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Counting Quote by Richard North Patterson

“The manuscript you submit [should not] contain any flaws that you can identify - it is up to the writer to do the work, rather than counting on some stranger in Manhattan to do it for him.” quote by Richard North Patterson
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“The manuscript you submit [should not] contain any flaws that you can identify - it is up to the writer to do the work, rather than counting on some stranger in Manhattan to do it for him.”

Richard North Patterson

About This Quote

Source Book: The Manuscript, Richard North Patterson, 1995

Writers must ensure their work is free of identifiable errors; they cannot rely on others to fix mistakes they could have caught themselves.

In simple terms: Check your work yourself, don’t depend on strangers.

Key Takeaway

Take responsibility for your own writing.

Themes

responsibility quality self-reliance

Mood

determined reflective

Type

advice instructional

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • novel drafting
  • self‑editing
  • peer review

Key Concepts

editing accountability craftsmanship

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑editing with seeking feedback?
  • When is it appropriate to delegate proofreading?
A Different Perspective

It may be impossible to catch every flaw without external help.

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