SmartEdit (available as a Microsoft Word add-in or as the built-in Editor in SmartEdit Writer) is a powerful software suite designed specifically for creative writers. Instead of replacing human judgment with artificial intelligence, it runs over 25 analytical checks on your manuscript to highlight common pitfalls, saving you from tedious copyediting grunt work.
Five core features in SmartEdit can transform your manuscript from a rough draft into a polished work: 1. Repeated Words and Phrases Checker
Writers often have “crutch” words or phrases they overuse without realizing it (e.g., repeating the word “suddenly” three times in one paragraph).
How it works: SmartEdit provides alphabetical lists of every word and phrase used in your document and counts how many times they appear.
How it helps: It spots hidden echoes and repetitive phrasing, giving you the context right alongside the result. 2. Adverb and Cliché Monitoring
Heavy adverb usage and overused idioms can make your prose feel amateurish or bloated.
How it works: The tool sifts through your text to specifically isolate all adverbs, redundancies (e.g., “he fell down”), and established clichés.
How it helps: You can review all of these instances at a glance in an alphabetical list, allowing you to easily replace them with stronger verbs and more original imagery. 3. Sentence Start Analysis and Length Tracking
Pacing is a vital component of storytelling, and varying your sentence lengths and structures keeps the reader engaged.
How it works: SmartEdit analyzes how every sentence begins (e.g., tracking if you start 100 sentences with “And” or “She”) and flags extra-long or “run-on” sentences.
How it helps: It ensures that your prose flows rhythmically and naturally rather than lulling the reader into a monotone tempo. 4. Dialogue Tag Checker
Tracking the words you use to attribute speech can make or break a reader’s immersion.
How it works: The software pulls out every dialogue tag and lets you see exactly how many times you are relying on creative tags (like he ejaculated, she pontificated) rather than simple “saids” or action beats.
How it helps: It keeps you from overcomplicating your character interactions and helps you identify “invisible” dialogue tags where the rhythm is off. 5. Proper Noun and Acronym Consistency
Typos can easily slip by, especially when it comes to character names, place names, and capitalization consistency.
How it works: SmartEdit generates a list of every proper noun used, catching discrepancies like “FBI” vs. “F.B.I.” or a misspelled protagonist’s name.
How it helps: It lets you ensure world-building and character details remain perfectly consistent from chapter one to “The End”.
If you are considering integrating SmartEdit into your workflow, tell me:
Are you using Microsoft Word, or are you interested in using the standalone SmartEdit Writer program? What genres or types of manuscripts do you typically write?
I can provide specific tips on how to configure these tools for your exact project needs. Smart Edit – An Overview | Killzoneblog.com
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