Even though StyleWriter's language engine doesn't always catch everything, it is very helpful. Other areas of StyleWriter could use some work, tough. First, StyleWriter is aimed at Microsoft Word users. It can't open files on its own: You must run StyleWriter from within Word. If you don't want to use Word, you can copy your text into the clipboard and StyleWriter will process it, but will offer less editing options.

Next, StyleWriter doesn't always play nice with Word 2010. When I had two Word windows open (one with a document and one without), StyleWriter picked the wrong window and tried to help me edit a blank document. Working with StyleWriter involves constant switching between StyleWriter and Word, and I had to fiddle with StyleWriter a bit until I could that to work like I wanted it to. Last but not least, StyleWriter uses an activation procedure which means if you install it on a new computer you must contact the company for a reactivation.

At $190, StyleWriter's Professional edition is a decidedly expensive application. The company also offers a Standard version for $150, and a Starter version for $90, but even $90 is not a modest sum. And StyleWriter is not a silver bullet for awesome writing, either: You will still have to work at it. But if you are willing to put up with StyleWriter's software quirks, customize it, and use it wisely--your writing will almost certainly be better for it.

--Erez Zukerman