Listen to your wip on the go with google docs

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How to get Google Docs to read aloud

You don’t need a fancy program to hear your manuscript aloud. Today we’ll discuss a great revision hack—how to get Google Docs to read aloud.

“What’s your favorite program to..”

“Does anyone have a suggested plugin to…”

It always seems like there is a need for more software, more apps, and more tech stuff. Stuff to buy, learn, and take more time away from your precious writing space.

Experienced writers know the value of hearing your manuscript read aloud, but who’s got time for that? Today I’ll share a quick tip on having your WIP read aloud by your little robot friend while out and about in the world.


Tech Tip #1: This series will focus on use of tools you already have to save you time, money, and energy.

Read: why you need an author website—even if you’re unpublished

Revision hack: the benefits of reading aloud

The benefits of reading your work out loud during the revision process are well-known. Hearing your words can help you identify confusing bits and stumbling blocks in your story.

But you don’t need a special app or device to have your work read to you. You probably already use a number of programs that will read your article or manuscript aloud for you like Google Docs.


Google Docs

Docs will read your manuscript for you–from your phone–so you can listen while walking, running, or driving. Simply pop a copy of your article into docs if not already there, download the app on your phone, highlight the text and click “speak.”

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

  1. Get Google Docs. If you aren’t already using drive to save and share everything, start now! Having a backup has saved me so many times. Note: I don’t use docs as my primary writing app for longer stuff because it tends to get a bit slow at about the 50,000 work mark.
  2. Download the app on your phone.
  3. Open the doc and click the pencil icon in the lower right-hand corner. Once you’re in edit mode, you’re ready to listen!
  4. Select and highlight a portion of text or select all, then click speak.

Time needed: 5 minutes.

How to get Google Docs to read aloud

  1. Get Google Docs.

    If you aren’t already using drive to save and share everything, start now! Having a backup has saved me so many times. Note: I don’t use docs as my primary writing app for longer stuff because it tends to get a bit slow at about the 50,000 work mark.

  2. Download the app on your phone

    Download from the app store.

  3. Open Program

    Open the doc and click the pencil icon in the lower right-hand corner. Once you’re in edit mode, you’re ready to listen!

  4. Get ready to listen!

    Select and highlight a portion of text or select all, then click speak.how to get google docs to read aloud l google docs read aloud l google docs read out loud l how to get a google doc to read out loud l read out loud google docs l read aloud on google docs l writer hacks | writer hacks writing tips | Writer hacks | Writer Hacks | Writer Hacks |novel editing | novel editing checklist | novel editing tips | novel editorial design | novel editorial | Novel: Editing! | Novel Editing and Revising | Novel Editing/Publishing |


Google docs on web

Here’s how to make it work on your browser.

  1. Navigate to Google Drive
  2. Click on Your Account (top-right corner)
  3. Click on data and personalization
  4. Click on accessibility
  5. Toggle on screen reader

That’s it! Now enjoy the sounds of a slightly robotic voice reading Your WIP. Every time I do this I’m amazed at how many little issues and mistakes I catch.

Other resources for your writing journey


Writers: do you read aloud as part of your revision process? What’s your favorite tool for it? I’d love to hear in the comments below!!

Looking for courage to try something new? I’m here for that. Join 1470 others for a mostly-weekly dose of mojo.



Hi, I’m Bethany–coach, author of Courage to Tri, 2x Kona qualifier, and twin mom. I believe if you have a body you’re an athlete. Grab my free 5k plan to start your own athletic journey.


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Bethany

Hi, I’m Bethany–coach, author of Courage to Tri, 2x Kona qualifier, and twin mom. In a decade of coaching and racing triathlon around the world—from first sprint to IRONMAN Hawaii—I learned a ton about mindset: finding your why, sustaining motivation, overcoming obstacles, and goal setting. Now, I help writers, solopreneurs, and athletes reach their goals using the same process.

3 Comments

Sue · May 2, 2019 at 9:37 pm

There is no option to choose speak in the app. Now you didn’t specify if this app was only for Apple phones that will allow you to listen to your WIP. I am going to assume that is the phone one must have to listen to it. I downloaded it and all and no option to listen. More specific directions would be easier to follow. Thanks for the information though.

    Bethany · May 4, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Hey Sue,

    I just checked my app to make sure I’m not going nuts! You have to highlight the text (push down on your screen on an area of text till options pop up), then select speak, and it will say only what you’ve highlighted. Let me know if that helps.

6 Online Tools Writers Need to Make an Impact — Bethany Rutledge · June 13, 2019 at 3:18 pm

[…] Docs also has little known uses such as using Google Docs to read your manuscript aloud. This is a fantastic revision hack that really helps while […]

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