We all have certain writing habits – some good, some bad. For instance, I have a tendency to use the word “just” too often. To make sure you’re not making the same mistakes over and over again, try compiling your own checklist of potential mistakes. Refer to it during the final edit of a manuscript, before sending the writing out. Possible items to include on a checklist:

• Eliminate sentence fragments (unless used for effect).
• Make sure there is only one space after the period at the end of a sentence.
• Insert a comma before “and” in a series.
• Italicize titles of books.