The only just literary critic is Christ, who admires more than does any man, the gifts He Himself has bestowed. – JRR Tolkien

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first draft

Rewriting and Revising Before You Edit

How Many Manuscript Drafts Should You Go Through?

How many times should you revise and rewrite your book? What should I do about editing my manuscript?

Edit Your Book

Why You Should Edit Before You Send to An Editor

Editing your book - what's the point of editing before sending to an editor? Does a book editor charge extra if my work is bad?

Whether you’re publishing your book yourself, sending to an agent, or to a publisher follow these important tips.

When you’re getting ready to send your manuscript off, always… Continue reading

Active Versus Passive Voice

Engage Your Reader with Active Voice in Your Writing

How to write and revise your novel manuscript with active voice - passive examples.

While it has it’s uses – mostly in business writing – passive voice is considered weak and unappealing.

Technically speaking, voice is determined by the property of a transitive… Continue reading

Fine Tuning Your Manuscript – Part Two

The Three S's - Scene, Setting, and Senses

How to know if your book novel manuscript is ready to be published or sent to an agent.

Stories don’t occur in a bubble.

They have to be set in a real and believable place. And what makes a scene or setting, is detail.

And what makes the… Continue reading

Simple Steps to Editing Success

Editing Your Final Draft

Why you should edit your manuscript before sending to an editor or beta readers.

Whether you’re self-publishing your book, sending to an editor, or to a publishing company — ideally you want to send your ultimate best work — even if you’re having someone else edit it for… Continue reading