Pages

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A Word About Grammar

Today at literary agent Nathan Bransford's blog, there is an interesting discussion about grammar slip-ups.  Nathan asked his readers, "What are your favorite/least favorite malaprops, Spoonerisms, homonym errors, and/or other tips of the slongue or tpyos?"

Many commenters responded with passionate diatribes against a variety of language errors.  Here is the response I added to this discussion, slightly modified here:
I must admit, I'm a bit taken aback by the level of ire associated with some of these comments.

I have a Master's in English and I'm a college instructor of English. I'm also a professional editor. I think we take grammar too seriously.

I'm proficient in spotting and fixing grammar (and other writing) problems, so I use that gift to help others. (I actually enjoy it - guess I'm just an academia nut. Ba dum bum.)

However, I don't think this gift makes me superior to the people I help. It's a gift; I didn't have to work hard to discern the difference between 'your' and 'you're'. The people who DO have to work hard at this and then finally master it are the ones to be admired.

Language rules are arbitrary and changeable. They simply constitute a code which is different for different communication situations. I tell my students this; they love it. They can then embrace learning grammar as simply learning a code for a certain kind of communication.

Grammar Nazism does not serve the learning of grammar. Quite the opposite.
I once had an excellent writing teacher who said, "The purpose of writing is to communicate clear ideas clearly."  Thanks to him and others, I have developed the ability to write clearly.  I have mastered the "rules" for different kinds of writing, from business writing to academic papers to grants.  This is why I offer my services to others.

However, I am not and never will be the Grammar Police.  Think of me as more of a grammar mechanic.  I won't judge your writing for its problems, but I will repair it and point you to the things you can do to keep it running smoothly.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Why Choose Illuminated Manuscripts?

It's not just about picking the right words and eliminating grammar problems. A great document needs a creative edge.

At Illuminated Manuscripts, we carefully examine your project and consult with you about how to give your document that extra finesse to make it stand out above the rest.

Susan Carpenter Sims, M.A.

Susan has over fifteen years of experience as a professional writer and editor. Her areas of expertise include creative, business, technical, journalistic, promotional, and grant writing.

Illuminated Manuscripts
offers a full line of services for businesses,
non-profits, professionals, students, and creative writers.

We can help with all your editing, proofreading, and writing needs, including:

Business letters & documents
Copy writing & editing
Grants & fundraising documents
Resumes
Brochures/Fliers
Student papers
Reports
Creative manuscripts
Advertising
Style consultations

Pricing varies. After a free consultation, we'll negotiate a fee based on size and type of project.