A short while ago, I received a lovely email from one of my readers pointing out I’d made (not one but…) two typos in a newsletter I’d sent out hurriedly. What interested me most was that she used it as an opener for introducing me to her editing services. Wow!
Genius or cheeky?
I decided to take it as a gift of kindness (not something I would have done a few years ago because – bleugh – who wants their problems pointed out to them?) and believe that she wanted to help me.
A few times, I’ve been sorely tempted to use this approach. I’ve held back, thinking that I’d alienate the prospect by leading with one of their mistakes. I have a fear of coming across like a know-it-all, intimidating, rash, or pushy, so I’ve avoided using typos of other errors as a way to get editing work.
But everybody needs a second pair of eyes, even editors and writers themselves. Especially editors and writers themselves, I should say.
Better to stay in the dark?
When it comes down to it, I’d far rather know.
The following week, I sent out another typo fest of a newsletter. Great.
Of course, in a newsletter, as with many communications, it’s too late to correct it once it’s been sent. That’s why you need an editing service in place in advance of writing anything for publication.
In situations where you can actually do something about it, where you can fix the problem, I’d far rather know. In a communication where it’s too late, maybe less so.
Immediately when I spotted an error in the subsequent week’s newsletter, I thought of the editor who had emailed me. See how effective her email had been? As soon as I start looking for more freelance staff, she is so hired!
Until then, you can expect less-than-perfect, but highly fascinating newsletters. Sign up at the bottom of the page for proof.
Test your skills
Did you spot the deliberate error in this blog post? Maybe it’s hidden away or, being the grammar goddess you are, perhaps it jumped right out at you. Let me know in the comments below!
Spotted it!!
And it’s a super common error to leave in. I’m sure I’ve done it a ton of times.
I always gain some comfort from the fact that I’ve read a lot of books that have blatant typos in them. It makes me feel a bit better knowing that even with the rigorous editing that goes into some very well known writer’s books, there is still room for human error. For being just a little off perfect.
And if it doesn’t bring their career to it’s knees, I should be ok too : )
I feel like such a know-it-all! I found the typo. Very sneaky – I needed to look for it!
The one I spotted was “typos of other errors” rather than “typos or other errors”.
Is this it? “…using typos of other errors…” It should be “or” and not “of.” I really feel you on this one! Being that I work with words for a living, I die a little inside when I post on my Facebook wall and realize there was a typo. Ugh! At least if I catch it right away I can delete it and re-post!
I’ve often thought of doing that as well–contacting someone who had several errors and typos on their website and offering proofreading services. However, like you, I don’t want to come off holier than thou. Perhaps your editor friend is braver than the both of us and is nabbing those jobs!
Spotted it too! Typos of other errors (rather than or).
Thanks Kris – good article! I agree that everyone (even an Editor) needs a fresh pair of eyes to look over their writing. It’s so easy to make errors like this when you become too close to the writing yourself.
Linda
You might want to eradicate “erradicate”!
I got the worst kind of news the other month from a “friend” who left a facebook message saying my newly live editing blog was full of typos and grammatical errors – no examples, no hints. Thanks, sweetheart!
You’re all awesome. Nice work. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist!
@Alicia – I’m so glad I’m not the only one that deletes tweets and Facebook updates because of typos!
@Barb – Did you ask the friend what they were? It’s a fine line between being mortified and being grateful, and the difference is definitely being able to fix it!
Glad to make everyone feel a little better anyway. We’re all human and I’m sure you’re all doing perfectly well if not perfectly.
Well, I’m going to be cheeky and ask you if you think you should have written: “believed that she wanted to help me” and not “believe” in the present tense….
I could be wrong – there could be some rule I’m ignorant of….
Haha, totally spotted it, and totally made a mental note to tell you about it (it felt very ironic…) 😉