There are several easy traps to fall into when writing a manuscript. It is only natural that after building and developing your story and characters for so long, you might lose sight of which words and phrases are strongest and which ones can be changed or removed. Weak words and phrases are common for every writer at some stage of the writing process, however, being able to identify and correct them will set you on the right track to telling a strong and compelling story.
Read MoreSelf-publishing a manuscript can be daunting when you consider all the things that need doing: editing, proofreading, cover design, marketing, building a readership and planning your launch party. Not to mention creating your wonderful piece of work in the first place! Many factors come into play – it’s not just about achieving a word count. So, with a deadline looming and a never-ending to-do list before your book is ready for the world, when should you start outsourcing to a professional?
Read MoreProfessional proofreading of your manuscript is a crucial step in the writing and publishing process. Very few people are good at spotting common proofreading mistakes, especially in their own work. However, proofreading mistakes have the potential to ruin a great story as the reader trips their
Read MoreA trope is the reason romance readers buy romance books. It’s what they expect to find inside the covers, and if it’s not there, you’re likely to get a bad review (and no indie author wants a one-star review!)
Read MoreCongratulations! You’ve just typed ‘The End’ for the umpteenth time, and you’ve lost count of what number draft you’re up to. All you know is the self-editing, critiquing and beta reading has your head exploding.
What now?
Read MoreYour school teacher would’ve drummed into you the ‘ie’ rule … But that was so long ago, and you can’t remember the additional two lines that cover the exceptions to the spelling rule. “I before E, except after C, unless it sounds like A”
Read MoreWhen writing copy such as blogs, social media content, newsletters and lead magnets (the list is endless) – you want to educate, advertise to and engage your target audience. To do this, your copy needs to be clear, concise and to the point. It needs to stand out, hook your reader and keep them on the page.
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