Sometimes these words are used interchangeably, but there is a very clear difference, especially in the publishing world. Here’s the short answer: Editing is finessing…
Is your manuscript ready for a copyedit? Check this handy flowchart to see.
Getting to the end of your first draft is a momentous achievement – definitely one that deserves celebration. But don’t make the mistake of thinking…
Getting to first draft of your business book
You’d be surprised how many ‘first drafts’ I receive that are not first drafts at all. They are what we in the business call brain…
Three essential questions to ask before you start writing that business document
Have you ever found yourself totally stumped halfway through writing a paper, briefing or report? Perhaps you’ve covered all the background and context, made some…
Smooth transitions can help your story flow
Do you feel you need to account for every moment and movement in a scene? I’ve found a lot of new writers do. But look at this extract from Emily Bitto’s beautiful novel ‘The Strays’.
The magic of reading and how head hopping can break the spell
I’ve just finished reading a book in which about 90% of the story was from the point of view of the central character, Jo, (limited…
Same sex marriage survey and the semicolon
I needed the subtle power of the semicolon to show the relationship of these two observations. This is when a semicolon is at the height of its powers
Two-minute tip: check your spell check settings
spell check is a handy but fickle friend – useful but not to be totally relied upon, especially if the settings are not quite right.
Journey of a book
Every book has a different journey from idea to shelf, but I’m sure there are some commonalities. I wonder if some of this resonates with you?
This week I’m in love with … this passage about memory by Hannah Kent
No wonder this book won so many hearts as well as awards. What an astonishing debut novel.