Line editing for filter words is a skill to master for line editors. Tips on Line Editing for Filter Words Filter words in fiction are words that get in the way of the reader experiencing the moment. These often relate to senses: “I saw John get out of the car” instead of “John got out…
There are several different types of editing, and it’s very common for authors to be confused about what type of editing their manuscript needs. They’ll ask you to “edit” their ms. You think they mean development but they mean copyediting and they’re disappointed in your work. Or they’ll say they need someone to fix the…
A question I’m often asked by writers is if moving from nonfiction to fiction is even possible. As a story development editor, I have had a number of coaching clients over the years and almost all of them have been established nonfiction writers who are honing their fiction-writing skills. So, you can imagine their most…
As editors, we need to understand the connection between character and plot and how to support authors in developing this relationship effectively. How to Build the Connection Between Character and Plot A common problem you’ll come across when editing fiction is a situation where characters are shoved around like chess pieces. Margie the protagonist winds…
Do you need to figure out how to make money fast as a freelance book editor? It happens to all of us from time to time: work slows down, and we need to generate quick income. Note that this is not a blog post about how to start your business as a freelance book editor…
One of the challenges writers often face without realizing they’re facing it is the challenge of trying to write a story without understanding your framework for writers to evaluate the success of that story. By this I mean, how do you know if you’re on the right track? How do you know if your work…
A top tip is to use a letter of introduction for book editors to make a connection with potential clients. Making a Connection with a Letter of Introduction for Book Editors I’m a big fan of reaching out to potential clients directly to let them know you exist. The letter of introduction (LOI) is a…
It’s a common suggestion for writers to be building and sharing a platform in query letters in order to build their own awareness and marketing foundation. Tips for Sharing a Platform in Query Letters From a writer: “I’m sending queries to agents regarding my memoir. I’ve noticed a lot of writers talking about the importance…
Line editing for parallelism sometimes requires being a line editor detective—finding the sentence-level issues to take a manuscript to the next level. Editing Detective: Line Editing for Parallelism As a line editor, sometimes the problems I catch are obvious (“Roy laghed at the joke”) but sometimes they’re not. Sometimes being a line editor is a…
Editors, may I offer some suggestions on growing a developmental editing mindset? Beginning developmental editors sometimes ask me how “awful” books make it onto the New York Times bestseller list, and how can we worry about what makes a story “good” when obviously quality doesn’t matter to readers? How do “bad” books make it through…