I. The False Binary The first essay argued against opening with worldbuilding exposition or atmospheric wandering. It advocated for starting with stakes, with characters in situations that matter, with immediate tension. But…
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Your World Isn’t the Hook: Why Dark Fantasy Fails Before It Starts
I. The Opening Mistake: Information Without Investment Open any slush pile of dark fantasy manuscripts and you’ll find the same pattern repeating: a meticulously crafted world dying on the page before the…
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Point of View Mistakes That Confuse Readers
Have you ever been reading along, totally immersed in a scene, and then suddenly felt… lost? Like you blinked and now you’re not sure whose thoughts you’re reading or how the character…
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Pacing Problems: How to Diagnose What’s Dragging
You know that feeling when you’re reading a book and suddenly realize you’ve been skimming for the past three pages without absorbing a single word? That’s a pacing problem. As an editor,…
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Plot vs Character: Which Comes First?
Here’s a question that’s sparked more writing forum arguments than “how many spaces after a period”: Should you start with plot or character? I’ve seen writers tie themselves in knots over this…
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Mastering the Basics: Common Grammar Errors and How to Avoid Them
Grammar is the backbone of effective communication in writing. By understanding and applying basic grammar rules, you can significantly enhance the readability and professionalism of your manuscript, making the editing process much…
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Great Expectations: What to Expect From Your Editor
Just like any profession, editors come with varying levels of experience, expertise, and specialties. Some editors may excel in developmental editing, helping you shape your story, while others might be more adept…
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Active vs Passive Voice
Look, while we’d like to imagine that authors are masters of their craft, that’s just not always true, and thank God for that. There are a lot of wonderful stories to be…
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How to Get Constructive Writing Feedback
We’ve already addressed how to give constructive feedback with our discussion over TAG and Compliment Sandwiches. But I found this really helpful when I read it, so I want to share it…
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Rules for a Great Writing Group
Greetings! The following are an accumulation of rules and tips that I’ve encountered over the years. So use them with the knowledge that I don’t own them! Workgroup Rules: 1. Be kind.…
