Somehow I came across this site called Plain Language (www.plainlanguage.gov) and not only found it funny, but also a simple and effective tool writers can use to keep their grammar in check. Here’s a brief sample of what you’ll find when you click over:

1. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
2. Avoid cliches like the plague—they’re old hat.
3. Employ the vernacular.
4. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
5. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
6. Parenthetical words however must be enclosed in commas.
7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
8. Contractions aren’t necessary.
9. Do not use a foreign word when there is an adequate English quid pro quo.
10. Always avoid alliteration.

I strongly believe the author’s main job is telling a good story or conveying a compelling message and then it is up to the editor to fix all the mistakes. However, many authors, especially self-publishing authors, do not invest in editing. If paying a good editor is out of the question for you, you might want to print this list and keep it handy as you edit your own book.

One reason published books have more credibility than independently published books is the vetting process these books go through. Mainstream publishers have expert editors they use to take the great idea the author has created and polish the grammar, spelling, flow and other aspects of the book.

http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/writegood.cfm