Autumn Tompkins, The Grumpy Grammarian, copywriter and copy editor, might be grumpy, but it’s not because of grammatical errors — it’s mostly because of awkward social situations like…
How Did I become The Grumpy Grammarian?
I’ve led many past lives…
But in 2012, I discovered copywriting and copy editing, transformed into The Grumpy Grammarian, and developed espresso-strong opinions about both industries like…
Brands aren’t in business to teach grammar. They’re in business to sell.
Pedantic grammarians pound 400-year-old grammar rules into our heads with their red-pen gavels and enforce them without regard for deeper meaning. Instead of interpreting the rules based on the intent behind the rules (like being clear, concise, or compelling), these sticklers apply grammar rules literally. Even if it flagrantly violates the rule’s intent.
As Christoph Niemann says, “Be a much more ruthless editor. And a much more careless artist.”
And that’s why you, as a copywriter, need to believe in the spirit of copy editing and not the letter of copy editing. It’s your job to write powerful copy that sells their products and services. This means your copywriting should break grammar rules so it’s persuasive.
