Scrivener Text-To-Speech

This week on the #52WeeksOfScrivener series we’re talking about talking. That is, we’re going to take a look at how Scrivener handles Text-To-Speech.

I borrowed this image from a review of AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Bluetooth Headphones . They look like pretty awesome headphones.



An Argument In Favor

I don’t use Text-To-Speech in my writing, and so I was actually kind of planning to ignore this little bit of Scrivener functionality. But then, while I was sitting here trying to figure out what to write about for this week’s post (week 39!), my husband popped his head into my office to tell me he needed to do some reading, so he was going out for a bike ride.

My husband uses Text-To-Speech ALL THE TIME. Of course, he works with screenplay, but I think we can use his example here. See, he’s been working on revisions of his current project with the original writer. They pass drafts back and forth.

Whenever he gets a new draft, he pops in his headphones and listens to it while he’s out biking around the hills near our house. He loves it. He doesn’t mind that the reading can sometimes be a little stilted. In fact, he has reported being super impressed with how well the computer reads the script.

You’ll have to decide for yourself on this one.

Engage Text-To-Speech

To get started, simply click your cursor to the point in your story where you want the computer to start reading to you. Make sure your speaker (or headphones) is on, then go to Edit -> Speech -> Start Speaking.

Going Mobile

It’s worth noting that if you want to take your story out on the road with you using Scrivener, you will need to invest in the iOS version ($19.99 – but you can take 20% off if you use the code APRILDAVILA).

With a DropBox account, you can set up your iOS to synch your Scrivener files to your laptop or desktop, which can be super handy if you’re one of those writers who works on the train or bus or in line at the post office.

If you do use text-to-speech, drop a note in the comments here and give us some details. What do you like best about it? Do you synch up your iOS to go roaming, or do you just listen in the comfort of your own home?