Underwriting: Don't Skimp on Learning Grammar

You don't have to be a spelling bee champion or an English major to be a decent self-editor. While I encourage all writers to find their own paths to fulfillment, I see far too many who are really poor with words who simply think that passing it through Grammarly or paying an editor will clean it all up.

However, first and foremost, it's your job to convey meaning in those words you choose. Just like it's a pet peeves when someone asks a writing group to come up with ideas for their plots, the expectation that an editor with even survive a couple of mediocre paragraphs is delusional. If you find you're severely lacking a basic essential skill in a career path, there's only so far you can rely on co-workers to cover you before they start to resent you, avoid you or warn others to do the same.

If you're a hobby writer, it's good to announce that prior to asking for a critique or edit. The occasional misspelling is forgivable in most cases but I've seen sentence structure with nearly incoherent wording do nothing but confuse. If a writer defends it as a style choice, I'm wary of their ability to take criticism. I won't point out awkward wording if it's consistent to the conversation, but calling it style in narration that otherwise never supports it is a red flag.

I may have said before that this is why editors offer 'free' introductory readings. This is the place where they can decide if your work is something worthwhile for them to continue. Finding an editor is about building an honest relationship so if you can't seem to get one based on the mess your draft is in, consider it free advice that your writing needs more self-improvement.

Certainly, it's disconcerting how many people get frustrated that they can't find readers when their message to ask for them is a grammatical nightmare. How many people think ideas alone are strong enough. If you have ever checked out comments sections alone, you'd be aware that grammar ninjas are in no short supply. Sadly, that's about the extent of free advice though.

You don't have to labor through excruciating grammar courses to improve. Grammar Girl's Quick & Dirty Tips is a fun site to pick up rules. When you use programs like Grammarly, assess what it is telling you and further research wording arrangement and structure. You will learn over time that passive voice and ending in conjunctions do have their place. Find what exceptions work. 

It almost sounds like some writers are bragging or making light of being poor at grammar. I'll never understand the culture of dumbing down as something to be proud of. As a hobby writer, feel free to never improve. I don't get it but it's your party. However, if you claim to be a serious writer, get a decent fucking toolbox. Otherwise, don't be surprised no one is interested in it.