One of the most common errors I meet when editing is the misspelling of names. Even seasoned writers do it, and it drives me nuts. I frequently receive stories in which the subject of the interview is spelled wrong. Honey, with name spelling trends being what they are, I’m not ashamed to ask you even if your name is Jane . . . just in case you spell it J’ain.
The problem is so common that whenever a story comes across my desk for editing I Google all the names in it—even brand names. And my hit rate is shocking.
Why, people? It’s such an easy problem to solve. Just Google it! Or check Facebook. They’ve got 1.7 billion users; don’t you think there’s a good chance you’ll find your subject there? Check things like punctuation and unusual variation, too. Is it Williams Auto or William’s Auto? Shops or Shoppes?
It only takes about 30 seconds to avoid embarrassment that will haunt you in print for months . . . or in cyberspace for a lifetime.
I’ve done my part. Now it’s your turn. Leave a comment below.
