Writers, whether experienced or new, frequently come across this problem. It’s easily done, I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of doing it. What is it? Overwriting. In this post, we’ll take a look at how to identify and remove instances of overwriting from your manuscript.
Category Archives: Editing
Suddenly, the editor deleted my words
A client recently asked me if I ever have an opinion on certain words. I don’t. Words are there to communicate a message – to tell a story. I do not sit with a dictionary ticking off the words I love and scratching out the words I hate.
Except one.
How to understand my editing
Editors and proofreaders all work ever so slightly differently, especially when working with Word documents. Here is a quick guide to what all the marks on your manuscript mean. If there’s anything that doesn’t make sense, is confusing, or you are unsure of, always ask. I am always happy to answer questions.
A year in review
We’ll look back at 2020 and decide that it was a year that changed a lot of things for a lot of people. Inspired by some of my fellow editors, here’s a review of my year.
On LGBTQ+ Editing: The importance of it all.
In this final part, we’ll look at why LGBTQ+ editing is so important and what you can do if you’re not an expert. In this miniseries we have explored LGBTQ+ characters and language. If you haven’t already, take a look at the previous posts and subscribe to get all the latest blog posts direct to your inbox.
On LGBTQ+ editing: Language
What is the language of an LGBTQ+ book? What makes it authentically LGBTQ+?
On LGBTQ+ editing: Characters
This is the first in a mini-series of posts looking LGBTQ+ fiction editing. By LGBTQ+ fiction, I mean any fiction that features LGBTQ+ characters. From erotica to science fiction, stopping off at romance, fantasy and historical. No genre should now be without LGBTQ+ representation.
Self-publishing skills: Editing
This is the second in a series of blog posts about the skills you need to become a self-published writer. Make sure you subscribe to or follow the blog to get all the latest updates, tips and articles. In last post, I said it’s best not to edit as you write. So, we should probablyContinue reading “Self-publishing skills: Editing”
Fact in fiction
Just because the characters and the story have come from your imagination, there is still a place for fact in fiction. Getting that right is key – and is also just one of a number of things that your editor will be checking.
Emails, tweets, texts …
Emails, texts, tweets and status updates. They are everywhere in our lives and so, increasingly, they are finding their way into novels.
But exactly how do you show this emails, texts, tweets and the like in your own writing?