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Five Tips for an effective editing experience

2/4/2021

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  1. Complete the most self-editing possible beforehand.
    This applies to every type of editing. The better foundation you give your editor, the more she can help you. If she’s fixing basic writing flaws you could have improved with self-education or another pass before your sent it, she’s spending less time strengthening your MS in other ways. Some more sophisticated work simply can't be done if the foundation isn't strong. 
    Example: In a line edit, your copy editor may spend a lot of time cutting out hedge words that pad writing without adding anything. If a scene first needs to be trimmed of clichés and unnecessary words, it's harder to drill down into word choices that can make a big impact on tension or emotional impact. Your editor will help you with these things if you need it! But a polished book, no matter what, takes many rounds of editing. If you are not self-editing before you hit send, you're not getting the most bang for your buck.
  2. Always ask for a sample edit.
    This helps you know what you’re getting, whether you're a first-time novelist or an experienced one who knows what they want from an editor. Not every editor is right for your book or your personality--this has nothing to do with the editor's skill and everything to do with their style. 
    I once saw a markup by an editor that was downright insulting. It worked for the author, who apparently had thick skin, but for most of us, a kinder touch is appreciated!
  3. Ask for what you want.
    If you have specific concerns or questions, absolutely mention it to your editor! As with every relationship, communication is key. This could be a big issues, such as: My participles dangle. Please fix these in line. Or small: American spellings all around, except for the word "grey." I just like it better that way. 
  4. Remember that your editor’s changes are always only suggestions, but that you are paying for her/his expertise. An editor will have a reason for their edits and suggestions. If you're not sure, ask--an author knows what they meant, and may have trouble seeing, for example, ambiguity that might trip up readers.
  5. Always sign a contract. 

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Psst! Want to know a secret?

1/21/2019

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Have you ever held onto a secret you've been dying to share, and then finally...you can?

For the last few weeks I've been helping Angela and Becca at Writers Helping Writers keep a BIG secret...what the next book in their thesaurus series will be.
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It might seem strange to not tell one's readers what book you're planning to release...unless you happen to write books on Show, Don't Tell like Angela and Becca do! They couldn't resist the opportunity to show, not tell, by waiting for the cover reveal. They even created a *REDACTED* cover for it, which you might have seen floating around.
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We're revealing the cover at long last!*drum roll*

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The next book in the descriptive thesaurus series is The Emotion Thesaurus Second Edition! 

It's been 7 years since the original Emotion Thesaurus hit the shelves. Many writers have credited this unusual book  with transforming their writing. This guide is packed with helpful lists of body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations for 75 different emotions, which makes it easier for writers to convey what characters feel.

Since 2012, many have asked the authors if they would add more emotions, so that's what Angela & Becca have done. This new edition has added 55 more emotions, bringing the total to 130.

There are other new additions to the book and in fact, it's almost doubled in size! I recommend checking out the full list of emotions (and some sample entries) HERE.

And more good news: this book is available for preorder! You can find it on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble.
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One last thing: go grab some free education! Angela & Becca are giving away a free webinar recording of one of their popular workshops on Emotion, so head over if this is an area of struggle for you. It might really help!


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New look. New services. New bird.

12/5/2016

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I’m excited to announce a few changes here at Rare Bird Editing. First, I hope you like the new look. Step inside, look around, and admire the fresh coat of paint.
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More importantly, Rare Bird Editing is now we instead of me. This post serves as a joyful welcome to Natasha Hanova, who is now the developmental editor and writing coach for Rare Bird. Natasha has honed her craft for more than a decade in writing groups and workshops, and I’ve seen her solve someone’s sticky plot problem a half hour after they met. She excels at spotting what’s missing in a scene, setting, or character, and can help you with the heavy lifting of making sure your awesome idea translates to a novel with well-oiled gears and fully operational machinery. If you only need a boost to reconnect to your work in progress, she can help with that, too. She’s a problem solver and a plot whisperer. Read more about Natasha or take a closer look at her services, and contact us if she might be a good fit.

Join us in celebrating our new look and services. Four prizes are up for grabs: an Amazon gift card, two e-books from our portfolio, and 5% off an editing project with Rare Bird Editing. Enter via Rafflecopter link below.

Please share to help welcome our new bird to the nest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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