Editors have a reputation for wanting to keep their work behind the scenes. Even the freedom of self-publishing authors to generously acknowledge and credit their editors’ contributions hasn’t done much …
How should you acknowledge your editor in your book? Read More »
Are you well-read? Do you know what’s hot in your genre right now? What are fans reading more of? What are they reading less of? Whether or not you consider …
10 kinds of books anyone who writes fiction should be reading Read More »
As an aspiring author, you probably always pictured yourself tucked away somewhere cozy for long stretches of intense writing and then kicking up your heels afterwards in an explosion of …
What makes up an author’s writing voice? You’d think it would be skillful writing. But all too often, authors are told weak writing habits are excusable—and sometimes even worthy of …
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 …
How to handle editing and feedback on your novel Read More »
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 …
Developmental editing or copyediting: Which do you need? Read More »
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 …
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 …
Where to find writing critique partners and groups Read More »
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 …
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 …
Why story structure won’t squelch your creativity Read More »
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 …
How to introduce your book to a prospective editor Read More »
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 …
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 …
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 sending your full manuscript to editors a risk? Read More »
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 …
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 …
Editing Error Rates: Why did the editor miss errors in your book? Read More »
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 …
Revealing emotion means more than “playing the organ” Read More »
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 …
How a synopsis proves you understand your own book Read More »
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
How to use MS Word Track Changes with your edited manuscript Read More »
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 …
