This guest post is by Laura Carlson. Have you ever read a book that was underwhelming, but you just couldn’t put your finger on what was wrong? The characters were okay, but the book just never went anywhere? That might be because the author had too much filler and not enough plot-driven scenes. I was […]
November 18, 2012 by 22 Comments Editing Your NovelWhy Non-Writers Are Important Beta Readers
What qualifies someone as a beta reader? The term itself tells us this person is someone who reads an early draft of a story. But beta readers are so much more than just that. Something that was reinforced to me over and over again during my years-long journey with my portal fantasy novel Dreamlander was […]
October 12, 2012 by 24 Comments Editing Your NovelRevising Your Book: Do’s and Don’ts
This guest post is by Dara M. Beevas. The day my copyeditor sent my edited manuscript to me, I actually thought the revisions process would be pretty painless. As I sat down to pore over my editor’s suggestions for the first time, it was exciting. I eagerly devoured every suggestion. I enjoyed her objective feedback. I delighted in reviewing […]
September 30, 2012 by 35 Comments Writing ResourcesProfessional Resources for Writers
Writing is no longer a solitary business. We may have to do the writing itself within the cat-shared solitude of our imaginations, but if we hope to offer a professional product to the world, we’re eventually going to need help.I’m frequently asked to recommend editors, proofreaders, and other industry professionals. Today, I’d like to present a list of my […]
August 24, 2012 by 10 Comments Editing Your NovelStrengthen Your Writing by Listening to Pet Peeves
When your writing has to answer to someone, you’re going to be faced with a number of annoying “suggestions” from your editors or clients. Even when your copy is grammatically impeccable, they request you change the word “comedic” to “comic” because of some professor they had in college! I received this request from a real editor. It’s nothing but […]
June 24, 2012 by 73 Comments Writing LifeAre You Writing Your Novel Too Fast?
Are you writing your novel too fast? How fast should a novel be written? Is there some kind of guideline to which all authors should conform? Are faster writers better than slow writers—or vice versa? When it comes to my own writing, I admit I’m a tortoise. I can spend roughly a year outlining and […]
May 4, 2012 by 23 Comments Editing Your NovelHow to Get Feedback on Your Writing (and Sort the Good from the Bad)
One of the fastest ways to progress as a writer is to get feedback. But how can you get feedback on your writing? However many books you read, however many conferences you attend, direct advice about your work-in-progress will let you see exactly what’s working well and, more importantly, what isn’t. But if you’re fairly new to writing, […]
March 16, 2012 by 26 Comments Editing Your NovelWhy You Should Kill Your Darlings
This post is by Adrienne Giordano. As writers, we often face deleting our beloved words. Words we spend an excruciating amount of time crafting, and sweating over. Yes, you have to kill your darlings or they’ll destroy the pace of the story. I like to think I write a fairly lean book, but my editor for my upcoming romantic […]
December 9, 2011 by 21 Comments Editing Your NovelOne Dish of Critique—But Hold the Criticism!
Critique. Just the word alone makes authors cringe. Why? Because it reminds us of another word that has a negative connotation: criticism. Yet, as authors we understand the need to have another pair of eyes look closely at our manuscript and give us constructive advice and direction so we can make our book the absolute […]
October 12, 2011 by 17 Comments Editing Your NovelCan You Edit Too Much?
This post is by Elisabeth Grace Foley. I’ve heard a lot of people say short stories should be written quickly, on the spur of the moment, and shouldn’t be edited or fussed over. I’m an exception to that. Occasionally, a short story will come out almost the way I want it on the first try, […]
