"Editors correct all the grammar and punctuation. That's what they're for."

Anyone heard that line before?

That's kind of like your mom saying, "Don't worry about doing your school work. I'll do it for you."

If a writer is interested in published writing, he or she must do the best possible writing which includes taking care of correcting grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. It's an editor's job to look for terrific writers who already know this and require the least amount of work to make the writing sparkle.

"But I don't understand all those grammar rules, and I've always been a terrible speller. I can write a really great story though." Is that what you say?

If you can write a great story, congratulations. That's one of the best writing talents to have. You may also have an intuitive feel for interviewing and getting to the heart of the story. Your dialog may be so real that readers hear the slightest decibel or tone difference in every word.

You say your writing flows so well that editors will overlook all the mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. No big deal.

Once in a while you might be lucky and the editor will accept your work and correct all the errors. You might also win the lottery.

The main problem with your writing having too many errors is that you've actually made the editor's job easier. PLOP! That was the sound of your manuscript tossed into the slush pile.

The editor had been personally holding your manuscript in his or her hands (assuming it got past the entry-level college reader on the first floor hired to cull manuscripts). Your title and first line sucked the editor into wanting to read more.

Then, errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics started hiccupping with intensity. The editor stopped reading and glanced at huge piles of manuscripts begging to be read piled around the desk and on the floor. The editor might be thinking, "That was a great opening, but, . . ." PLOP!

The decision is easy. There are too many manuscripts and too little time to work with writers who don't take the time to make their manuscripts the best they can be.

If you aren't good at simple mechanics of writing (grammar, spelling, and punctuation), entice a high school or college teacher to proof your work or have several people review your work who are good in the areas you need. Look on the Internet or local media for reputable copy editors. Though spell check and grammar check on word processors were wonderful inventions, you can't trust them. Their are two Minnie times you might bare your sole on paper, but then an editor tosses you're writing four know raisin. (The computer's spell check wouldn't have changed a thing in that last sentence.)

Don't let simple things make you a life-long member of the slush pile. Grammar, punctuation, and mechanics are the easiest part of writing that can be corrected. Learn the basics. Even then, it's best to hire a qualified person to tidy up those things you might not do so well. Don't believe for a minute that editors don't care about grammar and punctuation.

Have fun in your writing and try to write the things you are most passionate about. I'll look for your name on the New York Times' best seller list.