When editing your writing, keep a sharp eye out for these tricky little errors that seem to crop up in nearly everyone’s work at some point.

Its or It’s?

It’s is a contraction of it and is.

I’m not sure if it’s going to be a success.

Its is possessive and shows ownership.

When bathing a dog, avoid getting water in its face until the end of the bath.

Remember, "it’s" never means anything else but "it is" or "it has."

For "its," try substituting "his"— if it doesn’t make sense, it should be "it’s."

That or Which?

Compare the following sentences:

We need to get the lawnmower that is in the garage.

We need the lawnmower, which is in the garage.

Here’s the rule: Use which for a nonrestrictive clause and that for a restrictive one.

For sentence #1, we are looking for the lawnmower that is in the garage, not the lawnmower in the garden shed or at the neighbor’s. Our choice is restricted to the lawnmower in the garage. The "that" clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

In sentence #2, we need the lawnmower, and by the way, it’s located in the garage. The "which" clause is much like an aside—it adds more information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Another rule: Always use a comma to set off a nonrestrictive clause (which), and don’t use a comma if the clause is restrictive (that).

A few more examples:

He served her a slice a pizza, which she quickly devoured.

She chose the slice of pizza that had pepperoni.

I bought my music from Best Buy, which is my favorite CD retailer.

The music that I download legally is from Emusic.com.

The car that is covered in racing stripes has just come in first.

The car, which is covered in racing stripes, has just come in first.

Recall some of your memorable moments at an amusement park. Then write everything you can about one moment that particularly strikes you, then focus on the surroundings in that memory. Who were you with? How was the weather? How was your first time on a roller coaster? Did you find love in line at the Ferris wheel? Be spontaneous in your writing; you can always revisit and revise these memories later, working toward your next personal essay.

As much as writing is a part of our soul, our personal expression, when we’re trying to sell our work, we must keep in mind that we’re writing for an audience. And today’s audience can be tough to please. As you read what you’ve written, consider possible ways your work can keep a reader interested and happy. Is the piece wordy, confusing, or filled with sexist language? Do you overuse certain words or phrases or bore the reader with too much jargon? It’s worth a second look to make sure you’re keeping your reader happy.

You’ve probably never read a novel in which pages and pages are devoted to tedious dialogue, and the reason is simple: chances are slim to none that such a book would get published.

"So, would you like to use our telephone?"

"Yes, please."

"I’ll find it for you."

"Thank you."

"Oh, here it is."

"Great."

"Do you need a phone book?"

"Yes, please."

At that moment, my companion keeled over dead. So I decided to go home and recuperate from the trauma.

The next day, I decided to go to the grocery store...

The trivial interchange above does not influence the plot or define the characters. It provides nothing but filler. And when a pivotal moment does occur, it is given but one full sentence, and we’re off again onto more inconsequential pursuits, like passing dishes at the dinner table, or ticking off items at the grocery store. It’s monotonous and meaningless.

Timing and plotting issues can ruin the flow of a story, and while these are the mistakes of a brand-new writer, it never hurts to review a few of the issues that may turn your reader off. After all, what reader wants to relive all the trivial moments of life? Don’t we pick up novels in the hopes of being transported? Riveted by new experiences and interesting characters? Removed from our mundane lives for a little while?

The above example may be extreme, but the point is simple: keep your reader in mind at all times. Have others read what you’ve written and consider their comments.

Here are some other things to avoid in your quest to make your reader a happy camper:

Wordiness

I, myself, have not decided what to do in the event that I don’t graduate this year. Perhaps I could utilize my parents’ connections to secure a job, like many individuals before me have done.

Today’s reading audience appreciates a straightforward, concise read. They’re busy, and they appreciate concise, economical language. Why use the word "utilize" when you can say "use"? Or "in the event of" when you can say "if"? And save the "myself" and "individuals" for police reports…

Sexually or racially biased language

The serving girl arrived with Cokes for the lady doctor and the Oriental gentleman.

Someone is bound to be offended by this sentence.

Shifting tenses

It had been awhile since Sarah saw Bruce, and she is in love with him. They will have been a couple for two years now if it weren’t for their three-month separation.

Confusing? Yes. Irritating? Extremely.

Comma splicing

There was a lovely fragrance in the air, she was so taken by the local flora that she vowed to make a stop at the garden center before leaving town.

Make these two separate sentences, or add a conjunction to join them. Please.

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