The ability to edit your own work is incredibly important. For obvious reasons, editors prefer authors who can turn in clean copy. Beyond lightening an editor's workload, there are other reasons that you need to be good at editing--it's your name on the book! Over the years I've picked up great ideas for editing. Here's the best summary of what you should be doing-- Edit your work in passes. In other words, don't go over it once and … [Read more...] about How to Edit Your Work
tips for writers
What to Do When You Get Stuck While Writing Your Book
By Joanna Campbell Slan When folks complain of "writer's block," they're often complaining that they've gotten stuck. Or that they just don't know what to write next. That can happen to any of us. Maybe you know how your book will begin. You might also know how it ends. But what will you do to fill three hundred pages in the middle? Ah, that's the rub. Suddenly, you are stuck. When I get stuck, here are some ways I get "un-stuck" -- Change … [Read more...] about What to Do When You Get Stuck While Writing Your Book
How Anyone Can Improve His or Her Writing Almost Instantly
By Joanna Campbell Slan School has started, and your child may be one of many who struggles with written assignments. Or perhaps you, yourself, are going back to school. Or maybe now that your kids are off to classes, you've decided to get down to the business of writing that book you've been meaning to tackle for years. I've been writing my whole life. In fact, I can't remember a time when I wasn't putting words on paper. I've also taught … [Read more...] about How Anyone Can Improve His or Her Writing Almost Instantly
Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
Probably the LAST thing I should be doing with my time today is writing a blog post. Nevertheless, I am compelled to share what I'm learning.See, I'm judging a contest for writers, new and hopeful authors. There's a wonderful set of criteria which guides me. Very helpful. Very insightful. But mainly, I'm calling upon what I've learned over the past five years. And I'm using up far too much time doing this...except...except...it comes at an … [Read more...] about Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
