No author wants spend time changing a bunch of commas in their manuscript—except when the editor recommends deep changes, at which point changing commas is often all you feel capable of doing. Every writer feels the sting of opening a document file filled with red ink. But when the entire editing process becomes a battle Read more about How to handle editing and feedback on your novel[…]
If you could only afford one round of editing, should you choose developmental editing or copyediting? Developmental (story) editing ensures that your story is strong and vital. Copyediting crosses all the t’s and dots all the i’s. A purchase-worthy book needs both—but whether you’re hoping to be picked up by a publishing house or planning Read more about Developmental editing or copyediting: Which do you need?[…]
So you’ve had your manuscript professionally edited. That decision marks you as an author who understands self-publishing means assuming responsibility for professional-quality editing and revision. Great start! But the finish line is still quite a long, dusty trek ahead. While your budget may still be stinging from editing—it’s one of the biggest costs of your Read more about 3 ways to waste good writing and editing[…]
You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript, and you’ve taken it as far as you can on your own. Now it’s time to widen the circle of your publishing team with a critique. Whether you’re sending your manuscript to an agent or self-publishing the title yourself, professional-quality publishing means putting your work in Read more about Where to find writing critique partners and groups[…]
Track Changes—a fate worth than death? Though revising an edit full of tracked changes and comments can seem utterly intimidating the first time, a few simple guidelines will keep you safe and sound. Truth be told, thanks to this guide, I haven’t lost an author to Track Changes yet. You too can emerge unscathed—and with Read more about The author’s survival guide to Track Changes[…]
There’s an assumption among many writers that writing rules and outlines are pinched, mean things that constrain creativity and the flow of literary ideas. Writing blogs advise authors to flout conventional grammar and aim for a free, contemporary style. Authors fling pantsed manuscripts at their editors only to discover there’s a dropped plot line and Read more about Why story structure won’t squelch your creativity[…]
Finding the right editor means opening a conversation that you hope will turn into a long, creative relationship with a like-minded lover of books. You’ll be asking prospective editors questions that tell you if they have the professional background and approach you want for your book—and they’ll be looking for something similar from you. Who are Read more about How to introduce your book to a prospective editor[…]
As an emerging author, you may be frustrated to discover that you shouldn’t be following the lead of experienced authors when it comes to your editing budget and saving money on editing. The editing needs of seasoned authors are different from yours. Writers at earlier stages of their careers need strong developmental guidance. You need Read more about 10 ways to save money on editing[…]
One of the top reasons authors give for self-publishing is the speed with which they can bring their books to publication. Gone are the endless publishing house production cycles that can keep books in limbo for years on end. Control is back in your hands. That’s the good news. The bad news is virtually the Read more about How far ahead should you schedule your edit?[…]
You’re ready to send your manuscript off to prospective editors for a quote. The thing is, some of them are asking you to send the entire manuscript. All you want is a sample edit. Why would an editor ask to see your whole manuscript? You don’t know this person. Could they be planning to steal Read more about Is sending your full manuscript to editors a risk?[…]
This post has been moved to a new permanent page. If you are not automatically redirected, please click here to visit the new page. Once your book is edited, where can you turn for reliable advice on the next steps in the publishing process? My favorite publishing resources for authors include books and articles on Read more about Best publishing resources for authors[…]
What is the price of perfection? When you pay for professional editing, shouldn’t you be assured that your book will be error-free? Readers love to carp about what they see as editing errors, but the fumbles in a published manuscript don’t necessarily point to poor editing or high editing error rates. Here’s how to strike Read more about Editing Error Rates: Why did the editor miss errors in your book?[…]
If you’re like many writers, your monitor is a veritable porcupine of sticky notes, many of them warning you away from the clichés your beta readers and editor have called you out on again and again: Her heart pounded as his hand slid up the side of her neck. She took a deep breath and Read more about Revealing emotion means more than “playing the organ”[…]
What if I told you there was a writing tool that could help you nail your final draft, slash time and effort off the front of the editing process, and set up your novel for acceptance by an agent or publisher? Such a beast really does exist, and it’s something you already know you’ll need Read more about How a synopsis proves you understand your own book[…]
After the long grind of writing, revisions, and editing, you’re undoubtedly eager to reclaim your free time or move on to the next creative project. Create that time by stepping up your game with simple tools to help you generate queries efficiently and professionally. Now that you’ve entered the publishing market with your book, you’re Read more about Streamline your queries with Canned Responses[…]
Chapter length is more a matter of rhythm and consistency than it is hard numbers. Chapters that are exceptionally long or short in relation to the rest of your chapters change the flow of your book in undesirable ways. Super-short chapters act like flags to readers. It’s like the tight, gathered stance and deep breath Read more about How long should your chapters be?[…]
Before you hire me as your editor, I like to open the conversation with an initial email consultation. This consultation is like a first meeting with a new attorney or accountant. You get a chance to explain your goals and concerns, and I can look at your manuscript in enough depth to see if I’m the right Read more about 7 ways to evaluate a sample edit[…]
Working your way through revisions? Please see my updated Track Changes Guide. Your edited manuscript is back! It’s time to incorporate the edits. Track Changes can seem intimidating to work with the first time, but once you get comfortable with it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed notes, edits, and revisions without it. Here are Read more about How to use MS Word Track Changes with your edited manuscript[…]
The End. Most authors heave a sigh of relief when they type those two words. Sure, they’ll need to read through everything again, and they’d like to give their manuscript to a few friends to read. But the editor is going to be doing the heavy lifting from here on out, right? The gritty truth is Read more about How to prepare for and revise after your edit[…]