Writing Advice Worth Its Weight in Gold

/
gold.png

Over the years, I’ve received some invaluable advice from editors and other writers that has helped me along my writing journey.

  • When you get to the point with your writing and revising where you think you’re done, you’re not. That’s just the beginning.

  • Go through your manuscript and use your word processor’s search feature to find your overused words. You will be surprised how many times you use “just” and “that.”

  • Everyone needs an editor.

  • Everyone needs a proofreader.

  • You need to print your document and reread it after every round of edits to ensure that you didn’t create other mistakes.

  • Find beta readers or a critique group to help you work through story lines and plot holes.

  • Don’t be afraid of reviews or critiques.

  • Read the last sentence of each chapter. Make sure it’s strong. It should make the reader want to read past her bedtime.

  • Eliminate unnecessary dialogue tags.

  • Go through your manuscript and rewrite “be word” sentences.

  • Look for passive sentences and rewrite them in active voice.

  • If you read a paragraph and you’re bored, your reader will be, too.

  • Read your manuscript aloud.

  • Writing is a business.

  • Guard your writing time.

treasure.jpg