Is Grammarly Worth Paying For?

The article explores the pros and cons of using paid vs. free versions of popular editing software, including Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway App, and AutoCrit, with a focus on Grammarly.

• The free version of Grammarly is adequate for basic editing, communication, and overly creative writing where standard conventions are not a priority.
• The paid version of Grammarly provides benefits like plagiarism checks, sentence structure improvement, and advanced editing features, especially useful for freelancing copy and book writing.
• Black Friday sales can be a good time to get a discount on a Grammarly subscription, but these deals are not frequent.

How to Use Grammarly for Free

The author suggests using the free version of Grammarly for tasks such as:

• Editing blog articles, website copy, and social media posts.
• Improving spelling, punctuation, and basic grammar for everyday writing.
• For communication where writing doesn't need to be perfect.

The author found that the free version of Grammarly was sufficient for these purposes and didn't hinder her work with editors or publishers.

When You Should Pay for Grammarly

The article outlines situations where the paid version of Grammarly might be a worthwhile investment for writers:

• Freelancing copywriting where plagiarism checks and professional-level writing are essential.
• Improving sentence structure and finding alternate words to avoid repetition.
• Producing high-quality writing for paying clients where avoiding errors is crucial.
• Editing complex projects like novels where advanced editing features and feedback are valuable.

The Hemingway App: A Simpler Approach

The Hemingway App focuses on readability and writing style, offering a straightforward interface and insights into writing quality.

• The free version is excellent for any style of writing and provides a simple readability score.
• The paid version offers features like offline editing and automatic article sending, but these may not be essential for all writers.
• The Hemingway App doesn't check basic editing, such as spelling and grammar, so it's best used in conjunction with other editing tools.

ProWritingAid: A Combined Approach

ProWritingAid combines features from Grammarly and the Hemingway App, offering a comprehensive editing experience.

• The free version provides basic editing, but it has a limited word count, making it suitable for short pieces.
• The paid version offers more advanced features, including an extended word limit and chapter organization tools, ideal for longer projects like novels.
• ProWritingAid is a good alternative to Grammarly if you're looking for a more comprehensive editing tool with a similar price point.

AutoCrit: For Book Writers

AutoCrit is a specialized editing software specifically designed for book writers and long-form content creators.

• The free version has limited features, offering only the Adverbs tool for improving writing quality. Most other features are locked behind the paywall.
• The paid version offers a wide range of features specifically tailored for book writers, including planning analysis, pacing dialogue, and word choice optimization.
• The author recommends using AutoCrit in the later stages of book editing, when focusing on refining language and word choice rather than major rewrites.

Fiverr Editors: Affordable but Beware

Fiverr is a freelancing platform offering a wide range of editing services at various price points.

• While affordable, it's important to be cautious when selecting Fiverr editors, as some might simply use paid editing software to generate their edits.
• The author recommends using Fiverr editors for specific tasks like proofreading, copy editing, reviews, rewrites, and citation/formatting.
• It's crucial to carefully select a Fiverr editor based on their portfolio, experience, and reviews.

Always Test Editing Apps Before Paying

The author strongly emphasizes the importance of testing any editing app before subscribing to a paid plan.

• All editing apps have unique features, and what works for one writer might not be suitable for another.
• If an app doesn't offer a free trial, it's best to avoid it, as it indicates that the company prioritizes profits over customer satisfaction.
• Testing free versions allows you to determine if the app aligns with your needs and writing style before committing to a paid subscription.