Im sure we all have horror storys. I find correct grammer use to be a complete mine field. (this is after having extra tuition for my whole school life, writing to try and combat my dyslexia, having software that is supposed to highlight these silly mistakes) Problem is I know im going wrong, but im not sure where or why. Reading aloud is supposed to highlight most of the flaws. but sometimes the intonation of ones own voice hides them even more. I have been saying to myself get the content reading well and then buy an editor, but its hard to get constructive reviews when you have a colon in the wrong place... and even harder for a reader to keep in the plot if they are spotting gramatical errors. So what im after here, from the community, are hints and tips for your own gramatical editing. How do you spot a sentence that is not working; how do you know when a comer should be a full stop? It would be great to hear other horror storys too.
I asked a similar question not so long ago and I to have the same problem. I am also looking at getting accessed for dyslexia. But you are so right the English grammar is such a mine field. So I don't know where I would start with giving you advice. I suppose that getting a trusted friend with good grammar skills to check over your work is a good place to start. Also they will tell you were you are going wrong without making you feel like an illiterate idiot. So not a grate help but I do know where you are coming from.
Has anybody had any experience getting an editor for their work?
I always think it must be incredibly frustrating for parents of dyslexic children. my whole family has dyslexia which makes for very comical sunday lunch discussions. That "How do you keep missing that?" moment turns into "Well we all missed that." One from last week was how to spell 'Maintenance'...And most of my family are engineers in some capacity or other.
Im sure as with anything its learn, relearn, practice, learn again because you missed the point and try again....
I feel for you.
My daughter's dyslexic but I'm one of those fortunates who's never had much problem with spelling and grammar, so this was an endless cause of frustration when she was young and undiagnosed.
I'm afraid I don't know what the answer is, I'm sorry, but you're certainly not alone.