#Writinganovel – what to expect from an editor

Posted on September 24, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I wanted to share this post for anyone out there looking for an editor. Alison certainly knows what she’s talking about, and she delivers on every point. She really helped me with both the final edit of my novel and my social networking profile. She was also there when it all got too much, offering me support and words of encouragement.
Even though passing your work to an editor may seem daunting, it’s so rewarding when you see how much better your work can be.

Alison Williams Writing

Since starting my editing business, I have worked on more than seventy projects. I feel very honoured and very privileged that these writers have trusted me with their work. As a writer myself, I understand how fellow writers feel about their work, and also how difficult it can be to hand that manuscript over to someone else, often someone you don’t know, and trusting them to do a good job. Choosing an editor is a minefield – there are so many out there now, so what should you expect from an editor? And what should you look for when choosing one?

Testimonials

Look for testimonials from previous clients. If an editor can’t provide testimonials find out why. When I began my business, I provided free edits in return for honest testimonials. This way I began to build a reputation and a client base (most of those clients that I provided…

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A whole new level of distraction

Posted on September 22, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I have to admit that I’m easily distracted from writing. Usually it’s editing, I just can’t let go. And then there’s the mundane tasks of everyday life – cooking and cleaning (well perhaps more thinking about doing these things rather than the actual execution of them). In the evening I can be tempted away from the laptop by the promise of an action packed film, and as the cold nights draw in I’m partial to a bath, a book and an ice cream.

Now I find myself with a whole new level of distraction. Poppy, the lunatic kitten has been with us 5 days and is taking over. As I type this she is stalking my fingers. And she keeps dashing across the keyboard so I constantly have to delete her additions to my work. This kitten needs a time out or a naughty step.

The final part of proofreading my novel has also been given the Poppy treatment – she’s either attacking the pages or stealing my pen. Maybe she thinks she can do a better job!

At least the proofing is finally done; the read through part anyway. It turned into a bit of an editing exercise, I just can’t help myself.

When I next get the chance, I shall make the final few changes to the novel. The word count will go down by at least a few hundred. It’s amazing how many small changes can be made, even after extensive editing by myself, beta reads by writing friends and professional editing.

Now is the point where I have to call it a day. To finish it, before it finishes me. This novel has been a bit like a naughty child or kitten. It’s given me years of grief and sleepless nights, but it’s grown into something I’m proud of and I can’t wait to share it with the world, though I’m sure a lot more sleepless nights are still to follow.

Poppy is finally asleep, so I guess it’s time to start tackling those changes.

Book review – Trisha Ashley’s Creature Comforts.

Posted on September 12, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I rate this book 4 out of 5. I recently won a free copy of Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley in a twitter competition and I’m really happy that I did.

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The premise of the book draws you in and the story keeps you turning the pages. I enjoyed every aspect of it, but especially the dogs at Debo’s Desperate Dog Refuge. The characters were fun to be with and I was sad when the book came to an end. I recommend this book, but beware you won’t want to put it down.

Unexpected bonus of proofreading

Posted on September 9, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Since I started proofreading my novel last week, I’ve managed to finish editing a short story so it’s ready to send to competitions, edit a flash fiction piece which is also ready to submit when I’ve found the right title, and write two new flash fiction pieces. I’ve also got plans to revisit two short stories that received very helpful critiques from Writer’s Forum. Finally, it gave me the idea for this short blog, so I really think I should proofread more often.

Time to put my Proof Read Top 10 Checklist to the test

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The kids are back at school today and apart from feeling a little nervous for them, I’m also feeling nervous about the task I have set myself; to proofread 153k words before self publishing later this year. I’ve printed my Proof Read Top 10 checklist (with a couple of additions from other writers) and have everything set up ready.

Now its time to shut down the internet, disconnect the phone and escape into the summerhouse.