Helpful Writing Tools

The Headings Are Clickable…

Purdue Owl:

This handy site created by Purdue University is the perfect reference site for authors of all types. The site includes helpful information about AP writing style and grammar tips. It also contains quizzes for writers to complete as they attempt to improve their grammar knowledge and learn how to properly implement various aspects of writing. It applies to educational, journalistic, and even fiction genres. The information is free, and the site is easy to navigate, making it a favorite of veteran and novice writers.

The Visual Thesaurus:

This site allows writers access on a trial basis at first. Once writers determine they like the site, they can become subscribers. Writers know a good thesaurus is crucial to their success in the field. Everyone has a mental block occasionally, and a thesaurus helps writers by giving them alternatives to words they have become accustomed to using. The visual thesaurus features over 150,000 words and contains 120,000 meanings. Therefore, it is set up to allow writers to zero in on a certain word yet follow related concepts.

Paper Rater:

This site is perfect for a novice writer or anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of basic grammar. An author can transfer a piece of content from their computer to the site and have it “graded” for content and grammar. Although many experienced writers no longer need a tool such as Paper Rater, the site is great for anyone who is new at the writing game or anyone who needs a free proofreader and editor for their content.

Copyscape:

Copyscape is a valuable site for a wide range of writing professionals. It allows writers to check their content for any duplicate content on the web. This tool is ideal for those who write medical pieces and such. However, Copyscape is also valuable for experienced writers because it protects its content from duplication. The service for checking content for reproduction and protecting content does come with a small fee. However, the peace of mind writers derive from the service makes the small fee well worth paying.

Grammarly:

This site features a grammar checker along with editing services. There is a fee for using Grammarly. However, many writers who use the service feel the fee is well worth paying as Grammarly finds and corrects a variety of grammar mistakes while checking content for originality.

Writer’s Digest:

The website for the publication Writer’s Digest is a one-stop-shop for creative writers. The site hosts everything from writing advice and prompts to community forums and blogs, and don’t be a magazine subscriber to access it.

Writing Fix:

Sponsored by the Northern Nevada Writing Project, this site offers interactive lessons and other tools for creative writers. Specific resources include creative writing prompts, plot generators, and character trait generators.

Teen Ink:

Designed especially for teens, this site features a writing workshop forum and a general discussion forum to help young creative writers. Teens can also submit their work for publication on the Teen Ink website or magazine, or find inspiration in work by other young authors.

U.S. Copyright Office:

This government website offers important copyright information for creative writers and a step-by-step guide to registering your work.