Even Thieves Need to Learn to Spell...

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I've written a lot over the years about proofreading. It's a challenge we all have - we're rushed, we're writing and too often moving too fast. With me, often I can read something 3-5 times and not catch a mistake. With many of you, you're trained as an artist, not an English teacher. So, many times there are mistakes in what you're writing that even if you read it out loud before publishing, you might not catch it.

Here's the point though...a mistake here and there isn't the worst thing you'll ever do. However, when what you've written can't be understood, you've got a challenge with the potential client who's reading what you wrote. Right off the bat you'll probably lose them. Nobody takes the time to ask for clarification.

• Read whatever you've written out loud before publishing.

• Pay attention to your spelling and run everything through Spell Check.

• Read out loud, to your spouse, assistant or a friend, what you're about to publish.
  

• Have your spouse, assistant or friend read what you wrote and verify they understand what you're trying to say.

• Remember that Spell Check won't catch the use of wrong words that have been spelled right as in "right" vs "write", "to, two and too", etc.

• Last, but certainly not least, hit the local high school and talk to an English teacher. There's nothing wrong in hiring a student who loves to write, part time to review things you're publishing.  I know it sounds like my own version of "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" but a responsible high school student, who's passionate about writing, has all the skills you need and some great enthusiasm as well.
  

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I had a laugh yesterday when I got an email with this heading:

Here's the scam the thieves are working...

You get an email from a reputable company you're involved with asking you to verify your account information. So far I've had them from American Express, Bank Americard and Apple. It's always the same scam asking me to click on the link and enter account information to verify changes that have been made to my account.

These thieves needed help with spelling. They had a challenge with "suppourt", although later in the same email they got it right, "support".

Here's the point, just slowing down a little can make you look and sound a whole lot smarter and avoid the challenge of losing a client's interest because they didn't understand what you wrote.

A spelling mistake can destroy your life...
A husband wrote his wife:
"I'm having a wonderful time. Wish you were her."
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