Automatic Text Analysis
ProWritingAid will analyze your text using various metrics and algorithms developed by ProWritingAid. The analyses are based on established guidelines for writing that can actually be assessed. You should use adverbs sparingly, be more careful with transitions, use fewer pronouns or glue words, etc. These rules are important when you are looking to improve your writing. ProWritingAid makes them easily visible.
The Realtime feature allows you to quickly browse through documents. It allows you to correct any spelling, grammar, or style errors.
After the errors are taken care of and out of the way, you can move on to individual reports for editing in depth. They allow you to look at the word choices, sentence structure and words that are repeated. A Summary Report can be used to pinpoint the areas you should concentrate your efforts to make improvements in the shortest time.
How to Utilize It
ProWritingAid is available for download in a variety of formats. Their Web Editor can be used to edit documents within your browser. It is also possible to make use of their extensions for your browser to correct any grammar issues on websites like Twitter or WordPress. Word addins allow you to directly edit Word documents on Windows and Mac.
Today, we will concentrate on their Desktop App that is fantastic to use with your Ulysses files.
You’ll have to sign up on ProWritingAid.com to be able to access the software. There are several methods to use Ulysses documents as well as ProWritingAid. Ulysses writers have two choices: the web-based Web Editor is free, or you can download the desktop application. A premium license is required to edit more words than 500 words per session, or to make use of the desktop software.
The desktop application supports 8 file types including Markdown. You can export Ulysses text into a Markdown File. Then, you can edit it with ProWritingAid and then add it to your Ulysses library to further process. This is fast and convenient, with the only drawback that you can’t keep the sheet and images such as writing goals. After a few minutes of playing using the app, it worked well for me and my workflow.
Open ProWritingAid and then create a brand new Markdown file.
Open your Ulysses sheet and select a text section. Then, select the Edit menu’s “Copy As Markdown” command.
Paste into ProWritingAid.
Go through each report, one at a and then edit in ProWritingAid.
If you are happy you are satisfied, copy the edited text.
Paste the text of the original text onto the Ulysses sheet.
The Reports
ProWritingAid reports highlight any problems that you may be facing. If you hover your cursor over an underlined paragraph and you’ll get an explanation and/or recommendation. If you require a suggestion, click on it. You can use a synonym or a simpler term to make it work.
The reports come with a brief explanation, and the ProWritingAid’s extensive details. You will find some examples to provide you with an idea of the length and depth of my explanation.
Writing Style The purpose of this report is to help improve your writing style, which is based on a variety of rules that are essential to excellent writing. For instance, the report will find the passive voice you use in your writing, which can make it difficult to comprehend. Sentences in active voice are easier to read. Writing Style Check also suggests improvements to readability.
Overused words checked This report lists words so frequently used in everyday living that they have almost lost their significance. They are not something you should avoid, however ProWritingAid will identify when you’ve used them too often.
Check the length of sentences.
Texts with sentences of varied lengths are more enjoyable to read. The report shows the length of your sentences in a bar graph to let you know in a glance whether there’s an opportunity for improvement. The report will also identify long sentences that can make text difficult to understand.
Pricing
ProWritingAid provides an online tool that’s free. It’s not as intuitive and it won’t allow you to view all reports. However, it could make a good first impression. It is possible to use the desktop app and other add-ons with the premium membership. It’s $79 for a year or $399 for a lifetime license. ProWritingAid lets you be patient and provides a 14-day money back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
ProWritingAid cannot (and isn’t intended to) replace a human editor. The tool highlights particular elements of text that are measurable and does a thorough job. ProWritingAid can’t replace manual editing of your text. But it can make the process easier and more efficient.