Editing your manuscript is a critical step in the book-writing process. A polished, error-free book can elevate your credibility and provide readers with a seamless experience. Thankfully, there are numerous tools available to help you refine your work like a pro.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 tools for editing books that every writer should know about. Whether you’re tackling grammar, structure, or style, these tools will make editing your manuscript more efficient and effective.
1. Grammarly
Best For: Grammar and spelling checks.
Grammarly is a powerful AI-driven tool that highlights grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Its premium version also provides suggestions on tone, clarity, and conciseness.
- Why It’s Great: User-friendly and integrates with multiple platforms.
- Get It Here: Grammarly
2. ProWritingAid
Best For: Style and structure improvements.
ProWritingAid offers detailed feedback on your writing style, readability, and consistency. It’s perfect for authors who want to ensure their manuscript flows smoothly.
- Why It’s Great: Offers in-depth reports on various aspects of your writing.
- Get It Here: ProWritingAid
3. Hemingway Editor
Best For: Simplifying complex sentences.
Hemingway Editor highlights overly complex sentences and suggests ways to make your writing clearer. It also assigns a readability grade level, ensuring your book is accessible to your target audience.
- Why It’s Great: Helps create concise and reader-friendly content.
- Get It Here: Hemingway Editor
4. Scrivener
Best For: Organizing and editing large manuscripts.
Scrivener is a comprehensive tool for writing and editing. It allows you to organize your book into chapters, take notes, and edit your manuscript all in one place.
- Why It’s Great: Combines editing with robust writing features.
- Get It Here: Scrivener
5. AutoCrit
Best For: Self-editing for fiction writers.
AutoCrit analyzes your manuscript based on genre-specific benchmarks, offering feedback on pacing, dialogue, and word choice. It’s especially useful for fiction authors.
- Why It’s Great: Tailored insights for storytelling.
- Get It Here: AutoCrit
6. Google Docs
Best For: Collaborative editing.
Google Docs offers a simple, cloud-based platform where multiple collaborators can suggest edits in real time. Its built-in spelling and grammar tools are also helpful for basic editing.
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for teamwork and feedback.
- Get It Here: Google Docs
7. Reedsy Book Editor
Best For: Preparing your manuscript for publishing.
The Reedsy Book Editor is a free online tool for formatting and editing. It offers clean design features and allows you to easily export your manuscript in professional formats.
- Why It’s Great: Combines editing with formatting features.
- Get It Here: Reedsy Book Editor
8. Microsoft Word
Best For: Comprehensive word processing.
Microsoft Word remains a staple for authors. Its Track Changes feature makes it easy to collaborate with editors, and its editing tools are robust for basic corrections.
- Why It’s Great: Widely used and versatile.
- Get It Here: Microsoft Word
9. PerfectIt
Best For: Consistency and formatting.
PerfectIt is a tool that checks for consistency in style, capitalization, and punctuation. It’s ideal for authors working with style guides or who want to maintain a professional appearance throughout their book.
- Why It’s Great: Focuses on the finer details of editing.
- Get It Here: PerfectIt
10. EditMinion
Best For: Quick style analysis.
EditMinion is a free online tool that identifies passive voice, adverbs, and clichés in your manuscript. It’s a great way to spot stylistic weaknesses before a professional edit.
- Why It’s Great: Easy to use and highlights common pitfalls.
- Get It Here: EditMinion
Bonus Tip: Combine Tools for Best Results
No single tool can do it all. Use a combination of grammar checkers, style analyzers, and human editors to produce a manuscript that’s polished and ready for publishing.
Ready to Take Your Manuscript to the Next Level?
Editing is one of the most crucial steps in the publishing journey, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. At FKCreative360, we offer expert editing services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for basic proofreading or in-depth developmental editing, we’ve got you covered.
Book a free consultation today, and let us help you refine your manuscript and bring your dream book to life.
Your words matter—let’s make them unforgettable.