Just stumbled across this very cool web app which is something a lot of writers could really use to improve their prose. The app, called appropriately enough Hemingway, is designed to point out readability errors, and help you make your writing more punchy.
It also functions as a pretty decent online wordprocessor in Edit mode. There are no bells and whistles, but even so you can get stuff done with it quite nicely. The key to the service is the grammar engine which color codes your words according to how easy they are to read.
If it finds long words or sentences, or phrases which are too darn complicated, it will mark them red, pink etc, to prompt you to repair the problem. You also get a nice readability grade at the top, which is a great way to keep you on the straight and narrow. Apparently this piece of prose here is a Grade 10, which is just good enough to pass muster. Phew!
The developers are also taking votes on whether to release a $5 desktop version which you can download. We’re voting yes. Nice app and very useful if you have a tendency to be a verbose muppet like me.
