Rather than rely on your go-to fixes, learn other ways to rewrite and edit words, sentences, paragraphs, and scenes.

Continue reading Rewriting and Editing—So Many Possibilities »

If you plan to self-publish, you or someone you hire will be responsible for formatting for print. Allow yourself time to format correctly and to adjust the text to fit into your book’s design.

Continue reading Edit While Formatting—One More Chance to Get It Right »

Any word or line of text in a fiction manuscript can be changed. There are no golden sentences or sacred utterings that should stand unchallenged as you rewrite and edit. Writers should expect that the first draft will need extensive changes.

Continue reading No Golden Words or Sacred Cows »

Explanations for why a work in progress doesn’t read like a published novel. Includes areas to work on to improve a WIP.

Continue reading Why Doesn’t My Story Read Like a Published Novel–A Reader’s Question »

Explore how the change in words affects individual moments and scenes and stories, and how words can direct fiction.

Continue reading Zeroing in on Words »

Write hot, edit cold was advice originally given to ad writers, but it’s great advice for any writer. A look at the advantages of editing and analyzing manuscripts with a cool head and from a distance.

Continue reading Write Hot, Edit Cold? It’s Still Great Advice »

Writers often become so lost in their stories that they can’t look at them dispassionately. Remember to step back and away from your fiction so you can get a true picture of a story.

Continue reading Step Outside Your Story World »

All writers leave something out of their early drafts. Learn your writing weaknesses and then plan your rewrites around strengthening your stories and overcoming those weaknesses.

Continue reading Use a Rewrite to Add What Your Story Lacks »