Even the best freelance writers make mistakes from time-to-time; it does happen. The key is to find and correct your mistakes before you submit your work to an editor or client. Proofread your work twice if you have to because you don’t want to turn in sloppy work. Your client and editor wouldn’t appreciate unchecked work. It could cost you work!
Use these tools to catch writing mistakes
WhiteSmoke. This writing program helps you with grammar and spelling. You can download a free trial to see if it’s the right program from you. NBC, CNN, and Yahoo! have endorsed the product. I don’t think they’d be associated with a company that didn’t deliver a stellar product. If you have problems with the program, contact the company.
Read your writing out loud. Sometimes it helps to hear your writing out loud instead of in your head. If a sentence or paragraph doesn’t sound right, read it silently to yourself and then out loud. You may need to rewrite a sentence or the entire paragraph. This is extra work but at least your writing will flow.
Have someone else proofread your work. If you can afford to hire a proofreader or ask someone who lives with you to read your writing, do it. A fresh pair of eyes will be able to spot errors you may have missed. This is a great way to see if your work will ‘hook’ someone and make them want to read more.
Spell check. If you use Word then you’re familiar with spell check. Use this one with caution because it won’t catch every error, especially if you spell a word correctly but misused it.
Dictionary. Whether you use an online dictionary or the old fashioned big book of words, check the meaning of words. You could use a word that is inappropriate and doesn’t add to your writing.
Freelance and ghost writers can make writing mistakes. It’s not a big deal as long as you locate your errors and correct them. There’s no shame in making writing errors because they appear in newspapers, magazines, books, newsletters, websites, and blogs. You’d be surprised how many media organizations publish books and articles that contain writing errors. It happens to the most seasoned and not so seasoned writers. Don’t sweat it — correct it!
Rebecca
What tools do you use to catch writing mistakes? Share.