“Said” is Not Dead
The problem with using every synonym for “said” you can find for dialogue tags is that many words are absurd or redundant. Distinction must be made between legitimate expressive verbs that can be used and those that simply cannot.
Apps for Dictating Your Book
Many of my book coaching clients are busy professionals who need to get a book out but lack the time to sit down to write it. Among the many reasons it may benefit you to dictate your book include a preference for speaking, struggles with writer’s block, or as an alternative to typing or handwriting …
Differences Between Developmental, Line and Copy Editing
Developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting are three different types of editing, each serving a distinct purpose in refining a written work. Developmental Editing Developmental editing, also known as substantive editing, focuses on the overall structure and content of a manuscript with a goal of improving its coherence, clarity, and effectiveness. Developmental editing is typically done …
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Tools I Use in My Business
People are always asking me what I use to run my myriad businesses. I don’t like to overpay for anything, and I do all my development myself, so they know if I use it, it’s going to be reliable, cost-effective, and budget-friendly. I created this handy guide for those who are interested in what I …
Beta Readers Are Not Editors
Contrary to popular belief, beta readers and editors are not interchangeable. Beta readers should not automatically be expected to possess the expertise or skill to properly edit your fiction or nonfiction and should never replace an experienced editor.
The Problem with One-Stop-Shop Editing Services
It can seem like a great idea to have one editor conveniently perform developmental, line, and copy editing (and sometimes proofreading too) on your manuscript, but I will share with you why it doesn’t make a lot of sense. First, let me ask you this: Would you hire a detailer to fix your transmission? Would …
Pemon Rami’s When Blackness Was Golden—The Best Kind of Memoir
A captivating narrative on an authentic life of passion and purpose in an era when Black love and pride reigned and neighbors as extended family was a thing, When Blackness Was Golden takes readers on a journey into the life of Pemon Rami, an architect of the Black arts movement. Rami’s memoir captivates, taking the …
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An Editors’ Retreat—Writers Welcome
Apparently, written word editors historically don’t ‘retreat’… We’re changing that. This fall we’re hosting the first wordsmiths’ retreat for editors and writers to network in a luxurious, intensely relaxing environment. We had to reschedule the retreat we had planned at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort for this June, but the new location will be …
Publishers Weekly Gives “My” Black Sci-Fi Short Stories Anthology Starred Review
Publishers Weekly posted a starred review of the forthcoming Black Sci-Fi Short Stories anthology with which I was involved last year (publ. June 2021). Apparently, this feat is quite rare! It’s beyond thrilling for me to see this book and the work of my colleagues praised in this way. However, PW totally “revised” my actual title, embellished …
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Interview With Carolyn Holland
I recently sat down with my client, Ms. Carolyn Holland, creator of the riveting Brothers of the Dark Veil, to chat about some of her characters, juicy background behind her stories, and how it all came about. Q: Your blending of historical, paranormal, and mythological legends in your books is both utterly fascinating and irresistibly addictive. Share …