A Professional Author Always Writes Like One; No Exceptions and No Excuses!
Some published authors routinely post comments within discussion groups of literary websites that contain misspelled words, improper punctuation, grammatical errors and/or incorrect syntax. Justifiably or not, some readers interpret this to be an indication that the author's published work is probably also poorly written and edited and, therefore, not worth purchasing or even procuring for free.
Very little time and effort is required to proofread a paragraph or two before hitting the Enter key. Since the eye tends to see what the brain anticipates, occasionally an error will escape detection; however, such instances should be the exception rather than the rule.
A writer who resents being labeled an amateur can remedy the situation simply by not behaving like one. No true professional would permit indifference, impatience or carelessness to negatively impact their writing under any circumstance. Expend the time and effort to master and then consistently demonstrate impressive technical writing skills so that the impression left upon those who read whatever you write is a positive one.
Very little time and effort is required to proofread a paragraph or two before hitting the Enter key. Since the eye tends to see what the brain anticipates, occasionally an error will escape detection; however, such instances should be the exception rather than the rule.
A writer who resents being labeled an amateur can remedy the situation simply by not behaving like one. No true professional would permit indifference, impatience or carelessness to negatively impact their writing under any circumstance. Expend the time and effort to master and then consistently demonstrate impressive technical writing skills so that the impression left upon those who read whatever you write is a positive one.
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Michael
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Oct 29, 2015 12:28AM
I agree wholeheartedly, Jim. I take a star off every time I encounter a mistake. I overlook Americanisms but the flow is broken when 'a' and 'the' is omitted because the author/editor has not slowed down to pick it up. Reading aloud really helps.
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Michael wrote: "I agree wholeheartedly, Jim. I take a star off every time I encounter a mistake. I overlook Americanisms but the flow is broken when 'a' and 'the' is omitted because the author/editor has not slowe..."Michael,
Your rating methodology certainly serves as an effective incentive for writers and editors to expend the required effort and time to create a book worth reading.
Thank you for remaining a loyal follower of the blog and, once again, sharing your thoughts and suggestions.
Jim Vuksic
I often will look up an author and check their books, if they write well structured prose even in a discussion thread. It may not seem like a big deal, but I've found several outstanding authors that way.
Christine wrote: "I often will look up an author and check their books, if they write well structured prose even in a discussion thread. It may not seem like a big deal, but I've found several outstanding authors th..."Christine,
No doubt others share your practice of judging a writer's probable ability based upon the language skills exhibited in their posts in discussion threads. I know I do.
Thank you for taking the time to view the blog post and sharing you comment.
Jim Vuksic
My children know that if they have to alert me to the fact that they have been kidnapped or are being forced to text me, all they have to do is use chat-speak and I will know it is either not them - or they are under duress.
