Slideshow

...about the language.

It should be a given that writers, like other craftsmen, should know how to use the tools of their trade: words.

It should be a given, but it isn't.

In my own work, I sometimes find grammatical errors, misspellings and other evidence of lack of expertise with the language. And that is so unnecessary.

Books abound which contain advice and instruction on proper grammar. And dictionaries, both print and online versions, are readily available to help the writer with spelling and with selection of the proper word to use in a given instance. (Spellcheckers are of some help, but they cannot always determine which word is appropriate, i.e., "there," "their," or "they're," and are, therefore, unreliable.)

Since one of the first pieces of advice editors give regarding submissions is, "Make sure your manuscript is free of typos, misspellings and grammatical mistakes," one would think writers would make working to acquire proficiency with the language a number one priority.

One would think so, but......

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