One of the major issues I've been seeing lately with the indie community is getting people to understand what an editor is and isn't.  As I touched on in 'Indie editors are hard to work with because...' there are a lot of expectations being thrown at indie editors right now. And not only that, but there are different 'levels' of indie editors available, just like there are different levels of writer out there.  It's a minefield, so I thought I'd share some thoughts on my process, and what I am and am not to a writer.  I'm not normally a draft corrector - unless you're dyslexic, it's...

Well, two things happened between the last post and now. The first is that we're still incredibly busy.  I trialled offering bookings at a subscription rate (three months, the edits split over (x) months with a reduced rate for booking/paying for those months) and we've just been SO busy it's been unreal.  But, I've finally gotten everything settled down to a point where I can open up edits for the end of May/beginning of June.  There's a possibility that I'll get to edits sooner, so if you're not too fussed about when you get edited, in the next few weeks, then let me know. The...

When you look at it, on the surface at least, the fact that I'm just not updating as much as I used to is probably a good sign - I'm BUSY. And I am - this month is the first month in a while that I've had to say that my bookings are more than two weeks in advance. And as an editor, that's a great place to be. Well, maybe not for authors, but it's great to be there. So, just as a quick notice - Indie Unbound is starting up again, because I'm in a better position now - more editing, less other work, and I am delighted to confirm that the 'self editing for indie authors book' that I'm going...

One of the major elements that I see when dealing with first chapter edits is what most people call 'emulation' and I call 'clone tone'. Clone tone is a horrible affliction for any writer to have to deal with - not least because it's very difficult to undo. What happens is, a writer is told to devour everything they can in the genre they want to write in.  The theory behind it is they can then possibly project what the market is going to do and what they'd like to see, as 'fans' of the genre, and write a book. What often happens is people recommend 'like' books - as in, this book is...

I'm running a competition to celebrate two things - one - I just hit 50k on my Nanowrimo challenge this month.  Six days in and I did the last 100 words just as I got home this evening from the first proper meet I got to attend!  WOoo! To celebrate, if you contract me between now and the end of the month, I will: Donate 10% of your fee to Nanowrimo.  That's a minimum donation of $10 right off the bat.  If I can, I'll also add YOUR information, not mine as the donor, so we can discuss what that is just as soon as I find out if I can do it. One lucky booking will win back their...

It's amazing what makes people drop out of the enjoyment of a book, and one of them are random and often particularly complex grammar rules that they've been taught and have stuck with them.  The 'Grammar Snark' articles are going to talk about those ideas. For now though, I thought I'd share a problem I, as an editor, have. I write run on sentences - they go on for miles and miles and miles, and it's a horrible habit that I've never outgrown.  As a grammar snark, it's a terrible thing to deal with, and it's always on my checklist for looking at before I send anything off for checking...

Many people think that the Nanowrimo is bad news for editing. It encourages people to ignore their inner editor and get on with writing. I think that's the key here.  It's teaching people to ignore their inner editor - that nasty piece of work that tells you the words are rubbish before they're even metaphorically drying in some cases. It doesn't tell you to ignore your 'outer editor' aka, people like me Innnie versus outie Inner editors are the ones we rely on to censor our thoughts and say tactful things, in public.  The reason they're 'inner' editors is because they're...

Most of the objections I hear to having an indie (or self published) book edited come down to one of three factors - time and money, control or fear. Of the three reasons, only one can actually get in the way of getting an edit.  So which is it? Three factors  Time - if your book is really time sensitive, and you haven't planned for that while editing, then yes, your indie editor is going to be difficult to work with, to your schedule.  BUT - the key here is most editors are incredibly flexible.  It might cost you a premium however - which is another thing that you need to...

Writers often complain that they've got no direction - after that first exhilarating 'the end' on their first major project, and many feel lost. Which is why I created a 'roadmap' of sorts that allows writers to get the most out of their careers without putting them in a position of ruining their output. Output first, worry later The first thing to remember about all writing plans is the most important thing to look at is your output.  If you're in 'the zone' and are creatively minded, making yourself stop and plan, or review plans is probably going to take a shine off of your writing,...

While I'm in the process Of reorganising my blogs, and getting everything streamlined - I thought I'd mention the offer we're running. To celebrate the launch of my indie editing book, I'm offering a 10% discount on full edits. Full edits start at £50+ £1.25 a page, but vary based on time frame and editing needs. I also offer first chapter mini crits where I highlight what I feel you need help with and what you'll get out of the edits. As a freelance editor, I'm very flexible, so can also provide coaching if you want that little bit extra with your edits. Contact me for details, on my...