To Comma, or Not To Comma (Part 1)

The comma. It’s a scrappy little mark—that’s often the bane of an author’s writerly existence. With every clause, the question becomes, to comma, or not to comma?

As an editor, I’ve had quite a few clients tell me they tend to stick commas in wherever they “sound” like they should go. It’s a trend you’ll find even in professionally published manuscripts. My inner editor always wants to post a warning on these books. Caution: Be on the Lookout for Random Raining Commas Ahead.  

On the flip side, I’ve had other clients tell me they have no idea where commas belong. So, they don’t use any. I’d post this warning on those books. Caution: Ambiguous Sentences Ahead. Navigate at Your Own Risk.

Considering that your average, everyday author doesn’t have a degree in English, what’s a conscientious writer to do?

I’m starting a new series on grammar and punctuation over on Writers in the Storm. Commas are up first! And you can find the rest of Part 1 here: To Comma, or Not to Comma (Part 1)