Category: Editing
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Conversation Between a Writer and His Reluctant Main Character
Main Character: Sorry, not going to do it. Writer: What do you mean you’re not going to do it? MC: I think that statement is abundantly clear. I’m not going to climb out the window and leap from the building. Writer: But you’re being chased. It’s the only option. Besides, it’s too late. I already wrote that scene. You…
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Proof of Life
I haven’t retired. And I’m not yet dead. So to answer the question you may be asking after noticing it’s been a while since I last posted: yes, I’m still editing. So why haven’t I posted recently (or much at all these past few years?) I used to post frequently (check out the archive), partly…
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That’s a Lot of Words
I’ve been editing for more than thirty years. Not the same book, mind you. That would be insane. When I was organizing a shelf yesterday (as one does when procrastinating), I decided to line up some of the books I’ve worked on. The picture here shows what I found. I don’t have much space for…
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What to Expect From Your Editor
I hear you’re interested in hiring an editor. Smart move. So what are you waiting for? Grab your checkbook (do those still exist?), your manuscript, and your realistic expectations and get to it. What’s that? You don’t know what to expect? Here. I’ll help. Ten Things Your Editor Can Do Your editor can see what…
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How to Write Good Dialogue (Part Two)
My ancient (by Internet standards) post on “How to Write Good Dialogue” is inarguably the most popular of my bloggish renderings, based on search data anyway. (You probably preferred this one because you don’t like to follow the crowd. You’re the anti-hipster of hipsters.) It seemed prudent, then, to follow that up with another post on dialogue.…
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The Weight of Your Words
I love my computer*. Let me say that up front, in case it thinks otherwise and decides to unflash its memory. But I have fond (if only for the purpose of this post) memories of a time when writing hurt more than it does today. Oh sure, we have carpal tunnel syndrome and baked sperm…