Best way to self edit - have your computer read it to you.

[Ed]

I could read my book a hundred times and still not catch certain errors. But I did find that if it's read to me I can easily see where corrections are needed.

WordTalk is a free MS Office Add On that will read your text to you. You can pause and make corrections as you need. It's been invaluable to me.

After I run the manuscript through the Word Spelling and Grammar checker I sit back and let WordTalk read it to me. Always find another dozen or so typos and wrong words.

Having it read also helps see where the story doesn't flow smoothly.

Just Google WordTalk

[Nancy]

I totally agree, I spend a longer time editing but you catch more errors and even correct punctuation when you hear it read aloud.

[Scott]

Yes and yes! That's a must. I will always find little mistakes that I never would on my own, and I get a sense of the sentence flow and stuff. I have a 45 minute commute, so audible books are cool to me, and the idea that what I write should sound good when spoken is important.

Thanks for the tip! I heartily agree.

[Janelle]

Oh wow, this stuff is gold. Thanks for the information!

[Marva]

Yes, I have found it to be a big help in finding errors I would otherwise have missed.

[Iva]

What software do you use?

[Dave]

I often have my iphone read text back to me, (go to settings -> Accessibility -> Spoken Content and activate Speak Screen).

Just swipe down with two fingers on your text file screen, (I use Scrivener), and the default voice reads back your text.

What's great is that you can download different voices too. Want an English gentleman, or an Australian lass reading your story aloud? Each voice can give your text a new perspective and highlight awkward sentences or flow.

[Alexander]

GREAT recommendation! I've started doing this and it is a helpful new way to review my manuscript.

I've found @Voice Aloud on Android works great for me. Helps to pick different narrator voices at times.

[Massiel]

yes! I do this too! even with the monotone voice, I hear things I didn't before! :)

[Marta]

Ed wrote: "I could read my book a hundred times and still not catch certain errors. But I did find that if it's read to me I can easily see where corrections are needed.

WordTalk is a free MS Office Add On t..."

I totally agree, reading it aloud first and then having the computer read it back to me I catch a lot of errors.

[Scott]

My version of Word has it built in with two voices. I use Zira because I prefer a female voice, even synthesized, apparently.

[Karen]

This is a very intriguing idea, and I intend to try it. Thanks!

Ed wrote: "I could read my book a hundred times and still not catch certain errors. But I did find that if it's read to me I can easily see where corrections are needed.

WordTalk is a free MS Office Add On t..."

[Karen]

I just downloaded WordTalk and saw that the license agreement specifies "NON-COMMERCIAL, NON-PROFIT PERSONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH PURPOSES." That doesn't sound as if the author of the software wants it used for books that will be available for sale. Thoughts??

[Keith]

I think that's exactly what it means: you can't use it in any way to make a profit, so creating an audio book via WordTalk would violate the license.

[Karen]

The issue is whether I can use it to proofread a book that will be offered as an ebook and paperback. I'm afraid the license may prohibit that as well.

Keith wrote: "I think that's exactly what it means: you can't use it in any way to make a profit, so creating an audio book via WordTalk would violate the license."

[Keith]

Well, how could they ever know? You can consult a lawyer, if you like.

[Karen]

I am a lawyer, which may be why this language jumped out at me. But I've emailed the people providing the software to ask about this. Keith wrote: "Well, how could they ever know? You can consult a lawyer, if you like."

[Keith]

There you go, reading too much into it ;-)

From a legal perspective, I don't think there's any concern about violating the license by using it to read it to yourself even if you intend to publish, you are using it as it's meant to be used for the purposes of use.

I'm curious. If you get a response, could you either reply here or PM me?

[Karen]

I'll try to remember to post here if I get a response.

Keith wrote: "There you go, reading too much into it ;-)

From a legal perspective, I don't think there's any concern about violating the license by using it to read it to yourself even if you intend to publish,..."

[Beena]

I will try this, thank you!

[Debra]

Thank you for the information. I have just downloaded it.

[Janelle]

Great idea. Thanks for posting and for the discussion.