PROOF READING
The hardest part of writing a book comes at the end,
Then a good proof reader you need to really depend,
Finf funny sounding passages that don’t make sense,
Spelling errors found, finding an incorrect sentence.
A coma here, a diphthong there a space in a word,
Mistakes that get overlooked things that sound absurd
For when you are writing a novel you just rush along,
Hoping to find out if the great plan goes all wrong.
It’s hard work but fun to write a story or a book,
But proof reading means concentration, a close look
At every word to find small errors, a silly mistake
Will many a grimace or a laugh the reader make.
However many times you check the manuscript through
Another mistake or error will suddenly jump out at you,
I have read hundreds of books all have been well written,
Yet some small mistake I find, my mirth I’ve not hidden.
The novel is written, the fifth time it’s been read through,
Double spaced and have done all else that I can do,
We hope that it will not be rejected by the publishing men,
But being a writer I will just start another all over again.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson January 17, 2003