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Best Grammar and Self-Editing Tools for Authors

A self-editing tool will not replace a human editor, but it cuts the number of rounds you pay for.

Each of these three is good at a different job.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, iWrity may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only list tools we think indie authors can use, and we write down the downsides too. How we review tools.

ToolBest for
ProWritingAidBest for fiction
AutoCritBest genre benchmarks
GrammarlyBest for everyday writing
1. Best for fiction · Editing

ProWritingAid

Pacing, dialogue and style reports, plus a lifetime license.

  • ✓Reports aimed at fiction, not office email
  • ✓Lifetime license available
  • ✓Works in Word and Google Docs
  • ✗English only
  • ✗Free plan checks 500 words at a time
2. Best genre benchmarks · Editing

AutoCrit

Compares your draft to published books in your genre.

  • ✓Genre comparison is unique
  • ✓No word limits
  • ✓Cheap on yearly billing
  • ✗Most tools need Pro
  • ✗Web only
3. Best for everyday writing · Editing

Grammarly

Grammar and tone checks in every app, from Word to your phone.

  • ✓Works almost everywhere
  • ✓Good free plan
  • ✓Fast and easy
  • ✗Little help with story structure or pacing
  • ✗Can flatten an author's voice if you accept every change

How we picked

We checked every price on the vendor's own site on the date at the bottom of this page.

We looked at what a self-published author needs from this kind of tool, not at feature counts.

We list the downsides of every pick, including the ones we earn a commission on.

Frequently asked questions

Can a grammar checker replace an editor?

No. It catches mechanical problems and patterns. A human editor catches story, logic and voice problems a tool cannot see.

Which is best for a novel?

ProWritingAid or AutoCrit. Both report on pacing and style in fiction. Grammarly is better for short everyday writing.

Related guides on iWrity

Prices and features checked on 2026-10-09. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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