How to pick the right editor

Published on November 13, 2017November 13, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Last year, as part of the A-Z challenge, I wrote a post about editors.

Picking the right editor is terribly important.

A friend had a few questions on the subject, so I decided to share a little bit about what to look for in an editor.

When I wrote a Children’s Picture book, A Most Reluctant Princess, I discovered the necessity of choosing the correct editor.

Not just any editor but the right editor.

I needed an editor that worked with Children’s Picture books. Not general fiction or thrillers.

How do you know who is right for you?

Part of it is intuition, make sure you click with the person you pick. But do your research. In some situations, you may need more than one editor.

Not all editors are created equal.

A Content Editor, also known as a Structural, Developmental, or Substantive editor looks at the big picture. Often rewriting segments of text to improve readability and flow and identifies problems with clarity.
Line/Copy/Stylistic Editor goes line by line to spot grammar, paragraph and sentence structure issues.
Proofreader goes over the manuscript after the editor looking for glaring mistakes.

Some editors offer more than one service. They may combine their skills as Content and Line editor.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are a few…

Will they provide a sample?
Do they have references?
What format will they accept? Electronic or paper?
What exactly is the service they offer?
How much do they charge? By page, word or…?
How many rewrites will they edit?

Most important pick an editor that works with your genre.

Tell me, have you used an editor yet?

Are you planning on hiring an editor?

What type of editor?

Where did you find your editors?

Below are a few links to read more about the types of editors and what they do.

Share your experiences in the comments. I can’t wait to read them.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

Editorial Confusion: Kinds of Editors and What Editors Do

4 Levels of Editing Explained: Which Service Does Your Book Need? BY CORINA KOCH MACLEOD AND CARLA DOUGLAS

Four Types of Book Editing by KIMBERLY JOKI

Know Your Stuff: Different Types of Editing By Catherine Dunn

Want a great product? Get a good editor by Jean M. Cogdell

How to add personality to your characters

Published on November 10, 2017November 28, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Eavesdrop like a pro.

I’ll admit I’m not very good at covertly listening in to other people conversations. Although there are times when it’s impossible not to hear. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to my dining companion because I’m transfixed by a loud couple at the next table. I want to whip out my tiny notebook and make notes. But, that would be a bit conspicuous. Don’t you think?

Why do I find eavesdropping awkward?

Because I grew up in a tiny house with lots of siblings and nosy parents. Privacy was a luxury. The only place to talk or read without others listening in was down by the creek. No mobile phones then so forget about a private conversation on the one kitchen phone. Even with a cord that reached all the way to the coat closet, someone was listening.

But if I want my characters to be real, to have different personalities I need to get away from my desk. Mingle, listen and yes, eavesdrop.

Today, I read a great article, published in The Writing Cooperative, about how to accidentally, on purpose, listen in on strangers.

How to Master Eavesdropping — You Know You Want To by Bryan Searing

What I learned from Bryan…

There are two types of eavesdropping.
- Sneaking around and spying, like my little sisters used to do.
- Accidental-unintentional, as in overhearing conversations in a public place.
Get away from the computer and mingle with people.
Brian’s Rules to Master Intentional Accidental Eavesdropping
- Be sensitive and respect privacy. Some people whisper in public, so don’t be rude.
- Best places to eavesdrop is where there are lots of people.
- Don’t stare! Act normal.
- Where to sit or linger.

Be sure and read his entire article to get more details on how you can eavesdrop like a pro. I’m gonna work on my accidental eavesdropping skills and try not to blush or giggle.

Tell me, do you eavesdrop in a crowd?

Have you gotten ideas for a character by eavesdropping?

Did Bryan’s article give you any ideas?

Did the article change your mind about listening in to others conversations?

Write about your experiences in the comments. I can’t wait to read them.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

Where can you submit your writing for free?

Published on November 8, 2017November 8, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell25 Comments

How about 30 plus places to submit your writing?

And they pay you!

Some of my scariest and most rewarding experiences as a writer happened when I stepped out of the shadows and submitted a story. Nothing beats reading, “We would like to feature your submission.”

Scary, yes, because I felt as though I were sending a piece of my soul out into the big bad world to be judged. Rewarding because acceptance is what I dream of as a writer.

Thanks to Erica Verrillo for providing us with this great list of publications looking for good writers. This month you can submit your favorite piece and get paid.

November is just getting started, so pull out that story from your slush pile, polish it till it gleams like a newly minted penny and hit send.

There is still time!

34 Calls for Submissions in November 2017 — Paying markets

I recognize a few on her list but many are new to me. There’s poetry, fiction, speculative fiction, essays and more.

Another great list is provided by Rachel Poli. Unfortunately, not all are free to submit but there are payment and prizes. So check out her post…

November/December 2017 Writing Contests

Do you find submitting scary and rewarding as I do?

What do you think?

Any of these publications look good to you?

Have you had any success with either of these organizations?

Do share your thoughts and experience in the comments.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

How to speed up your word count

Published on November 6, 2017November 3, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this month?

Well, congrats! You’re a week in now.

Not doing NaNoWriMo but still, need to write a lot more words every day?

Although I’m not participating this year, I’m here to cheer you on! And to help you up that word count, check out this post by Louise Foerster.

Ways to Thrive During NaNoWriMo: Bolstering Word Count

When the clock is ticking, and your muse isn’t talking, this article may help move your story along.

What I gleaned from this article?

All you need is words, so type some.
Remember a good editor can fix a lot of mistakes.
Use techniques and tools other writers have provided.
- What tools or techniques?
- Quotes from other publications. Prose, comments, verses or documents.
- Send your characters into the world and show what they see and hear. Don’t forget to add their reactions.
- Let your characters talk. You never know what they might say or where it will lead.
- Use cringeworthy tricks.
  - You have to read her article for these.