I was curious. Being a writer, I keep seeing articles about the editing software available online to help writers and, over coffee, I thought I would have a quick look. I browsed a number of them, duly pasting a chunk of text into their little blank boxes to see what they had to offer.
After five minutes, my blood was boiling.
Writers, it seems, are being encouraged to use these programmes. Not, as I mistakenly supposed, in order to check their grammar, spelling and punctuation… say, as an extension to spellcheck or as a different perspective on work we are too fond of, and too involved with, to see clearly. No. We are being encouraged to use them in order to erase our personal voice.
Okay, I know… that probably isn’t entirely fair.
There are those who swear by their usefulness, though these, I suspect, are writers who use such…
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Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
Thanks Chris, you always share the most interesting links 🙂
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I hope so Helen 😀
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Great post. Agree with a lot said! I recently discovered the App being referred to- and I have to admit- I do like it. It don’t let it change my voice as a writer though- just makes me think a little more about my text (with regards to adverbs and passive voice). I analyze the actual need of certain words & decide: Is there a better way I can say this? If the answer is yes- I make changes. But this isn’t replacing my editor who is also working with me on my writing. Idk- sometimes I just really like the adverb 🙂
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😀 – like everything else meant to ‘help’ us in life, it’s important to ensure YOU have the final say 😀
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-which is just another perk of self-publishing 🙂
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😀
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Thanks, Brittney. Reserving the final word for yourself makes all the difference, doesn’t it 🙂
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Yes, definitely:-)
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🙂
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I agree. I’ve also heard writers complain that their “editor” (a real person, not software) uses things like counting the number of times the word “and” is used, or other global rules. Having been a technical editor for more years than i care to mention, i have to think that kind of “formula editing” takes the place of actual skill. In my humble opinion… 😉
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That’s just it. A good editor is worth their weight in gold and there is both art and skill in their craft.
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Thanks for sharing, Chris.
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Welcome Sue – great post 😀
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Thank you 😀
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