Clean copy: What it is, why it matters, and how to produce it
Submitting copy that needs little fixing is an editor’s dream. Here is how you can start writing cleaner. Read More “Clean copy: What it is, why it matters, and how to produce it”
Revision & Grammar
Ask The Writer: Is it alright to use multiple question marks?
We answer a reader’s question about the best way to show that a character is confused. Read More “Ask The Writer: Is it alright to use multiple question marks?”
Drafting those many drafts: The 10 revision phases
Before your novel is ready for publication, it should endure each of these draft phases first. Read More “Drafting those many drafts: The 10 revision phases”
The hard edits: Why every writer needs an editor/friend
Good friends save us from embarrassment. A good editor should, too. Read More “The hard edits: Why every writer needs an editor/friend”
Ask the Writer: Cumulative sentences
The Writer explains what cumulative sentences are and how authors used them to enhance their short stories. Read More “Ask the Writer: Cumulative sentences”
Cut the fat: Make your writing lean and clean
No one wants to slog through entangling vines, no matter how pretty. Here are some common offenders. Read More “Cut the fat: Make your writing lean and clean”
Punctuation Boot Camp: Our ultimate grammar guide
Whip those comma splices, uncertain semicolons, and errant exclamation marks into shape with our ultimate grammar guide.
Read More “Punctuation Boot Camp: Our ultimate grammar guide”
Top tips for revising your novel
Key strategies for tackling your first novel revision. Read More “Top tips for revising your novel”
Not to be: Removing be verbs from your writing
How to rout out lifeless be verbs from your work. Read More “Not to be: Removing be verbs from your writing”
Lose the legalese: Make your writing clear, brief, and accurate
Does your writing pass the “dude test?” Read More “Lose the legalese: Make your writing clear, brief, and accurate”
Featured Posts
Pro tips for avoiding clichéd characters in fiction
Banish those walking clichés from your work for good with these tips. Read More “Pro tips for avoiding clichéd characters in fiction”
Character interlands: A new way to develop the character worksheet
Type “character worksheets” into a search engine, and you’ll find hundreds of resources to develop your protagonist and other characters. Some of the worksheets are … Read More “Character interlands: A new way to develop the character worksheet”
4 ways to instantly tighten your fiction
Editor-proof your stories with these tips. Read More “4 ways to instantly tighten your fiction”