Tag: editing
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Imposter syndrome never goes away
“It’s getting scary and real!” I’ve been working with an author since last summer. I helped them shape their book proposal, and edited their manuscript. The result? They landed a book deal with their top publisher. Success! But despite that success, the imposter syndrome never really goes away. Now that the author is lining up…
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How should you approach your editor, and what can you expect to pay?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 3/3) How should you approach your editor, and what can you expect to pay? If I approached any service provider—dentist, mechanic, plumber—I’d give a sense…
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How can you find your editor?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 2/3) How can you find your editor? You have some say over which editor buys your book, especially if you’re a repeat author and you’ve…
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What type of editor do you need?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 1/3) What type of editor do you need? At this time of year, my inbox is flooded with people looking to hire an editor. I…
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A tale of three arborists
A few weeks back, I needed a couple of skinny trees taken down, and a couple of trees limbed (dead branches removed). A small job, all things considered. The first arborist came out a week after I called and sent a quote a day later: $2900. Ouch. I asked around, as I have a few…
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Editing as art form
I was several years into my career as a book editor when I realized editing is an art form, as much as painting or acting or writing. So, as an editor, that makes me an artist. How did this realization change how I edit? More respect for my craft: If editors had a dollar for…
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Finding your place in the Universe of Content
Writers are sponges. When they become interested in a subject, they absorb everything related to the topic. The process can be a bit, let’s say, obsessive. They start telling others about their interest, and additional articles and books head their way. Author and journalist Sam Anderson, in a recent interview with Longform, said, “I love…
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How to Rewild Your Writing
Rewilding is a practice of protecting natural landscapes by “allowing” them to return to their natural state, to let the wild back in. We can apply these principles to our lives, and our creative efforts. Here are some tips to rewild your writing.
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How to finish strong this year and ace your writing goals
In sailing, there’s an action called “anchor watch.” Once you reach your destination and drop anchor, you need to keep an eye on potential drift. If you notice your vessel has moved a lot in say twenty minutes, your anchor isn’t secure in the seabed. You need to haul up and try again. At this…
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The missing ingredient in your book proposal
I often see a main element missing from book proposals. A book proposal is a business plan for your book. It helps you convince the publisher to take a chance on you. In a traditional publishing arrangement, the publisher is essentially offering you a loan (called an advance) so you can finish your book, and…