I worked for decades as an editor, the type that marks up manuscripts before they go to a printer. Early on I came to believe that the worst sin I could commit was to introduce an error where the author had none.

Other regrettable acts include making arbitrary changes (“I like this word better” or “That just sounds funny”) and letting poor wording or grammar stand when you disagree with the author. But I saw the worst thing as taking something that’s right and making it wrong.

In your career or profession, what are the worst things you can do?

Topics: careers, mistakes, professions, cardinal sins, professional lapses