Forum: Author Hangout

I self-edit, multiple passes, and am generally satisfied at the flow of my stories, and, for the most part, the grammar.

However, despite using the Libra Office 'Spell-Checker' and a pass through from a Proofreader, I still find spelling errors (or wrong words, such as get/got or weak/week, etc.).

I am willing to post because one 'method' for detecting errors is reading my work on SoL. Because the layout is different, I notice misspelled words that I don't notice in the original document that I have read over a dozen times.

Also, readers will PM me, or contact me by other means, bringing to my attention misspelled words, and other errors.

I am extremely reluctant to use an LLM, even to edit, or read through, my work.

I have heard that various writers use a Text to Speech software to Listen to their own stories, and notice misspelled or wrong words. Flow is another thing that may be highlighted by using such software.

I am interested in what fellow writer's consider the best such software in 2026?

You can use LM Studio and download an offline model that will not upload your data to the network. I use LM Studio and several different local LLMs. I have confirmed that they work without sending any data (using Little Snitch on my Mac).

I read it outloud to myself to catch a lot of things that don't quite sound right. I also seem to find a lot more errors when I email myself the word doc and read it on my phone. Like you said, changing the format from what you were writing in seems to help them stand out more.

Malcom

The "Read Aloud" function in MS Word is very useful. Use the mobile app and treat it like a podcast. Every time you hear a 'mistake', stop the playback and correct it.

You don't need a paid sub for the Mobile app.