We all know the importance of feedback when it comes to editing, revising, and re-writing our books and stories… it’s crucial. But how do you know which advice to take and which advice to leave? It’s not as difficult as… Read More ›
Editing
Editing Tip #99 – The Weight and/or Necessity of a Comma
I don’t usually focus on “Grammar Rules” in my editing tips, but when it comes to commas we’ve got a handy little punctuation item that spans the border between rule and style – and it’s important to understand the difference… Read More ›
Editing Tip #98 – Repetitive Patterns to Avoid
When it comes time to dust off the first draft of your story, after having left it for at least one month, there are certain things you will notice straight off: a) that you’re a genius (yeah!) b) that you’re… Read More ›
Editing Tip #97 – Beta Reading for Others Pt.2: Intent (likability)
What’s not to like about getting to read new, upcoming books for free? Well, I guess as a beta reader we’re spending valuable time and the gift of our literate opinion, then again we wouldn’t have accepted a beta book… Read More ›
Editing Tip #96 – Beta Reading for Others Pt.1: Style
One of the best ways to improve our writing is by having someone beta read our book before doing any final self-edits. If you’ve ever had a chance to experience this, it’s uplifting to see a first-reader’s positive responses and… Read More ›
Editing Tip #95 – Have You Started Your Story in the Right Place?
In answer to the question prominently placed above, most writers will give a resounding “YES”… but half of them are likely to be wrong (my personal statistic based on editing others’ work). Over the years I’ve read a number of… Read More ›
Editing Tip #94 – Final Proofs: Don’t Take Anything for Granted
You’re that totally prepared author, you know, the one who’s done at least 3 Drafts of your book: self-edited, peer-edited, beta-edited and professional edited to the point where you’ve just received the final print proof for your book and you’re… Read More ›
Editing Tip #93 – Be Devious with your Character Descriptions
The mark of a truly talented crafts-person when it comes to writing is how the author integrates the physical characteristics of his entourage within the folds of the story. I have read many a book where an author has written… Read More ›
Editing Tip #92 – The Vocabulary Debate: Then vs. Than
It’s interesting that a debate even exists around word-usage in the context of, “Is this the right word for what I’m trying to say?” I mean, it makes sense to ask this when you’re searching for just the right verb… Read More ›
Editing Tip #91 – Evoking the Senses Pt.6: Intuition
You might think that a series of editing tips about the using the Senses to help you add crucial detail to help deepen a reader’s connection to your writing would stop after the fifth tip. The thing is, while we… Read More ›
