Dictation Tools for Authors: Write Without Typing a Word

Hello, dear writers and self-published authors!

For many of us, words are both the tool of our trade and the objects of our affection. They float around our minds in the middle of the night, congregate in the corners of our consciousness, and often pour onto the page through our fingertips. But what if I told you that there’s a way to unchain your creative process from the traditional keyboard-bound method? What if you could speak your words into existence? Welcome to the world of dictation tools, my friends.

As writers, we’re constantly in search of tools that can help streamline our creative processes. Enter dictation software, which might be one of the most powerful – and overlooked – tools in an author’s toolkit. Simply put, dictation tools allow you to speak your words out loud and have them translated into written text.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Starting with the heavyweight champion in the dictation software realm, we have Nuance’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This software is widely acclaimed for its unmatched accuracy. It learns the more you use it, adapting to your voice and the words you use. It’s like having a personal secretary who is a mind-reader; no offense meant to our telepathic secretary readers.

But what makes Dragon a worthy investment for authors? Beyond its impressive accuracy, Dragon allows for voice commands to format your text. Got a hankering for some italics to emphasize your protagonist’s silent soliloquy? Just say the word, literally. With Dragon, your hands are no longer in charge – your voice is.

Google Docs Voice Typing

Next up, let’s talk about Google Docs Voice Typing. This free tool is embedded in Google Docs and is surprisingly powerful. While its accuracy might not match Dragon, it’s more than capable for capturing a rough first draft.

Its major charm lies in its accessibility; available at no cost and requiring no additional software. With Google Docs Voice Typing, all you need is an internet connection and a Google account, and you’re ready to roll.

Microsoft Dictate

If you’re a Word loyalist, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Microsoft Word’s built-in dictation tool, aptly named Dictate, can be an effective tool in your author’s arsenal. While it may not be as nuanced (pun absolutely intended) as Dragon or as easily accessible as Google Docs Voice Typing, it offers a solid middle ground for authors who do most of their work in Word.

So, how can you use these tools to enhance your writing process? Here’s some actionable advice for you.

Actionable Advice

1. Diversify Your Workflow: Don’t feel compelled to use dictation tools for your entire writing process. Perhaps you use Dragon for your initial brainstorming and Google Docs Voice Typing for your first draft.

2. Take Breaks: If you’re not used to speaking your words out loud, dictation can be surprisingly exhausting. Don’t push yourself to dictate for hours on end. Try it out in short bursts first.

3. Review and Edit: Keep in mind that dictation tools, while impressive, are not infallible. Be prepared for some amusing and potentially frustrating errors. Always review and edit your work.

4. Learn the Commands: Each dictation tool has commands that allow you to format your text, add punctuation, and make other edits. Learn these commands to enhance your dictation experience.

Consider the case of L.F. Blake, a successful self-published author of five fantasy novels. She started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking due to a chronic wrist condition. It was challenging at first, but she persisted. Now, she is

able to write for longer periods without physical strain, and she swears her dialogue has improved since she started ‘speaking’ for her characters.

Dictation might not be for everyone, but I urge you to give it a try. It might just change the way you write, giving you a new perspective on your craft.

Now, dear readers, it’s your turn. Have you tried any dictation tools? What was your experience? How do you imagine dictation might change your writing process? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and explore this tool together, one spoken word at a time.

Until next time, remember – every voice has a story to tell, so why not let yours be heard?