Most Common Writing Errors ✔️

Grammar

So to those who feel their grammar isn't great, or those who have good grammar but know they make mistakes, I hope you know this chapter isn't about you. Even authors who think they have bad grammar, this chapter isn't about you.

It's about the authors who have genuinely unreadable stories due to the grammar.

English Is Not Your Native Language

I sympathize with people unfamiliar with English who are writing stories to improve their ability to use the language. I think that's very admirable. 

There's no "but" coming. I truly admire people unfamiliar with English writing stories in English. It's already brave as hell to post books to the internet, let alone a book written in a language you aren't fully comfortable in. I have so much respect for you if your native language isn't English but you still post stories in English online. Pardon me for being vulgar, but that takes balls to do. You're doing great, really.

What I recommend is using the resources I mentioned to help move you along faster. You have an advantage: English is one of the most-spoken languages in the world, so you have significantly more resources than others learning different languages.

I would not suggest submitting to awards contests if you know you have bad grammar. I would suggest submitting to review books instead because you are far more likely to get a fair review, and you can request feedback specifically for your grammar. Preferably, try submitting to a review shop hosted by a native-English speaker.

Maybe that sounds harsh to say "don't submit to contests," but I'm only saying that because I know how terrible judges are. Of course there are fantastic judges, but a majority are vague, harsh, and/or inexperienced with grammar and storytelling. That's why I say it's more beneficial for you in the long run to go to review shops instead. If you like the judges in a contest, go for it and submit! I'm not trying to dissuade you but rather warn you of how many contests have bad judges that won't help you.

Also, read the reviews in the shop to see if the style is satisfactory for what you're looking for. I have a review book myself, but I understand my style isn't for everyone. My wait list is like 30-40 people, so if you are interested in getting a review from me, sign up ASAP to reserve a slot, just in case I close applications.

If you want to submit to award contests, I'd suggest doing research on the host and the judges and see if they are a good fit for your tastes.

How I Judge Grammar

I judge a lot. If you're in the BTS Awards community, then you've probably seen my name around a few of the awards books, Paradise in particular.

I enjoy judging even though it gets stressful at times. Sometimes I feel I put so much effort into something the author won't even glance at, which is the case a majority of the time.

Either way, grammar is an extremely important part of storytelling. However, I do have my hot takes that any of my awards participants know about.

My hot take: I don't put grammar above all else.

For example, if a story has meh grammar but an incredible idea with interesting characters, that story is going to be high on my list. If a story has flawless grammar but a meh idea with meh characters, I won't even consider it for the top three.

A story is more than how it is written. It's why people enjoy the Star Wars prequels so much. I am of the opinion all three of the movies (including ROTS) suck, but there's no denying how incredibly interesting the concepts in those movies are.