Want to hang out and talk books?

Kia ora, First off: Thank you for the replies to last week’s question about where you are in the writing process. You’ve helped me a lot! You probably know that I offer free sample edits. I provide these so you can see what my editing style looks like before you invest in a full edit.Continue reading “Want to hang out and talk books?”

Will my book be perfect after editing? 

Ever read a book and found a typo? Of course you have. Despite all the rounds of editing and revision a book goes through (whether traditionally published or self-published), chances are, some sneaky little error will slip through. Before you leave a bad review or message the author, know that that typo or error isContinue reading “Will my book be perfect after editing? “

6 adventure-related updates

Kia ora, We’ve passed the halfway mark: for us in the southern hemisphere, winter solstice happened on Sunday. Longer (but colder) days ahead! Hoorah! I’m keeping it short this week with six adventure-related updates about books, movies, and gear.  Got any links you want to share with me? Reply and send them my way! Cheers,DeborahContinue reading “6 adventure-related updates”

There are already so many memoirs about walking this trail – is there space for mine?

I recently saw someone ask this question online: “There are already so many memoirs about walking Te Araroa. Is there even space for mine?”

YES! There is space for your story! It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about Te Araroa or the Pacific Crest Trail or the Camino de Santiago or any other popular trail. There is space for your story.

That time I suggested an author add a … tasteful? … joke to his story

Kia ora, That tasteful joke in the subject line. It was actually a dick joke. But I didn’t want to say it that obviously in case the spam gods banished my email. But yes, I once suggested an author add a dick joke to his story. This author had a particular writing style – self-deprecating,Continue reading “That time I suggested an author add a … tasteful? … joke to his story”

A fresh idea for dealing with a writing rut

Kia ora, Yesterday I spent the morning staring at a blank doc trying to figure out how to get a blog idea out. I had the topic, and I knew what I wanted to say, but … the thoughts were not connecting with the fingers on the keyboard. Feel familiar? I’m sure you’ve had yourContinue reading “A fresh idea for dealing with a writing rut”

My favourite writing goofs

Kia ora, Over the years, I’ve picked up all sorts of goofs in my editing work. Here are a few I remember: In each case, something stuck out to me as I read. And because of the type of person I am, I had to go fact-checking. The authors weren’t dummies for making these mistakes.Continue reading “My favourite writing goofs”

Editing lingo: What is a pass and what is a round?

If you’re talking to an editor about getting your manuscript edited, you’ll likely hear us talk about how many rounds of editing we provide and how many passes of your manuscript we’ll do.  They’re not the same thing, so knowing the difference will help you understand what you’re getting for your money.  What is aContinue reading “Editing lingo: What is a pass and what is a round?”