Most writers write for one reason -- to get their stories and poems published. Editors read submissions for one reason -- to fill their magazines and book lines with writings. Sounds like a match made in heaven, doesn't it?
It would be if editors published every submission that crossed their desks. Sadly for the writer, this isn't the case. Editors have to be choosy in their acquisitions. They must select only the most entertaining and well written pieces for their publication.
Editors are always looking for original, creative stories and poems. But the thing that makes an editor smile more than incredible creativity is a submission that is free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. In other words, a piece written by someone who can write correctly.
Be that writer and your piece will move higher in the slush pile than anyone else's submission.
Spelling
Most word processors have spell check so use it. Running spell check on your first draft can catch the majority of spelling errors your piece will have. Now that said, do not rely on spell check. It is great for catching true misspells, but it can't catch those misused words that sometimes occur during the writing process.
There/their/they're, here/hear, and to/too/two are examples of the words writers and misuse and still spell correctly. Spell check won't catch these, only a good edit will. Also, knowing how to use those words will go a long way to avoiding making a simple mistake. If you aren't sure, use the dictionary and look the word up. It's better to take the extra few moments to check than to have an editor use their red pen to tell you the words used wrong.
Grammar
Sentence structure is the meat and potatoes of a writer's creative work. Knowing how to put words together to form coherent sentence is required to get your story across to your reader. Most people learned grammar in school and use it throughout our education experience. If your skills are a bit rusty, consider taking a college course or purchasing a book on the subject. Your editor will thank you.
Punctuation
Yes, punctuation is necessary for any writer. Just as a sentence should start with a capital letter, it should end with a period, exclamation point, or question mark. Learn how to use commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and quotation marks correctly. Don't forget the other punctuation marks. Knowing how to use them the right way will really show what a professional writer you are to an editor.
Creating characters, plot, and setting is only half the writing battle. Using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation is the other half. Put them together and your submission will rise higher in the editor's slush pile -- and closer to publication.
Dawn Arkin is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers. Her portfolio can be found at http://darkin.Writing.Com/ so stop by and read for a while.
Source: www.a1articles.com
