We are changing the name of the Technical section to Grammar
There seems to be confusion within our reviewing cadre as to what we mean by “technical.” This is largely because “technical” can have different meanings, and “Tech” can be confused with technology. As a result, reviewers have been scoring content and style issues in the tech section.
Our system includes the previously named “tech torpedo,” which means that a book can score no higher than its technical (grammatical) score. When reviewers score non-grammatical issues in the Tech section, it can falsely lower a book’s ability to earn a higher medal (or in some cases, ANY medal).
Grammar is specific to a system of rules that defines the structure of a language. Grammar technicalities refer to the rules of grammar that are important for writing, such as spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, and verb usage.
What are examples of wrongly scoring the Tech section?
Sometimes reviewers deduct points for content problems or style choices in the previously named technical section.
1. Confusing factual material or layout errors with grammar errors.
Footnotes, or the lack thereof, are addressed in the Content section.
Factual errors involving history, technology, or science are evaluated in the Content section.
Layout issues like extra spaces or sentences that are interrupted by a hard return are evaluated in the Visual section.
2. Confusing style choices with grammar problems.
Happy versus glad. This is not a “wrong word,” although the author might have used a different word.
Unexplained abbreviations. If the author used an abbreviation correctly but didn’t define or explain it, that’s a style issue. If an author misspelled an abbreviation (e.g., APAS instead of ASAP), that’s a Grammar (spelling) error.
When will we make this change?
We plan to update the language from Tech to Grammar on our website, email templates, and scoring forms as soon as possible. In the meantime, CONSIDER the tech section is now GRAMMAR.
Only the name of the section is changing. We are still using the same questions in the section, simply changing the section name for clarity. The questions still ask for the same information from reviewers.
What are the grammatical errors we look for?
Spelling errors: spelling errors can change the meaning of a sentence. (cavalry/Calvary, it’s/its, there/they’re/their, bizarre/bazaar, etc.) In addition, a missing word or repeated word makes comprehension difficult if you stumble over it when reading.
Missing or misplaced punctuation: this is one of the most common errors. Punctuation marks such as quote marks, em dashes, commas, semicolons, and apostrophes clarify the meaning of sentences and ensure that the text is easy to read.
Capitalization/Italics: overuse of capitals or italics strains the eye. And there are rules about when to use each.
Syntax: A well-constructed sentence can be long or short. Run-on sentences generally contain either a comma splice or a fusion of independent clauses. Sentence sprawls and poorly worded sentences can lead to confusion. Long involved sentence fragments can be confusing. If you have to go back and read a sentence to find the meaning, it’s likely a problem for the intended audience as well.
Verb usage: Using the simplest tense consistently, as well as ensuring that the subject and verb agree in number (singular, plural) is foundational to good writing.