7 Best Writing Assistant Programs for Writers

Speed up your editing and proofreading time significantly. Find the best writing assistant programs out there for today’s writers.

A writing assistant is a software program that uses artificial intelligence technology to help writers with the creative process. This can include everything from offering a grammar checker to assisting with the nuances of the language to make the writing more engaging.

English writers have a lot of options available for them if they want to use a writing assistant in their work. While an assistant is not going to replace the need for a writer, the right writing tool can help improve readability, reduce grammar mistakes and help writers avoid inadvertent plagiarism.

If you are looking for a tool to help you with your writing, these are the best writing assistants we have found, as well as some information about who should use writing assistants, when they should be used and how to best use this tool.

The Best Writing Assistants: How to Use Machine Learning to Your Advantage as a Writer

The best writing assistants are going to be those that work with your browser or word processing program and offer the tools you need to strengthen your writing. Before delving into specific programs, let’s first take a look at who can benefit from writing assistant software.

Who Should Use Writing Assistant Software?

Any person who writes for a living can benefit from an AI writing assistant. However, if you find that you are prone to certain errors in your writing style, you will find the right assistant to be an indispensable tool. These errors include:

• Writers who have problems with sentence structure
• Writers who over-use adverbs
• Copywriters who have issues with passive voice
• Common writing that is prone to accidental plagiarism 
• Those who need to find synonyms for overused words
• Bloggers who need to tighten up readability
• Writers who need error-free copy

If any of these apply to you, then you can benefit from a tool that helps with proofreading and readability for your writing.

How to Use Writing Assistant Software?

If you decide to use writing assistant software to help with your writing goals, you will need to purchase the program that best fits your needs. Then, add it to Chrome, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WordPress, Android, or Firefox to start improving your writing in real-time. Most of these programs have an add-on that can work directly with these programs.

Another option is to install the mobile or desktop app from the writing assistant. Make sure it is running when you write, so you can get the suggestions as you go.

Once the program is in place, allow it to scan your writing as you write. Take advantage of the suggestions it provides to tighten up your copy and make your writing stronger and easier to read, but always remember this is an AI. You, the writer, have the final say in how something should be read.

The Best Writing Assistants for Today’s Writers

So now that you understand how to use a writing assistant, we are ready to discuss the best writing assistants for today’s writers. We chose these particular programs because of their:

• Accuracy
• Ease of Use
• Relative affordability
• Compatibility with common writing tools

Read through the list to find the program that will best fit your needs.

Pricing

$30 a month or $144 a year for the paid version

Use Case

Grammarly is a robust grammar checker that has a plugin for Chrome, Microsoft Word, and several other browsers.

Overview

We find Grammarly to be an intuitive, easy-to-use program that is quite thorough in its grammar checking. It also offers plagiarism detection with its paid version

Grammarly has both a free and a paid version, but professional writers will want the paid version for suggestions about passive voice, readability, and overall sentence phrasing. 

Pricing

$20 a month, $79 a year, or $399 for life

Use Case

ProWritingAid is a grammar check program that works well for writers who need error-free writing and want an extra set of artificial eyes on their work.

Overview

ProWritingAid is a tool that offers writers the chance to perfect their writing by avoiding common grammar errors and updating their style. It integrates well with browsers, word processors, and Scrivener. It can also work with less common programs like Markdown and Open Office.

We added ProWritingAid to our list because it offers real-time checking for grammatical errors on an easy-to-use platform that will help you write well and get help when it is time to proofread your work. 

Pricing

$199 to $449 depending on the plan

Use Case

SEMrush is an online visibility management platform designed to help writers with their SEO and social media research to improve their online visibility.

Overview

SEMrush provides help with SEO and online marketing. This can be invaluable for writers who are trying to build an online presence and need a little extra help to integrate keywords successfully into their content. 

Pricing

Free

Use Case

Writers who struggle with wordiness, readability, and passive voice use can benefit from scanning their work with the Hemingway Editor

Overview

The Hemingway Editor is not a grammar checker but offers a readability functionality that can help writers avoid wordy phrases and passive voice over-use. When combined with a grammar checking program, it is a great tool to help create readable, engaging content. It works through a browser, so it is available for both Windows and iOS.

Pricing

Free trial, pricing available through a personal quote

Use Case

Writers and companies who want to make their writing more inclusive and diverse can use Textmetrics to analyze it. 

Overview

Textmetrics is an AI writing assistant that helps writers avoid bias and exclusive writing in their works. It offers real-time suggestions to help writers and organizations improve the quality of their written pieces. 

Pricing

$49 one-time fee

Use Case

Scrivener is an AI program and organizational platform for book and novel writers that helps them keep their ideas, writing and outline organized.

Overview

Scrivener eliminates the need for binders and note cards when you are writing a book or other long-form writing. It offers a virtual corkboard to pin research and ideas, outlining templates, and a word processor that will help you with the writing process. 

Scrivener also checks for some grammar and spelling mistakes. The organizational and editing tool works offline as well as online, so you can write on the go.

Pricing

$4.92 a month or $59 a year for the premium version

Use Case

LanguageTool is for writers who want a fast, free grammar check program.

Overview

LanguageTool is another AI grammar checker that has a browser add-on, office plugins, and a desktop app for your consideration. It also integrates with Gmail and Thunderbird email programs. Its primary function is checking for grammar and spelling mistakes. 

How We Chose

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best writing assistant for your company or your writing. We chose these because of the diverse number of options they provide. Most also offer real-time scanning to help you improve your writing as you go.

On this list, you will find grammar checkers, SEO support, plagiarism detection options, and even a program that will help you write to more diverse audiences. With each tool, you can make your writing stronger and more accessible to the reader.

Error-free writing is essential. Whether you are typing an email in Gmail or a book in Scrivener, you need to know that your work is going to pass muster. By investing in a writing assistant, you can have that confidence.

A Final Word On The Best Writing Assistant

The best writing assistant is going to be the one that overcomes weaknesses you have in your writing. Take some time to research each of these options, and choose an assistant that will help you achieve your writing goals.

A program is no substitute for your skills as a writer, but it can help you with editing and proofing your work. In fact, with the right tools, you can become a professional writer that is in demand in your field, and all through the help of artificial intelligence.

FAQs About The Best Writing Assistant