Writing Tips • 28th November 2024

A Quick Guide to Active Vs Passive Voice in Fiction Writing

When it comes to fiction writing, one of the subtler choices that can shape the flow of your story is whether to use active or passive voice.

If that sentence just made you scrunch your eyebrows together because you've heard the phrase but can't actually think of what it means (or, hey, perhaps you've never heard either term at all!) then you're definitely not alone. This blog post is here to break it down for you.

Writing Tips • 24th October 2024

When to hit ‘enter’: A guide to paragraphs

A paragraph organises your writing into manageable chunks, each conveying a single idea or advancing a particular part of the story. Well-crafted paragraphs help guide the reader through the narrative or argument, making it easier to follow your thoughts, visualise scenes or understand concepts.

Writing Tips • 17th October 2024

Bringing your world to life: A guide to scene descriptions and the five senses

Describing a scene isn’t just about narrating what the character sees to your readers; it’s about using all five senses to create a rich, immersive environment. Let’s look at how to tap into the five senses and other key techniques that can help make your story’s world feel vivid, engaging and alive.

Guides for Authors • 1st October 2024

What to do after finishing your first draft: A guide for new authors

As tempting as it might be to share your story with the world straight away, the road to publication is a little longer than you might expect. Here's what you should know once you've completed your first draft.

Writing Tips • 19th September 2024

Understanding POV Consistency in Third-Person Narration: Keeping Your Perspective Clear

Point of view (POV) is is a powerful writing tool which can shape how readers will experience your story and connect with characters. But—as with any tool—it’s crucial to use it consistently to avoid jarring the reader out of the narrative. One common issue in manuscripts is when writers inadvertently switch between different types of third-person narration.

Writing Tips • 13th September 2024

Choosing the Right Tense for Your Fiction Writing

When starting a new writing project, one of the key decisions you’ll face is what tense to use. Whether this is your first book or the next project in your established list, knowing how to choose the right tense to write in can be a little confusing. However, your chosen tense can set your story's tone, pacing and emotional depth.

Guides for Authors • 16th August 2024

Handling 'Tracked Changes' and 'Comments' in Microsoft Word like a Guru

So, you’ve just received your manuscript back from your editor with a bunch of tracked changes, comments and markup in Microsoft Word. Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry—I've got you covered.

Writing Tips • 9th August 2024

How to survive (and complete!) your first draft

So, you’ve decided to write a book. Congratulations! You’ve joined the ranks of countless dreamers who want to bring their stories to life.

But now, reality is sinking in. The cursor is blinking at you mockingly, the blank page seems endless and your initial excitement is being replaced with self-doubt and procrastination. Welcome to the writer's journey!

Writing Tips • 2nd August 2024

What does it really mean to 'show' and not 'tell'?

When editors tell you to 'show' and not 'tell', they're generally suggesting ways to help make your story more immersive for the reader. Readers want to be sucked into your world and experience what's happening on the page and great writing can help a person to do this.

But, what on Earth does it actually mean to 'show' and not 'tell' in writing? Why is it so crucial to the craft of storytelling?

Guides for Authors • 2nd August 2024

Is self-editing really important?

Some of the most common advice that is given to new authors is that they shouldn't edit their own work. This is a lie.

What we really mean is that authors should not be editing their own work whilst still in the process of writing their first draft. However, when the pain of reaching your word count goal is achieved and you've got something that kinda, actually looks like a real story in front of you—you should absolutely be self-editing your manuscript.

Editing • 1st August 2024

The top mistakes authors make that editors help with

Ah, the joys of writing! You’ve spent months, maybe years, crafting your masterpiece. You’ve laughed, cried, and possibly pulled your hair out during late-night writing sessions. But before you send your manuscript off to a literary agent or look into self-publishing, some common pitfalls can trip up even the most seasoned authors.

Luckily, that’s where a good editor can help.

Editing • 29th July 2024

Why professional editing matters

Enter the professional editor. Editors don’t just fix spelling mistakes and correct grammar, though that is part of their wizardry, they delve deeper, getting straight to the heart of your narrative. Editors ensure your characters are consistent, your plot is engaging and your pacing is just right.

Guides for Authors • 17th June 2024

How to format your manuscript

While editors can review your manuscript in any state, it's important to know how to format your writing properly to get the most out of your editorial review.

Writing Tips • 16th June 2024

Writing realistic dialogue

Adding layers to your dialogue can help expand confusing scenes and offer more insight into scenes where, on the surface, not a lot is happening.

So, why not give compiling layers and adding them to your dialogue a try? Your writing may even become better for it!

12th January 2023

What professional writing can do for you

20+ years of eye-tracking research confirms that most internet users only skim and skip around a webpage for relevant info. Good writing is not limited to literature. By utilising the skills of a professional you are increasing your legitimacy.

Blog • 11th January 2023

Why Splitting Spines?

Scoliosis is, by definition, the abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine. First noticed by small symptoms in appearance, the condition can continue to worsen if left unchecked and go on to cause life-altering problems.

Blog • 6th January 2023

Romanticising Proofreaders: What should you expect from your editors?

It’s no secret that even the best writers could benefit from a second set of eyes scanning their work. And, let’s face it, none of us want to be caught out like Karen Harper was when she wrote "wonton" instead of "wanton" in 'The Queen’s Governess'.

Blog • 29th September 2021

Broken Spines and Folded Pages

I was told to keep the pages pristine by using a book mark. To keep the spine unaffected from those little creases that run from base to tip, I should avoid opening my book to its full capacity, or, sit and gently open each leaf from one end of the book until my bored fingers met somewhere in the middle.