avatarElin Melaas

Summary

The web content provides a list of eight essential writing tools recommended by an Illumination editor to improve story quality, ensure proper formatting, and expedite the publication process.

Abstract

The article, aimed at writers, outlines eight writing tools that are highly recommended by an editor from Illumination to enhance the quality of submissions. These tools range from grammar and style checkers like Grammarly and Merriam-Webster, to creative aids such as Canva for graphics and Goodreads for quotes. The editor emphasizes the importance of using these tools to produce well-written, typo-free, and properly formatted stories, which should also include relevant, copyright-free images with proper credits and captions. The use of emojis is encouraged for adding personality to the text, provided they are used judiciously. The article also directs writers to review specific submission guidelines for various Illumination publications to ensure compliance with their standards.

Opinions

  • Grammarly is indispensable for checking grammar, spelling, and punctuation before submitting or publishing any written piece.
  • Merriam-Webster and Thesaurus.com are valued for their assistance in finding the right words and synonyms.
  • Title Case Converter is useful for adhering to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guide for headline capitalization.
  • Canva is appreciated for its user-friendly design capabilities, aiding in the creation of illustrations for stories.
  • Emojipedia is recognized as a helpful resource for incorporating the right emoji in a text.
  • Pexels is recommended for its collection of free stock photos and the ease of crediting photographers appropriately.
  • Goodreads is acknowledged not only for its book information but also for its extensive library of quotes searchable by topic.
  • The editor expresses a clear preference for well-prepared submissions and provides resources to help writers meet the publication's standards.

Use These 8 Helpful Writing Tools To Make Your Editor Happy

and help you get your story published faster

Photo by Philip Swinburn on Unsplash

As an editor in Illumination I have a wish: use these tools to make my job easier! I want to read well-written stories, without typos, and well formatted. When I review your story, I want to see relevant photos with proper captions (copyright-free with a link.) Feel free to spice up your story with an appropriate quote and an emoji. It’s smart to check out these tools before submitting your story to us.

Your reward for delivering a polished story is a happy editor and faster approval.

#1. Grammarly

Grammarly is always my #1 🥇 Never submit or publish anything without Grammarly’s approval.

“Grammarly helps you fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues, and it can also help you revise sentences that are grammatically correct but wordy and unclear.” (Grammarly for Chrome)

#2. Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster is an excellent online dictionary. Here you can look up word definitions, synonyms, and how to use them in a sentence.

#3. Thesaurus

Thesaurus.com is the perfect thesaurus and I absolutely adore it. It is the master of synonyms. It’s always open in at least one tab when I write.

#4. Title Case Converter

This Title Capitalization Tool converts your headline to title case, according to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guide.

#5. Canva

Canva is a user-friendly free online graphic design tool. It’s great for creating illustrations for your stories.

#6. Emojipedia

Emojipedia is a search engine for emojis. I think a well-placed emoji can be just the right spice for the text. Just don’t overdo it.

#7. Pexels

Check out Pexels for free stock photos. Some nice features are that you can like photos and save them in collections.

Remember to give credit to the photograph. When you download the picture you want to use, Pexels gives you a line to copy. Put this sentence under the photo you use in your story.

#8. Goodreads

In addition to reading about the books you are interested in, Goodreads has a large library of quotes. The quotes can be searched by topic.

These are simple tips any writers need to know. But our publications also have additional rules that you can find in the attached updated submission guidelines. New writers, please review them before submitting your stories to relevant publications.

ILLUMINATION-Curated: New Submission Guidelines 2023 SYNERGY: Submission Guidelines 2023 Technology Hits: Submission Guidelines 2023 ILLUMINATION Book Chapters: Submission Guidelines 2023 Readers Hope: New Submission Guidelines 2023 Submission Guidelines: Illumination Integrated Publications ILLUMINATION Gaming: Submission Guidelines 2023 Publishing and Conduct Guidelines for the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION

I look forward to reading your polished story!

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