Shopping for a good writing software? If you are, you must be feeling the jitters. I know I do. It happens every time I’m planning to buy something I’m not 100% sure about.
Despite its popularity among many people, writing software remains a niche product. As such, you’re not going to find endless articles written about them in software review blogs and magazines. You’ll occasionally find one, but they are rarely comprehensive. For the most part, you’re stuck having to do research on your own.
Seek the opinion of writers. Where’s the best place to look for writing software recommendations? Websites that cater specifically to writers, of course. Steer clear of software review sites and the like. Instead, go straight to the tool’s primary audience – people who write for a living. Check out writing blogs, writing resources and the likes for their take.
Check out the developer’s website. Is it professionally done? Or does it send messages of being a “fly-by-night” operation? At the least, a good writing software should have a professional site dedicated to it.
Run through their features list. Most writing software will have similar features – grammar checker, spell checker and such. What you should do is look for ones with unique capabilities, such as being able to edit for style and structure, as well as for particular industries.
Check out the price. If you were a software developer who produced a comprehensive and helpful writing application, how much would you price it? Bargain-hunters generally get what they pay for – generic tools that don’t do much different from everything else out there. Don’t be stingy – look for quality. Price is a very telling sign.
