Editing & Writing Tips
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How to Choose Your Editor(s)
Experience is a key aspect of finding the right editor to work with, but it’s not the only thing to consider. I like to break down my list of things to ask/information to gather into two levels: the vibe check and the details.
Where to Find a Book Editor
It’s a question that I see a lot online: where do I find a book editor? We can be so focused on getting our words down (as we should be!) that we forget to look into those next steps. If you find...
Standard Manuscript Formatting
While it may look boring to some, standard formatting is familiar and comfortable, keeping the professionals reading your manuscript from being distracted by fancy or cluttered visuals.
Improving Reading Comprehension Skills
Improving your reading comprehension skills can allow you to better connect with the stories you love.
5 Things Your Editor Wants You to Know
There can be a lot of anxiety around having someone else read through your manuscript—especially when that someone is reading it to provide constructive criticism. This is completely normal. Here...
Writing Real People into Your Novel
Writers are influenced by people and situations from our real lives. But hitting too close to home can get you in hot water with real-life inspirations.
5 Takeaways from the Secrets of Successful Self-Publishing panel
My former writing colleague Pam recently attended the Baltimore Book Festival, which brought together indie authors, local book sellers, live readings, and panel discussions. Pam passed along her...
How to Stand Up Against Book Bans
There are several things you can do to defend our communities against book bans and celebrate our right to ideas and stories that represent everyone.
Self-Promotion is a Necessary Skill for Authors
If you want people to be buying your book, then you need people to be talking about your book. And if you want people to be talking about your book, then YOU need to be talking about it.
Using Superstitions in Storytelling
Much like values, religions, and customs, the superstitions you use or invent for your story can reveal not only unique aspects of your characters, but also of your world.
Dealing with a Draft That’s Too Short
A draft that’s too short can be a lot of fun to work with. As opposed to having to consider chunky cuts, writers are allowed to embrace their creativity and curiosity to enhance their story.
Establishing Your Freelance Business
Starting your own freelance business is an exciting venture. Getting yourself set up for success from the start will help you keep everything running smoothly.
Becoming a Freelance Editor
Editing is not an entry-level career. It’s not something you do “because I want to” or because “my friends always had me read their papers in school.” Those are wonderful reasons to want to become an editor, but you first need to train for the job.
Why Hire an Authenticity Reader?
To create dynamic worlds, we need to represent more than just ourselves within it. But to do that means stretching outside of what we know and being mindful of our limitations in doing so.
When to Hire An Editor
Knowing when to hire an editor depends on your own writing process, knowledge, and revision abilities.
Writing Block? Shake Things Up!
Introducing something extreme or random to your character’s life or world—just for fun—can help you to get out of a block or rut.
Protect Your Mental Health
It’s important to be mindful of the emotional and mental investment we’re giving to our stories and to take a step back to protect ourselves when needed.
How to Choose Your Editor(s)
Experience is a key aspect of finding the right editor to work with, but it’s not the only thing to consider. I like to break down my list of things to ask/information to gather into two levels: the vibe check and the details.
What is a Sample Edit? (And Why I Offer Them.)
The sample edit benefits both parties, but how exactly it’s completed may vary by the editor(s) you engage. As with any other part of the publishing process, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting and why.
Crafting Authentic Characters
Creating authentic characters is easier said than done, right? Maybe so. But there are a few things you can do to help yourself create characters who pop off the page and feel genuine.
Omniscience vs. Head-Hopping
What many don’t realize is that omniscient points of view are like a storyteller who can see your entire story from start to finish and is relaying it to your reader. They may tell everything, they may withhold for suspense, but however they (the omniscient narrator) chooses to tell the story, they are in essence a singular narrative voice who is delivering the tale to us.
Finding Comps
When looking for comps, stop seeking exact matches and look instead for books that relate to your themes, plot, style and voice, characters, and the general structure of the journey or tale you’re...
Be Wary of Vague Pronoun References
A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could be referring to multiple antecedents. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion, especially in scenes with a lot of people speaking/acting or...
Tackle Manuscript Revisions in Passes
Revising a first (or second or third) draft can feel overwhelming. Make it easier on yourself by working in pieces—or passes.
Don’t Overuse Character Names in Dialogue
Repeating character names throughout a conversation can come across as stiff and ingenuous.
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