Self-Published Only Club discussion

Moved as requested

We have numerous packages available to assist the self-publisher, which do not necessarily cost a lot of money, or even any at all. Here are a few I use regularly. The list is by no means exhaustive but perhaps others can append their preferences.
Essential spell checking, style layout, or formatting can be done, with exceptional ease in LibraOffice's Writer. There are specialised dictionaries for many languages beyond English, and you can add entries to your own collection. The range of features is comparable with Microsoft Word which is considered the Industry-standard, though incurs a sizeable initial outlay for the casual author. Libra Writer, by contrast, is open-sourced and free, though you can offer payment to assist with future development. You are also able to import and export MS Word compatible documents. So it is ideal for the likes of Amazon, which uses the .docx format for both Kindle Create and as a direct upload.
Grammarly, Autocrit and ProWritingAid are just three of the grammar, style editors available. Usually, they come with a cost per annum, quarterly or monthly. Pro has a plug-in for MS Word, which could be useful, or you can make use of the Web interface. A lifetime subscription is £400, £20 per month with yearly being a more agreeable £96. You can try it for free though I do not know the limitations. Autocrit only has the Web interface, and some parts look out of the dark ages. They have an entirely free option, though many of the detailed reports are unavailable. However, it has a limit as to how large a document can be uploaded or pasted in. Personally, I like to use this for the main report for whole chapters at a time, and ideal for an overall impression including an over-reliance on type of words or phrases. One fundamental flaw in the system I have found is while you can set UK English for the checking it seems to pay no attention. $30 per month or $297 per year. Last is Grammarly, which I use all the time. $11.66 per month. No need to use the web interface it has an installable application which I adore. Is it the best, probably not however checking a chapter, cutting and pasting between this and Writer is very handy? There is also an app or plug-in for browsers to help with mail or social media. All three mentioned require access to the internet and are pretty much useless without it.
Until recently the "premium" error, i.e. beyond the basic, spelling and rudimentary grammar you were hunting in the dark for problems. I use to pull paragraphs out one at a time to see if I could spot the issue. Now thankfully, it highlights them all. It will not tell you how to fix them, though it will now mark it up in the document. Usually, it is a missing comma or the odd word it has encountered and sometimes rewriting the sentence will be the cure.
Where you will come unstuck is while grammatically it may be correct it reads like gibberish. For this, I use Windows 10 inbuilt text to speech with a plug-in for Libra. A touch robotic and a tendency to mispronounce certain words it is an invaluable aid in highlighting problems.
So will all this make you a better writer, no but it can help correct many fundamental errors and perhaps keep the Grammar N...s from picking you apart? When I start selling in the thousands and possibly someday make a living out of writing, I shall indulge the more expensive options. :)

The above is not intended to decry actual Editors nor replace them. If you have the wherewithal to indulge the human option then go for it. Finding a good, compatible Editor can take time and may involve multiple attempts and individuals. Tools, by contrast are there to be used, so try them out and if you don't like them don't use them.
It is a quandary that in order to improve sales you may need to spend money. However the return on the investment is the key concern and motivator. If you spend £500, £1000 or more on a round or multiple rounds of editing you need to make this back otherwise it is a hobby. Unless you are already selling in the thousands this will be hard to swallow on a tight budget in these uncertain times.
Please feel free to object, dissent or offer up any alternatives. :)

Thank you C.C.