JJ: Sorry I missed this one.

• One thing I stress to writers is the importance of correct grammar and the need for editing.
  
  With today's POD, e-books, self publishing and seemingly easier than ever possibilities, there are many writers who don't give correct grammar and editing the importance it has.
  
  I believe many are more focused on getting their work out there than about the quality of the finished work. I get very dissapointed when I start reading and find many errors. It just turns me off!
  
  I believe-aside from the quality of your writing style, etc., you owe it to the readers to present the material as good as can be.
  
  And don't forget, what kind of name are you making for yourself if the grammar is incorrect?

You and me both, Songbird. I am amazed at the number of people who think submitting "bad" work is okay. Amazed! When you try and help them, they become offended. Hello?

Maybe I was lucky in that respect because the editors I first worked with were unforgiving. They, along with my veteran writer friends, taught me the importance of editing AND of branding yourself by the final piece you submit. Sometimes in a "in your face" kind of way. I paid attention.

Everybody makes mistakes, and I think for the most part, editors know this and make allowances, but there is no excuse for sloppy work.

Word gets around fast. And people who think editors don't talk among themselves, are fooling only themselves! Here's another tidbit. When an editor needs a fast piece to fill a need, they call their editor friends and say, "hey, you got anybody I can get a good quick write up from?" If you've been faithful and have turned in consistenly good work, guess who the editor recommends? It won't be the person who thinks typos are no big deal...

JJ

I couldn't agree more with you, JJ! Go get 'em!

I line edit and even after someone says they have had a friend who is an avid reader check their work for them, I find mistakes on nearly every page. I am shocked at times how their storys are all over the place, no continuity. I check spelling, grammar, punctuation and sensibility of the story being told. It takes alot of time and effort but when the writer gets it back he/she knows its ready for an agent or publisher. JJ, I would still attend any and all those classes you mentioned, one can never know, learn or relearn enough to be a better writer and/or editor.....

It's horrendous the mistakes I find, and I'm not as experienced as you two.

Definitely! Workshops like these are a must. Believe me, Chatty... if I lived close to JJ, I'd be attending her workshops too.

I missed this thread. I think all fields are valuable and needed.

My editor taught me how to self-edit but the one problem I have with it is...I have to stop myself from doing it until after a piece is finished. I would never finish that way and it stops the creativity. I love the creativity process but hate the editing.

Publishers don't want to have to groom a writer and why people send in dirty manuscripts is beyond me. They are either lazy or just don't care. I'm amazed by some of the books I've read. I have a mental red ink marker in my brain that is slashing through entire paragraphs.

Once again I must thank you all for sharing your wisdom. I love the creativity involved in writing and would love to get to where you ladies are.

But meanwhile, I have learned sooo much from you all. For instance, I didn't know the term "clip" but I will keep reading and learning more.

The best thing about this website is that the members seem to really want to encourage others. Our Pastor's homily was on that very subject yesterday and I thought of all of you and how you are living the word of God. I see the face of Christ in each of you.

I am even thinking of signing up for a writing workshop at the local community college...thank you!!

Donna, you are just the nicest thing. You make me feel good about being ME! Thank you, JJ

49erDonna, I agree with the Queen, you are such a neat lady. By all means take the writing course, its a sociable opportunity to be with others that have your same feeling for writing. I have done this for too many years to count but never pass up the chance to learn more, and even teach a little.....Dianne, I have gone over several dozens of self-edited manuscripts and found that it is near impossible for the writer making the initial mistake to correct it seeing it through the same eyes...I am an editor and when I write I have an editor friend of mine edit my work. Even though I can self edit, I don't.....

I 55 years old and I self-edit. There, I've said it. BUT....Chatty is on the money here. DO NOT let that be your last edit. EVER. EVER. EVER. Did I say ever?

You WILL NOT catch the obvious. Why? Because you've memorized the entire project. You read it as you've memorized it, not what's on the page.

And don't get Momma to edit it either. Momma loves you. She's going to say it's wonderful. If you can get someone besides Momma OR your best friend, do so. Objectivity is what you need. Someone without an emotional attachment to you. Try your Ex...only joshin'....

JJ