When writing fiction, you’re likely to encounter problems with conflict—so the question is how to create conflict in a story. How to Create Conflict in a Story Conflict, as you probably know, drives the narrative. Consider this: Just now, I wanted a cup of tea, so I went and made one. So what, right? You…
A challenge for newer editors is feeling like you’re competing against hundreds of people for the same few clients—you have to figure out how to stand out from the crowd. But believe me when I say you’re not. A Little Ditty About How to Stand Out From the Crowd Here’s a story. My daughter is…
Developing a book editor mindset is as simple as understanding a few basic principles, including how to read a manuscript like an editor. Developing a Book Editor Mindset Beginning developmental editors sometimes ask me how “awful” books make it onto the New York Times bestseller list, and how can we worry about what makes a…
One tool authors have when developing plot and storyline is using maps in story setting. Laying out the various places characters will go in the story will strengthen a manuscript with concrete details. What a Map Can Show When Using Maps in Story Setting Such a map helps me see logical inconsistencies in the layout…
Building your editing business requires finding clients. As a newer editor, this can be challenging, so where do you start? I suggest you begin by asking yourself a few questions. Building Your Editing Business: Decide Who You Are as an Editor Inventory What You Already Know Put It Together Tips for Editors & Writers
The differences in editing fiction and nonfiction are distinct, and it is important for editors to know these differences so that relevant manuscripts are edited appropriately. Differences in Editing Fiction and Nonfiction In nonfiction (with the exception of some categories, such as memoir or narrative nonfiction), what matters is the content – the facts. So,…
Learning how freelancers can use the Pareto Principle to level up their marketing game offers great business-building wisdom. How Freelancers Can Use the Pareto Principle The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a ratio used to describe certain economic and business situations, such as 20 percent of the people have 80 percent…
So what do book editors do? If you’re new to editing, you may not be familiar with the various roles different types of editors play. What Do Book Editors Do? If you’re planning to work as a freelancer, it pays to understand who does what at a publishing company. This list is intended to help…
I’m sharing some thoughts on the characteristics of satire, including the message, characters, and plots—helpful to authors and editors! Characteristics of Satire: The Message Matters Most I have previously mentioned how some of our assumptions about fiction don’t always hold, and I gave an example of the anti-hero of a comic novel. Which made me…
Setting client expectations at the very beginning of a working relationship is necessary to provide the best editing services when working with authors. Setting Client Expectations: What Does the Client Want? Because editorial functions can go by different names, the first rule of freelance editing (whether developmental or otherwise) is to figure out what your…