This is part 5 in a 6 part series on getting a manuscript ready for beta readers. This is a systematic process where you read through your work 5 times and each pass focus on a specific element. This makes the editing more efficient and consistent. In the end, you’ve…
Editing In Layers Part 4: Weakness Plus Characterization
Non-writers think the majority of the work of writing a novel happens in the first draft. The first draft is where the heart of a novel is, but the writing craft happens during the editing. If you tend more towards pantsing than planning, the first three steps will help tighten…
Editing In Layers Part 3: Scenes and Sequels
Get off the hamster wheel of revisions and begin editing smarter and more efficiently! We’re working our way through a 5-layer process that streamlines the editing process so you can get a draft to beta readers faster! Prep Work: Goals Layer 1: Plot Layer 2: Scenes and Sequels (you are…
Editing In Layers Part 2: Plot
Are you stuck on an unending groundhog day cycle of editing the same book for years? I created this 5 layer editing system a year ago to be more efficient and effective with my edits and rewrites. Since I started using this system, I’ve written 3 books, rewritten one (for…
Editing In Layers Part 1: Goals
Editing and revising is a necessary part of writing fiction because no one NO ONE writes a perfect first draft. Everyone’s work is improved with the help of a good editor and the first editor who should go over your work is YOU. That said, especially if you’re a pantser…
One Quick Reason Readers Cheer For Unlikable Characters
How do we get readers to cheer for unlikable characters? We cheer for anti-heroes and characters who are surly, have anger issues, and even questionable morals. Why? They all have one thing in common but it means we have go right back to the basics. I came across this post…