May 6, 2026 | Tips and Tricks
Here are some of the most common mistakes I’m seeing in manuscripts from newer authors. How many have you been guilty of? đź«Ł 1. Too many dialogue tags. When two people are speaking, you don’t always need to indicate which one is talking. Often it’s obvious. You...
Apr 16, 2026 | The Writing Life, Tips and Tricks
It seems like a simple thing to do, but it’s amazing how many people refuse to open the door. Almost every success I’ve ever had in life has come from me either jumping on an opportunity or creating one. My first book was published when a friend told me...
Feb 25, 2026 | Tips and Tricks
As an editor, I get asked this question a lot: “What does a developmental editor do? Do I need one?” Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of editors and when you need them. 1. Developmental (substantive) editors: Look at the big picture of a story: plot...
Feb 19, 2026 | Tips and Tricks
Use AI to write your book. (Please, for the love of all that is holy, DON’T.) Skip a first pass for grammar, spelling, and inconsistencies. After all, that’s what editors are for, right? Take all critical feedback personally. It’s not about your story; it’s about YOU....
Feb 9, 2026 | Tips and Tricks
Have you ever read advice that made you feel less-than? Maybe it was something along the lines of “If you want to succeed, you must write every day.” Or “you must write at the same time every day”. Or “you must have a daily word count.” Or “you must write to market.”...
Feb 2, 2026 | Tips and Tricks
Writing in a genre they don’t LOVE, and don’t read, just because they hope it will be more profitable or successful. I’ve seen horror with laughable clichés—purple people eaters and little green men, seriously. I’ve also seen romances without romance, fantasy with no...
