Hi,

As you can see, I've been here since 2003. No, I haven't written anything. Not here. I have reviewed a billion people on this site, and I come back to check out the latest. My day job involves heavy writing. I'm an editor for Raincoast. I would describe my job as a tidal wave of writing by people that hope beyond all hope they will be published. Most of it gets tossed. I never get over how many people need a good lesson in grammar and basic English. I am talking about the poorly edited manuscripts I have the displeasure of reading every day.

Look at me on a soap box, and I have hardly begun. I'm not here to destroy writing. I am here to look at the upcoming groups. I love to get a bird's eye view of new writers. It is fun for me. I will give one word of wisdom: when you write a story of any kind, please check for errors. Spell check will not catch half of what you need to look for. Anyone that reads this profile beware of spell check. It will not help you that much. You must learn the language and grammar that comes with it. Learning more about English, will help a lot and you will look at spell check and laugh. I truly mean it. .

On reviewing:

I will be honest. If I spot an error, I will tell you. I will tell you about the writing and try to help for improvement. I will not flame you. If you think an honest review is a flame, that is an issue you have. That usually happens when the writer thinks they write better than they actually do. This is because they listen to reviews that give nothing towards improvement. A flame offers NOTHING for improvement. Those usually cuss the writer out and tell nothing about the writing.

Now there are HARSH REVIEWS. These can be hard to deal with, however, they are valid reviews and most editors are quite harsh in their evaluation of your work. No, these are not flames. Harsh reviews will tell you exactly how to improve. They tell the writer how it is with no frills and might tell them to study grammar more. This happens a lot more than not. A green writer will take this the wrong way, nevertheless, it is the way the writing world functions. My advice to a green writer:

Never self publish, unless you have your work professionally edited. More often than not, green writers will seek publication through self-publishing because a traditional publisher rejected their work. Not surprising. Why?

The work is not correct. When a manuscript passes into the hands of a publisher, the first few lines governs its fate. If it has a few errors from the start they will most certainly reject it. It makes them lose confidence in the writer. It makes them think they should not take a risk on a person that can't write correctly. I've seen this many times. Books such as those will probably never sell. Yes, there are some errors that get by and make it into print, however, these are few and far between. You cannot become a published writer unless you understand grammar well. Sorry, those are the facts. Hire an editor if you want your name in print, or wish to be considered. I am steadfast about this.

This is the perspective I come from. When you recive a review from me, it should be an honest one that will try to help you in any way I can. I will see you out in the pages.