Update #11 #10**-proof reading with Mr. Spell the Czech

I'm finding some real oddball phrases in your manuscripts:


If she wanted to draw my foul, she'd have another thing coming


Retched world.


hurling locomotive

I'd of known him 

fare skinned



Finding these before you send a manuscript on submission (or to a contest) is a Very Good Idea. I'm assuming you know, once you see these highlighted, that there are errors.  The trick is to get rid of of them BEFORE I see them.

Two strategies:

1. Let your manuscript sit for at least a week.  Don't fiddle with it, don't look at it, don't open it, don't  do anything.  Let it sit. Then go back with fresh eyes. It's even better if you can do this twice.  Print it out and read it with a ruler under each line.  This forces you to see every word. When you see the words that are wrong, then you fix them.

2. Read your manuscript out loud.  This can take a couple days.  You'll pronounce the words, realize that "think" and "thing" are not the same and fix them.  I'd have known him is I'd've not I'd of.

Here's why this is important: words are your tools as a writer. When you use them incorrectly, it's not unfair for those of us on this side of the process to use that to evaluate how you write.  Also, this is one of the things you have TOTAL control over.  There are lots of factors in getting published that you don't have any control over.  Don't sabotage yourself by hurrying.



**yes there is a good story about this.