Write Witchcraft: The Comma Problem

The rules of the grammar road are dotted with commas.

This is the first installment in Write Witchcraft, where I share writerly tips to help you become a better writer. I’ll cover grammar, technique, and all sorts of fun things. (Well, this sort o’ thing is fun for me. You might feel differently.) I have other features coming up, such as Marketing Magick, Ink Slinger Spotlight, and more. Yay!

"You've got a comma problem." No truer words were ever spoken. Commas might be the bane of my writerly existence. 

My editor assured me this was common. Many authors need help with punctuation protocols, especially if writing wasn't their major. (Psst…some folks with fancy degrees are still lousy at figuring out grammar rules.) Even if this is a typical writing dilemma, it's still frustrating. That doesn't mean you can't learn. In fact, it's wise to understand how to use commas and other punctuation marks correctly.

Here's why: nothing is better than submitting a beautifully edited manuscript. Publishers appreciate that because it means less work on their part. This is how pros roll. Plus, it shows you take pride in your work.

The same goes for self-published work. A poorly edited e-book screams amateur. 

So how do you solve a comma problem?