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How to Know If Your Novel Is Ready for an Editor?
You've finished your manuscript. You've revised it, edited it, and read it approximately 138 times. But how do you know if it's actually ready for a professional edit? If you are a first-time author, the answer to this question might not be obvious. Even experienced authors with several published books can struggle with the decision to let go of their book baby and leave it in the hands of an editor.
As a professional, full-time editor for 6 years, I'm here to give you some pointers to help you determine when the moment is right.
Stacey Damiano: EVERY bit of feedback is helpful, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time
Stacey Damiano is, by day, a massage therapist, esthetician, Reiki practitioner, and meditation teacher. She has always loved to write––fantastical stories as a child and angsty poetry as a teen and young adult. Currently, she has a professional blog that she faithfully neglects. She is a member of exactly zero professional writing guilds, clubs, associations, or groups.
Stacey lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two sons, a chocolate lab, and a rotating number of cats. She enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and general merriment of all sorts.
What Are Zombie Rules and Why You Should Know Them?
Despite being declared incorrect, these rules may persist in popular usage or be mistakenly taught in some educational settings. The term "zombie rule" highlights the idea that these outdated rules continue to "haunt" discussions about grammar even after being debunked.
Elaine Evans: Never stop learning and growing. Your future books will thank you.
Becoming Mallory is Elaine’s debut novel and it certainly won't be her last. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring her other hobbies of reading, cooking, and photography. But more than anything, it is the role of wife, mother, and dog mom to her black Pomeranian, Vinnie, that she cherishes the most. Outside of the home, Elaine works in a children's hospital as a pediatric Medical Assistant, a job she loves. Ohio is her home, and it's there that she enjoys her quiet life with her family and, of course, Vinnie.
Tom McAuliffe: There are too many great stories that need to be told.
Tom Patrick McAuliffe is an author living on Florida’s Emerald Coast with his wife Sharon and cat Gigi. He is a former photojournalist with the US Navy’s Combat Camera Group and a graduate of the DOD’s Mass Communications program at Syracuse University.
A magazine editor and writer with more than 25 years of by-lines, he has written several books telling the story of remarkable people, among which the champion armless golfer Tommy McAuliffe, teacher astronaut Christa McAuliffe, and Detroit Tiger and World Series champion Dick McAuliffe.
Jane Maguire: There’s No Single Right Way to Become a Successful Author
Jane Maguire is a Canadian author whose lifelong passions for history, writing, and love stories inevitably led her to begin penning historical romance novels. While her love of historical fiction spans all eras, she focuses her writing on high society in the regency period. She enjoys crafting stories with lots of angst, which makes giving her characters their happily ever afters all the more satisfying.
KJ Davis: If you are drawn to writing, then do it!
KJ Davis is a working neurodivergent matriarch, military vet spouse, small business owner, and descriptive fantasy/sci-fi writer who values Kindness as a cornerstone of her life.
Creating Memorable Protagonists in Fiction
Creating memorable characters is vital for an engaging and successful story. The protagonist plays a crucial role in driving the narrative, and their development can make or break a reader’s connection to the story. In this article, I will explore the art of character development, the role of a protagonist, and the different types of character arcs to help you craft a compelling story.
Stefanie Chu: Delete the cringe, revise, and repeat!
With her award-winning debut novel Knights of the Alliance, Stefanie proves that she's not just an enthusiastic connoisseur of Japanese cuisine and all things lavender but also a talented writer celebrated by the literary world, garnering nine book awards.
The Power of Brainstorming in Creative Writing
Before you embark on the writing journey for your self-published book, it's essential to harness the power of brainstorming. Brainstorming is a creative technique that allows you to generate ideas, explore possibilities, and discover the heart of your story. Here are some effective brainstorming strategies to kickstart your writing process.
Theo Bennett: Being a Writer is a Personal Journey
Meet Theo, a brilliant writer whose words transport you to a world where the echoes of ancient battles still resound and the indomitable spirit of a fallen Spartan warrior lives on. With a gift for weaving narratives steeped in the warrior's code and virtues, Theo's storytelling brings to life the honor, discipline, and unwavering resolve that defined these legendary warriors of old.
How to Create Realistic Characters in Fiction Writing
Creating and developing compelling characters is crucial for engaging fiction writing. Here's some advice to help you craft well-rounded and memorable characters.
Annie Fauve: Sometimes the Biggest Challenge is Finishing the Damn Book
Annie Fauve writes, edits, and reads in the swamplands of Louisiana. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s kayaking in the local bayou & naming the baby alligators. Annie is proud to be writing empowering, celebratory Romance novels.
How Can Self-Publishing Authors Protect Themselves Against Scammers?
As much as it pains me to say that, scammers are on the loose in the publishing industry. They thrive on exploiting authors’ dreams and vulnerabilities. Just very recently, I had such a negative experience myself.
This inspired me to collect and organize all the steps a self-publishing author can take to protect themselves against scammers in the publishing industry - from vanity presses to individuals offering editing, formatting, and designing “services.”
What Every Self-Publishing Author Needs to Know About Book Marketing
Book marketing is one of the most important aspects of self-publishing for authors. It is essential for authors to have an understanding of the various strategies and techniques available to them when it comes to marketing their books.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Self-publishing and traditional publishing are two paths authors can take when it comes to publishing their work. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that authors must consider before making a decision. To help authors decide which route is the best for them, here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing.
The Essential Role of Book Editors: How to Get the Most Out of Your Editing Process
When it comes to writing a book, it is essential to have an editor on board to help you bring your vision to life. Book editors are the people who are responsible for ensuring that your book is grammatically sound, coherent, and free from any errors. They can help you make sure that your book is well-written, well-structured, and that it appeals to its target audience. But how can you get the most out of your editing process?
The Hidden Power of Book Editors: How They Make Your Story Come to Life
Book editors are often the unsung heroes of the publishing world. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to help authors craft their stories in the best possible way. But what is it that they actually do?
How to Find the Perfect Book Editor for You
Finding the right editorial match might seem overwhelming, but here are a few tips to help you throughout this process.