Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, ELS’ Post

From the Facebook post of my distinguished editorial colleague, Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, ELS: “It is always a pleasure to read the editing-It is always a pleasure to read the editing-related musings of Benjamin Dreyer, author of 𝐷𝑟𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ and the retired copy chief and managing editor of Random House. His Substack post today is "10 Additional Stray Copyeditorial Thoughts," and I agree with most of those thoughts. https://lnkd.in/g2SqPV6Y Thought #3 (with which I agree) is this: "Good writers, I believe, appreciate being well copyedited, accent on 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 and 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙. Less adept writers may view a copy editor’s suggestions and alterations as an affront to their talent and will balk at almost everything you say, often increasingly angrily." For newish editors, I offer this advice on how to decrease authors' angst at being edited: Word your queries and comments on their manuscript respectfully, making it evident that you consider them intelligent and hardworking. Do not condescend to them or merely recite grammar rules to them or preach to them. When you see something praiseworthy in their writing, do make sure to mention it. Act like a human, not like a censor or editorial automaton. “

Ready to hand your writing over to an editor? This excellent article by Denise Cowle outlines the key pieces of information an editor will need from you. #writers #writinghelp

Finding the right editor can feel like searching for that special someone. In my latest blog, I share my journey of discovering how to find your editorial soulmate. I talk about the essential traits to look for in an editor and the important questions to ask before making that commitment. Let’s explore how to align your vision with the right editing style, ensuring your manuscript shines its brightest. Your writing deserves the best, and I’m here to help you find that perfect match! #Editing #WritingCommunity #Authors #BookEditing #Publishing #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #EditingTips #WritingAdvice #EditorialProcess

In this story, wearing my writer, reader, and curator hats, I introduce a powerful technique and show how I do it for my impactful stories, making them helpful and memorable for my readers. Writers, editors, and content curators may also use this template

Editors: Passive voice is evil! Delete it, begone! Active voice only.  Writers: Umm, sometimes it's okay, right? A lot of editors tell writers to change active voice to passive voice. In most cases, they're right. However, passive voice isn't necessarily "evil" or "terrible" for all writing. It depends on the intended meaning of the sentence, your style, and the genre of writing. Editors should ask themselves this crucial question when editing a sentence for passive voice: 🗝️ What does the sentence emphasize? If the focus is on the result of the action, or the object of the action, passive voice is acceptable and grammatically correct. ✅ The leaves WERE RAKED so the guests could walk on the sidewalk. If the emphasis is on the subject doing the action, edit to be active voice. ❌ The leaves WERE RAKED in my backyard. This sentence would sound a lot stronger in active voice. ✅ I raked the leaves in my backyard. That's it! It's that simple. If you're unsure whether or not it's okay to leave a sentence in passive voice, ask the author. They'll be able to give you a direct answer on what they want the sentence to mean for the overall message or argument. Have you found instances of passive voice in your writing and had to change it? I know I have. 😅

When choosing your words, consider them carefully. There’s quite a difference between “Have a nice day!” and . . . “Enjoy the next twenty-four hours.” Buy why? Technically they mean the same thing. This is the power of language. I don’t have a fancy term for why these two phrases ring differently. Perhaps it’s all chalked up to modern usage? Upon hearing “Have a nice day!” we imagine a friendly cashier bidding us farewell. Upon hearing “Enjoy the next twenty-four hours,” we might imagine ourselves under threat. I find that absolutely fascinating! It also proves that editors can be invaluable in the writing and editing process. You might think your phrasing is fine, but as an outsider, an editor can evaluate how the average reader might interpret your words. Language is powerful. Don’t you want to make sure you’re saying what you intend to say? Consider a professional line editor or copyeditor for your next project to help get your phrasing just right. === I still have plenty of upcoming spots for edits! If you’ve been wanting to reach out, even just to learn more, now is a great time. My email and DMs are open! === I’m Jeanette 👋 a copyeditor and self-editing instructor whose aim is to demystify the editing process. In my spare time, I’m a content writer and fiction writer, and my nonfiction mermaiding book (Modern Mer) is available on Amazon. Follow my profile or #Jeanettediting to see more of me in your feed! #writer #writing #editor #editing #writingcommunity #creativity

Imagine the conversation: an author wants their manuscript edited by Christmas. The word count? Let's say 80,000 words. (Ish.) "And you want it done by THIS Christmas?" 😳 I'm sure I'm not the only editor who has had to deal with unreasonable deadline demands by authors. More often than not, it's because they simply have no idea how long the editing and publishing process can take. Managing expectations is a really important conversation in the editor-client relationship. We know that editing isn’t just about correcting grammar or polishing sentences. It’s also about ensuring clarity, consistency and credibility. While it can be time-intensive, editing is a vital step in the writing process that should never be rushed. So an 80,000-word edit in the run-up to Christmas just wouldn't work for me. Taking the time to refine a piece of writing – and especially your book – can make all the difference, especially at a time when clear, impactful communication is critical. Each edit contributes to a polished, professional final product that builds trust with your readers and communicates your message effectively. Editing isn’t a stage to speed through; it’s an investment in quality and precision. ☝🏾 So, here’s to those extra hours (days, weeks?) spent polishing every line, every detail, plus some deep-dive fact-checking "just to be sure". It can make the difference between your reader's breakthrough or a very frustrating read! 🙌🏾 Which client expectations have you had to manage recently? 🤔 If you have a manuscript that requires editing, choose your editor wisely and please plan ahead to avoid disappointment. My DMs are open... ******* I am a Christian copyeditor and proofreader, aka the 'Corset for Flabby Writing®’. I enhance the written word of nonfiction authors, ministers and entrepreneurs so their message aligns with their readers for greater impact. 📆 21 NOV 24 🔔 Message for more info • Connect and follow for editing insights 👉🏾 Click the 'View my services' link in my bio for more info #Copyediting #ChristianEditor #CorsetForFlabbyWriting #AttentionToDetail #QualityEditing

Have you ever regretted not editing your work more thoroughly? Hey, fellow writers! Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a piece of writing, only to have it fall flat with your audience? I know I have! Meet Sarah, a talented author who spent years crafting her debut novel. She was thrilled to finally share it with the world—until the reviews started rolling in. “Confusing plot twists.” “Typos and grammatical errors.” “Hard to follow.” Ouch! Sarah was devastated. She had missed the chance to make a lasting impression on her readers. And it was all because she had skipped one crucial step: professional editing. As a book editor and writer, I've seen it time and time again. We writers are so close to our work that we can't see the forest for the trees. We assume that a quick proofread is enough (guilty as charged!). But the truth is, a professional editor is not just a “nice-to-have,” but a “must-have” for any writer serious about their craft. So, what can a professional editor do for you? - Clarify your message and structure (because who doesn't love a good map?). - Enhance your writing style and tone (think of it as a makeover for your words!). - Catch those pesky errors and inconsistencies (because typos happen to the best of us!). - Help you connect with your audience (the ultimate goal, right?). Don't let your hard work go to waste. Don't let errors and confusion get in the way of your message. Take the time to invest in a professional editor. Your writing and your readers will thank you! Share your experiences in the comments below! And if you're a writer looking for a professional editor, let's connect and discuss how I can help you shine!

If you've wondered about what AI-powered editing platforms can do for fiction writers, these reviews give a great overview of the strengths and weaknesses from a book editor's perspective. #editors #writingcommunity #ai

Put your best writing out there with the help of an editor. #HireAnEditor to help your writing be memorable for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones. Learn more about what a professional editor can do: