The Proofreading Checklist for Writers

When I was on a job-hunt couple of months ago, I had an interview scheduled with the National Creative Director of a reputed advertising agency. After three-quarters of an hour into the interview, she asked me,

“How good are you with your grammar?”

Not only did I grow nervous but was terribly baffled. What would be a suiting reply without sounding boastful or running the risk of losing the job?

I suggested she take a look at my portfolio and let that decide. She did as I said. She must have found it satisfactory for she had no errors to point out. Then she said,

“This isn’t about writing a novel or we wouldn’t be here. The clients we deal with tax us on every proofing error. Only recently, we ended up losing 15 lacs on a print campaign and if you’re thinking about the money, you couldn’t be more…