7 Must-Do Things to Avoid Email Writing Blunders

by Laura Fabiani @ NouveauWriter

There’s no question about it, technology today is affecting the way we write. A quick glance at some of the emails we receive can attest to that. Email overload and texting on hand held devices are producing bad grammar, lack of punctuation and misspelled words—sloppy English that will affect your reputation, especially if you are a writer.

The writing and publishing industry is changing with the advent of transmitting literary work and queries through email. This is where your ability to craft a professional email letter is essential. It’s the first impression you’ll be giving and can make all the difference in the acceptance of your work.

Here are 7 things to keep in mind when sending out an email to another professional in the field:

1. Your email message should be well-written and well thought-out, using proper sentence structure, punctuation and grammar. No exception to this rule. Use your email spell checker and grammar book if you have to.
2. Because reading from a computer screen is hard on the eyes, formulate your message using shorter paragraphs than if you were writing your message on paper.
3. You can be formal without being stiff or dry. Depending on the relationship with the recipient and the purpose of the email, you can blend the elements of oral conversation without being overly liberal.
4. Formulate your email in the morning when your mind is fresh and less likely to make mistakes.
5. Keep a folder in your inbox with sample copies of well-written general email messages from which you can copy and paste or get further ideas.
6. Write an appropriate catchy but not flamboyant subject title.
7. Before hitting that send button, reread, reread, reread.

Remember, taking the time to write a professional email message says a lot about you. It shows concern for your image and sends out the ultimate message that you are a professional writer who wants to succeed.