Tag Archives: editing

How to identify passive constructions in your writing.

Explore the nuances of passive vs. active voice in writing. This blog dives into the common misconceptions about passive constructions, explaining when and why you might choose one over the other. Discover tips on identifying the passive voice, the impact it can have on your writing, and how to make effective edits for clearer, more engaging prose. Perfect for writers and editors looking to refine their storytelling techniques.

How readers and writers connect through common experiences

Discover the surprising power of common themes in storytelling. This blog delves into why everyday experiences like love, loyalty, and trust captivate readers and how writers can make familiar concepts feel fresh and engaging. Explore insights from Lisa Cron’s Story Genius and learn how to resonate deeply with your audience by weaving the magic of the mundane into your narratives.

Do you need a comma with ‘so’?

If ‘so’ means ‘therefore’ — YES. If ‘so’ means ‘so that’ — NO. And why am I sharing this post? Well, three reasons: To share this tip far and wide. Feel confident about the placement of this comma – Share this post so others can learn from it too. To let you know I shareContinue reading “Do you need a comma with ‘so’?”

Could you make a ‘permeance’ slip? It depends on your process.

Step 1: The creative writer is hammering the keyboard at speed. There’s a slip of the fingers and ‘oops’: they type ‘permeance’ instead of ‘permanence’.Step 2: The writer finishes the manuscript and runs a spell-check. But the spell-check does not see a misspelling.Step 3: The writer self-edits and reads what they ‘think’ is there ratherContinue reading “Could you make a ‘permeance’ slip? It depends on your process.”

The Value of Community in Writing and Editing | A Gratitude Post

✨ A Gratitude Post to See Out the Week ✨ I joined a Zoom meeting the other night and felt nervous while waiting. It was a writers’ group, and their agenda mentioned editing. I thought it might be helpful to join, hoping I could offer something valuable to the discussion. Even if I stayed quiet,Continue reading “The Value of Community in Writing and Editing | A Gratitude Post”

Achievement unlocked 🎉 I’m a professional editor and I’ve got the badge to prove it!

This is pretty epic for me… The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading have upgraded me to Professional Member status. When I was a newbie editor, I was on their ‘entry level’ membership. After I’d completed some courses with them, I moved up to ‘intermediate’ level. And then I stayed at intermediate for several yearsContinue reading “Achievement unlocked 🎉 I’m a professional editor and I’ve got the badge to prove it!”

What this editor wants to know from the word go and why this enquiry ticks many boxes

Here’s what I love about this email that landed in my inbox this morning.  ⭐ ‘Indie author’: I’m all about the indies, and I love helping early-career authors. 📞 ‘Someone suggested I contact you’: Excellent. I love to hear from people who’ve come to me via word-of-mouth recommendations.  💬 ‘Would love to chat’: Me too.Continue reading “What this editor wants to know from the word go and why this enquiry ticks many boxes”

Talking to an editor: enrichment for all!

Apparently, talking to me is ‘enriching’! I’ve just come off a Zoom call with the student newspaper group at Notre Dame College in Leeds. I was invited along to talk about my job as an editor. What I really wanted to do was to set my job in context and to show the Year 12sContinue reading “Talking to an editor: enrichment for all!”

Between the lines: Cherry Edits off the books.

I live and breathe books: that’s true. And a bookish life is the best life of all. But like all the best novels, worldbuilding matters. Today, I’ll share a wider view of what I get up to when I’m not editing. Claire Cronshaw bakes! I’m a basic baker. I often use the cook book that’sContinue reading “Between the lines: Cherry Edits off the books.”