So your distinction is between effective use of language and technically correct use of language? ‘Cause you don’t get either convincing character development or suspense without effective use of language.
With respect, I disagree. I have in fact read books where I enjoyed the characters and plot, *despite* that I was also constantly distracted and annoyed by editing choices, typos, and slightly wonky grammar. I would have enjoyed the book *more* had the language been equal to the story.