Feel free to read them, print them, and/or post them in your own newsletter/blog/website with proper attribution to MichaelEdits.com.
The Hidden Costs of Typos: How Proofreading Protects Your Business Reputation
A typo may seem like a minor issue, but in business, small mistakes can create major problems. Whether they appear on your website, in marketing materials, or in customer communications, errors can damage credibility, confuse customers, and cost you sales.
Why Hire An Independent Editor?
Independent editors aren’t just an alternative to big editing platforms — they’re a fundamentally different experience. If you care about clarity, voice, and long-term quality, working with an independent professional is one of the smartest investments you can make.
What Proofreaders Catch That Spell Check Never Will
If you've ever clicked "Check Spelling" and seen the reassuring message No errors found, you might assume your document is ready to publish. Unfortunately, that message often creates a false sense of confidence.
Every Author Needs A Proofreader
Why your own eyes will never see all your mistakes.
Self-Editing
Sometimes we make mistakes because, well, they’re mistakes. Something we didn’t learn, something we didn’t think about... Self-editing covers the other kind of mistake, the ones where you knew better but just had an “oops” moment. Or two. Or 20.
Be Your Own Editor
A practical guide to lightening an editor's load before you submit your work.
Blame It On Michael
The boss assigns you to write something. You write it. You publish it. Congratulations! And then...
Elevator Pitch
A file for my own reference, featuring the worst commercial jingle of all time.
The Gallery of Silly Graphics
They're all related to proofreading, editing, and writing. #SpellcheckWontCatchThis
The History of the Siege of Lisbon by Jose Saramago
The Wikipedia entry on Proofreading includes four works of fiction in which one of the characters is a proofreader. Of the four, this is the only novel in which the main character is a proofreader.
How To Write Any Paper
What is writing? I have some thoughts in my head. When you read what I've written, you should understand those thoughts. It sounds so simple when I say it like that. In practice, well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't. Let's find out.
How To Write Novels
You never learn how to write novels. You only learn how to write the novel you're working on now.
The Myth of the Solopreneur
Do what you do best and farm out the rest.
The Passive Voice
Advocating mostly active writing... with room for nuance.
Proofs and Three Parables by George Steiner
Reflections sparked by Steiner’s own insights.
Published Writing That Sucks
What slows readers down, and how to avoid making them stop.
Watson and Crick Show How It’s Done
A lesson in clarity from scientific pioneers.
What Is The Secret To Good Writing?
by Lu Xun, December 1931
What's Easier Than Destroying The Evidence?
She went to all the employees and took the memo away. Then she typed it herself, free of errors, and distributed that to the employees. All the employees who were laughing about the bloopers forgot they ever existed.
Where Does Bad Writing Come From?
A seasonal special with Ebeneezer Grinch asking the tough questions.