Five Reasons Why Professional Writers Need Professional Editors

Guest post by: Pamela Hilliard Owens
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Date Your Customers - By Pamela Hilliard Owens

Many people realize that their written communication should be error-free and the best representation of what they want to say, but those same people often believe that using the spell/grammar check of their word processor is sufficient. Unfortunately, many people, especially new authors, give their documents to friends and family to critique and to proofread, thinking that is enough. It is not.

Your manuscript, academic assignment, journal submission, or marketing document is not really finished until it is professionally edited. Here are five reasons why:

1) Proofreading is the process of checking for typos, spelling errors, incorrect punctuation, etc. The spell/grammar check function of word processors does not catch all errors, and very often misses the nuances of the English language.

2) Detailed line editing includes a total grammar check, ensuring continuity, matching tenses, complete plot or storyline, and overall organization. A professional editor will read every single word of your document and recommend tweaks, changes, and revisions.

3) It is a true fact that you cannot adequately or expertly edit your own work. Your mind subconsciously “fills in” missing words, punctuation, sentences, and even whole ideas you meant to include.

4) It is very difficult to be objective about your own work. Some authors are afraid that an editor will change their work to something unrecognizable; professional editors can recommend changes and revisions without changing the scope and meaning of the author’s intent.

5) You only have one chance to make a good first impression. One chance. Compared to publishing corrections, having your work professionally edited is much less expensive for your wallet and your reputation.

Notice that throughout this article, I have referred to “professional editors”. As you set your budget for your written communication, include a line item for a professional editor. The services of true professionals are not free, but when your work is perfectly submitted the first time, the cost is worth it.

You are a professional writer; you deserve a professional editor as an integral part of your team.

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Date Your Customers - By Pamela Hilliard Owens

About the Author: Pamela Hilliard Owens

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Pamela Hilliard Owens, M.Ed., is a researcher, writer, editor, and small business marketing and communications consultant who knows that "It Matters How You Say It"! She is also an ESL (English as a Second Language) specialist who works with individuals, graduate and post-graduate students, small businesses and non-profits assisting them in reaching their short- and long-term communication goals. A former teacher and college instructor with students and clients in the United States, Canada, and eight other countries, Pamela is a partner with her husband Keith A. Owens in "Writing It Right For You" (http://writingitrightforyou.com), a full-time writing and editing enterprise, Detroit ink Publishing (http://detroitinkpublishing.com), a Detroit-based self-publishing enterprise. Pamela's specialties include working with international students worldwide as well as SOHO (Small Office Home Office) businesses in working successfully with Web 2.0 apps. Already possessing exceptional written and verbal communication skills, Pamela is also studying to become fluent in Spanish and Arabic. You are invited to visit the websites, http://writingitrightforyou.com and http://detroitinkpublishing.com, to submit your contact information for a free consultation.
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