Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Advice for Writers - 4/20

Collecting my April 20th Tweets with advice for up-and-coming writers here in one place for those who missed them...

One last bit of advice today, for writers: use spelling and grammar checks before sending in your submissions to publishers. Please.

Sounds basic, I know, but simple spelling and grammar errors can quickly turn off editors. You'd be surprised how often we still see them.

Its vs. it's. There vs. they're vs. their. You're vs your. Yes, we all often mistake them when we write, but remember...

...your submission is your job resume. Proof it then proof it again. Check it then check it again. Make it as professional as possible!

In regards to spelling & grammar, yes, I would suggest having someone else proofread your submissions. Trust people over computer programs.


And two responses I got regarding proof-reading that are always good to remember...


@BrigidAlverson: "We tend to be blind to our own mistakes."

@moxiegraphix: "Fresh eyes will catch mistakes you miss!"

1 comment:

Jennifer Juniper said...

Oh yes, please! I try to proofread EVERYTHING I write, from emails, to comments on myspace, to tweets, etc. Seriously! Just read what you just wrote! You'll look like less of an idiot!

(Of course, this doesn't help if you don't KNOW the difference between their and they're and there. Please go learn if this is the case! haha)