Thoughts on Grammar Checkers

Grammar matters.

Spelling matters.

When you are writing, those mistakes are called "typos." After you submit it, these are now mistakes and your readers WILL catch it!

So, what do you do? You can pay someone, but unless this person is a grammar guru, you may be spending money uselessly. But, can you do this on your own? 

The answer is YES!

HOWEVER...

There are things known as grammar checkers and spell checkers on most quality writing programs. I do use the word quality because you get what you pay for. If you get the free stuff, the quality of the program is what it is. Still, these programs have limits. If you do not know grammar, spelling and punctuation rules, these programs are useless. Remember, grammar checkers tell you "THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM."

But even then, when the error show up, you have to take the time to read the errors. Simply saying 
FIX IT, could create more problems.

Let me show you. I am editing a project now but take a look at this mistake that popped up. I had to totally laugh at this. I would love to see how someone would drink a glass of pork. "OINK!"

Still, as an author, you have to take the time to do this on your own. You cannot just assume that your copy editors are going to catch every mistake. I am not saying they aren't doing the job. They are. But even the best editors are going to miss things. Heck, you missed things too. 

So take the time.