Authoring Onward

Authors are often puzzled the first time they need to hire a freelance editor: What kind of editing do I need? Where do I find an editor? What should my manuscript look like?

In a rare video episode of Book Echoes: A Podcast for Writers, I’m diving deep into the levels of editing, hiring, and how to get your manuscript in tip-top shape before you look for an editor. You can listen via the podcast player above or view the video below to see all the slides.

Reminder: Next week will be a vacation for the podcast! I’ll be back in your earbuds (or speakers or headphones) in August.

Book your spot for editing here!

Take my free course on Finding Your Writing Time, because don’t we all need more of that?

Writing craft books mentioned in this episode include:

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

Anything by K.M. Weiland

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

One of the aspects of having a beginner’s mind is knowing that you don’t know everything, but how do you know what you don’t know?

Well, you probably know more of your gaps than you think. You just haven’t brought these issue to top of mind in a while.

So, today I’m going over the fundamentals for writers, because sometimes we all need a reminder. Are any of these on your “to work on” list? Have you been working on those gaps?

Identifying gaps and making a plan to fill them is a big part of Author Success Coaching. If you’d like a pro’s guidance. I still have a few spots left in July and plenty in August.

Also in fun announcements:

My free Find Your Writing Time mini course is now live! If finding time and setting appropriate deadlines is one of your gaps in knowledge, this is for you!

Mal and Jill Cooper of The Writing Wives are putting on a masterclass on book launches, July 24th. These ladies really know their stuff, so download their brains for a bit. If you sign up, use the referral code Book Echoes, and I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Hi, folks! Happy July! Today, we continue in a beginner’s mind with an episode on fundamentals of genre and category. This is a great episode for newer writers still struggling with these concepts, but it’s also an episode for more experienced writers looking to change genres or categories. I will be focusing the episode primarily on a North American English-speaking market, and largely on fiction. Hope you enjoy!

Reminder: A Flock of an Alibi is out now in ebook! Ten flamingo-themed short stories from ten cozy mystery authors.

Courses coming soon to this website!

And, if you’re struggling with genre or another part of story craft or marketing your books, author success coaching can help! I still have some open spots left before I go on vacation, so get them before they’re gone. A one hour session can get you on track with a solid plan of action!

Also, I have a few editing spots open for shorter projects in July and longer projects in August.

Hello! It’s nearly halfway through the year! I can’t believe 2021 has gone by so quickly. Mid-year is a great time for reflection and planning. It’s also a great time to mentally take yourself back to a beginner’s mind.

Today’s episode is all about having a beginner’s mind, even as we progress through our writing careers. Have a listen and try to get in touch with your inner beginner!

If you’d like to try out an Audible subscription and listen for free to the audiobook that got me thinking about all this, click on the link: Beginner’s Mind by Yo Yo Ma.

Also, after I finished recording this episode, the cozy mystery anthology I took part in, A Flock of an Alibi, finally released on Kindle, paperback to come! Enjoy flamingo-themed stories from 10 cozy authors.

And, I do still have a little bit of time left for one more editing client in July, plus a few coaching clients. Need direction in your story or your business, book a quick, affordable call to get clarity!

*Links to books/audiobooks are affiliate links, so I get a small portion of the sale, which helps support this podcast (though you are never charged any extra).

When you’re starting a brand new series or standalone book, there’s a lot to consider. It can be both exciting and a little daunting to create a whole new world and new characters. Have a listen for four core areas you need to think about when diving into writing a new story world.

Links I mentioned in the episode:

Character Interview from K.M. Weiland

TV Tropes Character Dynamics:

Freudian Trio

Five-Man Band

Four-Temperament Ensemble

P.S. I have openings for editing and coaching clients for July! Book now.

Hello, again! This week’s episode is about the seven different story types. I had a great chat with Rachelle Ramirez about each of the seven types, what readers are looking for out of each type, and how to determine where your story fits. Have a listen!

Rachelle has also generously offered listeners a free masterclass on story types if you’d like to learn more!

About Rachelle:

Rachelle Ramirez helps writers develop their stories and believes stories are our most important catalyst for change. She has an MA in psychology from Goddard College and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Masters in Creative Writing Program on merit scholarship. Before becoming a Certified Story Grid Editor, she served as a mental health counselor and as the executive director of a national writing community.

Find Rachelle at Pages and Platforms.

Happy Wednesday, writers!

Are you tempted to have multiple writing projects going this summer? Maybe you’re in the middle of a novel and you have this fantastic new idea. Maybe you’re writing a long form project, but there’s an opportunity to submit some short stories for an upcoming anthology. Maybe you just want a little variety.

Today’s episode is all about the pros and cons of having multiple writing projects going at the same time as well as some tips to stay on track if this really is the right choice for you at this time. Have a listen!

And don’t forget: The #queerkidlit mentorship program is still accepting applications. Get them in by June 15th! If this isn’t for you, please share the opportunity around on social media. Together, we will bring some fantastic books into the world and increase representation.

Happy Pride month! In the spirit of this month, I’m so pleased to announce the Queerkidlit mentorship program is open for submissions! Today’s episode is about the program and why it means so much to me.

If you’re an lgbtqia+ prepublished writer or illustrator who wants to publish children’s or YA books, apply for this three-month mentorship program! There are seventeen awesome mentors volunteering their time. I’m so proud to be the self publishing mentor.

Just go over here, if this sound like you. Or if this isn’t for you, please share and spread the word!

And finally, I’d like to challenge you all to give back to your community in some way. If you’ve got an amazing community initiative you’d like to share, please pop it in the comments below.

Well, it’s Friday not Wednesday, but better late than never on a podcast episode, right?

Today’s tips episode focuses on the changing seasons and the changing schedules that might go along with it. As schools close and even some other workplaces slow down for the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it can be tempting to pack your newly flexible schedule with loads of writing. Maybe more than you can handle.

Slow it down! Remember, the tortoise won the race. Have a listen for some tips on not overdoing it and actually enjoying the season ahead while still making writing progress.

If you’d like a planner to help you get organized, try The Messy Author Planner 2021 or the undated version.

I’ve also still got openings for late June and July for all levels of editing and coaching.

Looking for a vector-style cover? I’ve got you covered!

Many picture book writers feel inspired by real life events that happened to a child or another family member, but taking complicated true events and turning them into an easily digestible story can be trickier than it looks. That’s why I’m so glad to have gotten a chance to talk with Michelle Wagner for today’s episode. Michelle’s picture book, Mickey on the Move, is based on her son’s real life story of getting cochlear implants. Have a listen!

About Michelle:

Michelle is a full-time realtor, mom, and author who dedicates her time and energy to charities and events supporting children with hearing loss. Michelle takes pride in assisting families as they work through the different approaches to raising a special needs child in a typical environment.

Michelle’s website: https://michellewagnerauthor.com/

P.S. Looking for an edit? I’ve got openings! How about a snazzy premade book cover? The premade shop is ready to go. Custom covers also available.