Semicolons: Who Needs 'Em? Oh! Semicolons. I, like many other editors, love them. But if you're a writer who finds the semicolon *the worst, * you have options available to you. One of those options is that you don't have to use any semicolons at all if you don't want to. I won't pressure you. But if [...]
Tag: editing
Self-Editing Tips: Chicago Style Overview of Number Rules
Everyone comes to writing with a different background. Different instructors. Different books we've read over the years that influence us. Different advice we've been given and rules we've been told. But when it comes to writing for yourself as a self-published author or prepping a manuscript for traditional publication, you may need to go against [...]
ANNOUNCING: SRD Editing Services joins the Editorial Freelancers Association
The team at SRD Editing Services is delighted to announce our membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) just in time for the new year and our planned growth in 2023. Since 1970 the EFA has provided training, networking, and contract opportunities to freelance editors in all areas of publishing. The association is dedicated to […]
Self-editing Checklist for Authors
Congratulations! You've finished the initial drafts of your manuscript. Maybe you even went through developmental edits or critique partners already. Now, you think you're ready for content editing or line editing. Not so fast. You want everything to be as clean as possible—you want to save yourself the time and money of making editors do [...]
How to Outline Your Novel or Nonfiction Book
In my years as a developmental editor, ghostwriter, and book reviewer, I've come across a few tricks to breaking down a good story, and a few tips for assembling one. In the discussion about different types of writers -- "planners" vs. "pantsers" -- I tend to come down closer on the side of "planner." I [...]
Ad Copy & Poetry: Kissing Cousins
Ad copy and poetry are about emotion. What's the result? The old tricks work for both.
Eye Care for Writers
Writers, editors, and others who stare at computers for a long time are at risk of eye strain. Tips to keep your eyes healthy.
29 Words to Cut from Your Novel
Writing advice for making your fiction or nonfiction clear and concise. Editing advice to help you.
On the Bechdel Test
Realistically, not all conversations between characters of the same gender revolve around the opposite gender.
Editing for Creative Writing
Creativity is a gift. And a curse. Creative editors help writers make the most of their spark.