When you are writing prose, you need a place to manage the parts and segments of your stories, make side notes, format your work and check grammar mistakes. There are a lot of tools out there to choose from. We’ll recommend a few to you that will help you in prose writing.
1 ) MICROSOFT WORD:
This tool has been around for a long time. It improves readability with grammar checks as it provides a spell-checker and autocorrect function. If you’re using a current version via subscription, you can rest assured the first Letter of every sentence and every name will automatically be capitalized, and every accidental capitalization will be corrected.
You can also set automatic backup on your Microsoft app, this way you can be sure not to lose your documents even when your device goes off suddenly.
The comment feature on the app helps if you are working with an editor or beta readers. These individuals make suggestions and highlight any corrected areas. You will be able to locate them easily.
One other advantage is Word’s embedded Thesaurus function. If you need substitutes for words, thesaurus gives you a wide range of words you can choose from .
With Microsoft, you can use a dictation method of writing; not an advisable option if you’re not a native English Speaker or you will have a lot of editing to do.
2 ) SCRIVENER: If you are looking forward to writing a voluminous novel, you might consider getting this app. It comes with a tutorial so you won’t have problems navigating the app. This software helps you to research, outline and write in one space. You can simply switch to whichever part of your book you need. It makes work easier. Scrivener works with Windows, iPhone Mac and iPad. You can simply apply it within other programs, including Microsoft Word.
Anytime you open the app, it takes you directly to where you were the last time you used the app. This is very helpful when you do revisions.
It has an auto-save feature, so your work is preserved. The app also helps you write in chapters and scenes. This way, you have a better way of organising your work. You can always create a new document for new ideas you want to use in the future.
With scrivener, importation of Links, photos and documents from other programs is allowed.
You can also set word count targets. This will help you keep track of your progress.
There are other features like corkboard. You can also export your work to an EPUB and this is important for self publishing. To top it all, this app provides a distraction free writing environment. It pushes all other icons to the background, thereby helping you to maintain your focus. This is tool will help you a lot as you write your prose.
FINAL DRAFT: This app provides a template for you to follow when you are writing. It does not matter what genre you are writing, you’ll have a variety of templates to choose from. It also provides a place for you to store your research and any background information you want to save for future use. For co-authors, It allows you to share the documents you write with other people. You will also have an initial one month free trial, to help you decide if the app is the best for you. Final draft is highly recommended for writers of all kinds.
ZOHO WRITER: This software is simple and FREE. If you do not have the money to purchase Scrivener or Final draft, you should definitely consider this app. Just like Scrivener, Zoho provides a wide range of templates, you can share your work easily, you won’t have problems navigating your work, and the grammar feature points out your errors. With Zoho you can publish your novel directly as you can export files as EPUB, Docx, TRF,ODT,HTML, plain text.
Unlike Final draft, Zoho writer has a full screen and focus mode which is important to every writer. You can access your documents on any device as this is a web app. This app is also available for Android users. This writing tool is not only efficient, it costs you nothing.
GOOGLE DOCS: This is another app that is totally free. As you type on Google docs it automatically saves your document to Google drive. You can share your work with others through links, email and invites. It also has some editing tools. Just like other apps mentioned above, Google docs has various export options. This app is easy to use, this makes it a good choice for beginners.
I have shown you both paid and free tools you can use in writing your prose. You just need to choose one you are comfortable with, make use of its features and it will help you a lot in your writing journey. \
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My name is Racheal Asikpo. I can take the creative weight of completing your stories. I can also give you 70% distance from the writing and research. I offer ghostwriting, developmental editing and copyediting services. How about you allow a fresh pair of eyes give you a fresh breath of air?
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This was really helpful.
This is very helpful. Thanks for sharing. Please do you teach script writing?