Quote:
Originally Posted by mr ploppy
Their spelling and grammar is all over the place because all they care about is the story. Everything else is the copy editor and proof reader's job.
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Sadly, this is a correct view of the perspective of many authors. However, it is an incorrect view. I try to convince authors that grammar and (a little less so) spelling are also the concerns of the authors because if left to the editors and proofreaders, they may well find that what they meant to convey is not conveyed because the editor/proofreader had to interpret and guess at the authors' meaning.
It is not necessary for an author to have perfect spelling or grammar; it is necessary for the author to have a skill level that ensures that the message the author wants to deliver is delivered and received. Editors and proofreaders are not coauthors, yet a sloppily written manuscript puts them in that position.