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 edits. Not so fast. You want everything to be as clean as possible - you want to save yourself the time and money of making [...]
Tag: self-edit
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.
Tips for Consistent Quality Writing
There's a problem with doing something well: Once is rarely enough. When you do something well, two things can happen: Other people begin to expect more of you, and You begin to expect more of yourself For a writer, this can be great. A well-done piece deserves the admiration it receives, and you [...]
On Intransitive Emotions
Writing emotions is complicated. Do all your characters' emotions make sense? Tips for writing fiction and nonfiction.
29 Words to Cut from Your Novel
Writing advice for making your fiction or nonfiction clear and concise. Editing advice to help you.
Chance, Luck, & The Deus ex Machina in Fiction Writing
Use chance and luck to explore subtle nuances of a character's choices and fufill their destiny.
On the Bechdel Test
Realistically, not all conversations between characters of the same gender revolve around the opposite gender.
Apps to Make You a Better Writer
Your phone is a tool. Harness it to write better with these unique apps.
Decision Making & Writing Your Novel
Successful execution begins with successful planning. Plan your time and write better with these tips from Jeff Bezos.