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The Memoirist’s Private Journal: 7 Prompts to Uncover Your Book’s Core Theme
Journaling is a secret engine behind powerful memoir writing. It gives authors a safe, private place to explore raw memories and feelings, ultimately distilling them into a meaningful story for readers. Editors and book coaches use guided prompts to help writers dig beneath surface anecdotes and reveal the deeper themes that will shape their memoirs,…
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A Peek into My Editing Space
Welcome! I am excited to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into my editing space. I know that it’s hard to trust someone with your project – especially in this digital age, where working with strangers virtually and with AI are the norm. You want to be confident that your project is being handed over to…
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Beyond the Red Pen: An Editor’s Eye with a Teacher’s Heart
An Editor’s Eye with a Teacher’s Heart I approach every project with a unique blend of classroom experience and editorial expertise. After a decade working as an elementary school teacher, I’ve developed skills that make me an effective, empathetic, and strategic partner for writers. Just as every student in my classroom was unique, every manuscript…
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Grammar Tips from an Editor
What Do Authors Need to Know? 9 Most Common Grammar Mistakes Whether you are polishing your first manuscript or gearing up for publication, grammar is essential. While storytelling is the heart of your book, clear and correct grammar is the vessel that delivers your story to readers. Even seasoned writers slip up on the basics,…
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3 Signs You Might Be Too Close to Your Manuscript (and what to do about it)
Are You Too Close to Your Manuscript? You’ve been living inside your manuscript for weeks, maybe months, or even years. You know it inside and out. You’ve rewritten scenes, reshaped chapters, reworked whole sections. And now? You can’t tell if it’s brilliant or a disaster. This moment is completely normal, and a telltale sign that…
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How I Keep Feedback Kind and Constructive – It’s an Art
When I tell people I’m a book coach and copy editor, they often imagine me with a red pen, slashing through manuscripts like a literary Grim Reaper. But that’s not how I work. And honestly? That’s not what most writers need. As an editor I keep feedback kind and constructive. Yes, feedback should be honest.…
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Why Editing Isn’t Just About Grammar: It’s About Protecting the Reader’s Experience
When most people hear the word editing, they think of red pens, grammar rules (the dreaded grammar police), and someone wagging a finger at a misplaced comma. But editing isn’t just about grammar. While yes—grammar matters. But as a book coach and editor, I can tell you that editing goes much deeper than sentence structure.…
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Why You’re Not “Too New” to Work with an Editor
So, you’ve written a draft (or you’re in the messy middle) and you’re starting to wonder: Is it too early to get help?Am I even “ready” for an editor?Do I have to be more experienced before I ask for feedback? Let’s clear that up right now:You are not “too new” to work with an editor!…
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What Is A Beta Read? Do I Need One?
What is a beta read? Do I need one? Where do I find a beta reader? These are questions I often hear from authors at conferences or in online writer’s groups and I am here to help. First let’s ask a few questions: If you answered yes to any of these questions you might be…
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How to Punctuate a Pause
Readers have expectations; writers have responsibilities. How does an author communicate to the reader the way in which they intend the text to be read? Punctuation. How do you punctuate a pause in the text? Let’s explore. We know the basics: a period ends a statement, stop here; an exclamation point shows excitement; a question…
