The type of email I don't answer...

Received this morning:

Hello,

I have been in the XXXXXXXXXX field for about 10years now and is working on my second book, XXXXXXXXXXXX If you need someone to blogs sometimes for Doll Face, please contact me.

Thanks & Smles

I is working on my second book?
If you need someone to blogs

Smles? SMLES?

And this, my friends, is why so many would-be freelance writers never hear back from the editors they send speculative emails to...

(Note: I used to email people like this back, gently pointing out why I wouldn't be hiring them. I thought I was being helpful - and I did try to be as gentle as possible - but all too often I'd just get back a stream of abuse, so these days I don't bother. My policy now is that if you can't be bothered to take the time to write proper English in your email to me, I can't be bothered to reply. Harsh, I know, but sometimes necessary.)

Comments

[Jade]

Usually when a person enjoys doing something, he or she will take the time out to do it carefully and accurately. Every writer makes mistakes, but I think that the email you received shows not only carelessness, but a lack of passion for writing, editing and the language itself.

[Amber]

I think you're totally right Jade. And I'd especially expect some attention to detail when someone's asking you to employ them!

[Amanda Nicole]

I once got an email from someone along the same lines of grammar and English usage as this one, basically telling me that I would be hiring them to write for my blog (which I write myself), and ended it with, "When will you pay me?" I understand showing confidence when emailing a potential employer, but really.