Reading time: Less than 4 minutes You’re probably not an athlete so why am I talking about pep talks? They work! Even pep talks for writers…. As we approach the end of 2018, you may be facing feelings of regret or, perhaps, even dread. Do you find yourself thinking or …
How to give yourself a pep talk that actually works Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Most of us don’t like criticism, but as writers we need to learn how to be edited. Here’s a great trick for making negative feedback positive…. When I was writing stories for a national magazine, many years ago, I had one editor who particularly …
Reading time: Less than 5 minutes Do you want to improve your sentence structure? Here are seven types of sentences that you should eschew…. I like reading text that sounds as if the writer is speaking to me. I also like watching ice skating that looks as though it is …
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Sometimes, being “sticky” is a desirable trait. At other times, it’s a bad idea. Here’s how to figure out if you’re using too many sticky words…. Ever since Chip and Dan Heath wrote the 2007 bestselling book Made to Stick, many of us have seen the …
Reading time: About 4 minutes Clients often ask me if their writing is “professional enough.” Here’s how to know if your writing is good enough to make the grade… I used to read a blog written by someone who had serious writing challenges. I was interested in her content so I usually …
This post first appeared on Sept. 15, 2009. Reading time: About 3 minutes There are two main types of writers in this world and here are three editing tips for each of them. A subscriber wrote to me recently with the alarming subject line “writing discipline” and told the following story: “I’ve …
Three ways to beat the editing monster Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Usually, taking vacations means having less work. But my recent editing vacation has been highly productive… I write this column from British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, in a little cottage overlooking the ocean. I’m alone and it’s blissfully quiet. Right now it’s a cool rainy day …
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes What do you do when Hemingway needs help? Call another editor! Do you know the proverb, ‘two heads are better than one’? In addition to applying to life, you should also be aware it governs editing apps. Even good ones, like the Hemingway editor. …
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Several readers recently asked me how to eliminate the verb ‘to be’ in their writing. Here’s how… When Hamlet moaned, “to be or not to be, that is the question” he was actually reflecting the dark thoughts of many overworked editors. Writers frequently use …
Reading time: About 5 minutes Have you ever wondered how to build a style sheet? Has your boss ever asked you to create one? Here’s a straightforward guide on how to accomplish the task… I’ve long held the belief that good copy editors are born, not made. I’m a very good substantive …
How to build your own style sheet Read More »
"*" indicates required fields
