Editorial, Graphics, & Publishing Services → Editorial Help Desk → Links to Helpful Resources

Links to Helpful Resources

We hope you find this list of writing resources websites useful and interesting. They are guides to help you navigate the nebulous field of grammar and the imprecise language that is English.

Modernized Classic References

The essentials have evolved with new editions and better mobile integration.

• The Chicago Manual of Style Online (18th Edition): Now updated to the 18th edition, this remains the gold standard for manuscript preparation and citation.
• Merriam-Webster Unabridged: Still the most reliable American English dictionary, now featuring daily word games and integrated thesaurus tools.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): The go-to free resource for citation help, including updated guides for the latest Chicago and APA styles.
• Vocabulary.com: An adaptive learning tool that remains one of the best ways for students to master "tough words" through gamified practice.

Enhanced Writing and Editing Tools

Modern writing requires tools that help with tone, clarity, and real-time collaboration.

• Grammarly: A comprehensive AI-powered writing assistant that checks for more than just grammar—it helps with tone, conciseness, and plagiarism detection.
• Hemingway Editor: Perfect for making your writing "bold and clear." It highlights wordy sentences and passive voice to help you tighten your prose.
• The Writing Revolution (Hochman Method): An excellent resource for educators to teach structured, evidence-based writing across all grade levels.
• ProWritingAid: A deeper dive for serious writers, offering manuscript analysis and style comparisons to famous authors.

All About Words and Global Usage

For those who love the "nebulous field of grammar" and want to explore language trends.

• LanguageTool: An excellent multilingual grammar checker for students who speak English as a second language, covering over 30 languages.
• Online Etymology Dictionary: Discover the history and "map" of where our words came from.
• The Oatmeal: Semicolon Guide: Still the most entertaining (and effective) way to learn how to use a semicolon.

AI and Productivity for Educators

These tools leverage AI to assist with lesson planning and drafting high-quality content.

• Google Gemini & NotebookLM: Use these to summarize complex documents, generate study guides, or draft parent emails directly within your workspace.
• Reedsy Studio: A powerful, free tool for students or staff looking to professionally format books or long-form publications for print or digital use.
• Sodaphonic: A simple, browser-based audio editor for teachers and students to record and edit voice clips for multimedia projects without needing complex software.

Quick Access for Staff

• Abbreviated Editorial Stylebook — Internal MCPS Guidelines
• Copyright and Fair Use — Critical for classroom materials

Would you like me to draft a brief "Tip of the Month" based on one of these new AI tools for your next newsletter?

Improving Your Writing

Learn to make your writing focused and informative, so your audience can read and understand the information and you can get the response you want from your readers.
Go to plainlanguage.gov.

Official Forms of Address:
https://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address

Tip of the Month Archives

“Helping you do things better” www.quickanddirtytips.com/home/

Writing resources and instructional material http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

How to use a semicolon: A quick primer http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon

Before-and-after examples of effective, productive email athttp://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/EmailCommunication.htm

Please send us any interesting site you know of or run into that you would like to share.

Contact Donna M. Marks or call the Editorial Help Desk at 240-740-2971.