Proofing

I have submitted a story twice now, it has been sent back both times. I used the correction example sent back by the moderator,, I put it through quilbot, grammarly, and a third proofread program. They each gave me a different correction. I am at a loss, now because I don’t know which one to use. Because I don’t know which one is acceptable.

Hiya, I use Grammarly to catch the things my eyes miss, but I also have a strong background in grammar, writing etc. I would suggest you go online and find some basic grammar tutorials, in addition to using Grammarly, if your stories are being returned for grammar vs content reasons

OP post up some of the bits that got rejected and the hive mind will get to work

Another thing to keep in mind is that punctuation affects meaning. If the grammar correction program doesn't understand what you mean, it will correct, um, incorrectly.

You might also look for a human to proof it.

Um, another thing I've noticed is accepting a correction for maybe using a semicolon instead of a comma, and the same program will mark it wrong again and say the comma is right.

I write using Word 2010, yes, old, but free. My first edit is just using the free self-checker that automatically attaches itself to Word when you write a story. Once happy, I then use the free copy of Grammarly, though Word and Grammarly often argue over commas and semicolons.

Once happy, I will have my story read to me by the computer, normally at 1.25x speed, as I find that amplifies grammatical errors. This is the biggest tip I can give to any author here. Don't rely on what you read with your own eyes. Let a computer read what you actually have written.

Finally, I forked out for Quillbot, which is okay, but take what it says with a pinch of salt, as it has a habit of wanting to suggest American grammar and spelling, even though I have mine set to British grammar. Note: all 3 programmes often have different ideas on grammar, and it often comes down to your own feeling.

Lastly, I have the computer read my story to me. Then edit when necessary, and repeat.

I will only hit the submit button when I feel it should pass grammar moderation. 😊