Literary Agents Cringe: Fix These Grammar Mistakes Instantly

✅ Updated: December 2025.

Quick Answer

Avoid cringe-worthy grammar mistakes and enhance your writing to capture the attention of literary agents. I’ve gathered insights from my experience in the industry to guide you in fixing common errors that could hinder your chances of success.

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Introduction

As a contributing editor with over six years in the field, I have witnessed countless manuscripts that could have shined but instead made literary agents cringe due to their grammatical blunders. Many aspiring authors are unaware of the impact that grammar has on their storytelling and ultimately their chances of publication. In my analysis, I often find myself digging through the submissions pile, searching for that unique voice, only to stumble upon fundamental errors that detract from an otherwise compelling narrative.

Today, I hope to lend some clarity and guidance regarding the common grammatical mistakes that might haunt your manuscript. Let’s dive into the nuances of effective writing.

Understanding the Importance of Grammar in Writing

Why Grammar Matters

When I put down a dense nonfiction read, I am always reminded that clarity and coherence are paramount in engaging readers. If you want literary agents to see the potential in your work, you must ensure your grammar is impeccable. Here’s why:

• Credibility: Proper grammar enhances your authority as a writer. If your manuscript is littered with mistakes, the reader may question your expertise and commitment.

• Clarity: Correct grammar allows your ideas to shine. A grammatically incorrect sentence can lead to ambiguity, leaving your reader confused and disinterested.

• Professionalism: Submitting a polished manuscript signals that you take your work seriously. Agents receive numerous queries daily; a clean submission can make you stand out.

Common Grammar Mistakes That Make Literary Agents Cringe

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

I’ve frequently encountered submissions where the subject and verb do not agree, leading to confusing sentences. For example: “The team are winning the match” should be corrected to “The team is winning the match.”

2. Misuse of Commas

When I attended last year’s literary festival, my biggest takeaway was the importance of punctuation. Many writers either overuse or underuse commas, which can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. For example: “Let’s eat, Grandma!” vs. “Let’s eat Grandma!” The placement of that single comma is crucial.

3. Apostrophe Errors

The misuse of apostrophes to denote possession is another common pitfall. A phrase like “The dog’s are barking” should simply be “The dogs are barking.” Incorrect punctuation can mislead the reader.

4. Run-On Sentences

I often find that writers confuse complex thoughts with long sentences. Breaking down run-on sentences into manageable parts enhances readability. For instance, instead of writing, “I enjoy writing and I love to read but I hate editing,” consider breaking it into, “I enjoy writing and love to read. However, I hate editing.”

5. Incorrect Pronoun Usage

Pronoun shifts can confuse readers. For example, “Everyone should bring their own book” is more inclusive than using “his or her.” However, it can still create discomfort in more formal submissions. Clarity is key here.

Real World Example: A Case Study on Editing Grammar Mistakes

In my role, I once edited a manuscript for an aspiring author who had finally decided to share their family history. The narrative was compelling, yet the grammar was riddled with mistakes that distracted from the story’s emotional depth. After my detailed review process, I provided the following feedback:

Changes Made

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Corrected several instances where the subject didn’t match the verb.
2. Comma Placement: Adjusted numerous sentences for appropriate pause effectiveness.
3. Pronoun Consistency: Ensured that pronouns remained consistent throughout the narrative.

This author eventually secured representation, something I believe was significantly aided by the improvements in grammar.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Expert Advice

Now that we’ve identified some common errors, let’s delve deeper into how you can avoid these pitfalls:

1. Educate Yourself

I recommend picking up resources on grammar, such as “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White. Understanding the rules can empower you to break them effectively.

2. Read Aloud

When I edit, I often read manuscripts out loud. This simple exercise helps in catching mistakes that may not be evident when reading silently.

3. Use Grammar Check Tools

Utilizing tools such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or even built-in tools in word processors can be beneficial. Just remember, these tools are not a substitute for your judgment.

Key Industry Insights: A Comparison Table

Below is a table comparing common grammar errors with their respective corrections:

Error Type	Common Mistake	Correct Form
Subject-Verb Agreement	The team are winning.	The team is winning.
Comma Misuse	Let’s eat Grandma!	Let’s eat, Grandma!
Apostrophe Errors	The dog’s barking.	The dogs are barking.
Run-On Sentences	I love reading and I hate editing.	I love reading. I hate editing.
Pronoun Usage	Each student must bring his or her own laptop.	Each student must bring their own laptop.

Actionable Tool: Grammar Checklist

To help you in your writing journey, here is a downloadable checklist you can refer to before submitting your manuscript.

• Check for subject-verb agreement.
• Review comma placements.
• Ensure correct apostrophe usage.
• Avoid run-on sentences.
• Maintain consistent pronoun usage.

FAQ Section

What are the most common grammatical errors in manuscripts?

Common errors include subject-verb agreement issues, punctuation errors, run-on sentences, and incorrect pronoun usage.

How can I improve my grammar?

You can improve your grammar by reading grammar resources, using grammar check tools, and practicing writing regularly.

What resources can I use to self-edit my work?

Consider using tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid alongside literature on grammar, such as “The Elements of Style.”

Why is grammar important when seeking literary representation?

Proper grammar reinforces your credibility as an author and ensures that your unique voice shines through without distractions.

Can a manuscript with grammatical errors get published?

While it is possible, agents and publishers often prefer clean, polished manuscripts. Errors can detract from the story’s potential.

How This Article Was Created

In crafting this article, I sifted through countless manuscripts and reflected on the common patterns of errors I’ve encountered. My extensive research involved analyzing articles about grammar basics and consulting seasoned editors and authors for their insights.

Conclusion

Improving your grammar does not merely polish your prose; it shapes your entire narrative and can often be the difference between acceptance and rejection from an agent. Personally, I have witnessed the transformative power of addressing these common mistakes. I encourage you to take the time to refine your writing and embrace the opportunity to grow as an author.

Investing effort into these details will pay off in your quest to capture an agent’s attention.

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