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Five types of plot holes in books (with clear examples for writers)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:15:28 GMT

Plot holes are inconsistencies or contradictions in a story that break its internal logic. They can be unexplained gaps , errors, or moments that simply don’t make sense within the world of the book.

The problem with plot holes is that they pull readers out of the story. They weaken the trust you have built and can leave your audience feeling frustrated or disappointed . That is why it’s so important to catch them during the editing process.

Are plot holes okay?

If a plot hole disrupts the story and makes a reader question what is happening, it’s a problem!

Minor plot holes, like a character ordering coffee but then drinking tea later in the same scene, can sometimes slip by. Most readers will overlook small details like that.

But major plot holes can seriously damage your story’s credibility. For example, introducing a romance subplot and then completely dropping it without explanation is the kind of oversight that can pull a reader out of the story.

Common types of plot holes in books (and how to avoid them)

Here are five of the most common plot holes with examples to help you spot them in your own writing.

Inconsistent character behaviour

This happens when a character suddenly acts in a way that does not match their established personality, motivations, or past decisions, without enough explanation or growth to justify the change. For example, this could be a character who values honesty and then suddenly lies without any inner conflict.

Why this happens:

The author knows where the story needs to go but skips the character development required to get there.
Forgetting established backstory or traits.
Changing the story direction midway and unintentionally contradicting earlier characterisation

Unresolved subplots

These are storylines that are introduced but never wrapped up, leaving readers with lingering questions and a sense of incompleteness. This could be a mysterious secret that is teased throughout the story, but it is never revealed or connected to the main plot.

Why this happens:

Overcomplicating the story with too many plot threads and forgetting to close them all.
Cutting subplots during editing but accidentally leaving traces of them behind.
Intentionally leaving subplots open to set up a sequel, but if they are too central, this can frustrate readers expecting closure.

Timeline issues

Timeline plot holes happen when events do not logically align with the passage of time, making the sequence of events impossible or confusing. For example, it is winter in one scene but just a few days later it’s suddenly summer, with no time skip.

Why this happens:

Poor planning or not tracking timelines carefully.
Multiple points of view that are not properly aligned.
Rushing the pacing and accidentally pushing events too close together to feel realistic.

Contradictory world rules

This happens when a story sets clear rules for how the world works, then breaks those rules without explanation. It is especially common in fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian genres where detailed systems and logic often drive the story.

This could be something like a tracking device that works perfectly until the plot suddenly requires the character to get lost.

Why this happens:

Plot convenience, bending the rules to solve a problem quickly without earning it.
Forgetting the world’s established rules, especially in complex stories.
Vague or incomplete world-building, where the rules are not fully defined, making contradictions more likely.

Convenient solutions (also known as deus ex machina)

This is when a problem that seems impossible to solve is suddenly fixed by an unexpected, unlikely, or completely unexplained event, object, or character. These solutions feel unearned and can leave readers disappointed.

For example, a long-lost ally appears out of nowhere just in time to save the protagonist and defeat the villain, despite having no way of knowing where to find them.

Why this happens:

Writing yourself into a corner and needing a quick way out.
Rushing to finish the story and skipping the necessary buildup.
Lack of planning or foreshadowing – the solution was always intended, but it wasn’t set up properly.

How to avoid plot holes in your book

Keep a story bible to track characters, world rules, and timelines.

Outline carefully (or revise with structure in mind).

Ask "why?" at every plot turn to make sure character choices and story events make sense.

Work with a beta reader, writing group, or book coach who can spot gaps you might miss.

Take breaks between drafts to come back with fresh eyes and see your story more clearly.

Catch your plot holes before you publish

It’s completely normal to have plot holes in your early drafts. The key is to catch and fix them before your story goes out into the world.
If you’d like help identifying plot holes and strengthening your story, I offer professional editing and book coaching support. Get in touch with me to chat about your project.

The most common writing mistakes in every genre (and how to avoid them)

Wed, 28 May 2025 03:30:50 GMT

Every genre comes with reader expectations, common tropes and writing challenges. What works well in a romance novel might fall flat in a thriller, and what is essential in sci-fi could be completely out of place in a fantasy novel. Each genre creates a different kind of world for the reader, and the way you write needs to match that world.

But it is easy to miss the mark! Whether it’s pacing that drags in a romance, characters that fall flat in a sci-fi, or details that don't quite land in historical fiction, these common genre-specific mistakes can weaken an otherwise promising manuscript.

The good news is once you understand these common mistakes, you can spot and fix those issues in your own work, leading to a stronger, more polished draft.

Here are the most common writing mistakes I see in romance, historical fiction, fantasy, thriller/mystery and sci-fi novels (and how to avoid them!)

Mistake 1) Romance: rushed or slow pacing of the plot

In the romance genre, a very easy mistake to make is bad pacing. Rather than developing naturally, the romantic plot drags or feels rushed.

The reason this happens is often due to a lack of conflict or tension to keep the story going. If the only thing keeping the characters apart is a simple miscommunication, it can get old fast.

On the other hand, if the characters fall for each other almost instantly with very little development or reason, it is not believable for readers.

How to avoid this mistake:

Create a believable emotional arc with rising tension and payoff.
Write scenes that show character’s chemistry and conflict (don’t just tell).
Use internal and external obstacles that make the payoff satisfying.
Leave breathing room for the romance to develop, without losing momentum.

Mistake 2) Historical Fiction: historical inaccuracies

When writing a historical fiction novel, the accuracy in historical details is what creates a believable story.

However, it is common for authors to not do enough research or the wrong kind (sticking to just surface-level details) especially if they are prioritising the story over the setting.

And of course, our modern mindsets can accidentally sneak in when writing, leading to inaccuracies that can pull readers out of the story.

How to avoid this mistake:

Conduct thorough research so that historical facts, settings and cultural details are accurate.
Ensure the dialogue and behaviours reflect the time period.
Keep the historical details, like clothes, architecture and social norms consistent.

Mistake 3) Fantasy: info dumping when world-building

World-building is an essential part of the fantasy genre, but you don’t want to spend so much time designing your world that your story suffers.

Fantasy authors are skilled at creating rich, imaginative worlds with detailed settings, languages and magic systems. But a common trap is trying to explain everything to the reader all at once, especially in the first few chapters.

This info dumping is overwhelming to readers and makes the story drag.

How to avoid this mistake:

Weave world building into action and dialogue. Let readers experience the world rather than reading about it (again, show don’t tell!).
Start with your characters and conflict. Once readers are emotionally invested, they’ll be more willing to absorb complex world details.
Use specific context clues to show technology, culture or setting without long explanations.

Mistake 4) Mystery/Thriller: losing the reader’s attention

In a mystery or thriller, the biggest challenge is maintaining the tension and suspense throughout the book.

It can be easy to lose your reader’s attention if the stakes aren’t clear (or high enough), if information is revealed too soon, or if you throw in too many red herrings and twists.

It is a delicate balance keeping the reader invested from start to finish.

How to avoid this mistake:

Start with a strong hook to grab the reader.
End each chapter with a reason to keep reading (a reveal, twist, new threat or decision point).
Raise questions early and delay the answers just long enough to build curiosity.

Mistake 5) Sci-fi: neglecting character development

Sci-fi authors tend to be full of brilliant ideas, creating stories with futuristic technology, dystopian governments or alien civilisations.

But one of the most common mistakes they make is focusing so heavily on the concept or world that their characters end up flat, underdeveloped or secondary to the plot.

Characters are the heart of any compelling story because they create emotional connections with readers. When characters feel real – complete with strengths, flaws and motivations – they resonate on a deeper level, making the reader care about their journey.

How to avoid this mistake:

Keep big ideas grounded with personal stakes. Ask: Why does this matter to this character right now?
Give your characters clear desires, flaws and growth arcs.
Make sure each major decision in the plot is rooted in a character’s motivations, not just the needs of the technology or setting

How to strengthen your writing in your chosen genre

If you aren’t sure whether you are hitting the right notes for your genre, or want editing tips that align with your story, I’ve created a new guide for you.

It includes writing and editing advice for each major book genre (those mentioned above as well as YA, Middle Grade Fiction and Memoir) so you can finish your book with clarity and confidence.

Download your free copy of How to Master Your Genre.

A self-published author success story: Mariana Missakian

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 02:03:56 GMT

If you are new to this series, it is a collection of success stories from authors who had an idea for a book and worked hard to bring it to life. I hope you'll find inspiration in the stories of self-published authors and maybe some great books to add to your to-be-read list.

In this blog, we hear from Mariana who spent her 20s and 30s travelling the world, working for Fortune 500 companies and making great things happen. Mariana is now a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and doctoral candidate researching mothers in leadership. She proudly initiates conversations on women, leadership and identity.

A self-published author success story: Mariana Missakian

Introducing…Mariana Missakian, author of That Suburbia Lady.

Why did you want to write a book?

I wanted to tell my story, because I couldn’t find my story anywhere.

When I became a mom, I found myself silent. Not because anyone told me to shut up or because I was waiting for permission. But because everywhere I looked, from Hollywood to Instagram to bestselling books, I couldn’t find my story.

And when I couldn’t find it, I started to believe it wasn’t real, and that it didn’t matter. Until the day I realized that power wasn’t a job and a title. Power is a voice and now I use that voice to tell my story and to invite others to share theirs.

What were you hoping your readers would get out of it?

I wanted people to know that they are not alone. Their story matters and their voice matters. Every voice has the power to change the world.

I want my readers to trust their own voice and tell their stories loudly, proudly and unapologetically.

What is your book about?

My book is a memoir about my motherhood journey. The messy truth about trading my city #bosslady stilettos for spandex leggings, PTAs and bake sales in Suburbia. Told in 40 short, coffee-fuelled stories, it reveals the raw reality of what happens when you let go of everything you fought to achieve just to “fit in”.

It’s a satirical memoir, which is an extremely rare genre. It’s me telling my story by making fun of myself. I could have written horror or comedy to tell my story, but I went with comedy.

This book will deeply resonate with you if

You are a woman. Single or married, mother or not.

If you are feeling stuck in between seasons of life, maybe losing yourself, possibly thinking, “ Why me? Why only me? ” or finally becoming who you were meant to be.

The impact editing had on this book

Before Leanne stepped in, what I had was a messy collection of stories and coffee stains, not a book.

She saw potential where I saw chaos. She organised my thoughts and gently guided and encouraged me towards publishing.

How has publishing your book changed your life?

Publishing my book opened doors I hadn’t imagined. It was the stepping stone of becoming who I am today.

Right after my book was published, I was featured at the Emirates Literature Festival, a huge honour considering it typically celebrates fiction writers. I also gave a TEDx talk inspired by these same stories. But the most rewarding thing has been the feedback from my readers. When someone tells me, “It felt like you were talking about my life.” It hits me every single time.

When I started writing, I said I wanted to help women and mothers avoid the pain I had to go through. And knowing that even one woman feels seen makes all the tears, pain and bleeding pen worth it. There’s nothing better, or more humbling, than knowing your story resonates deeply with someone else’s journey, and guides them through the seasons of life, back to themselves.

What Mariana’s working on at the moment

Writing is my daily coffee, therapy, and creative outlet, (especially now as I’m deep into my doctoral research I’m basically writing nonstop).

I’m also busy with The UNMUTE Project, an initiative aimed at amplifying voices and stories. I launched UNMUTE to encourage people to trust their stories, speak their truth and recognize the power of their voice.

Other than that, I’m on LinkedIn regularly initiating conversations that matter on women, leadership and inclusion. Come hang out with me there!

Stay up-to-date with Mariana’s work

You can stay in touch with Mariana on Instagram and LinkedIn . If you would like to read That Suburbia Lady, you can buy a copy here .

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to be featured in my next author success story, I want to hear from you!

I want to provide an opportunity for you to showcase your book, tell the story behind your work, and share your experience of writing, editing and publishing a book.

If you would like to apply to be featured, send me an email: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

A self-published author success story: Duncan Shore

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:54:25 GMT

I’m introducing a new series on my blog this year to feature some of the brilliant authors I’ve worked with. A collection of success stories from authors who had an idea for a book and worked hard to bring it to life.

I want to provide an opportunity for my clients to showcase their book, tell the story behind their work, and share their experience of writing, editing and publishing a book.

I hope you'll find inspiration in the stories of self-published authors and maybe some fabulous books to add to your to-be-read list.

A self-published author success story: Duncan Shore

Let's begin with the question I always ask my clients…

Why did you want to write a book?

I genuinely don’t know where the story of Unforeseen Consequences came to me from, but the idea stayed with me enough to develop it and eventually hone it to what it is.

I’ve known many people who’ve said they wanted to write a book and didn't even start, so there was an element of proving to myself as much as proving it to everyone else, that I could actually finish one.

I could have potentially embarrassed myself, but I believe you need to challenge yourself. I think it's much healthier to get out of your comfort zone than stay in it.

What the books are about

The book that started it all is Unforeseen Consequences.

The Ashton Trilogy was launched out of sequence. The first book, Unforeseen Consequences, was my first novel and traced the actions and reactions of a Prime Minister who raised the minimum wage. Part-political thriller, part-romcom, it’s a gentle tale that is a page turner and makes the reader laugh.

Next came the prequel, Ashton’s Ascent, and the sequel, The Lure of Power.

I spent so much time developing the characters that I didn’t want to waste them. So it seemed natural to expand their character arcs and write their prequel in Ashton’s Ascent and conclude the trilogy with The Lure of Power.

You’ll enjoy these books if you like

I try to write fast-paced books with hopefully several laughs per chapter. All my books will appeal to anyone who likes light drama with dry British humour, deadpan reactions, laced with a little bit of romance.

The trilogy is also based in NZ politics, which is pretty uncommon.

The impact editing had on these books

I was genuinely scared with my first experience of using an editor. It was the first time anyone had reviewed anything I’d written creatively since school. I hadn’t spent money on writing courses, so I was trusting the editor’s feedback on whether it was any good.

The feedback was very supportive and positive, and in subsequent books has proved to be a really important second set of eyes, picking up not just typos, but continuity mistakes (if you’ve not edited the drafts enough).

It’s tempting to dismiss the idea of an editor, thinking you can do it yourself. Whilst I appreciate everyone has to cut their cloth to their budget, I would certainly recommend an editor if you can.

The truth about publishing and book sales

My publishing success hasn’t been spectacular, but the business model I have always been following relies on creating a body of work, to enable read-through readers.

I have now published five books and will start promoting one book, which should hopefully lead to multiple purchases per promotion. The only downside is that it takes time to build up the catalogue!

What Duncan’s working on at the moment

I’ve currently got two books in the pipeline. One explores a UK police marksman with PTSD – an obvious choice for a light drama with deadpan humour.

My second book on the go is based in the USA and addresses gun control and healthcare. Again, an obvious source of humour, but hopefully one that I can entertain my readers, and appeal to a lot more.

Stay up-to-date with Duncan’s work

You can follow Duncan on Facebook or visit his website to see all of his books, keep up-to-date on new releases and participate in giveaways.

I know you've poured your heart, soul, and countless late nights into your book. Now it’s published, you’re ready to get your story into the hands of the readers you wrote it for.

If you’ve self-published, it’s your job to market, promote and get people talking about your book which is no easy feat! In this new blog series, I want to feature authors I’ve worked with to hopefully provide another way to spread the word about your novel.

If you would like to apply to be featured, send me an email: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

How to self-publish in New Zealand in eight steps

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:29:38 GMT

Self-publishing a book can feel like a daunting process. If you are wondering, what’s the process? and is self-publishing worth it? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve written a memoir, a novel, or a children’s book, bringing your story to life and into the hands of readers is an achievable goal.
In this post, I’m breaking down how to self-publish in New Zealand in eight clear steps, so you can navigate everything from formatting and printing to marketing and distribution with confidence.

Is self-publishing worth it?

Here are a few things to consider when making the decision to self-publish or not.

Pros of self-publishing:

Save money: traditional publishers often take a significant cut of book sales and royalties.
Keep your creative control: you have complete control over your book content, design and marketing.
Faster timeline: submission processes and contract negotiations with traditional publishing can delay publication.

Cons of self-publishing:

No external deadlines: without anyone holding you accountable, you must be extremely self-motivated and also able let go of chasing perfection.
Upfront costs: you are responsible for all expenses that go into publishing your book.
Marketing is your responsibility: once you’ve published, you have to figure out how to get your book noticed.

What’s the process? How to self-publish in eight steps:

Before publishing...

Write your first draft

Decide on an idea: whether you already know what your book is about or you’re still trying to decide, the following questions can help narrow your focus: WHY do you want to write a book? WHO is your ideal reader? WHAT do you hope the reader will get out of it?
Create an outline: Before you start writing a book, it’s important that you have a clear vision of what you’re creating. A well-structured outline can serve as the backbone of your writing journey, providing direction, coherence and a roadmap for your story.
Research: thorough research is essential for creating a book that’s accurate and believable.
Get writing: Once you’ve completed all of the necessary preparation, it’s time to begin writing your rough draft. This requires committing to consistent routines and productive writing habits.

For help getting started with your writing project, make sure you download my free guide.

Perfect your manuscript with editing and proofreading

Revise: Every book worth reading goes through many rounds of revisions. You need to have an honest, ruthless eye on your writing so that you can know what needs reworking. Click for some tips to help you self-edit your writing.
Write your second draft: This is when you can apply your revisions and edits. Here are some questions to help you: Does your book have a consistent tone? Is there an overarching theme that can be developed? Are there weak parts of the book that can be removed? Does the book have a strong opening hook? Does it have an impactful conclusion?
Proofread: this is the final step between you and the reader. Proofreading focuses on eliminating mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Design your book cover

As much as we’d like people to judge our book by its contents, what they see first is the cover and description. The job of both of these is to hook the reader and entice them to continue reading.

It’s a good idea to invest in a professionally designed book cover that visually represents your book's genre and themes. And to craft a captivating book description that entices potential readers and gives them a clear idea of what to expect.

Contact me for recommendations on professional book cover designers.

Build your author profile

As soon as possible, you should start building your online presence to connect with other authors and potential readers.

Author website: Create a professional website to showcase your books, provide information about you as an author and offer ways for readers to connect with you.
Blog: Regularly update your website with content related to your books, writing process and topics of interest to your readers. This will help increase your visibility, website traffic and reader interest.
Social media: Start by choosing platforms that align with your target reader audience. Then begin sharing engaging content regularly. This could include snippets from your book, a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process or posts that encourage readers to engage and share their opinions.

Once you're ready to publish...

Pick your platform: two ways you can self-publish

Physical books

This approach is more traditional and tangible. It involves printing, stocking and selling your book in bookstores, libraries, and retail outlets.

Large offset printing runs: if you are happy to invest, you can take advantage of the lower cost-per-book of offset printing. The more you order, the lower your cost-per-book will be.
Print on demand: this is a popular option as it’s cost effective and simpler for you as the author. You pay slightly more per book with digital printing on demand, but you won’t have to pay for printing until you receive a customer’s order.

Ebooks

Ebooks have become increasingly popular for self-publishing. The upfront costs are much lower without physical printing and distribution. And with the click of a button you can reach a global audience!

Direct ebook retailers: you are responsible for uploading files, filling out metadata, and managing promotions for each retailer. The advantages to this option are having complete control and receiving full royalties. Examples of ebook retailers include: Amazon Kindle , Apple Books and Google Play Books.
Distributors: A distributor site is convenient as it does the work on your behalf. You can upload your ebook to their website and they will send your files to various retailers and collect your royalties (for a fee). Examples of distributors include: IngramSpark , Draft2Digital , and BookBaby .

Format your book

Your book will need professional formatting before publishing. Generally, self-publishing companies will need two files from you. Your manuscript file and your cover file. Formatting requirements can differ between platforms so make sure you research this before you begin making changes.

If you'd like support with formatting your book, send me an email. I can recommend an expert who can help!

Get an ISBN

If you want to sell your book in physical stores or online, or make it available to libraries, your book will need an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This is a system for numbering and identifying books.

ISBNs are 13-digit codes that help retailers to identify book titles, author names, the type of book, publisher and editions, to make marketing more efficient.

If you are self-publishing, you may be able to get a free ISBN from the companies that print and distribute books or you can purchase your own.

Market your book

As a self-published author, it’s your responsibility to build your platform and promote your book effectively . I always tell my clients, without excellent marketing, nobody will know you've written a book!

There are several ways you can do this:

Collaborate with book bloggers and influencers: this is a powerful way for you to reach a wider audience and promote your books. Influencers have dedicated followers who trust their recommendations, making them valuable partners for book promotion.
Utilise paid advertising: Consider running targeted online ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Amazon. Two huge benefits of paid ads are: you can target your ideal reader, and you can retarget and show ads to users who have previously shown interest in your book or visited your website.
Local outreach and networking: you can partner with local bookstores, libraries and community groups to host book signings, workshops or readings. Or try participating in local or virtual book fairs, author panels and literary events to connect with readers and fellow authors.

Want help bringing your book idea to life?

I have some exciting news! I am now an Author Accelerator certified book coach  .

As a book coach, I will be guiding fiction authors through the book writing process, helping them stay organised, brainstorm ideas and get their book ready for publishing.

And to celebrate this milestone I have a special deal for you. I'm offering $50 off my Mini Blueprint for a Book service.

This is a planning tool for writing your novel that takes you through thirteen steps to help you get started. To give you a blueprint for a book you truly believe in!

Send me an email if you'd like to know more about it: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

2024 in Review: The Projects, People, and Lessons That Shaped My Year

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:25:13 GMT

As the year draws to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2024; a year filled with incredible projects, lessons, and client collaborations. From editing a wide variety of novels to proofreading business reports, cookbooks and websites, each project has been a reminder of why I love what I do. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite moments, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and a peek at the goals and opportunities I’m excited for in 2025.

The projects I’ve worked on

I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects with authors and businesses around the world this year!

No two months have been exactly alike which I really enjoy.

Here's a snapshot of what I've had the pleasure of working on in 2024:

The final two books in a series
A Christmas novella
The Business Edition of the Getting Lost game
A children's picture book
A fantasy novel
Two literary fiction novels for a returning author
Business reports and marketing materials
A spiritual book
A wine journey map of New Zealand
Several business websites
A vegan cookbook
Three YA novels

I'm looking forward to what's already in my calendar for 2025. Several returning authors are going to be working with me on their books. I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!

What this year taught me

The first thing I learned: variety makes work more enjoyable.

This is the ninth year I’ve been working as an editor and proofreader and it’s been one of my favourites. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve done this year.

A big reason for this is that I’ve had the opportunity to work on some great proofreading projects. Proofreading is a nice change of pace from the depth and heavy thinking that editing requires.

The second thing I learned: I appreciate the flexibility of working for myself more than ever.

I don’t think I could ever go back to working for someone else or spending five days a week in the office.

As my kids have grown older and are coming and going more, it’s invaluable that I can take time off when I want. I love that I’ve been able to spend time with them when they are home.

I also love being in charge of my own time and how much I do each day. If you know my story, then you know that my health is a huge priority for me. I’m grateful that working from home allows me to take the rest I need.

Moments that made the year special

Working with returning clients

I always enjoy catching up with authors I’ve worked with to discuss where they're at with their books.

It might surprise you to know that I never edit a book and disappear. I'm happy to be a sounding board for all future writing projects.

This year, I helped one client with editing the final two books in his series. And I’m revisiting one of my client's published YA novels that we're going to make even better!

Meeting new clients

I also worked with a lot of new and first-time authors. I know it can be daunting handing over your work to an editor when you've poured so much of yourself into it.

I love meeting new clients and helping them see that the editing process isn’t so scary after all!

In-person catch ups

I’ve especially loved any chance I’ve gotten to sit down and talk about books. Moments that stand out include:

Popping into the cafe whose cookbook I edited and proofread.
Chatting with an author who dropped off a copy of their book.
Grabbing coffee with a returning author to talk about their next book.

What I can’t wait to work on in 2025

I have a few goals I’m hoping to achieve next year including:

Working on a romance or historical fiction novel (these are my favourite genres to read).
Adding in a few more proofreading projects each month for variety.
Partnering with a business who needs regular proofreading of reports, magazines or advertising material.
Sharing your published books with my audience.

I'm working on new blog posts that will feature authors I've worked with, their finished books, and links to purchase a copy.

Hopefully, this will be another way to spread the word about your novel. If you would like to apply to be featured, send me an email: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

A final note from me

As this year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank all of my awesome clients and celebrate what they have accomplished.

A lot of people talk about wanting to write a book someday, not many people actually do it!

Thanks for allowing me to make your words shine. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create next and working with you again in the future. I hope you know my inbox is always open to you.

Please note: I'll be out of office and taking a break from social media from December 14th, returning on January 13th . Merry Christmas everyone and I'll see you next year.

A guide to character development in writing (from a book coach)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:04:15 GMT

Characters are the heart of any compelling story because they create emotional connections with readers. When characters feel real — complete with strengths, flaws and motivations — they resonate on a deeper level, making the reader care about their journey. Well-crafted characters help to drive the plot forward, give meaning to the events in the story, and often keep readers engaged even after the book ends. Without relatable or intriguing characters, even the most exciting plot can fall flat, because it’s the characters who give a story its emotional stakes and personal investment. In this blog, I’m sharing a guide to character development in writing, with some of my favourite book coaching strategies to help you create memorable characters.

Character development checklist — for crafting memorable characters

1. Start with strong character foundations

Character foundations are the core pieces that shape their actions. It’s these details that make characters believable and relatable to readers.

To create your character’s foundations, start here:

Define your character’s goals and motivations: What is it that drives and motivates them?

Consider their backstory and personality: a rich history and strong personality traits will influence their decisions and actions throughout your story.

Decide on their flaws and strengths: flaws are what make characters relatable and strengths give them heroic qualities.

Tip: You can use a character questionnaire to fully explore your character’s background, beliefs, and goals. Questions might include things like: "What is your character’s biggest fear?" or "What would they never forgive?"

2. Create realistic relationships

Relationships with other characters are important for the protagonist's development. Relationships create opportunities for conflict, growth and reveal deeper aspects of the character’s personality through their interactions.

How to create realistic relationships between characters:

Develop a shared history: Give characters backstories that strengthens their bond or creates tension.

Use dialogue: By incorporating imperfect or interrupted conversations, conversations can feel more natural.

Show mutual growth: Allow relationships to evolve through challenges, trust-building and conflict.

Include small, meaningful gestures: Focus on nonverbal cues like a knowing look or comforting touch.

Incorporate flaws and disagreements: No relationship is perfect, so include arguments and misunderstandings.

Show the reality of complex emotions: Characters can feel more than one emotion toward each other at the same time.

Tip: Try creating a visual mind map of your character’s relationships, desires and internal conflicts to see how they all connect to the overall story.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

Reveal your character's thoughts, emotions, motivations and growth without explicitly telling the reader. This makes for a more engaging and interesting story.

How to reveal information without telling:

Use dialogue, specifically tone and vocabulary to show the character’s individuality.

Share their internal monologue to show more of their personality and worldview.

Reveal through their actions. How characters act under pressure says a lot about them.

Tip: Use a character journal to develop your character further. Write a journal entry as if you were your character to help you understand the thoughts and feelings they might be experiencing.

4. Create characters readers care about

You can create characters your readers actually care about by making them relatable and vulnerable, and showing their personal growth over time.

How to build an emotional connection:

Give characters relatable struggles, flaws and vulnerabilities that readers can identify with.

Show their humanity through moments of self-doubt, perseverance or moral dilemmas that reveal their depth.

Allow them to grow over time, learning from mistakes or overcoming hardships, as this personal journey resonates with readers.

Use shared emotions, like grief, love or fear, to create connections between the character and the audience

Tip: Think about the characters in your favourite books, what is it about them that you like so much?

5. Developing antagonists and supporting characters

Antagonists and supporting characters are crucial for the character development of protagonists. They provide conflict and challenges that force the protagonist to confront their weaknesses and ultimately evolve throughout the story.

When creating supporting characters remember:

Give antagonists their own motivations rather than making them a one-dimensional bad guy. By fleshing out the antagonist’s perspective, the story becomes richer, as their actions are driven by more than just the desire to cause harm – they have purpose, which makes their conflict with the protagonist more impactful.

Give side characters their own engaging story arcs. Side characters with distinct personalities, backstories and desires enrich the protagonist’s journey, while standing out as individuals within the story.

Tip: Try a role reversal exercise. Put your character in a completely different role or situation (e.g. a villain instead of a hero) to see how they would react.

Have further character development questions?

If you’re feeling stuck with your characters and unsure how to move your story forward, you may benefit from book coaching.

When you’re so invested in your story and familiar with the material, it’s difficult to have an objective perspective. That’s where I can help!

With my book coaching clients, I’m able to give personalised support to help them refine their novel and bring their characters to life.

As your book coach, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader, collaborator and sounding board for all your ideas. I’ll encourage you every step of the way to help you achieve your writing goals. You can click here to learn more about book coaching.

The Ultimate Checklist for Proofreading Business Documents

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:28:36 GMT

As a business, you have a lot of copy, on your ads, website, email newsletters, client reports and internal documents.

One thing that is often overlooked with all that copy, is the importance of proofreading what you have written. (And I don’t mean just running it through spell check!)

Having errors on your website, social media, ads or reports can be expensive and damaging to your reputation. Even a small typo can undermine the credibility you are working so hard to build with your clients.

That is why proofreading is a crucial step for any piece of writing in your business.

Keep reading for a practical, easy-to-follow checklist that you can use before publishing anything.

Tips for proofreading your own writing:

Proofread the document at least twice
Take breaks between proofreading sessions to spot fresh errors
Read the document out loud to catch awkward phrasing or mistakes

A proofreading checklist for your business documents and marketing materials

General structure

A well-structured document is easier to read and digest. It helps readers quickly find the content they need, saving them time. And it ensures key points are communicated without any confusion.

Make sure your document is clear, concise and well-organised. It should follow a logical flow with a beginning, middle and end. Sections should be properly labelled with clear headings and subheadings.

Spelling and grammar

Correct spelling and grammar ensure that your message is clear, easy to understand and taken seriously. It is essential if you want to effectively communicate with clients, partners and stakeholders.

To identify any typos, start by using spell check and addressing errors that come up (but don’t rely on it solely!). You need to know what is wrong to know what to accept and what to ignore. Ensure that all words are spelled correctly, especially brand names and industry jargon that spell check can sometimes miss. Finally, check for common grammar mistakes like proper tense usage and correct pronoun usage.

Punctuation

Punctuation has the power to completely alter the meaning of a sentence. It can be harmless, or the result can undermine your message entirely. It’s not something you want to get wrong!

A few things I would recommend paying attention to are making sure commas, fullstops and quotation marks are used correctly. Avoiding overuse of exclamation marks (a common quirk for those who like to soften their writing.) Lastly, checking that you have used apostrophes correctly i.e. possessive vs. plural.

Consistency

Consistency in your business documents creates a polished, professional appearance. Inconsistent elements, like font choices, tone and formatting, can make your documents seem poorly prepared and reflect negatively on your business.

To maintain consistency in your documents, check that fonts, font sizes, and formatting (i.e. bold or italics) are the same throughout. The tone and voice used in your writing should be constant as well. If you have used abbreviations or acronyms, they should be spelled out the first time they are mentioned for clarity. And if you have any bullet points or numbered lists, they should be formatted uniformly.

Capitalisation

Correct use of capitalisation ensures clarity, professionalism and the correct interpretation of the content. When used correctly, proper capitalisation highlights key elements, such as names, titles and important terms, making the document easier to read and understand.

Check that proper nouns like company names and product names are capitalised correctly. It is a good idea to follow industry standards for capitalising any terms specific to your business.

Numbers and dates

It is crucial that numbers, especially in financial statements, are accurate and correctly formatted. A typo here can be incredibly problematic! Numbers also need to be formatted correctly when referring to currencies, percentages or measurements.

When it comes to writing dates, they should all be written in the same format throughout your document, (e.g. 24th September 2024 or September 24, 2024).

Clarity and readability

The goal with whatever you are writing, is for people to read and understand what you have written. Which is why your document needs to flow logically and make sense.

To improve the clarity and readability of your document it should be written in simple, clear language that your audience can understand. This may require eliminating unnecessary jargon, wordiness, or repetition. If you have words breaking over two lines check where the word is split as this can cause confusion. It can also help to keep sentences and paragraphs short so they are easier to read.

Call to action (CTA)

The purpose of your document should be clear from the start. What are you trying to communicate and achieve?

If there is a desired action you want the reader to take, you need to make it easy to find. Your document should clearly direct the reader on what to do next, maybe that’s contacting you, visiting your website or booking a call.

Contact information

If your document includes your contact information, check that it is correct and easy to find. You may want to double-check that any URLs are working and sending people to the right place.

Formatting and layout

A document that is well-structured helps guide the reader through the content, making it easier for them to absorb the key information. Whereas, a poorly formatted document can leave them confused, detracting from the message.

Consistent formatting includes things like margins, spacing and text alignment. But you will also want to make sure that logos, images and graphics are high quality and correctly placed. If someone were to print or export your document as a PDF, you want to make sure it will still look professional.

Get a second pair of eyes on your business documents

Let’s face it – you are busy enough as it is. You have tight deadlines and you might even be working on multiple projects simultaneously.

By working with a proofreader, you can spend more time on the tasks at which you excel, such as brainstorming ideas, implementing campaigns and testing the results.

And having someone else review your documents and marketing materials, with fresh eyes, can often spot mistakes you might miss.

Professional proofreading ensures your copy is clear, professional and error-free.

The end result is a better return on investment for your marketing budget and maintaining credibility with clients.

Talk to me about how I can help.

What is the difference between proofreading and editing, and which one do you need?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:51:45 GMT

Writing a book is an exciting project, but knowing when and where to seek professional support can be challenging. One of the most common questions I hear is about the difference between editing and proofreading, and when each service is needed. In this blog post, we'll discuss these two essential stages of the writing process, and help you decide which service you need right now.

The main differences between proofreading and editing:

The focus

The purpose of editing is to make your text more readable. It’s where the major reworking of your manuscript happens.

An editor makes sure the meaning and ideas in a book are conveyed in the best possible way for the audience.

An editor looks at several things including:

Consistency: in important details like tone, style, character names, and plot.
Content accuracy: fact-checking details for accuracy and credibility.
Character development: ensuring characters are well-developed and believable.

Proofreading is the last step between you and your reader. It’s the final check that ensures your writing is professionally written, precise and easy to read.

A proofreader looks at:

Spelling: ensuring words are spelled correctly.
Grammar and punctuation: catching any errors that might have been missed.
Formatting: checking headings, fonts, margins, etc. are consistent throughout the work.

Timing

Editing occurs on early drafts and throughout the writing process. Every book worth reading goes through many rounds of revisions.

Proofreading is the last step before publication. Books are ready for proofreading once all major editing has been completed.

What's involved

The editing process is more in-depth than proofreading as it involves reworking content.

There are a few different types of editing available throughout the writing process.

A manuscript assessment: can help you to figure out what's working/not working in your draft. While it's not a replacement for a more comprehensive developmental edit, it does provide essential feedback for a price that will fit your budget.

Developmental editing: looks at the big-picture aspects of a manuscript. It takes your book from a rough draft to a well-structured and engaging piece of writing.

Copyediting: occurs after a developmental edit. It’s performed on a more polished version of the manuscript and focuses on the finer details including language, style, and consistency.

The proofreading process tends to be quicker and simpler as it’s more of a final touch-up to a complete piece of writing. It focuses on minor errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.

How to decide if you need editing or proofreading

You should opt for editing if:

Your goal is to refine ideas and structure.
Your writing needs a lot of revisions.
You want to collaborate with an editor to polish and refine your writing.

You should opt for proofreading if:

Your goal is to prepare for publication with minimal errors.
You are confident of the language and structure of your document. Your document should only require a basic grammar check to eliminate misspellings, typographical errors and punctuation errors.
Your document has been edited and now needs to undergo a final check before submission.

Editing and proofreading work together

Once a piece of work has been edited, the overall quality is better. It’s accurate, has well-developed characters and plot, and is well paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

After editing, proofreading is an essential step to catch any errors that might have been missed. A proofread piece of work is free from errors, professionally written, easy to read and ready to be published.

Interested to know more about editing and proofreading with Red Pencil? Take a look at my full range of services here.

Pacing in writing: how to keep readers engaged from start to finish

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:23:09 GMT

Narrative pacing is like the heartbeat of your story; controlling how fast or slow it moves. If a novel is poorly paced, it disrupts the flow of a story, leaving readers feeling either rushed and overwhelmed, or bored and indifferent. On the other hand, proper pacing amplifies the emotional impact of your story and holds your reader’s attention. In this blog, I'm sharing simple tips to help you improve your story's pacing to keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.

What is pacing in writing?

Pacing is the speed that a story unfolds. It’s often used to indicate the quality of books and films. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say things like, ‘that was perfectly paced’ or ‘that had terrible pacing’.

Pacing tends to fluctuate throughout a story, some moments happen quickly and others slowly.

Why is pacing important?

Good pacing is important for the flow of the story. Readers want to feel immersed in the thoughts and actions of characters, and the world you’ve created. Poor pacing draws people out of the story, while good pacing keeps them invested.

What makes pacing "good"?

It is important to remember that fast pacing does not necessarily mean good pacing and slow pacing isn’t always a bad thing.
The story being told, and the genre, should always be considered when deciding the pace to tell it.

Techniques to keep readers engaged with effective pacing

Vary sentence and paragraph length

Mixing up sentence and paragraph lengths can keep your story engaging.

Short, concise sentences and paragraphs are great for action scenes and moments of high tension, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.

Longer sentences and paragraphs slow the pace, allowing for detailed descriptions and deeper exploration of themes. They give readers a little more time to absorb and reflect.

Varying your sentence and paragraph length will help you avoid a monotonous rhythm and therefore make the reading experience more enjoyable.

Balance action and dialogue

Action scenes speed up the pace and add excitement with fast-moving events and intense conflicts. They break up slower parts of the story, keeping readers engaged and the plot moving forward.

Dialogue creates a natural pause, giving readers a moment to catch their breath without losing momentum. It provides insight into characters and their relationships. And helps to drive the story forward by introducing new information, uncovering secrets or revealing plot twists.

By balancing fast-paced action scenes with dialogue, you can keep the story moving while allowing readers to absorb key information.

Use cliffhangers

Including cliffhangers at the end of chapters will keep readers turning the pages. These unresolved tensions or revelations tap into peoples’ curiosity and create a sense of urgency, making it hard to put the book down!

Effective cliffhangers are things like unexpected plot twists, sudden dangers, emotional confrontations or unanswered questions.

The key is to create a compelling hook that makes the reader feel they must read on to uncover the resolution.

Control the flow of information

It’s important to reveal significant information gradually to keep readers interested. Too much information too quickly can overwhelm them, while too little can create frustration.

Introduce new pieces of information slowly and at strategic points throughout your novel, such as the end of chapters or during pivotal moments, to maximise their impact. This approach tends to answer some questions while raising new ones, which maintains your readers' curiosity and investment in the story.

What you want to avoid at all costs is info dumps. This is a large amount of info shared all at once. It slows the narrative down and overwhelms the reader.

Structure chapters carefully

The length of chapters has a big impact on story pacing.

Shorter chapters create a sense of urgency and keep the story moving quickly. Frequent breaks can make reading feel faster-paced, as people often want to continue reading the next chapter. Short chapters can make a book more engaging and accessible.

Whereas, longer chapters allow for deeper exploration of themes, character development and detailed descriptions. They may slow the pace, but they also create an immersive experience. Long chapters are great for complex scenes that need more time to unfold, like intricate plot developments or detailed world-building.

Recap & quick fixes

Effective pacing is crucial for keeping your readers engaged and maintaining the flow of your story. By varying sentence and paragraph lengths, balancing action and dialogue, using cliffhangers and controlling the flow of information, you can create a compelling story.

Remember, proper pacing not only enhances the emotional impact of your story but also ensures a satisfying reading experience. As you edit your work, pay close attention to pacing to improve the overall rhythm and keep your readers hooked from start to finish!

Is your story moving too slowly? Try adding action scenes where you can speed things up.
Is it moving too fast? Maybe include more dialogue to give the characters (and readers) time to reflect and absorb information.
Is it monotonous? You may need to vary the sentence, paragraph and chapter lengths.

Need a fresh set of eyes to look over your writing and give you feedback? Click here to learn more about my editing and proofreading services.

Self-published author success stories: how editing transformed these books

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 02:54:46 GMT

Self-publishing is more accessible than ever before thanks to technology. Anyone who’s willing to put in the time, energy, cost and effort can self-publish a book.

But it’s important to remember, if you’re self-publishing, it’s your responsibility to ensure your book looks professional . You will struggle to sell your book if it contains errors, inconsistencies or weak storytelling. When you’ve poured so much time and energy into writing and polishing your book, you want to do everything you can to ensure it reaches your intended audience.

In this blog post, I’m sharing some inspiring stories of self-published authors who have achieved success with the help of editing and proofreading.

Self-published author success stories:

Megan Shiffra, I Choose You.

This book is about adoption for children aged 3–6 years old. It is a lovely story with beautiful illustrations. The author wrote it because of being teased as a child for being adopted.

About the author

“My name is Megan. I’m adopted, and on a journey to find and heal myself, and in return to help others. This book comes out of many years of wanting to heal myself as well as the story of me. It’s for anyone who is adopted, know you are not alone, and you are always enough. To anyone who wasn’t adopted always remember to be kind and see people for who they are not where they came from. You never know what someone is struggling with. My hope is the story of Meg will continue on in other books to help connect, heal, as well as teach a little lesson to us all."

The story

This book is about choices, adoption and love. It is told through a dove and a hummingbird. The birds come into the story after Meg who is adopted asks her mother to tell her the story of when she was born. Meg’s mom Lynda tells the story of Rose the dove and Pearl the hummingbird. How Pearl was chosen after being teased by other birds that didn’t look like her. It is a story about love and that you should always be kind. Just because something or someone looks or acts different doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them.

Editing support

When it comes to editing children’s books, there are a few key things I will look out for:

Age-appropriate language: making sure the language, vocabulary and sentence structure are suitable for the target age group.
Illustration alignment: checking that the text aligns correctly with illustrations and that captions and labels are accurate.
Rhythm and rhyme: for picture books and poetry, ensuring the rhythm and rhyme are consistent.

Recommended reading: editing checklist for fiction: useful tips for every genre

As this was Megan’s first book, I specifically helped with the editing to ensure the words matched the images and made sense for a younger audience.

Megan wrote very well so the changes required were very small. We focused mostly on punctuation, grammar and spelling. I also made some suggestions for word changes to help with clarity and conciseness.

Results

I Choose You has great reviews on Amazon, including a glowing recommendation from a developmental paediatrician.

“As a developmental paediatrician, I advocate for full disclosure in adoptive situations. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words to use but this charming book sets a healthy tone. Parents can read it during the early years and children will delight in the story and the captivating art. Well done. I highly recommend it! ” - Dr Raun

Natalie Bryan, JC the Bumblebee with APD

This book is based on Natalie’s personal story and her son’s experience with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD.)

About the author and their story

“JC The Bumble Bee™ with APD is a book I have written and illustrated about a wee bumble on his life’s journey and how things can be a little different for this bee. This story is based on our son Jackson Cooper (JC) who is 10 years old. From an early age it was obvious that he had challenges. After many years of testing, reports, speech therapy, physio, seminars, paediatricians, educational psychologists, I had knowledge and experience to help other parents. Naturally becoming a support for them when their children were having challenges and needed advice as to where to start and how to help their sons and daughters. This resource has organically flowed and now I am wanting this to reach other kids, parents, teachers, audiologists, to have a fun story they can read to children to let them know they are not alone. My ultimate desire is to create more awareness around Auditory Processing Disorder, create more conversations and provide a resource to help support our kids who are being diagnosed with APD and have no idea why daily activities as simple as hearing are extremely challenging."

Editing support

First, I copyedited Natalie’s manuscript and provided comments on word choice. Then, I proofread the finished PDF version before it went to the printer.

Natalie received around 70 comments on her manuscript from me. We communicated via email but Natalie knew that she could call me to discuss any of the comments I made.

“I have recently had Leanne Wickham professionally edit/review my newly published children's educational book called "JC The Bumble Bee with APD''. From the very first moment we spoke Leanne was extremely approachable, efficient, kind and professional! I absolutely loved her feedback and editing process. She made this essential element so straightforward and affordable. She fit me into her busy schedule and I was extremely appreciative of her service and the process from start to end. If you need an editor I would highly recommend Leanne, a true pleasure to work with.”
— Natalie Bryan

Results

JC The Bumble Bee™ has received fabulous feedback from clinical audiologists, teachers, and parents of children with APD. As well as being featured on Stuff, Woman’s Day, TVNZ Breakfast and Learning Support Blog.

“Awareness of the listening process is very low. We struggle to understand how listening difficulties contribute to behaviour. In the past these behaviours have often been attributed to lack of intelligence, or interest, or even rudeness. Natalie has made a brave attempt to present her experiences with her son’s auditory inefficiency into an attractive book for families, in the hope that it will help to increase awareness of the importance of listening, especially for young children. Any resource which increases awareness of the importance of listening to “auditory receptive communication function” can only be a good thing." --- Richard Bishop AuD, MNZAS- Behavioural & Clinical Audiologist, Wellington

Alistair Carthew, Divine’s Choice

About the author

Alistair is a New Zealand author and journalist who writes engrossing political, adventure, historical – even romantic – novels observing and humorously satirising Kiwi culture.

His books celebrate New Zealand’s way of life, contemporary history, and the country’s peculiarities – such as worshipping the All Blacks, and lauding the elegant Tui native bird for Kiwi and international readers. In addition to writing, he also loves art. The caricatures on his website bring to life his books’ characters.

The story

Divine’s Choice is a humorous, contemporary, romantic adventure, a family saga with more twists and turns than the Hampton Court maze. It parodies the unique pressures facing the English monarchy and its rugby equivalent, the New Zealand All Blacks, in today’s cruel social media age.

Editing support

I provided copyediting and proofreading support on Divine’s Choice.

As this book was partially set in New Zealand and included various historical elements, there was a fair amount of research required. I also ensured that all M ā ori spelling was correct.

As I use track changes in Word, all my comments and changes were available for Alistair to accept or reject.

Results

“Leanne improved my manuscript immensely with her attention to detail and acute observations on some matters needing correction and/or further research. She met my expectations for a copy editor, particularly in her attention to detail regarding language translation and cultural matters pertaining to Māori. I was pretty happy with the manuscript when I sent it to Leanne, but she returned a much-improved version that made the copyediting exercise a worthwhile investment. I am working on my third book. I would have no hesitation in using Leanne’s services again in the future." — Alistair Carthew

What you can learn from these success stories

Editing is an essential part of the writing process

Mistakes and inconsistencies undermine your credibility and reduce the quality of your work. Whereas, error-free writing captures and maintains the attention of your readers. Don’t rush or skip the editing and proofreading process!

“You want people to notice you for your ideas, not your mistakes.”

Outside support is invaluable

I always recommend thoroughly revising and self-editing your manuscript to start with. And then working with a professional editor for:

Their objective view: editors can identify weaknesses, inconsistencies and areas that may be unclear to readers.
Help to make your writing clear and concise: so the reading experience is more enjoyable for your audience.
To save time: editors streamline the editing process and identify issues more efficiently.

Editing needs differ from project to project

It’s important that you understand the specific type of editing your manuscript needs. Editors specialise in different areas, such as developmental editing, copyediting or proofreading.

And editing can differ significantly depending on the book genre, as each genre has its unique characteristics, challenges and expectations.
Knowing your requirements will help you find an editor with the right skill set.

Are you ready for the next stage in your writing journey?

You've done the hard work of writing to your heart's content and revising what you have written. Now it's time for your completed work to be edited.

If you want an editor who will preserve your voice while making changes to get your book ready for publishing, I would love to know more about your project. Get in touch with me today: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

Editing checklist for fiction: useful tips for every genre

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:18:07 GMT

When it comes to editing a book, knowing its genre is important for meeting reader expectations and making it a hit in the market. Readers pick up books with specific genre-based hopes; the thrilling twists in a mystery, the heartfelt journey in a romance, or the chilling feelings of a horror novel. Publishers and bookstores use genres to reach the right audiences, making it easier for your book to be discovered and loved. Editing techniques need to fit the genre, too. This blog post covers how editing differs across genres, including an editing checklist to help you polish your manuscript, whatever the genre. By tailoring your editing process to your genre, you’ll create a story that really connects with readers.

Why is genre important when editing?

Editing can differ significantly depending on the book genre, as each genre has its unique characteristics, challenges and expectations. Here’s how editing might vary across different genres and what you should look out for.

Editing checklist for fiction: what to check for in every genre

General Fiction

Narratives created from the imagination rather than strictly based on fact.
Eg. novels and short stories

Editing checklist for fiction:

Focus on consistency: ensure your plot, character names and timelines are consistent throughout your writing. Any inconsistencies can pull your reader out of the story.
Dialogue accuracy: make sure the dialogue reflects each character's voice and is punctuated correctly.
Pacing and flow: pay attention to the rhythm and flow of sentences. You’ll want this to match the narrative style and keep your readers interested.

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Fantasy involves magical elements, mythical creatures and imaginative worlds. Whereas, science fiction explores speculative concepts, futuristic settings, advanced technology and often delves into the impact of science and technology on society.

Editing checklist for fantasy and science fiction:

World-building consistency: pay attention to the details of the fictional world you’ve created. Are the maps, languages and cultures consistent throughout your writing?
Terminology and names: similarly, make sure that made-up words, names and places are used consistently and are spelled correctly.
Rules: check that any special rules or magic systems you set up in the story remain consistent and are followed logically.

Historical Fiction

Set in a past time period, integrating historical events, settings and characters with fictional elements.

Editing checklist for historical fiction:

Historical accuracy: ensure historical facts, settings and cultural details are accurate and well-researched.
Period-appropriate language: check that the language and dialogue reflect the time period accurately.
Consistency in details: keep the historical details, such as clothes, architecture and social norms consistent.

Romance

Focuses on romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.

Editing checklist for romance:

Emotional consistency: check that characters' emotions and relationships develop in a way that’s consistent with their character and believable to the reader.
Dialogue authenticity: make sure the dialogue feels natural and true to the characters' personalities.
Pacing of the plot: ensure the romantic plot develops naturally without feeling rushed or dragging.

Thriller

Emphasises suspense, tension and excitement, often involving crime, espionage or other high-stakes scenarios.

Editing checklist for thriller and mystery:

Plot consistency: make sure all clues and red herrings are placed at the right time and resolved by the end of the story.
Tension and suspense: maintain tension and suspense throughout the book.
Logical resolution: Check that the resolution of the mystery or conflict is logical and satisfies the suspense built up throughout the story.

Horror

Aims to evoke fear, dread and shock, often featuring supernatural elements or psychological terror.

Editing checklist for horror:

Foreshadowing: Add subtle hints or clues early in the narrative to create a sense of impending doom. This can make later events more impactful and add layers to the story.
Mood consistency: Ensure that the mood remains consistently eerie and tense throughout the book.
Realistic reactions: Characters' reactions to frightening events should feel authentic and relatable. Their fear, panic and coping mechanisms should be written in a believable way that adds to the reader's emotional connection and investment in their survival.

Children's Books

Novels and picture books written and illustrated specifically for children.

Editing checklist for children’s books:

Age-appropriate language: make sure the language, vocabulary and sentence structure are suitable for the target age group.
Illustration alignment: Check that the text aligns correctly with illustrations and that captions and labels are accurate.
Rhythm and rhyme: For picture books and poetry, ensure the rhythm and rhyme are consistent.

Tip: Find an editor who specialises in your genre

Editing with your book's genre in mind is a game-changer for creating an interesting story that resonates with readers. Whether you're working on a fantasy magic realm or sharing a thrilling mystery, paying attention to genre-specific details can make all the difference.

What to do before hiring an editor:

Get started: The very first steps to writing a book are deciding on your idea, creating an outline and beginning to research. Once you have these things in place, you can start to write your first draft.

Revise and self-edit: Before hiring an editor, you should thoroughly revise and self-edit your manuscript. This will allow your editor to focus on more significant issues rather than basic errors or inconsistencies.

Identify your editing needs: It’s important that you understand the specific type of editing your manuscript needs. Editors specialise in different areas, such as developmental editing, copyediting or proofreading. Knowing your requirements will help you find an editor with the right skill set.

If you're ready to take your manuscript to the next level, take a look at my editing and proofreading services . Working with an editor, who understands your genre, can be just the thing you need to make your writing shine!

Overcoming Writer's Block: Strategies and Support from Book Coaching

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:00:05 GMT

Almost every author at some point in their career experiences writer’s block. Where it feels impossible to create new work, or write something that will move your narrative forward. It can be incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially if you are working with tight deadlines. In this blog, I’m sharing the strategies and support I provide as a book coach to help my clients with overcoming writer’s block. Hopefully, together we can turn your writer’s block from a daunting obstacle to a jumping-off point for creativity.

What causes writer’s block?

The most common culprits I see with my clients are:

Perfectionism: as trying to pursue perfection can paralyse your creativity.
Procrastination: when you delay writing it can lead to anxiety and reduced motivation.
Negative Self-Talk: an abundance of criticism and self-doubt can undermine the writing process.
Overwhelm: if you feel overwhelmed by the amount of writing required, it can lead to taking no action at all.

Ten practical strategies for overcoming writer’s block :

Try freewriting

Sometimes the best thing you can do is start writing, even if it's unrelated to your project. Let your thoughts flow without worrying about coherence or structure. This is often all you need to get back into a rhythm of writing again.

Use a writing prompt

A writing prompt can help to take the pressure off your work and spark your creativity. If you need a good place to start, Writer’s Digest offers a collection of prompts.

Change your environment

A change of scenery can sometimes help break through mental blocks. Try writing in a different location, whether that's a coffee shop, the library, or even just a different room in your house.

Switch up your routine

After a while, your daily writing routine may get monotonous. Try switching it up and see if that helps. If you typically write in the morning, try writing in the evening, or vice versa.

Break your project down

Divide your writing project into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on completing the entire piece, concentrate on finishing one section or writing a certain number of words each day. By achieving these small wins, it can give you the boost of motivation you need to keep going.

Give exercise a go

You might find that a little movement will help clear your mind and boost creativity. Take a walk, go for a run, or join a fitness class to give your brain a break.

Try a brainstorming session

Jot down any ideas you have, even if they seem silly or unrelated. This can help inspire new thoughts and directions for your writing.

Take regular breaks

I don't recommend forcing yourself to write continuously for hours on end even if you’re in a time crunch. It’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge. Sometimes stepping away from your work for a while can give you a fresh perspective when you return.

Read widely

Reading books, articles, or any literature outside your usual interests or genres can expose you to new ideas and writing styles. This can inspire ideas and help you see things from different angles.

Talk it out

You don’t have to struggle on your own! Discuss your ideas and challenges with a friend, fellow writer, or book coach. Vocalising your thoughts can be the thing that brings clarity and leads to breakthroughs.

How does book coaching support authors struggling with writer's block?

The unique thing about book coaching is that it’s personalised guidance and support that is tailored to your needs. Here's how it can specifically help with writer’s block:

Accountability: A book coach can help you set realistic goals and deadlines, keeping you accountable for your writing progress. This can motivate you to push through writer's block and stay on track with your project.

Feedback and Encouragement: Book coaches provide constructive feedback on your writing, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Their encouragement and support can boost your confidence, making it easier to overcome writer's block.

Brainstorming Sessions: Book coaches can facilitate brainstorming sessions to help you generate new ideas and approaches for your writing. Their fresh perspective and insights can often break through mental barriers and spark creativity.

Customised Strategies : A book coach can work with you to develop personalised strategies for overcoming writer's block based on your unique challenges and needs. Whether it's implementing specific writing exercises, changing your routine, or exploring different genres, they can help you find what works best for you.

Overall, book coaching provides guidance, support, and expertise to help authors navigate challenges like writer's block and achieve their writing goals.

Support for your writing journey

As a book coach, I guide authors through the book writing process, helping them stay organised, brainstorm ideas and get their book ready for publishing.

If you work with me, I'll be your biggest cheerleader, collaborator and a sounding board for all your ideas. I'll encourage you every step of the way to help you achieve your writing goals.

Interested to know more? Send me an email so we can discuss if book coaching is the best option for you leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

Do you need a book coach? Exploring the benefits and differences

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:16:45 GMT

In case you missed it, this past year I have been training to become a qualified book coach. I'm close to completing my course and excited about being able to support my clients in this new way! With that being said, I want to shed some light on the benefits of book coaching, who it’s best suited to and the differences between book coaching and editing. Hopefully with this blog I’ll bring clarity to the question, ‘do you need a book coach?’

What does a book coach do?

I like to think of a book coach as your biggest cheerleader, collaborator and sounding board for all your ideas.

As a book coach, I will guide authors through the book writing process, helping them to stay organised, brainstorm ideas and get their book ready for publishing.

The purpose of book coaching:
▪️prevent issues from creeping into the manuscript to begin with
▪️collaborate on your writing project with regular check-ins
▪️provide feedback and guidance as the writing progresses

How much does a book coach cost?

When choosing a book coach, it's essential to consider your budget, goals and the level of support you need. All of these things will significantly impact the cost of coaching.

As with any investment, it's a good idea to research multiple coaches, ask for references and have a consultation to discuss your needs and ensure a good fit before making a commitment.

Are book coaches worth it?

This entirely depends on your experience, needs and project.

However, the benefits you receive from book coaching begin immediately and last long after your book is complete. Some of the biggest benefits are that your book receives intensive 1:1 development and you finish with writing skills that you’ll use the rest of your career.

Here's what previous clients of mine have said:

What does a book coach certification look like?

While I have years of experience working with authors as an editor and proofreader, it’s important to me that I trained in book coaching as well.

Over the past year I have been working through The Author Accelerator programme to become a fully qualified book coach.

This included training modules, assessments and practice work with book coaching clients in Australia and the US. Once a month I get on call with other book coaches in Australia and New Zealand to catch up, collaborate and share ideas.

What's the difference between an editor and a book coach?

Editing and book coaching serve different purposes in the writing process, although there can be some overlap in what’s provided. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between editing and book coaching:

1) Focus:

Editors work on refining the language, structure, style and grammar of the manuscript to improve its readability.

While book coaches help writers develop their ideas, refine their writing skills and navigate the challenges of writing a book.

2) Content:

There are several different types of editing and levels of support you can opt for. Whether that’s big-picture feedback with a developmental edit or the finer details with a copy edit.

Book coaching can include brainstorming and outlining, setting goals and timelines, providing feedback and encouragement, offering strategies for overcoming writer's block and navigating the publishing process.

3) Role:

Editors generally give feedback and revisions directly on the manuscript, with a focus on improving the text itself.

Whereas, book coaches are mentors and partners to writers. They may provide feedback on the writing itself but also offer support with the overall writing process and project management.

4) Goals:

The goal of editing is to polish the manuscript and get it ready to be published.

The goal of book coaching is to help writers develop their books from start to finish, providing the support and resources needed to overcome obstacles and bring their vision to life.

Book coaching might be for you if you're looking for:

a project manager and accountability partner who can help you stay focused, motivated and moving in a productive direction.
an experienced writing mentor who can help you improve your prose and storytelling abilities.
a brainstorming partner who can help you overcome plot and character challenges.

Are you ready to work with a book coach? Let’s chat about your needs and see if I’m the right person to work with. Send me an email at: leanne@inredpencil.co.nz

Getting started on your writing journey?

This is the roadmap you need to plan your project, source support at the right time and stay on track with tips from a professional editor.
From deciding on your idea and creating a solid outline, to revising what you’ve written and marketing yourself, this guide covers it all.

I’ve taken my years of experience, top tips and strategies used with clients and compiled them into this guide.

Click below for your free guide on how to write a book.

Tackling common writing issues: a guide to self-editing your work

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 23:18:42 GMT

The main goal of writing is to effectively communicate a message or convey information to the reader. Anything that gets in the way of the clarity or conciseness of your writing is an issue. When clarity is lacking, readers may find it challenging to grasp the intended meaning, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation. Similarly, when writing isn’t concise, it becomes difficult to captivate readers and deliver a compelling message.

In this blog post, I’m sharing practical advice and techniques for enhancing your writing and fixing common mistakes. These tips are designed to help you strengthen your message and communicate more effectively with your readers.

Common writing issues to look for

Redundancies

Unnecessary words

Good writing uses what’s necessary and nothing else. Rather than avoiding details, this means explaining details as succinctly as possible. Outside of removing paragraphs that are off topic, this also involves removing unnecessary words.

For example:
He blinked his eyes twice in disbelief.

Including “his eyes” isn’t necessary as you can’t blink without eyes.

Redundancies often appear as adjectives and descriptions. A good example of this is a “tall skyscraper.” We can remove the adjective as skyscrapers are always tall.

“Very” and “really”

These are another example of unnecessary words. They rarely add anything to a sentence and in most instances you can replace or delete them. Try using a word that’s more precise to replace the whole phrase. Instead of saying “very interesting,” you could say “fascinating.”

Jargon

Jargon is language that only people in a particular field or industry would understand. It’s important to be mindful of your reader, and remove jargon or explain what it means.

Here’s an example of what jargon looks like: “In order to streamline our workflow and optimise resource allocation, we need to leverage synergies between our cross-functional teams.”

An edited version might be: “We need to make our work process smoother and use our team's strengths better by working together across different departments.”

Sentence structure

Sentences and paragraphs starting the same way

When every sentence begins in the exact same way, it leads to writing that’s boring and hard to read.

To keep your writing interesting, use a variety of sentence openings. Maybe try using conjunctive adverbs like however, although, and moreover.

Long sentences

Good writing uses as few words as possible to get the point across.

Long sentences can muddle your meaning, even when they’re grammatically correct. Consider breaking longer sentences in two. And look for wordy phrases that could be replaced by one or two words.

Example:
“The cat, with its luxurious fur coat and a mischievous twinkle in its eyes, executed a sudden and calculated leap upon the unsuspecting rodent, swiftly ensnaring its prey within its sharp claws, and consumed the captured creature..”

"The cat pounced on the unsuspecting mouse, swiftly capturing its prey before retreating to enjoy its meal.”

Sentence structure variety

It’s not just the words in your writing that need variety, but also the shape of your sentences. Using the same sentence structure again and again can get daunting for the reader. Vary the length and style of your sentences to keep your writing interesting.

Passive voice

The passive voice is when the subject receives the action instead of does it.

The problem with the passive voice is that it comes across as weak. Whereas, the active voice sounds confident, and because the subject comes at the beginning, the sentence is easier to understand.

Passive: The ball was thrown by Sarah.

Active: Sarah threw the ball.

Look out for the passive voice when self-editing. It’s easy to switch around a few words to turn the sentence into an active one.

Parallelism

Parallelism is using the same grammatical structure for a series of related phrases. For example, if you’re writing a list, make sure you use the same format for each item.

Incorrect: He enjoys to swim, hiking and biking.

Correct: He enjoys swimming, hiking and biking.

Repeated words

Most authors I've worked with have a favourite word or phrase they use repeatedly. Maybe that's starting a sentence with 'for' or using the word 'gaze' whenever a character is looking at something.

I encourage all of them to pull up a thesaurus and find synonyms they can replace their pet word/s with.

Often we're immune to these words and won't even spot them ourselves, but I always say, if I notice them, then your reader will too!

Consistency

Verb tense

Sometimes, especially with nonfiction, writers accidentally switch tenses. It’s best to maintain the same verb tense throughout your entire piece of writing. Decide which tense to use at the start of editing and make sure each verb is consistent with that.

Tone

Similarly, it’s important that your tone remains consistent throughout your writing. Readers will find it jarring if your writing begins formally and then later becomes lighthearted. Choose the appropriate tone for your piece before editing and revise your draft to match.

Get your book idea out of your head

If you enjoyed this blog post, I've got something just for you – a free guide that holds your hand through the entire book writing journey.

From crafting your initial ideas, to polishing the final draft.

Inside, you'll find helpful writing and editing tips, effective book promotion ideas, and strategies for building your audience before your book launches.

Download the guide now, and get your idea out of your head and onto paper.

An author’s guide to hiring an editor: what to look for?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:45:29 GMT

An editor can be a crucial partner in refining your manuscript and bringing it to its full potential. However, choosing the right editor is a decision that requires careful consideration. This blog post is a comprehensive guide to hiring an editor. I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions I receive about what to look for in this collaborative partnership. From understanding your editing needs, to finding the perfect fit for your manuscript, this is everything you need to know to choose an editor who not only refines your work but also aligns with your unique vision .

Is it worth it to hire an editor?

As an editor, of course my answer to this question is yes! But let me back that up with just a few ways that editors provide significant value to authors and the overall quality of a manuscript:

Objective Perspective:
Editors can identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas that may be unclear to readers.

Enhanced Readability:
Editors help ensure that the narrative is cohesive, transitions are smooth, and the language is engaging. This, in turn, makes the reading experience more enjoyable for your audience.

Structural Feedback:
Editors may suggest changes to improve pacing, plot development, character arcs, or thematic elements.

Consistency:
Editors help ensure consistency throughout the manuscript. Including consistency in character names, settings, tone, and writing style.

Time Savings:
Editors streamline the editing process and identify issues more efficiently. This allows authors to focus on their strengths such as storytelling.

The value provided by an editor extends beyond just correcting errors; it encompasses improvements in storytelling, structure, and overall presentation. Investing in professional editing can significantly enhance the overall quality and marketability of your manuscript.

What to do before hiring an editor?

Get started:
The very first steps to writing a book are deciding on your idea, creating an outline and beginning to research. Once you have these things in place, you can start to write your first draft.

Revise and self-edit:
Before hiring an editor, you should thoroughly revise and self-edit your manuscript. This will allow your editor to focus on more significant issues rather than basic errors or inconsistencies.

Identify editing needs:
It’s important that you understand the specific type of editing your manuscript needs. Editors specialise in different areas, such as developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading. Knowing your requirements will help you find an editor with the right skill set.

Click here to learn about the different types of editing.

When should I hire an editor?

Like most editors, I generally have a waitlist for larger editing projects so it pays to get in touch with me well ahead of time!

The time it takes to edit a book depends on:

Book length
Type of editing: copyediting and proofreading can be completed faster than a developmental edit
Availability

How do I find a reputable editor?

Whenever I need help with something, whether I'm looking for a new hairdresser, a good plumber or an affordable dentist, I ask my friends for recommendations.

If other people recommend someone because they've had a good experience, then I believe there’s something in that.

If you are searching for an editor you can trust:

Ask around for recommendations
Read reviews from their previous clients
Use Google and search for editors and review their website and testimonials

You are always welcome to schedule a time to have a free no obligation chat with me. I would love to hear about your project, share more about what I do and answer any of your questions.

What should I look for in an editor?

Experience

Ask for an example of their work. Many editors have books they have worked on and testimonials on their website.

Genre

Find an editor who has experience in the same genre as your book. For each genre there are different tropes. There are certain things that have to happen for your story to work. An editor that understands, works frequently with, and reads your genre will be better equipped to help you.

Editing speciality

Determine what level of professional editing services you need. You might want to start with developmental editing or a manuscript assessment before copyediting.

Price

The cost of book editing varies depending on the editor and what type of editing they provide. Determine your budget and the amount of help you really need with your book. And remember that you get what you pay for! When working with an editor, you are paying for their skills, qualifications, experience, and time.

Sample edit

If you want to test your compatibility with an editor, ask if they provide a sample edit. Not all editors will do a free sample edit. Send them five or 10 pages of your book (not the first chapter) and see what suggestions and revisions they come back with.

How much does it cost to hire an editor?

The cost of editing varies from project to project. How much it costs to hire an editor depends on the type of editing, word count, complexity, deadline, and the goal of your book.

Note: the price you pay is a reflection of an editor’s:

Qualifications
Experience
Time (not only on editing but also running a business)

In wrapping up our chat about the ins and outs of hiring an editor, remember that being a great author is not just about telling stories, but also about presenting them in the best possible way. An editor can help you polish your masterpiece and make sure it shines with clarity and coherence .

Ready to turn your writing dreams into reality?

I've got something just for you – a free guide that holds your hand through the entire book writing journey. From crafting your initial ideas, to polishing the final draft. Inside, you'll find helpful writing and editing tips, effective book promotion ideas, and strategies for building your audience before your book launches.

Get your book idea out of your head and onto paper...

Writing a simple book outline: five steps to help you get started

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 01:41:00 GMT

Before you start writing a book, it’s important that you have a clear vision of what you’re creating. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the essential first step of crafting a compelling story – creating a simple book outline. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking for a streamlined approach, or a beginner looking for some guidance, a well-structured outline can serve as the backbone of your writing journey, providing direction, coherence and a roadmap for your story.

What is an outline of a book?

Your outline should be a one-page document (minimum) that includes every major point. This should include the beginning and ending of your book. Then you can fill in the middle with the conflicts and twists. But don’t forget this is a fluid document that you can expand on and change throughout the writing process.

The purpose of a story outline:

Your road map for writing sessions
Provides structure for your book
Ensures you accomplish the goal of your book

A book outline will be very similar whether the book you’re writing is fiction or nonfiction, but the format and style will vary depending on the genre.

For a fiction novel, you’ll need to include storytelling aspects like the structure, plot, scenes and characters.
Whereas, for a nonfiction book you’ll need to include aspects like topic clusters, concepts and intentional information architecture.

The contents of a book outline:

For Fiction:

Introduction/Opening:

Set the tone
Introduce the main characters
Establish the setting

Plot Points:

Break down the main events of the story
Highlight major turning points
Develop subplots if applicable

Character Development:

Provide details about each major character
Include character arcs and motivations

Conflict and Resolution:

Identify the central conflict
Describe how conflicts are resolved

Climax:

Detail the high point of tension or drama
Address the peak emotional moment

Conclusion/Ending:

Resolve the story
Tie up loose ends

For Nonfiction:

Introduction:

Clearly state the purpose of the book
Introduce key concepts or ideas

Main Themes/Topics:

Break down the main points or themes you want to address
Arrange them logically

Research and Data:

Include supporting evidence, research and data
Cite sources if necessary

Examples and Case Studies:

Provide real-world examples
Include case studies to illustrate points

Discussion/Analysis:

Analyse the information provided
Discuss implications and applications

Conclusion:

Summarise key points
Reiterate the main message

Five steps to write a simple book outline:

1) Set the scene

You need to accomplish a lot with the beginning of your novel. You must capture your reader’s interest right away while also introducing the hero, villain, setting and premise.

Decide on the premise

This is the underlying idea and foundation of your story. It influences character arcs, plot development and the overarching theme. A compelling premise not only piques the reader's curiosity but also provides a clear sense of direction for the author during the writing process.

To decide your premise, explore the "what if" scenarios that intrigue you. Eg. ‘what if a crime novelist accidentally committed a crime she then had to cover up?’

Introduce the main characters

To help you flesh out your main characters and define their character arcs, try and answer a few key questions:

Who is the main protagonist?
How will the protagonist change from the beginning of the novel to the end?
What does he/she want?

Establish the setting

Readers need to understand where things are happening, just as much as why they’re happening.

To plan your setting, do as much research as you can. If your novel is set in the real world this means finding photos and any descriptions you can to inform your ideas.

Describe your setting in great detail including how it looks, the sounds, the smells and the way it tastes or feels.

2) Describe the inciting incident

This is the pivotal moment in a story that propels the plot into motion, disrupting the protagonist's ordinary world and setting the stage for the unfolding adventure.

It serves as the catalyst, thrusting the main character into a series of events that demand action and change.

In your book outline you’ll want to note what the significant challenge, conflict or revelation will be in your story. To create a powerful inciting incident, consider the stakes, make it personal for the protagonist and ensure it aligns with the overall theme and goals of the story.

3) Rising action

This is the phase of the story where the narrative unfolds, complications arise and tension escalates, leading towards the story's climax.

It is the series of events that build upon the foundation established by the inciting incident, deepening the plot and developing characters.

You’ll want to outline any obstacles, challenges or conflicts in your story that test the protagonist's resolve, pushing them closer to their ultimate goal or confrontation. Each event should be intricately connected, raising the stakes and maintaining the reader's engagement.

To ensure a compelling rising action, consider the pacing, character motivations and the gradual revelation of information.

4) Climax

The climax is the peak of the action; the make or break moment for your main characters.‍ It is the moment of greatest intensity and revelation, often determining the outcome of the main conflict.

To outline the climax of your story, consider the key conflicts you will resolve, the crucial truths you’ll reveal and the promises set up earlier in the story that you can deliver on. It's the culmination of the journey, leaving a lasting impression on readers and providing a sense of resolution that satisfies the narrative's built-up tension.

5) Resolution

The resolution in a story is the phase where the various storylines and conflicts find closure, offering a sense of fulfilment and finality. It follows the climax and allows the reader to witness the aftermath of the protagonist's journey. It's an opportunity to showcase the characters' growth and the consequences of their actions. To create a resonant resolution, ensure that it aligns with the themes established throughout the story and provides a sense of catharsis for the reader.

T o outline the resolution of your book, consider what loose ends you need to tie up and any answers you need to provide to lingering questions.

Tips for writing a book outline:

Use tools like mind maps or index cards to visually organise your ideas before creating a formal outline.
Regularly refer back to your outline during the writing process to stay on track.
Don't be afraid to modify your outline if your ideas evolve or if you discover new insights during the writing process.

Remember, your outline is a tool to guide you through the writing process. It should be detailed enough to provide direction but flexible enough to accommodate changes and creative impulses as you write.

Turn your book idea into a reality, start here…

Don't let your ideas remain trapped in your head – empower yourself with this step-by-step guide to bring your story to life on paper.

This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process, from crafting a compelling outline to overcoming common writing challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting on your writing journey, the step-by-step instructions and practical tips will help you navigate the creative process with confidence. Click the link below to download this free guide.

What to expect from a developmental edit?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:56:47 GMT

Once you’ve written your story, you may be wondering what’s next? How do you take your book from a rough draft to a polished, well-structured and engaging piece of writing? The answer is: a development edit.

In this blog, we’ll cover exactly what to expect from a developmental edit. Including, how it differs from other editing, when to get a developmental edit and who will benefit most from it.

What is developmental editing?

A developmental edit focuses on the “big picture” . An editor will read through your story and provide feedback. They’ll outline the strengths and weaknesses in the manuscript and suggest improvements on things like:

Story structure
Character development
Plot
Pacing
Theme
Tone

It’s important to note that your editor won’t change your work, they’ll leave comments directly in the margins of the manuscript. These comments give specific examples of what to focus on when revising your story.

Who benefits from a developmental edit?

A developmental edit might be a great option for you if:

You’re a first-time author
You’re writing in a new genre
You’re experimenting with more complex story structure or point of view
You want your story to stand out

Anyone who wants to professionally publish their book can benefit from a developmental edit. This includes both self-published and traditionally published authors.

The main benefit of developmental editing is perspective. It can be difficult as a writer to step back from your work and assess it. When you are so close to what’s written, it’s inevitable that you’ll miss things.

Working with a professional editor can provide insight and peace of mind that the book you’re publishing is the best it can be.

What is the difference between copy editing and developmental editing?

Copy editing and developmental editing are two distinct stages in the editing process, here’s how they differ:

1) Focus:

Developmental editing mainly focuses on the big-picture aspects of a manuscript, such as its overall structure, content and organisation.

Whereas, copy editing focuses on the finer details of a manuscript including language, style, and consistency.

2) Timing:

Developmental editing typically happens early on in the writing process before the manuscript is fully polished.

Copy editing takes place after developmental editing and is performed on a more polished version of the manuscript.

3) Goals:

The main goal of developmental editing is to shape the manuscript, to help it reach its full potential.

On the other hand, the focus of copy editing is improving the language and readability of the existing content.

4) Content:

D evelopmental editors may help authors brainstorm ideas, fill gaps in the narrative or argument and refine the content.

Copy editors don’t typically make significant changes to the content, structure or organisation of the manuscript.

How much does it cost?

The cost of your project will depend on several factors including word count, complexity, deadline and the goal of your book.

When working with an editor, it’s worth noting that you’re also paying for their:

Qualifications
Experience
Time (not only on editing but also running a business)

How long does it take?

How long it takes to edit a book depends on several factors such as:

Book length: a book with a higher word count will take longer to edit.
Type of editing: a developmental edit is more hands-on and therefore, time intensive than copy editing or proofreading.
Availability: the number of hours an editor works per week or the projects they have on the go can impact turnaround time.

Like most editors, I generally have a waitlist for larger editing projects so it pays to get in touch with me well ahead of time!

I often hear from my clients that the editing process was so much easier than they were expecting it to be. Perhaps because they were anticipating me tearing their book to shreds and asking them to start over!

If you've never worked with an editor before, let me reassure you...it's nothing like that!

Please know that I'm here to help you, not destroy you. When we work together, I look at your writing objectively and provide suggestions to improve it. I come alongside you as a fresh set of eyes to help make your work as good as it can be.

I hope that I can be a gentle guide that supports you throughout the entire process.

"The ultimate goal of developmental editing is to help authors transform their initial draft into a polished, well-structured, and engaging piece of writing that effectively communicates its intended message or story to its target audience. "

Are you ready to work with a developmental editor?

Hi, I’m Leanne. My mission with Red Pencil is to help authors make every word count. Together we’ll make your writing clear, concise and captivating.

I’m excited to share that I've recently finished my developmental editing training! This was a self-paced course I took to upskill in developmental editing for nonfiction (but the content applies to fiction as well).

I'm looking forward to offering developmental editing alongside manuscript assessments. Together we will shape your manuscript, help it reach its full potential and ensure that it is engaging, coherent and effective

If you'd like to know more about this service and see if it's a good fit for you, get in touch today.

3 writing mistakes that undermine your credibility and how to avoid them

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:17:49 GMT

The ability to write and communicate effectively is an essential skill. However, even accomplished writers can stumble into writing mistakes that reduce the quality of their work and undermine their credibility.

Your reputation as a writer carries immense weight. The moment someone reads your words, they form an opinion about you, your knowledge, and your professionalism. That's why it's essential to be aware of the writing mistakes that can affect your credibility and, more importantly, to know how to avoid them.

In this blog post, we'll explore three common writing mistakes that can hurt your reputation as a writer, communicator, or professional. We'll discuss the reasons these missteps can be problematic and provide practical tips to help you avoid them.

Why is credibility important in writing?

Regardless of the genre, form or content of your writing, credibility is the foundation of trust in any form of communication.

When your audience perceives you as a credible writer, they are more likely to believe what you say, accept your arguments, and follow your recommendations.

Credible writing captures and maintains the attention of your readers. If your audience trusts you, they are more likely to engage with your content, read it thoroughly, and return for more.

Common writing mistakes to avoid

Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors

Writing allows us to share information from one person to another. In order to do this effectively, we follow certain rules with our spelling, grammar and punctuation.

When we fail to follow these rules, we make the communication of information more difficult. And miscommunication between you and your readers defeats the entire purpose of writing in the first place.

Why it undermines your credibility:

A manuscript riddled with errors, reflects poorly on the overall quality of the work. A manuscript with errors suggests a lack of attention to detail or insufficient editing and revision. Misspelled words, missing punctuation and grammar mistakes can make you appear careless or unprofessional.

And it’s worth noting, publishers assess manuscripts not only for their storytelling potential but also for the author's professionalism and credibility.

The solution:

Always use spellcheck – it's easy to ignore the red squiggly lines but it does encourage you to go back and edit or ignore each error.

Double-check your writing – simply reading what you've written a second time can help you catch mistakes. I also recommend reading it again later as immediately after completing your work it's still familiar to you. Come back later with fresh eyes to be more aware of errors. The Read Aloud function in Word will read back what you have written. Another way to catch some of the mistakes that slipped through.

Hire a professional proofreader – if you want to enlist a second pair of eyes, I can help you! Proofreading is the last step between you and the reader. It is the final check that ensures your writing is professionally written, precise and easy to read.

Overly complex language

When you use complex jargon – or words your audience doesn’t know – you’re putting a wall between you and your readers. Because they can’t understand you, they can’t relate to you, which means they can’t trust you.

Why it undermines your credibility:

Overly complex language can alienate readers who may not understand the terminology. Your success as a communicator is measured by how well people understand you. If your audience doesn’t understand you, they can’t experience the fullness of your knowledge, story, or expertise. And because of that, they won’t find you credible.

The solution:

Aim for writing that’s clear and accessible by removing jargon. Using complex language is generally a sign that you don’t know your audience well enough. If you get feedback that your writing is overly complex, go back to defining your ideal audience. Make sure you understand their level of knowledge and their reading level.

Having the help of a professional editor will give you an objective perspective to pick up on complex language that your audience might not understand.

Inaccurate information

Inaccurate information can undermine the purpose of the writing. Whether the goal is to inform, persuade, entertain, or educate, inaccuracies can distract from the intended message and hinder your ability to achieve your goals.

Why it undermines your credibility:

If readers discover errors or false information in a piece of writing, they will be less likely to trust your expertise, judgment, or integrity. If they identify factual errors, they will be less likely to be convinced by your arguments, which can undermine your goals.

Once readers lose trust in a writer's ability to provide accurate information, they are less likely to engage with future content or recommendations, which can impact a writer’s reach.

The solution:

Research is an essential part of the process whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction.

For works of fiction, research enables you to provide helpful context for the time period or character archetypes that you’re writing about. For your novel to be believable, your technical and historical details must be correct.

As for nonfiction, getting the facts right leads to a polished book. It is crucial that you avoid making errors that might impact your reader’s trust or damage your credibility as an author and expert.

It can be beneficial to work with a professional editor as part of their job is to pick up on any inconsistencies in your writing.

Recommended reading – Editing a novel checklist: what you need to get your manuscript ready for publishing.

Credibility in writing is not just desirable; it's a requirement for effective communication, influence, and success as a writer. To establish credibility with your audience, it's crucial to invest time in researching, proofreading, editing, and seeking feedback from others.

Want more editing tips to improve the quality of your writing?

Sign up for my email newsletters. Each month I deliver writing advice and editing tips directly to your inbox. Plus you’ll be the first to know about new services and special offers. Fill out your details below to join.

10 creative book promotion ideas for self-published authors

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 23:37:48 GMT

This blog post is your guide to creating an effective book marketing campaign. Whether you're a first-time novelist or you’ve done this before, this guide will walk you through creative promotion ideas tailored to self-published authors.

With these tips, you'll find that book promotion isn't just about marketing – it's about sharing your passion , your story , and your unique voice with the world.

How to promote your book as a self-published author

Build an online presence

Author website : Create a professional website to showcase your books, provide information about you as an author, and offer ways for readers to connect with you.

Blog: Regularly update your website with content related to your books, writing process, and topics of interest to your readers. This will help increase your visibility, website traffic and reader interest.

Social media: Start by choosing platforms that align with your target reader audience. Then begin sharing engaging content regularly. This could include snippets from your book, a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process, or posts that encourage readers to engage and share their opinions.

Goodreads: This is an excellent place to connect with a community of avid readers, share your blog posts and promote events. You can start by creating an author page, including your photo, bio and a link to your website. Then you can leave reviews for other books you’ve enjoyed. When you participate in the community and leave thoughtful, well-written reviews you attract attention to your profile and your books.

Create a compelling book cover and description

As much as we’d like people to judge our book by its contents, what they see first is the cover and description. The job of both of these is to hook the reader and entice them to continue reading.

Engage with readers

Once you’ve started building your online presence, it’s really important that you respond to all comments and messages on social media and your website. This helps to foster a sense of community and connection with your readers.

You can also engage with readers by joining discussion groups on Goodreads. Or you could host a virtual book club, Q&A session, or giveaway.

Email marketing

Email marketing is an amazing tool for authors because it offers a direct and personal way to connect with readers, build relationships, and promote your books.

You can start building your email list by offering readers a free sample chapter, exclusive content, or a newsletter subscription.

Once you have your list, you should send regular emails to your subscribers with updates about your writing journey, new releases, and special offers.

Book launch strategy

A successful book launch strategy involves careful planning and execution to generate buzz, attract readers, and maximise sales. There are three phases to a book launch:

Pre-launch prep: Pick the right time to launch considering major holidays and world events. Set up pre-orders to generate early interest and build anticipation. And put together a launch team who is excited to support you in promoting your book.

The launch event: This could include a physical or virtual launch party where you read excerpts, answer questions, and interact with readers.

Post launch: Keep the momentum by continuing promoting your book after the launch. Engage with readers, participate in online discussions, and leverage your author platform.

Utilise Amazon and other online retailers

Amazon offers self-published authors a platform to publish, distribute, and promote their books to a global audience, with access to valuable tools, resources, and opportunities for visibility that can help authors succeed in the competitive publishing landscape.

You can optimise your book's Amazon page by including a compelling book description, relevant keywords, and accurate categorization. If you can encourage your readers to leave reviews on Amazon (and other platforms like Goodreads) it will help to boost your credibility.

Collaborate with book bloggers and influencers

Collaborating with bloggers, book reviewers, and social media influencers can be a powerful way for you to reach a wider audience and promote your books. Influencers have dedicated followers who trust their recommendations, making them valuable partners for book promotion.

Keys to a successful influencer collaboration:

Look for influencers who align with your book's genre, theme, or target audience.
Establish a genuine connection before reaching out.
Write a personalised and concise pitch that explains who you are, what your book is about, and why their audience would be interested.
Offer value: whether that’s a free copy of your book, exclusive content (e.g. behind-the-scenes details), or incentives like affiliate commissions for book sales generated through their promotion.

Remember that influencer collaborations should feel authentic and mutually beneficial. Respect the influencer's creative voice and audience, and focus on providing value to their followers.

Utilise paid advertising

Consider running targeted online ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Amazon.

Two huge benefits of paid ads are:

You can target your ideal reader. Most ad platforms provide advanced targeting options, allowing you to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviours.
You can retarget and show ads to users who have previously shown interest in your book or visited your website. This can be highly effective in converting potential readers into buyers.

It's important to note that while paid advertising can be effective, it requires careful planning, monitoring, and optimisation. Understanding your target audience, selecting the right ad platform, and creating compelling ad creatives are crucial elements of a successful paid advertising campaign for book promotion.

Local outreach & networking

While the majority of these tips have been online focused, it’s worth noting that local promotions can also be extremely effective. You can partner with local bookstores, libraries, and community groups to host book signings, workshops, or readings. Or try participating in local or virtual book fairs, author panels, and literary events to connect with readers and fellow authors.

Lastly, you can focus on networking and building relationships with other authors. These connections can lead to collaborations that introduce your work to a wider audience like joint promotions, blog tours, or cross-promotion on social media.

As a self-published author, you have the unique opportunity to take control of your book promotion.

In the dynamic landscape of self-publishing, successfully promoting your book requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and persistence. You will likely have to test and trial a variety of these methods to discover which platforms and approaches work best for you.

And if you are looking for:

An objective perspective to pick up any mistakes, inconsistencies or weak storytelling you might have missed.
Someone to ensure the language you use is engaging, appropriate for the intended audience and consistent.
Help with removing errors that could detract from the message of your book.

Take a look at my editing and proofreading services. I’ll make sure the book you publish is polished and professional.

How to get published: 5 common reasons manuscripts are rejected

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:43:13 GMT

If you’re an aspiring author, the dream of seeing your manuscript published into a book can be both exciting and daunting. You’ve poured so much time and energy into writing and polishing your draft, you want to do everything you can to ensure it’s published. In this blog post, we discuss the most common reasons that manuscripts are rejected by agents and publishers. To help you better evaluate your own work, refine your writing, and increase the appeal of your manuscript to prospective publishers.

I’ll share tips and practical advice to improve your chances of securing a book deal. From refining your writing skills and honing your storytelling craft, to researching publishers and understanding their preferences, I'll equip you with the tools needed to increase your book's appeal and stand out from the crowd.

Rejection doesn't have to be the end of your journey. It can be a stepping stone towards growth and improvement. Let’s talk about the common pitfalls and strategies that will elevate your manuscript and captivate publishers.

Planning on self publishing?

Almost all of these tips will apply to you also. If you are considering self-publishing, it’s your responsibility to ensure your book looks professional. You will struggle to sell your book if it contains errors, inconsistencies or weak storytelling.

5 common reasons manuscripts are rejected

It’s not the right fit

If a book doesn't align with a publisher's target market or doesn't fit into a specific genre or category they publish, it may be rejected. There are many reasons a book might not be the best fit for an agent or publisher. Maybe they:

Don’t publish that kind of book
Have just acquired something similar
Don’t understand the topic

This type of rejection has nothing to do with the story itself, it comes down to a lack of research by the author.

The solution:
Be thorough in researching before you query. Make sure you choose an agent or publisher that represents the category or genre you’re writing.

The writing is full of errors

If a query letter or manuscript is poorly written, with grammatical errors, awkward sentence structures, or weak storytelling, it is likely to be rejected.

The publishing industry is highly competitive, and publishers strive to maintain a high standard of quality in the books they publish. A manuscript riddled with errors, reflects poorly on the overall quality of the work. Publishers assess manuscripts not only for their storytelling potential but also for the author's professionalism and credibility. A manuscript with errors may suggest a lack of attention to detail or insufficient editing and revision.

If your manuscript is already polished, you can improve your chances that the publisher will see its potential. You can have a great story but if your manuscript is filled with poor sentences and bad spelling, it may automatically get rejected.

The solution:
Make sure your query letter and writing sample or manuscript are polished before sending them. Edit your draft to the best of your ability and then get someone else to take a look at it as well. This is one reason why many authors choose to work with an editor. A good editor will make sure that your work is up to scratch before you send it out to an agent.

The author hasn’t identified a target audience

One of the most common mistakes I see authors make is saying their story is for everyone . I have yet to come across a book that appealed to men, women and children of all ages and interests. It’s not realistic to expect this from your book.

It’s more appealing to agents and publishers when an author has a target audience that their book will be perfect for. They are in the business of selling books. If you can show that you know exactly who you’re targeting with your book and you’ve crafted the story especially for them, you're more likely to be successful.

Having an ideal reader in mind means your book will make sense in the context of the marketplace, and a publisher will be able to support you in getting your book into your target audience’s hands.

The solution:
Identify exactly what kind of reader you are targeting with your story. Answer these two questions: WHO is this book for? WHAT do you hope the reader will get out of it?

They don’t see a way to sell enough books

Publishers will always consider the commercial potential of a book. If they don't believe a book will sell well or find its target audience, it may be rejected.

This type of rejection can be because:

your book will be too expensive to produce
there’s too much competition
it’s too niche and the market is too small
it’s already been done
this type of book doesn’t sell

Often what it comes down to is how well you position and explain the concept of your book. It’s your job to convince an agent/publisher that your book differs enough from what’s already out there. That there’s an unfilled niche ready for your book. And that they can actually make a profit by publishing your book.

If an author lacks a substantial platform or expertise in their field, it may also impact the book's chances of being accepted.

Unless you are royal, famous, or have millions of followers on Instagram or Booktok, getting a book deal won't be easy. The advice I always give to clients is this: get people talking about your book.

Without excellent marketing, nobody will know you've written a book. You have to learn how to market yourself and you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

The solution:
Start marketing yourself and building platforms where readers can find you. Work on growing your visibility online with a website, social media presence, a podcast and a blog. Show the agent/publisher how you intend to promote the book yourself.

Your proposal or manuscript didn’t wow them

A book with a weak or poorly developed plot, lack of conflict, or inconsistent pacing may be rejected. The same goes for books that rely on tired or overused themes and tropes. Publishers often receive numerous submissions on similar topics or genres. If a book fails to offer a unique or fresh perspective, it’s unlikely to be successful.

Publishers tend to be interested in books that bring something new to the table or have a unique voice. They are often seeking fresh and original ideas, so if a book feels too familiar or unoriginal, it might not capture their interest.

If an agent or publisher can’t see the value or importance of a book, they won’t invest in it.

The solution:
Take your time to refine your manuscript so it’s the best it can be. Wow publishers with an excellent, edited, compelling proposal.

Get your book published:

It's important to remember that rejection is subjective, and what one publisher rejects, another may accept. Persistence, revising your work, and finding the right publisher who appreciates your book's strengths are key to getting your book published.

As you can see from this blog post, there are a lot of reasons why an agent or publisher may reject a story. In many cases, you can take proactive steps to figure out what's wrong with your draft and fix it before re-submitting your work.

As always, if you are looking for support to figure out what's working/not working in your draft, I’m here to help. I highly recommend getting a manuscript assessment.

The goal of a manuscript assessment is to help authors improve their work before submitting it to agents or publishers.

A manuscript assessment will provide:

An objective perspective that can be difficult for you to see yourself.
Feedback on areas that require further development to make the story more compelling.
Advice on how to polish your manuscript, making it more attractive to publishing professionals.
A learning opportunity to improve your skills and future writing.

While it's not a replacement for a more comprehensive developmental edit, it does provide essential feedback for a price that will fit your budget.
If that sounds like something that might be helpful, I would love to talk more with you. Send me an email today.

Editing a novel checklist: what you need to get your manuscript ready for publishing

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:59:50 GMT

If you’ve never published a book before, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. Before you can share your work with readers or publishers, you must learn how to rewrite, edit, and shape your manuscript into the best possible version it can be.

Below I’ve shared answers to the most common questions I a m asked about editing a novel. As well as a checklist to help you begin the editing process.

Frequently asked question about editing a novel

Can I self-edit my book?

Self-publishing is more accessible than ever before thanks to technology. Anyone who’s willing to put in the time, energy, cost, and effort can self-publish a book.

But, the same as with any other service, a professional editor’s job is to complete a project that you might not have the training, skills, or knowledge to do well on your own .

You could do all of the editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, marketing, distribution and communication on your own. In the time it takes to acquire all of these specific skills and knowledge, you could probably have written at at least a dozen novels! This is why so many authors hire a professional to help.

How long does it take to edit a book?

How long it takes to edit a book depends on several factors such as:

Book length: a book with a higher word count will take longer to edit.
Type of editing: copyediting and proofreading can be completed faster than a developmental edit (more on these later.)
Availability of the editor: the number of hours an editor works per week or the projects they have on the go can impact turnaround time.

How much time should you allow for editing?

At the start of your project, I will give you an estimate of the time I require to complete your manuscript. We will then agree on a deadline before we begin, so you know when the manuscript will be completed. Like most editors, I generally have a waitlist for larger editing projects so it pays to get in touch with me well ahead of time!

How much does it cost to edit a book?

The cost of your project will depend on several factors including, the type of editing, word count, complexity, deadline, and the goal of your book.
When working with an editor, it’s worth noting that you’re also paying for their:

Qualifications
Experience
Time (not only on editing but also running a business)

What will it cost if you don’t have your manuscript professionally edited?

If you intend on submitting to a publisher or agent (who receives many submissions), you want your manuscript to look the best it can. If your manuscript is already polished, you can improve your chances that the publisher will see its potential. You can have a great story but if your manuscript is filled with poor sentences and bad spelling, it may automatically get rejected.

And if you are considering self-publishing, it’s your responsibility to ensure your book looks professional. You will struggle to sell your book if there are errors or inconsistencies throughout.

What is the difference between proofreading and editing?

Editing focuses on making your text more readable by assessing clarity, style, and citations. Editing is all about making sure the meaning and ideas in a piece of work are conveyed in the best possible way, for the audience.

While proofreading focuses on eliminating errors and mistakes in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. It also picks up instances of inconsistent terminology, formatting and referencing. Proofreading tends to result in minor, aesthetic adjustments to text rather than big changes.

What are the stages of the editing process?

1) Manuscript evaluation

You can think of this type of editing as a reader’s response to the manuscript. These evaluations include the kind of feedback you might expect from a writing group. They cover what is and isn’t working in the story, such as major plot holes or character flaws.

2) Developmental editing

In this process, the editor spends a great deal of time working on and reworking the manuscript. It can look different depending on the project.

Some of the authors I have worked with only had an outline, while others had an entire manuscript created. I added elements of copy (or content) to the work, giving the author various ideas to improve the quality of the work.

Who is this most beneficial for?
Developmental editing is especially useful for new authors. If it’s your first time editing a novel, it’s helpful to have someone to help you formulate ideas, and write in a way that flows nicely.

3) Copy or content editing

Copy or content editing involves examining the “meat” of the work and determining whether or not it meets your goals and the audience's needs.

At this stage, I may not specifically focus on the grammar and sentence structure of your manuscript. But rather provide comments and suggestions on how to improve your manuscript. It is up to you, to create the improvements or to move on without them.

4) Proofreading

Once the book has been typeset and made into proofs, a proofreader looks for any typographic errors made during the typesetting process or for errors that the copy editor, managing editor or author missed along the way. They’re looking for anything that might be called a mistake in the final print. Proofreaders are the final pair of eyes on the text before it goes to press; it’s a vital job with a high level of responsibility.

Editing a novel checklist: before you start make sure to…

Check you have a backup copy

Before you start editing, make sure that you have created a backup copy of your manuscript. This way, you will end up with an unedited and edited version.

Check line spacing

Generally, for ease of reading I find it is best to edit at 1.5 line spacing. Once the edit is complete, you can change it back to the line spacing of your choice.

Check indentation

The correct way to indent a manuscript is for the first paragraph of each new chapter to be flush and the remaining paragraphs to be indented.

Remove double sentence breaks

Double spaces between sentences used to be best practice, but this is no longer the case. Single spaces are enough. At some point down the line, someone (a typesetter or the person doing eBook conversion) will need to remove the extra white space, so you should solve this problem now.

Replace exclamation marks with full stops

The overuse of exclamation marks is considered a sign of weak writing. You should use the context of the surrounding paragraphs to show the reader any 'shock'. The problem you face is that most exclamation marks will be in speech, and in most cases, it will be OK to replace them with a full stop. However, in some cases, other punctuation will be more appropriate (comma, question mark, etc.).

Check chapter breaks

One essential element of the eBook conversion process is the ability to identify the start and end of chapters. The best way to do this is to use page breaks.

Are you ready for the next stage in your writing journey?

You've done the hard work of writing to your heart's content and revising what you have written. Now it's time for your completed work to be edited.

You are always welcome to schedule a time to have a free no obligation chat with me. I would love to hear about your project, share more about what I do and answer any of your questions. Get in touch with me today .

How to start writing a book: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Wed, 24 May 2023 03:32:01 GMT

If you’ve been thinking, ‘I want to write a book, where do I start?’ this is the blog post for you. I have put together a step-by-step guide to help you write your book from start to finish. I’ve included some of my best writing habits and tips so you can stay focused, maximise creativity, and get professional support along the way as you need it.

How to start writing a book and get it published:

Decide on your idea

Maybe you already know exactly what your book is about, or perhaps you are trying to decide between several big ideas.

Something I ask authors at the beginning of their project is to tell me the answers to the following questions:
WHY do you want to write a book?
WHO is your ideal reader?
WHAT do you hope the reader will get out of it?
WHAT is the genre of your book?
WHAT is the plot of your book in less than 50 words?

These questions not only help you to refine your idea, they will also uncover your niche so you can start marketing towards those people as you're writing.

Create an outline

Before you start writing a book, it’s important that you have a clear vision of what you are creating. An outline serves as a road map for your writing sessions. It provides structure for your book and ensures you accomplish the goal you set out to achieve.

Your outline should be a one page document (minimum) that includes every major point. But don’t forget this is a fluid document that you can expand on and change throughout the writing process.

Start with research

Research is an essential part of the process whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction.

For works of fiction, research enables you to provide helpful context for the time period or character archetypes that you’re writing about. For your novel to be believable, your technical and historical details must be correct.

As for nonfiction, getting the facts right leads to a polished book. It is crucial that you avoid making errors that might impact your reader’s trust or damage your credibility as an author and expert.

Write the first draft

Once you’ve completed all of the necessary preparation, it’s time to begin writing your rough draft. This requires committing to consistent routines and productive writing habits.

I've worked with many authors over the years, and in my experience, writing is a process. It tends to happen in fits and starts. The way a book comes together is by first writing a word, then a sentence, then a paragraph.

Four tips to help you start writing a book:

Set aside time to work on it each day – this consistency and daily practice is necessary to make it happen.
Write in the same place – create a place where you sit down with the sole intention of working on your book.
Give yourself a daily word count – this gives you something to aim for. Make it small and achievable.
Ask a friend or fellow writer to hold you accountable by sending them updates on how much you’ve written that day.

Revise what you’ve written

Every book worth reading goes through many rounds of revisions. You need to have an honest, ruthless eye on your writing so that you can know what needs reworking.

When you self-edit at this stage, here are some tips to help you catch mistakes, inconsistencies and plot holes:

Use spell check – it's easy to ignore the red squiggly lines but it does encourage you to go back and edit or ignore each error.
Double-check your work – simply reading what you've written a second time can help you catch mistakes.
Read it again later – immediately after completing your work it's still familiar to you. Come back later with fresh eyes to be more aware of errors.
Read it aloud – reading forces your brain to pay attention to each word.

If you want to enlist a second pair of eyes, I can help you with a developmental edit or a manuscript assessment. I can help to rework your manuscript, focusing on the big picture elements and working with you to sort out any issues.

Write your second draft

This is when you can apply your revisions and edits. As you write your second draft, consider the following questions to strengthen your writing:
Does your book have a consistent tone?
Is there an overarching theme that can be developed?
Are there weak parts of the book that can be removed?
Does the book have a strong opening hook?
Does it have an impactful conclusion?

At this stage, I can support you with copy editing . This involves examining the “meat” of the work and determining whether or not it meets your goals and the audience's needs.

Publish your work

Lastly, you’ll want to ensure you haven’t missed any important details. That’s where proofreading comes in. Proofreading is the last step between you and the reader. It is the final check that ensures your writing is professionally written, precise and easy to read.

Once you’ve completed your final draft, it’s time to publish. You have the option to self publish or go the traditional route and submit a book proposal to a publishing house with the help of a literary agent.

One thing you might not know about publishing a book is that getting a traditional publishing deal isn't that easy! Unless you are royal, famous, or have millions of followers on Instagram or Booktok, getting a book deal won't be easy.

The advice I always give to clients is this: get people talking about your book.

Without excellent marketing, nobody will know you've written a book. You have to learn how to market yourself and you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Want help bringing your book idea to life?

If you don’t follow me on social media you may not know that I am training to become a book coach.

As a book coach, I’ll be guiding authors through the book writing process, helping them stay organised, brainstorm ideas, and get their book ready for publishing.

As part of my training, I need another two authors I can work with. If you have a book idea and think that could be you, let's schedule a time to have a free no obligation chat! If you’re a Christchurch local, we can meet at a café to talk about your book but if you are not, we can have a Zoom coffee date instead. Click here to get in touch with me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Another happy author

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:08:47 GMT

If you need an editor read my latest reference.

Leanne improved my manuscript immensely with her attention to detail and acute observations on some matters needing correction and/or further research.

She met my expectations for a copy editor, particularly in her attention to detail regarding language translation and cultural matters pertaining to Māori.

I was pretty happy with the manuscript when I sent it to Leanne, but she returned a much-improved version that made the editing exercise a worthwhile investment.

I am working on my third book. I would have no hesitation in using Leanne’s services again in the future. - Alistair Carthew

If you are thinking of writing a book or novel please don't hesitate to contact me.

Synopsis of Divine's Choice

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 01:52:58 GMT

Synopsis of Divine's Choice

This is a hilarious book I have just finished copy editing for an author. It is a great read. Let me know if you require more information about this book and how to read the full version.

Synopsis of Divine’s Choice by Alistair Carthew

Unconventional Queen Liliana—she rolls her own cigarettes--wants to preserve the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha dynasty’s grip on the English monarchy. Her headstrong sole heir, Princess Divine falls in love with an All Black from Proud (formerly New Zealand).

Divine runs away, twice, pursued by her misogynist father, King Filip, a Norwegian with a Viking complex. A great battle at a Māori pa involves a fake moa, elderly mercenaries, a Māori gang and even Harrier Jump Jets and gorillas. Divine returns to become queen and marry Joshua, her handsome All Black.

But tragedy dogs the couple. Liliana’s dream of preserving her family’s dynasty is threatened until an elegant solution is proposed by her new husband, a Māori ex-soldier from Manutuke on the North Island’s East Coast. Meanwhile the British Commonwealth is under attack. Australia has nefarious designs on Proud.

Divine’s Choice is a timely parody of two of the global elites—the English monarchy and the All Blacks—at a time when both institutions face unsettling future challenges. Humorous but insightful, Divine’s Choice is a timely—perhaps prescient—novel for the times.

Do you advertise your business?

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Tue, 12 May 2020 03:59:46 GMT

Do you advertise? Did you stop while in lockdown? Have you started yet?

It is time to start your marketing again if you stopped during the lockdown or start marketing your business if you have never done it before.

You know your business better than anyone else. But you may not know how to make it sound professional or you have trouble with your spelling and punctuation.

I am a freelance proofreader and editor. I know all about spelling and punctuation and how to make your words stand out and look polished and professional.

You may have a marketing team working with you already. Great, do they have a dedicated proofreader or editor in their team?

Let’s work together to get some marketing material for you to use.

Is proofreading necessary?

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Mon, 04 May 2020 03:38:05 GMT

Before submitting a novel, essay, blog, or any other written document, it is important to carefully proofread it. Proofreading your written material is the final step that must be taken before a document can be considered complete.

When proofreading a document, you should first read it slowly out loud to determine whether or not it communicates its message. If the title or the introductory paragraph do not clearly signal the intent of the paper or if the paragraphs that follow do not naturally flow from that introduction, you might want to rewrite those parts of your paper.

Once that is completed, you should search for errors in spelling, word usage, grammar and punctuation. Proofreading is the last step between you and the reader, which is why it is necessary to take the time to ensure that your writing is accurate, clear and easily understood.

Professional editors can proofread your document so the final product is professionally written, precise and easy to read. It is important to carefully proofread all written material. Proofreading is an essential part of the writing process.

Corporate Marketing Services

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:04:53 GMT

Four reasons why you need to hire an experienced proofreader or copy editor

Marketing departments know the importance of good writing. After all, they produce a lot of content: advertisements, sales letters, white papers, newsletters, and much more.

But one thing that some overlook is the importance of proofreading and copy editing. This can take your writing from good to great, making it much easier to strengthen your brand, increase revenue and grow your business.

If your business has errors on your website, social media, email blasts, or advertisements, your consumers may be less likely to find you favorable.

Here are four reasons marketing departments need an experienced proofreader or copy editor.

1. Mistakes Are Expensive

A single mistake in an advertisement can be an expensive lesson in humility. Here is one:

• Alitalia Airlines accidentally listed business class flights along an international route for $39 instead of $3,900. The airline reluctantly honored the budget tickets for 2,000 travelers who had purchased them at a loss of more than $7 million to the company.

2. Careless Writing Damages Your Public Image

Wise businesses are not only focused on making sales in the short term. They take a long-term perspective—they know that their brand and image are very important. Here is an example of careless writing:

A travel agency posted an ad in the Yellow Pages for “exotic travel,” but what appeared in print was “erotic travel”. The agency’s reputation was destroyed, losing 80% of its existing customers and gaining next to no new business.

3. It’s Hard to Proofread your own Writing

When you or someone on your team writes something, it can be difficult to find all the mistakes. You are too close to the task at hand. You already understand the target market and industry lingo, as well as the product or service that’s being marketed.

Skilled proofreaders will spot many mistakes that you’ve missed, and they will make sure everything is consistent. Meanwhile, at an earlier stage, a copy editor can also offer feedback to help make the writing stronger overall. All of this can make your marketing much more effective.

4. Hiring a Proofreader Saves Time

Let’s face it—you are busy enough as it is. You have tight deadlines and often you are working on multiple projects simultaneously.

By working with a copy editor, you can spend more time on the tasks at which you excel, such as brainstorming ideas, implementing campaigns, and testing the results. The end result is a better return on investment for your marketing budget.

The Difference in Editorial Services and Knowing What You're Paying For

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 01:32:40 GMT

When working with new authors, they assume all editors perform the same tasks for every project. But in the publishing industry, there are levels of editing you must know. Each stage in the process will determine how much you will pay to polish your manuscript. Let's review these phases now.

1. Developmental editing: This is also referred to as substantive editing. In its basic definition, developmental editing is the process by which the editor spends a great deal of time working on and re-working a manuscript. At times, it can involve consultations and coaching elements; but for the most part, it’s about getting the organization together for the writer. For example, when I completed developmental editing for my clients, it took multiple forms. Some authors only had an outline while others had an entire manuscript created. However, because the flow of the story was not there, or because it “didn't make sense,” I performed the task of rearranging content for improvement. Here’s another way to look at it. When I performed developmental edits, I added elements of copy (or content) to the work, giving the author various ideas to improve the quality of the work. Unlike with my writing coach services where I simply tell the author how to improve the manuscript, I, as the developmental editor, did the improving. This type of work is especially useful for new authors, without question. If you have never published a book or never took time to practice writing, then you need a developmental editor. You need someone who will help you formulate ideas, and one who will work with you to construct the piece so that it flows well for your intended audience. And because the editor performs so much of the work, this is costly to the writer/client. Why? Again, because the editor is doing it. In order to avoid such cost, you will want to take some time learning about writing, organization, structure, etc. If you don’t have time for all that, then you will need to invest in this type of editing. Don’t put your work out there for others to severely scrutinize. You always want to put your best foot forward.

2. The next type of editing is copy- or content editing. If you do a quick search of the terms, you will find that many people interchange both terms, and they can fall within the boundaries of each other. However, when it comes to my business and working with self-publishing authors, copy or content editing involves my editor examining the “meat” of the work and determining whether or not it meets the author's goals and the audience's needs. In other words, your copy editor may not specifically focus on the grammar and sentence structure of your manuscript. She will take the time to look at how to fix your content. With content editing, an editor will make comments and suggestions on how to improve your manuscript. The editor simply provides the suggestions without constructing the solutions for you. It is up to you, Beloved, to create the improvements or to move on without them. Once the content editor has finished working on manuscript, it's time to send it to the proofreader.

3. The last type of editing is proofreading. This should always be the last stage because this is where the editor can simply identify grammatical errors, thereby cleaning up anything that still needs to be cleaned. Do not submit your manuscript to a proofreader when you have not hired someone to perform the developmental or content editing. Once you have done that, then you can hire your proofreader.

Don't Neglect the Weightier Matters

Far too many new Christian Authors refuse to hire editing services, particularly because of the price associated with it.

But you don't want to make that mistake. In fact, Amazon is cracking down on independent works that lack in expert editing.

You can't get away from the need for this service, especially if you want to be taken seriously as a professional Christian Author. And I'm happy to share with you that The Foundation has partnered with an expert editor who can deliver quality services to you.

Red Pencil Proofreading and Editing Services Ltd

Beloved, allow me to introduce you to Leanne Wickham. She is a freelance proofreader and copy editor who offers high-quality editorial services for new and established authors.

As a proofreader, she checks for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and more. As a copy editor, she will check all of the above as well as improve the flow of the manuscript, making it easier to read by removing redundant words and jargon. She will check for inconsistencies in dates, names, and style; and may also do/suggest a rewrite, if necessary, to fix any problems to ensure the style of the piece fits with your targeted audience.

Her mission is to provide high-quality editorial services, personalized to meet your needs.

I'm so pleased to have her affiliated with our brand. And as a scholar in LiyahAmore University, you will have access to her editorial brilliance based on her affordable rates.

I asked Leanne Wickham of Red Pencil to proofread the second book in a series I had written. Her attention to detail and sorting our rogue sentences was amazing. As a writer, it helped me distil my writing to lead the reader in the right direction or misdirect them depending on what I wanted to achieve. The book Revelation would not have been nearly as good without her valuable input and professionalism, and certainly wouldn’t have been ready for publication. -- Mark Innes-Jones

Tips for Writing

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 02:17:48 GMT

Tips for writing

Edit the big stuff first, small stuff second

Avoid checking spelling or changing around sentences at the start of the editing process. These aspects of your writing should be reviewed only after you’ve taken care of the big stuff. Big stuff may be plot, characterisation, order, and so on.

Why care about a misspelled word when you may end up deleting the paragraph altogether or completely rephrasing it?

Look out for words that sound the same but are spelled differently

Homophones are words that sound the same but are spelled differently. Common ones include principal/principle, right/write, currant/current, draft/draught, and so on.

When we’re writing, it’s easy for our fingers to spit out one when we mean the other.

Check for missing quote marks

In writing out quotations, it’s important to get the text exactly right. But sometimes writers forget to finish the quote with the second quote mark. Also check to see if the period is inside or outside the last quote mark. In school we’re often taught to place the period outside the last quote mark, but most style guides recommend placing it inside the last quote mark – even if it wasn’t in the original quotation.

Hire a professional

If you’re really busy, there’s no shame in hiring a professional to do the editing

and proofreading for you. Professionals can work magic on a rough draft. Have a look at my website to learn about the services I offer.

Have you ever thought about writing? Do you have a story to tell? Now is the time to start.

leanne@inredpencil.co.nz (Leanne Wickham) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:32:42 GMT

Have you ever wanted to write?

If you have a story inside of you that you have always wanted to write. Now is the time. While we are all working from home or self-isolating. Staying home to avoid large crowds and looking after our health. We have so much time now that we don't have to sit in traffic to and from work. Now is the time to write your story down.

It may be a family history, crime, suspense, thriller, historical fiction or even a romance novel. You can write anything you want.

If you are a novice writer, I can also help with suggestions on how

to improve what you have written or suggest changes to help with readability. I can also copy edit and/or proofread your written material before you publish.

What is stopping you?

redpencil

Five types of plot holes in books (with clear examples for writers)

Are plot holes okay?

Common types of plot holes in books (and how to avoid them)

Inconsistent character behaviour

Unresolved subplots

Timeline issues

Contradictory world rules

Convenient solutions (also known as deus ex machina)

How to avoid plot holes in your book

Catch your plot holes before you publish

The most common writing mistakes in every genre (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1) Romance: rushed or slow pacing of the plot

Mistake 2) Historical Fiction: historical inaccuracies

Mistake 3) Fantasy: info dumping when world-building

Mistake 4) Mystery/Thriller: losing the reader’s attention

Mistake 5) Sci-fi: neglecting character development

How to strengthen your writing in your chosen genre

A self-published author success story: Mariana Missakian

A self-published author success story: Mariana Missakian

Why did you want to write a book?

What were you hoping your readers would get out of it?

What is your book about?

This book will deeply resonate with you if

The impact editing had on this book

How has publishing your book changed your life?

What Mariana’s working on at the moment

Stay up-to-date with Mariana’s work

A self-published author success story: Duncan Shore

A self-published author success story: Duncan Shore

Why did you want to write a book?

What the books are about

You’ll enjoy these books if you like

The impact editing had on these books

The truth about publishing and book sales

What Duncan’s working on at the moment

Stay up-to-date with Duncan’s work

How to self-publish in New Zealand in eight steps

Is self-publishing worth it?

What’s the process? How to self-publish in eight steps:

Write your first draft

Perfect your manuscript with editing and proofreading

Design your book cover

Build your author profile

Pick your platform: two ways you can self-publish

Format your book

Get an ISBN

Market your book

Want help bringing your book idea to life?

2024 in Review: The Projects, People, and Lessons That Shaped My Year

The projects I’ve worked on

Top three blog posts

What this year taught me

Moments that made the year special

What I can’t wait to work on in 2025

A final note from me

A guide to character development in writing (from a book coach)

Character development checklist — for crafting memorable characters

1. Start with strong character foundations

2. Create realistic relationships

3. Show, Don’t Tell

4. Create characters readers care about

5. Developing antagonists and supporting characters

Have further character development questions?

The Ultimate Checklist for Proofreading Business Documents

Tips for proofreading your own writing:

A proofreading checklist for your business documents and marketing materials

Get a second pair of eyes on your business documents

What is the difference between proofreading and editing, and which one do you need?

The main differences between proofreading and editing:

The focus

Timing

What's involved

How to decide if you need editing or proofreading

Editing and proofreading work together

Pacing in writing: how to keep readers engaged from start to finish

What is pacing in writing?

Why is pacing important?

What makes pacing "good"?

Techniques to keep readers engaged with effective pacing