Today’s letter answers a question I received from a new writer: Q: I would love for one of your blogs to address the path from the first sentence as a new writer to advancing one’s craft to working with an accomplished editor like yourself. How will I know when my craft is “good enough” to approach […]
Recently, my daughter and I were talking to one of her friends and their parents, and the subject of hobbies came up. When her friend mentioned art classes, my daughter proudly announced, “My mom knows how to paint watercolors!” Everyone turned to look at me. I smiled and thought, but didn’t say: Actually, I only
I Only Paint Leaves: On Watercolor and Writing Read Post »
Recently I was a guest on Alvina Ling and Grace Lin’s Book Friends Forever podcast to talk about freelance editing along with fellow freelance editor Sangeeta Mehta. Toward the end, Grace asked about giving manuscript critiques to friends, and Sangeeta mentioned the three point method for sharing feedback: Identify a problem Explain why it’s a
How to Give a Good Critique (and How to Spot a Bad One) Read Post »
This week, Jane Friedman shared this Q&A about developmental editing on her website. The interview was written by Sangeeta Mehta and shares advice from Sangeeta, me, and Susan Chang. If you or someone you know is thinking of hiring a developmental editor, I hope you’ll find it helpful! In that interview, we touched briefly on how authors can strengthen their
How to Strengthen Your Writing at the Sentence and Paragraph Level Read Post »
Today’s letter answers an author-submitted question: Q: I recently received feedback from an agent telling me from reading the first 10 pages of my middle grade MS., she was unable to figure out what the plot was and suggested I bring that in and make it clear right away. My question is, how do you do
Ask Your Editor Friend: Making the Plot Clear in the Opening Pages Read Post »
Today I’m sharing a simple novel revision tool that an author recently recommended to me: grading your chapters. This approach can be especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed by a revision; if you’re not sure where to start revising; or if you’re looking to ease yourself back into your story and characters before diving in.
Novel Revision Tool: Grade Your Chapters Read Post »
If you’re currently writing or revising a manuscript, you’ve probably found yourself looking forward to the day when you reach the final page for the last time. Maybe you’ve pictured yourself typing “THE END” or labeling your manuscript file as “FINAL” (or perhaps some variation of “Manuscript_final_NEWfinal_REALfinal _FINALfinal_THISONEISFINAL”). But no matter how many times you
How Do You Know When Your Book Is Finished? Read Post »
Last week, I outlined the three essentials of helpful feedback. Today’s letter discusses another important aspect of receiving feedback on your writing: how to avoid the proverbial problem of too many cooks in the kitchen. While thoughtful, well-timed feedback from multiple trusted sources may seem like a good problem to have, the subjective nature of writing
The Writing Feedback Funnel Read Post »
Many writers find that the more they share and talk about their work, the more feedback they receive. In addition to editors and agents, family members, friends, writing groups, and critique partners can all provide valuable feedback on a manuscript draft. However, not all feedback is helpful, and too much feedback—particularly in the early and
The Three Essentials of Helpful Feedback Read Post »
Character development is one of my favorite topics to talk about with writers. Great characters can make a permanent imprint on their readers, from protagonists like Anne Shirley, Charlotte Doyle, or Lyra Belacqua to antagonists like Josie Pye, Captain Jaggery, or Mrs. Coulter. In my next few letters, I’ll be touching on different areas of character
Character Development: Passive Protagonists Read Post »
