Are you a writer who worries about working with a developmental editor for fear of losing control over the project? You're not alone If so, you’re not the only one. One writer put it this way recently on an online forum: “I worry that an editor will erase my voice.” Another said, “I fear I’ll … [Read more...]
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The Book Deal
Wake up your readers! How to thicken a plot
Here’s a situation that editors encounter frequently: manuscripts with a large cast of potentially interesting characters, sparkling dialogue, and the glimmer of ideas churning just beneath the surface. But after a little while the scenes become repetitious, the characters and their machinations … [Read more...]
The writer’s toolkit: Breaking the rules of the narrative arc
Feeling boxed in by the rules and expectations of the conventional narrative arc? Tired of the old 1st act, 2nd act, 3rd act routine? Itching to break out and try something new? If so, this post is for you. Ordinarily, I'm a staunch believer in the basics of linear story structure: keep it … [Read more...]
What makes writers special: An editor’s valentine
All good editors love working with writers. To us, writers are special people, compelled to put words together as they look at the world. They can’t stop, must return to whatever is in their heads, what they’re thinking and feeling, making sense of their lives, to explain, to teach, so write … [Read more...]
Ask the editor: How to untangle a plot
Q: An agent said my novel was “dense, over-plotted and difficult to follow.” I’m not sure what to do. A: You might have too much action and not enough content. If that's the problem, you need to punctuate any rapid fire twists and turns with dialogue, description, and the kind of pacing that’s … [Read more...]
What makes a book publisher drool? Can you say “series”?
For a publisher, producing a successful book series is like winning the lottery. The rewards can be enormous and ongoing. Check out these numbers The Harry Potter behemoth towers over all the rest, with more than 400 million copies sold. Nancy Drew? The 175 installments of the beloved mystery … [Read more...]