What's More Important? Grammar, or Research?

If I'm paying someone to write, then I agree with you: BOTH.

Honestly, there is no other good answer, IMHO. You are paying them to write - that includes research and spelling and grammar. If they don't deliver, they fix it, or don't get paid.

Simple.

All the best,
Michael

Hi Josh,

Typographical errors (such as the one in your headline) and grammar errors are two entirely different things. Your sample articles have many of both types of errors. Perhaps you know the rules, and choose to break them to affect a breezier style. I suspect that this isn't what's happening, but that the errors occur because you're not completely familiar with the rules.

If you don't understand the difference between grammar errors and typos, you should cut your price because your customers will need to hire an editor. Or you should work with an editor, or a more experienced writer, to proofread your material. Or find markets where great research, good enough writing, and so-so editing works for them. Either way, your pay would then be based on the value of your research, which you're good at, and not be limited by your editing, which you're not good at.

And if you do understand that grammar and spelling are two different things, yet blur that distinction when asking for help selling your writing - what would that say about the care you'd put into a paying assignment?

I hope this doesn't come across as harsh. I do believe that if you teamed up with a better editor, you could make so much more money that you'd come out ahead. What if your testimonials not only mentioned your research, but commented that the writing and editing was so good that the articles could be dropped in place without any worry?

Regards,
Allen - also a native English speaker, who worked damn hard to understand the rules of this marvelous language

A few mistakes are acceptable. Heck, I know I make grammatical errors, but they are usually the really picky ones. I try for a conversational tone in my writing - and yes, I really talk this way.

However, when the grammar or spelling becomes distracting then it becomes a problem.

~Michael

Adaptive,

Not sure where you got the idea that I was talking about myself. I was not, I was talking about a lot of the writers who post in the Warriors for Hire forum.

Granted, there are a number of them who are actually really good at what they do, but there are a few of them that are getting TONS of orders every day, and I have seen some of their work, and...well let's just say I wouldn't want to have them write for me.

What if your testimonials not only mentioned your research, but commented that the writing and editing was so good that the articles could be dropped in place without any worry?

Not trying to come against you, but have you even read my testimonials? Most of them DO say that.

Anyway, I didn't quite understand why you posted all of that, as it had nothing to do with what I was questioning, but thank you for the constructive criticism.

In the age of spellcheck, most typos (not all, but most) are totally avoidable -- and yes, they can be a problem for some clients AND some readers. Sure, they don't matter when you're trying to get the search engines to pay attention to your keywords, but when someone's reading it and deciding whether or not to take action?

It's worth your time to make sure ALL the ingredients are there -- decent grammar, checked spelling, solid research, and effective inclusion. That's how to make sure that Google AND conversion ready customers take notice.

Josh,

Sorry about my confusion. I'll pull my post if you like, if you think that will make the thread more useful.

Regards,
Allen

I am most concerned about the quality of the research. Sure, I would love to have great grammar, spelling, etc but I can easily fix those things. If the facts are substantial and the writing style is engaging, no complaints from me.

Personally I think research is more important. Not to say that grammar and spelling don't matter, but I can forgive some errors in grammar and spelling if the content is solid and easy enough to read and understand. On the other hand, if an article or ebook is nothing but "fluff" I don't really care if the grammar and spelling are perfect, it's still trash.

both grammar and research are important.

Both. I don't want to compromise grammar nor research. A well-thought out, well-researched article should be coherent, free of typos and fluid. I'm paying for the services and I expect only quality output. And I think if you're in the same position as your client, you expect the same quality from the writer.

Hi Josh:

As a professional writer and speaker I see all the time content with incorrect grammar or superfluous words.

When you pay for something it should be delivered with the terms you and the writer discussed. I will say this if there is somebody that you feel does solid work, fair price, listens to your needs, and returns calls/email you may have to weigh is it worth making a change or simply after you receive the articles or text have some software examine it for errors.

There is also a tremendous amount of assumption that many writers use when dealing with their clients. This is why you have to communicate at all times. They write as if is a bunch of friends hanging out. What they don't understand is you can use terms such as "Hey Man", "Cool", etc if you are uploading a music video for YouTube but if you are attempting to sell a product to a doctor with 34 degrees they don't want every other words to be "You know, and a, etc."

Know the market, communicate before, during, and after and you'll be fine.

Have a fantastic Friday.

A good writer would regard these two as very important. The article you write is a self-promotion in itself. If you write well, clients will do repeat business with you. Or better yet, give you referrals.

A good set of English skills is a must if we talk about proficiency.