More Than Spelling And Grammar

 "Can't people just use Spell check?" Someone asked me this question when I talked up my editing business.

It's a misconception that Spell check will find all of a writer's errors, since some of the words it encounters are real words. Use Spell check, but remember its limitations. Keep a dictionary and thesaurus close by and use them.

Correct spelling and grammar are essential to good writing, yet editing encompasses so much more. It involves precise meaning, a well-expressed thought or a focused argument. Style includes the tone of the writing, the intended audience, bias, and whether certain clichés, regionalisms, idioms or jargon will be understood by the audience.

Writing is work. Even those who write easily benefit from having an editor look over their work. For website content, a blog, promotional material or a book manuscript, an editor can help you look as professional as you are.

 

-Carolyn Wilker, FineTune Editing, presenter to the upcoming SBCN meeting on February 17th, 2010, "Your Editor, Your Friend and 7 ways an editor helps you look good."

"When your words count most, hire an editor."