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Marilene Louise Blom

@thatwritergirlsblog / thatwritergirlsblog.tumblr.com

Fantasy Author and Freelance Editor https://campsite.bio/marilenelouiseblom
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gentleseaediting

To Comma or Not to Comma

THE CORRECT USE OF THE COMMA WHEN JOINING CLAUSES

Should you use a comma before and? What about before yet, then or if? This is one of the trickiest rules of punctuation to apply correctly: whether to use a comma when joining clauses. But do not fear; I am here to help by providing eight tips on this very subject.

Because this is a complex topic, I’ve created a handy flow chart to assist you. You can download it for free, and I would recommend having it at hand as you read through this post.

You can also listen to this post on YouTube or read it on the Gentle Sea Editing website.

#editing#editor#punctuation#advice from an editor#commas#proofreading#writeblr
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Types of Editing Services

With the launch of my freelance editing business, Gentle Sea Editing, tomorrow (1 June 2023), I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the different types of editing. 

Some of these services are only applicable to creative writing works, but services like copy-editing and proofreading are relevant for any piece of writing.

1. Developmental Editing

  • A developmental edit evaluates the big picture and addresses issues at story level.
  • It looks at things like plot structure, character development, pacing, chapter and scene structure, descriptions, adherence to genre expectations, clichés, and overused tropes.
  • Usually, this type of editing service won’t take the form of actual changes to the manuscript. Rather, it comprises an editorial report addressing the strengths, weaknesses and issues of the work, as well as suggestions. There may also be some margin comments if necessary or if that is the specific editor’s style.
  • According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), the average rate for developmental editing is between $0.03 and $0.039 per word. That means that the developmental edit of a 90 000 word book would cost between $2700 and $3510.
  • I offer developmental editing services at $0.017 per word. So, the developmental edit of a 90 000 word book would cost $1530.

2. Line Editing

  • A line edit addresses writing style and craft on a line-by-line level.
  • It looks at things like voice, language use, word choice, tense, point of view, clarity and readability, filtering, filler words, show vs tell, pacing, and flow.
  • Usually, this type of edit takes the form of comments in the margin of the manuscript. Because this service involves stylistic changes, most editors won’t just amend the text; they’ll add a comment highlighting an issue and providing suggestions.
  • According to the EFA, the average rate for line editing is between $0.04 and $0.049 per word. That means that the line edit for a 90 000 word book would cost between $3600 and $4410.
  • I offer line editing services at $0.025 per word. So, the line edit of a 90 000 word book would cost $2250.

3. Copy-editing

  • A copy edit focuses on technical errors at word and sentence level.
  • It looks at things like spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar, usage, paragraph structure, repeated words, typos, and style inconsistencies.
  • Usually, this type of edit involves the editor making actual changes to the manuscript and adding comments where necessary. Additionally, most editors will keep a style sheet as they work in order to maintain consistency. I give clients this style sheet along with the edited manuscript. If your editor doesn’t automatically do this, ask them for it. It’ll help you to keep your grammar and usage consistent if you make any subsequent changes, and it will help your proofreader.
  • According to the EFA, the average rate for copy-editing is between $0.02 and $0.029. That means that the copy edit of a 90 000 word book would cost between $1800 and $2610.
  • I offer copy-editing services at $0.02 per word. So, the copy edit of a 90 000 word book would cost $1800.

4. Proofreading

  • A proofread is the final review of a project. It focuses on proper formatting, layout and catching any errors not corrected during the copy edit.
  • It looks at things like punctuation, spelling, hyphenation, word use consistency, headers, chapter styles, scene breaks, paragraph styles, formatting, typos, repeated words and page layout. 
  • Because the changes are mechanical, the proofreader will usually make them to the manuscript itself without adding comments. However, I would recommend that the proofreader still use Track Changes, so the author can make the final decision on the changes.
  • According to the EFA, the average rate for proofreading is between $0.02 and $0.029 per word. That means that the proofread of a 90 000 word book would cost between $1800 and $2610.
  • I offer proofreading services at $0.01 per word. So, the proofread of a 90 000 word book would cost $900.

Let’s face it: Editing is expensive

  • Each freelance editor decides their own rates, usually with reference to their experience and qualifications. So, you can get editing at cheaper-than-average prices; just make sure that the editor is still adequately qualified and good at their job.
  • Additionally, most editors offer combos, which allow you to get two or more types of editing at the same time, usually at reduced cost.
  • I offer a developmental, line and copy edit combo for $0.05 per word, which is 20% cheaper than the individual services combined. (That’s $4500 for 90 000 words.)
  • I also offer a developmental and line edit combo for $0.036 per word, which is 15% cheaper than the individual services combined. (That’s $3240 for 90 000 words.)
  • Finally, I offer a line and copy edit combo for $0.038 per word, which is 15% cheaper than the individual services combined. (That’s $3420 for 90 000 words.)
  • I firmly believe that the same person should not edit and proofread the same manuscript.

Which edits do I need?

  • Unless you are traditionally published, the editing services you choose is up to you.
  • If you are publishing a piece of writing, especially commercially, you need at least one type of edit. Trust me, your product won’t be up to scratch if you are the only person who’s looked at it.
  • I would not recommend skipping the copy edit and proofread.
  • However, you might decide not to have your work edited developmentally if you have been crafting stories for a long time, and have enlisted critique partners and beta readers.

How do I choose an editor?

  • If you are having a novel edited, look out for someone with some sort of fiction/creative writing experience. It’s preferable to have an editor who knows something about storytelling and plot structure, especially for a developmental edit. 
  • Try to get an editor who has obtained a qualification in editing itself, not just in the English language or creative writing. Editing is a whole different ball game and it requires specialized training.
  • Ask for testimonials if you don’t find them on the editor’s website.
  • Look at the person’s website and any communication you exchange with them. Are there errors and inconsistencies? Decide whether this is someone you would trust with your writing.
  • Editors should offer a free sample edit. This allows you to submit a small extract for editing in order to assess the editor’s competence and style. You should never have to pay for a sample edit!

If you would like to use Gentle Sea Editing, you can request a quote and a sample edit now.

#writing#writer#write#writers#writeblr#writing advice#editing#edit#on editing
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ProWritingAid is an editing software perfect for writers. More than just a program to pick up typos, it helps with pacing, overused phrases, inconsistent punctuation etc. Use the link in my bio and code HONEY20 to get ProWritingAid Premium at 20% off (Note that this is an affiliate link) #prowritingaid #editing #amediting #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #authorsofig https://www.instagram.com/p/CJs8rmYggvK/?igshid=1qoxhau8f2292

#prowritingaid#editing#amediting#writingcommunity#writersofinstagram#authorsofig
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Writers: Be wary of whom you give your money to!!!

There are many people who dream of writing and publishing their stories, which means that there are a lot of writers to be taken advantage of. Here are some tips to consider before giving anyone your money:

1. Publishers

  • You should never have to pay someone to publish your book!
  • Publishers get money from book sales. In exchange for doing the publishing work, they receive elements of your copyright and a large percentage of the profit from your sales. They only get paid when you do.
  • If a publisher asks you to pay to get published, it's probably a vanity press. Signing with a vanity press is a lose/lose situation. You lose your copyright and your money. Don't do it.
  • Obviously, if you self-publish, you'll need to make some investments prior to publication. However, most self-publishing platforms are print-on-demand, which means that they also only get paid when you do. In exchange for the use of the platform and handling orders, they receive a percentage of the sales revenue.

2. Literary agents

  • You should never pay a literary agent to read your work or take you on as a client.
  • Just as with publishers, agents get paid when you do! In exchange for their work, a literary agent receives a percentage of your advance and royalties, which you only receive once the book is sold to a publisher and to readers.
  • An agent asking you for money is a scam. Stay away!

3. Editors

  • This is perhaps the most difficult one, because there's a lot of grey area. And a lot of exploitation.
  • With the rise of online remote working, everyone and their mother has decided to become a "freelance editor". And while there's certainly no law prohibiting it, you should be cautious before paying someone to edit your work.
  • If someone asks for money, they are holding themself out to be a professional. Being a real editor requires specific education/qualifications and experience.
  • Being a writer/reader is vastly different from being an editor. Someone can be a bestselling author with an English degree and not be qualified to be an editor. They are different skills.
  • So, be sure to enquire about an "editor's" qualifications and experience. Ask which works they've edited and if they have testimonials. They should be honest and charge in relation to their level of education/experience.
  • So, this doesn't mean everyone holding themselves out as editors are scammers. It just means that you need to consider all the information to determine whether you trust this person with your money and your writing.

4. Writing courses

  • There are a lot of online courses for writers out there. And once again, you need to consider the person's qualifications and experience before you give them money.
  • Some people have very little writing and publishing experience, or they aren't that good at what they do - but they charge 100s of dollars to teach you.
  • So, check out that person's work and sales. If you think that they can teach you something and that their knowledge is worth what they're charging, go for it.
  • Also, look at testimonials regarding the specific course. A lot of the time it's only a consolidation of info you can easily find for free.
  • Basically, just make sure it's worth it before you pay.
  • Obviously, there's a different level of scrutiny required for free writing advice. In terms of the latter, I would recommend taking in as much as possible and deciding what you want to apply. Any writer is qualified to offer free writing advice, because everyone can decide whether they want to listen to it or not. No money is lost.

So, I hope that this list can help you make good decisions regarding who you trust with your money and your work.

Reblog if you found this post useful. Follow me for similar content.

#writing#writers#writeblr#write#writing advice#writer#writing tips#amwriting#editing#edit#editors#publisher#publish#publishing#literary agents
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1000 Followers Giveaway WINNER 🎉🏆

And the winner of a free critique is... @briannacreacts!!! Congratulations. (Please DM me so we can make arrangements)

Thank you to each person who entered and to all of my followers. If you didn't win, don't worry, there will be more giveaways in the future.

#writing#writeblr#writers#write#writing's hard#writerblr#life of a writer#writing advice#writing community#amwriting#writer#writers of tumblr#writing tips#editing#writers on tumblr#author
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So, you’ve written a book. Now what?

Here are the steps, in order, you should take to make your book as good as it can possibly be before querying agents/self-publishing:

1. Self-edit and Revisions

  • The first thing you should do after finishing the first draft of your manuscript (after taking a well-deserved break, of course) is to edit and revise it a couple of times yourself.
  • You’ve probably heard a lot of people say that all first drafts are bad and that you don’t have to worry about everything being perfect in the first draft. This is why.
  • Your self-editing phase is where you polish your manuscript before you let others read it.
  • I would suggest various phases of self-editing, starting with the big, developmental edits. This means that you edit the plot as much as necessary before you start editing prose. Once your plot edits are sorted out, move on to editing specific sentences and making your prose sound pretty.
  • Reading through your manuscript in a different font/colour or even making notes on a printed-out version is a good way to spot things you want to change.
  • ProWritingAid is also an amazing online tool for self-editing. You can find out more in my post on Great Resources for Writers (I’d add a link, but tumblr’s being a little bitch about posts with links)

2. Critique Partner

  • A critique partner someone who reads your work and then offers criticism and suggests improvements from the perspective of a writer. Oftentimes, writers will use critique partners by exchanging their work and helping each other. However, some writers also offer critiques at a cost.
  • Your critique partner should be the first person to read your manuscript beside yourself.
  • This step is invaluable, since it offers another writer’s advice and is usually quite comprehensive.
  • Critiquing can also take place during the writing process, with partners exchanging chunks of their WIPs as they finish them.

3. Beta Readers

  • This is not the same as a critique partner. Beta readers need no special qualifications - they just need to be the type of reader who would have bought your book had it been on the shelves. Beta Readers are “trial” readers that help you optimise your novel for your target audience. Therefore, they offer the perspective of readers.
  • Typically, you’ll send your beta readers your manuscript in chunks, allowing them time to read it and then asking them specific questions about that part of the novel. Once they’ve read the entire manuscript, you’ll ask them more in-detail questions about their opinions on certain aspects of the novel as a whole.
  • The answers given by the majority of your beta readers should then be used to improve your manuscript. Yes, you have to edit again.
  • Once you’ve done this, it’s advisable to have another round of beta reading where you start the process all over again with different betas this time. Many authors do up to 3/4 rounds of betas per novel, but it’s your call.

4. Professional edit

  • Yes, more editing! In this phase, you hire a professional editor to polish your manuscript.
  • There are various types of edits - developmental, copy, line etc., but most editors offer packages. Also, some editors will allow you to submit samples, which will allow them to advise you on which edits you need. You can also ask your critique partner/betas.
  • This is the one step I would advise you not to skip or skimp on. Spending money on a professional who can make your novel publication-ready will make your book stand out. Whether your next step is querying or self-publishing, the professional edit is a good idea.

5. Proofread

  • If you’re going the traditional route, this is the step you can skip - although, it is still a good idea.
  • Here, someone with good language and grammar skills read through your final draft to correct typos or tiny errors that have slipped through. This is all about the technical stuff. Your novel should already be in tip-top shape before the proofread. This step is just to ensure that your 2 AM spelling error isn’t in print forever.
  • This is a crucial step if you’re self-publishing, since this is the last check before you’ll move on to the publishing phase.

If you’re going to be publishing traditionally through an agent and publishing house, many of these steps will be repeated. Therefore, these steps aren’t technically all necessary. However, the more polished your manuscript, the better your chance of landing an agent.

If you have any more questions, you’re welcome to ask. Also, check out Jenna Moreci’s YouTube channel - she has a bunch of videos on each of these steps that are worth the watch.

Reblog if you found this useful. Follow me for similar content.

#writing#write#writers#writing's hard#writeblr#writing advice#editing#proofread#beta reader#critique#jenna moreci#writerblr#writing community
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Great Resources For Writers (and anyone else who needs to be productive)

There are some great apps and websites out there to help you stay focused and be productive while writing: (AND THEY’RE ALL FREE)

1. Rainymood.com

  • I write at my best when there’s a thunderstorm outside. Thanks to this website, which plays the sound of a rainstorm non-stop, I don’t have to wait on the weather to be productive

2. Coffitivity.com

  • I’m going to be honest - this one doesn’t work for me personally. 
  • However, if you find that you work well in buzzing places like coffee shops, this might be the website for you. It literally offers you playlists of cafe sounds and you can even choose the time of day that works best for you. So, now you can be antisocial and productive at the same time!

3. The Forest App

  • This app removes the distraction of social media on your phone.
  • You set a timer for the period you want to be productive and the app will grow a cute, little tree during that time. As long as you don’t open anything else on your phone! If you do, your tree dies. The app also allows you to build a forest to represent how productive you’ve been.
  • This one is great for those who are addicted to checking their phone while they should be working

4. The Goal Meter App

  • This is one of my favourite resources. It helps you track your goals and set up regular tasks to achieve them. 
  • The app allows you to make a to-do list, create a routine and track your goals via percentages and diagrams. That way, you can always know how much you have left to go.
  • I use this for word count for my WIP and for building my author platform and it does wonders in terms of accountability.
  • If you want to add more than three goals, you have to upgrade to a paid version. Otherwise, it’s completely free!

5. ProWritingAid.com

  • Saving the best for last!
  • This web app is like having a professional editor at your disposal 24/7. It not only highlights grammatical errors, but will point out inconsistencies, overused phrases and lack of variance in sentence length etc.
  • Obviously, this cannot replace hiring a professional editor, but it will assist you greatly in your self-editing process.
  • If you want to download the app, you’ll have to pay for it. But the web app works great and that doesn’t cost a penny.

That’s all for now. I hope that these will help you to stay focused and write an amazing manuscript this NaNoWriMo.

Reblog if you found this useful. Comment if there are any other resources you can recommend. Follow me for similar content.

#writing#write#writers#writing's hard#writeblr#writerblr#writer#life of a writer#writing advice#writing community#writing resources#nanowrimo#camp nanowrimo#rainymood#coffitivity#forest#goal meter#prowritingaid#editing#website#app
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