Grammar and Spelling Count: Have Your Writing Be Taken Seriously

By Girdi (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

These days spelling and grammar often seem to fall by the wayside. Oftentimes we're aware of the grammatical lapses but let them slide in the name of convenience - as with texting lingo, voice dictation, crazy auto prompts, and so on. But when your job relies on the craft of writing, grammar is still king.

How likely do you think a publisher, editor or writing agent is to take your submissions seriously when they are peppered with grammatical and spelling mistakes? Of course, we're all human and bound to make mistakes. But to put your best writing foot forward, you need to proof your work and make sure it's as error-free as possible. If you have someone who can serve as a fresh pair of eyes and give your work a second or even third read-through, that's even better. We often become blind to mistakes in our own work, despite how much time we spend poring over it.

Is English your second language? If you're not fluent, have a bilingual writer or editor work with you to check your grammar and also make sure you've used the proper idiomatic expressions. As in any language, literal translations of popular expressions often yield ridiculous meanings. You want your readers to be laughing with you, not at you!

Grammatical and spelling mistakes only serve to distract from the beauty of your writing, ideas and art. They are like smudges of mud on your own personal Mona Lisa. Display your art in its fullest glory and most beautiful frame by striving for grammatical excellence.

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