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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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Memoir is Not a Diary: How to Tell Your Story in a Way That Resonates
A memoir is not a diary. It is an artful act of storytelling, crafted to take readers on a journey of meaning and empathy instead of showcasing a list of private thoughts. While diaries chronicle daily events and emotions in chronological, personal detail, memoirs deliberately select, shape, and organize life’s moments so they resonate with…
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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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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 Use Track Changes
Okay, so you have just received your manuscript back from your editor and you are freaking out over all of the crazy marks on the page! Take a deep breath! Using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and Comments features looks scary at first, but I am here to help!
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Explaining the Editorial Process
Are you considering working together but would still like to know more about what to expect before you commit? I completely understand! I have a short timeline listed on my Services page, but I would love to provide a little more information here.
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How to Choose an Editor
You’ve finished your book, congratulations! You have probably spent time reading and rereading your own work. Making changes and adjusting scenes along the way. Then you think, now what?
