Semicolons Represent Continuation You may know the grammatical function of semicolons, but did you know they represent so much more? If you've never heard of Project Semicolon, it's a cause I greatly believe in. Mental health and self-care are common discussions for writers, and especially for me, who edits psychology and self-help manuscripts. September is [...]
When you’re writing nonfiction, it’s important to cite the sources of your information. Back in the day, it used to only be acceptable to include citations for books and journals, but not any more! Today’s Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) citation references include not only books and journals but websites, magazines, social media, and even [...]
Where can you publish short stories, essays, and poetry? If you’ve ever wondered about the process of literary journal submissions (aka “literary magazine submissions”), this blog may be able to answer some of your questions about how to get published in these types of periodicals. Recently, Authors Publish magazine offered a free talk from writer [...]
I enjoy a good memoir. Reading or listening to the stories of real people’s lives, especially told in the person’s own voice and style, can be one of the most pleasant and inspiring experiences. As a long-time and widely read editor of this genre, I have put together the following list of tips for writing [...]
The Legacy of You: Writing & Publishing Books Every now and then, I'll get a request for legal advice for writers that I don't know the answer to -- but I love learning! When I was completing my BA in English, I was a copywriter at a local attorney's office, so I learned a few [...]
Sometimes a question seems straightforward, like “How long will it take to edit my book?" but the answer can be a bit deceptive. There are a few variables to consider before you arrive at the right answer for your situation. In this blog, we’re going to consider what different timelines might look like if you [...]
Although writers of all genres should consider how different readers may approach their text, it’s particularly important for writers of romance, erotica, or “spicy romance” novels to connect with readers who are looking for their content. That’s why everyone could benefit from a universal ratings system. As a reader, if there were a single standard [...]
Writing is a unique journey, and every writer has their own style. Some meticulously plan every detail, while others embrace spontaneity and write "by the seat of their pants." As an editor who has worked with both types, I've come to appreciate the strengths and challenges each style includes. In this blog, we'll explore the [...]
Last year, I had the pleasure of listening to several audiobooks from some amazing writers, several of who provided excellent creative writing advice. In today’s blog, I want to highlight some of the best creative writing tips and techniques from the book Creative Quest, by the very talented Questlove. Why is Creativity Important? According to Questlove It [...]
All aspiring science fiction writers want their speculative fiction to take their readers on a journey. In the dynamic world of storytelling, the role of technology extends far beyond mere gadgets and gizmos. "Technology" can mean many things. Especially depending on context. As a sci-fi series editor, it helps to understand the multifaceted importance of [...]