Essential tools for those who write longhand or use a typewriter to produce their words include a dictionary adequate for the level of writing you are pursuing and a thesaurus such as “Roget’s International Thesaurus” to keep word usage interesting.
Also helpful are reference books on technical aspects of writing such as grammar and punctuation, and others that present a set of accepted style rules for technical or field-specific writing, such as the “Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association."
Once the traditional-method writer knows what to change, he can make those changes using manual correction tools that include erasers, opaque correction fluid or dry-coated strips and the traditional red pen.
If you write on a computer, the software program you use to create your documents also contains editing tools that catch basic errors. Word-processing programs allow you to check the spelling of your words, although they will not catch errors based on context. (Example: No flag will go up if your spell-checking search finds “I wand candy” when you meant to type “I want candy.”) Human proofreading remains valuable.
Word-processing software tools also might provide grammar guidance, dictionary and thesaurus tools. Some programs offer other editing tools such as Microsoft Word’s "Track Changes," which has the ability to display proposed changes and editor’s comments while retaining the original writing.
Another tool for correcting your writing or teaching you ways to avoid repeating mistakes is specialized software. These are editing-only programs that examine your writing file and suggest improvements. Programs available online, free or for purchase, not only check your spelling and punctuation but also your syntax. Style analysis and quantified information about the strength and complexity of your writing can improve its impact.
All software programs have limits; they cannot replace knowledgeable humans, so other valuable tools for writing correction involve people. Online or off, experienced editors and writers offer professional advice and assistance for a fee. Peer groups that critique your work provide free help, and membership in local or national writing groups such as Romance Writers of America opens doors to professional-grade information on all aspects of writing.