This tutorial walks authors through the process of creating their own style sheets. At the end, I have included some free downloadable style sheet templates.
Read Blog »Category: Resources for Writers
All About Style Sheets
Copy editors create style sheets to ensure consistency. Learn what one is, what to include on it, and why an author may actually want to create one to give the copy editor.
Read Blog »10 Realistic Expectations for Working with an Editor
Before starting the editing process, it helps to know what to expect from your editor. Having realistic expectations sets you up for a great author-editor relationship.
Read Blog »How to Fix Info Dumping
Info dumping can cause readers to lose interest in your story and be pulled out of the moment. Learn what it is, how to avoid it even in dialogue, and how to fix it.
Read Blog »How to Spot and Correct Head-Hopping
Head-hopping is an easy trap to fall into. If you head-hop, it can pull your reader out of the scene and leave them feeling disoriented. So learn what it is, how it differs from an omniscient narrator, how to avoid it, and how to correct it if you do spot it.
Read Blog »Varying Sentence Beginnings
If too many of your sentences start the same way, your writing can begin to sound choppy, disjointed, and monotonous. This article explains how to vary them and how to know when to do so versus when to leave it alone.
Read Blog »Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Knowing and using correct punctuation is useful. This blog posts teaches a basic grammar principle: using commas with coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS). Learn when you need a comma and when you don’t need a comma before “and,” “for,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”
Read Blog »How to Use Word’s Track Changes
When working with an editor, you will want to understand how to use Word’s Track Changes feature as it is the industry standard. Understanding how to use it correctly will prevent errors and headaches.
Read Blog »How to Write Effective Direct and Internal Dialogue
Dialogue reveals character and moves the action along, but poorly written dialogue can have the opposite effect. This article explains how to avoid common dialogue mistakes and know when to use internal dialogue.
Read Blog »8 Strategies to Eliminate “Be” Verbs
Many writers tend to overuse “be” verbs: is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been. While we need these words, strong writers often reword sentences to eliminate them, choosing powerful verbs instead. This article provides specific methods to eliminate them. However, don’t focus on getting rid of every one just for the sake of it—though when I taught English, I had students rise to the occasion. Instead, focus your attention on creating stronger sentences and improving your writing, which sometimes means eliminating a “be” verb or two.
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