The other day, I came across the site of someone who calls himself a writer and I was appalled. The writing was amateurish, the punctuation was wrong, the pronouns and antecedents did not agree, among other issues. This is disturbing. I have spent 26 years as a professional writer, honing my art along the way, albeit not without error from time to time. I have taught writing for 10 years with a goal to further perfect my craft. Often, people such as this hang out a shingle one day to offer their skills as talented, experienced witers, a bunch of hogwash at the least, and more likely a manure pile of lies. What is even more scary is how do those of you who do not write on a professional basis weed the treasure from the trash?
Unfortunately, a difficult question without an easy answer. But do try to do your due diligence. Bring your prospect’s work to someone you know is a skilled and competent writer and ask her opinion. Also get yourself a copy of the classic gem, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. This little book will help you recognize good writing from bad in your quest to find a writer who will help you be proud to say “I Am What I Write!”