Do you puzzle over where to put the punctuation when you write speech or conversation? Double or single quotes? Commas or colons? If you find this a source of existential angst, you’re not alone. But you can get it right, and this is how.
Writing and Editing tips
These articles for writers and editors help you manage your workflow, stay motivated, understand possibilities, and find solutions to common problems.
Is my book ready for beta readers yet?
Beta Readers are those wonderful people who critique your manuscript, usually as an exchange — they read yours and you read theirs. Many people are not quite sure of the best time in the development of their book to ask for a beta read. This timeline — adapted from the traditional publishing process — can help you plan your project.
Write the introduction last
Whether you are writing a book, an essay, or an important business document, you’ll get the best results if you write the introduction last. That might sound like an upside-down way to do things, but it will make your writing faster and more effective. Here’s why.
Why you shouldn’t ask Beta Readers to do copy editing
A Beta Reader critiques your manuscript, and provides feedback to help you improve it. Lots of people will suggest asking a beta reader to copy edit your work. I don’t recommend that, and here’s why.
3 reasons I’m a Scrivener fan
Scrivener is a small-but-mighty piece of writing software that revolutionises the writing process for long manuscripts – book, script or academic thesis. Microsoft Word was created for business writing, and it’s very good at it. But long-form writing is different. For long-form writing, Scrivener is now my hero. See my top 3 features that could make your writing life easier, too!
Why grammar doesn’t matter
When it comes to writing books, grammar is not the only thing. It’s not even the most important thing. Let me show you what I mean…
How to find a beta reader
How do you find a good beta reader or “test pilot” to critique your manuscript, preferably for free? Finding the ideal beta reader can be a challenge. But here are some tips for where to start.
What makes a good beta reader?
A good beta reader can help you make your book manuscript 10 times better than it was before. But where do you find one of these magical creatures?
What is a beta reader and why do I need one?
A beta reader gives you feedback on your finished manuscript, so you can adjust it before you set it loose on the world. These are the reasons why every writer needs beta readers.
How to spell Your, You’re, There, They’re, Their, It’s and Its
Do you ever struggle with your and you’re? Do you know when to use there, they’re and their? What about it’s and its? Do you use the apostrophe in “it’s a nice day” or in “the planet had it’s own gravitational force”?* Now, I know you’re getting a teensy little headache just thinking about this, but stay with me, there will be prizes later. You can win the spelling wars, without bloodshed.
