there will be a obstacles to get through but it will be worth it in the end.

I hope these tips were able to guide you in getting started with your music career.

If you need further help creating your own music, we offer audio production services that will help you elevate your sound and bring your song to life!

We look forward to being a part of your success.