I often see self-published authors use the word “peak” when they should be using “pique.” This mistake is just one example of why I strongly recommend hiring a copyeditor if you go the indie route. (I also recommend hiring a creative/developmental editor. See my post about the difference between the two if you’re uncertain.)
Here are some other words and phrases I’ve seen writers get mixed up:
What they say: This is unchartered territory for both of us.
What they should say: This is uncharted territory for both of us.
What they say: I could care less about what she does.
What they should say: I couldn’t care less about what she does.
What they say: He wished he could of been there to see it with his own eyes.
What they should say: He wished he could have been there to see it with his own eyes.
What they say: She wants to affect change in her community.
What they should say: She wants to effect change in her community.
While the above mistakes are minor, their cumulative effect on the quality of your work is not, so hiring a copyeditor to catch them is important. (If you can’t afford a copyeditor, beg a friend, preferably one who majored in English, to do it in exchange for a nice dinner.) That way, you can focus on the intended meaning behind your words and leave the nitpicking to someone else.
-Maria
This blog post originally appeared on CreateSpace.com. Reprinted with permission. © 2013 CreateSpace, a DBA of On-Demand Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.