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Editing tips from Raymond Carver
There are at least two versions of Raymond Carver’s collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. This gives us a unique opportunity to compare the writer’s original work with the edited stories. What lessons about editing are there? Read on for editing tips from Raymond Carver ...
April 9th, 2013
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How to write a short story: 10 steps to a great read
Writing a short story differs from writing a novel in several key ways: There is less space to develop characters, less room for lengthy dialogue, and often a greater emphasis on a twist or an 'a-ha' moment. How to write a short story in ten steps: How to plan a short story, write and publish...
February 22nd, 2016
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Editing novel drafts like a pro: 8 tips
Editing novel drafts requires a specific set of skills. It's wise to use a professional editor if you are serious about getting published. Even so, editing your manuscript well before you share your first draft with an editor will save time by streamlining the book editing process...
August 15th, 2016
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Manuscript editing: How to cut words when your novel's too long
In this guest post by author, blogger and writing teacher Janice Hardy, Janice shares tips for cutting words when your manuscript is too long. Cutting words from your manuscripts doesn't have to be a huge hack and slash deal. You don't have to rip your baby to shreds. In fact, hacking away w...
September 1st, 2016
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How to edit your novel: 8 simple steps
Learning how to edit your novel before a professional editor even sees it is smart. When there are fewer minor errors, a hired editor can focus on large-scale issues: Plot holes and inconsistencies and issues of style and tone. To edit your own writing, try these 8 simple steps: ...
May 25th, 2017
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Using a book editor: How to get more value
This is a guest contribution by publishing network Reedsy, a succinct guide to working with a book editor. If you're not quite at the editing and publishing stage yet, join Now Novel for help planning and finishing your novel. How many editors does it take to change a light bu...
August 10th, 2017
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Editing your writing: How to double your efficiency
This is a guest contribution by Lisa Lepki, editor at ProWritingAid. So, you've finished your novel; now the real work begins. Editing your writing and rewriting are the best insurance you have against your manuscript ending up in the reject pile. Experts agree that you should put your man...
December 4th, 2017
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Editing copy? 8 tips for a word-perfect manuscript
Finishing a draft of your manuscript brings with it a fantastic feeling of accomplishment. Yet great books are made in the writing and editing process. Editing copy for common SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) errors, stylistic gaffes such as tautology, and other flaws will help you strip...
December 17th, 2019
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Editing and revising: 7 tips from top authors and editors
Editing and revising are often seen as the 'slog' part of writing. Yet there is imagination and creativity in this stage of writing, too. Read 7 respected authors' and editors' ideas and methods: 1. Eliminate 'puffy' writing In Stephen King's On Writing, King describes a useful note he rec...
February 17th, 2020
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7 ways developmental editing elevates your work
Completing the draft of a story is a great achievement. Yet 'Now what?' often follows. Developmental editing is valuable for enhancing your manuscript (and your writing skills in general). Comprehensive developmental editing helps you: 1. Catch flaws and enhance your work Copy editing tidi...
March 10th, 2020
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Proofreader tips: 10 paths to a tidier draft
Many books - self-published and traditionally published - could benefit from having had further editing. Here are 10 proofreader tips for a polished draft: 1. Read sentences in reverse Reading from right to left isn't reserved for Hebrew and Arabic scholars. Reading a sentence from last...
March 30th, 2020
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How to write critiques: An easy A to Z
Learning how to write critiques is a valuable skill to master, whether you're in a writing group or are an aspiring editor. But how do you write a useful, constructive critique of another writer, especially if you feel 'unqualified' (a concern less experienced members of our writing groups have ...
May 17th, 2021
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