The First Steps to Self-Editing Your Manuscript

From Edie: Learn how to self-edit your manuscript before sending it to an editor with practical tips for improving structure, flow, pacing, and readability in fiction or nonfiction writing.

The First Steps to Self-Editing Your Manuscript

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Hooray! You completed your manuscript. 

Congratulations, it’s time to celebrate. And then begin the next step, the self-edit before sending your polished baby to beta readers, an editor, a writing coach, and certainly before moving toward the publishing process. 

Shifting from writing to editing has been compared to changing hats. The author takes off the writer’s hat and puts on the editing hat. These are two excellent, yet different skills. Each writer has their unique style, and the best way to write and edit is what works best for the author and for the project in process. Many authors find they work most effectively and efficiently when they write first and edit second.

Why Writers Should Explore Multiple Writing Paths Before Choosing a Niche

From Edie: Discover why writers should explore multiple writing paths before choosing a niche and how experimenting with different projects can reveal strengths, skills, and creative direction.

Why Writers Should Explore Multiple Writing Paths Before Choosing a Niche

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

One of the most common questions I hear from writers is this: “What should I focus on first?”

The question usually comes after a writing conference, a mentoring appointment, or a season where several opportunities suddenly seem possible at once. Maybe an editor asked to see a devotion. Or an agent requested a nonfiction proposal. It could be that someone encouraged them to try articles. Or perhaps they’re simply overflowing with ideas and unsure which one deserves their time and energy.

How Writers Can Restart Their Writing Routine After a Creative Lull

From Edie: Has life interrupted your writing routine? Discover practical, encouraging ways writers can overcome creative burnout, rebuild momentum, and rediscover joy in writing again.

How Writers Can Restart Their Writing Routine After a Creative Lull

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Life happens.

Even to writers.

There are seasons when writing flows naturally and we can’t wait to get back to the page. Ideas come easily and words cooperate. During those times creativity feels alive.

And then there are other seasons.

How Writers Can Rediscover Creative Joy with a Joy Journal

From Edie: Feeling creatively exhausted? Discover how a joy journal can help writers reduce burnout, reconnect with inspiration, and rediscover the creative joy that fuels meaningful writing.

How Writers Can Rediscover Creative Joy with a Joy Journal

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

The writing life can be exhausting.

Not just physically exhausting, but emotionally and creatively exhausting too.

A few years ago, many of us walked through the upheaval of Covid. Then came recovery from Covid. And after that? A lot of us made the same mistake: we assumed life had returned to normal, so we tried to make up for lost time.

How Writers and Creatives Can Handle Social Media Criticism with Wisdom

From Edie: Discover practical and faith-centered strategies for handling social media criticism with wisdom, grace, and confidence—without losing your peace, purpose, or voice online.

How Writers and Creatives Can Handle Social Media Criticism with Wisdom

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

If we spend any amount of time online, criticism is inevitable. It doesn’t matter whether we’re writers, speakers, ministry leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, or simply someone trying to encourage others online. Social media has made it easier than ever for people to misunderstand us, disagree with us publicly, or deliberately target us.

And in 2026, the pressure feels even heavier.

Take the Risk—Write the Story: Overcoming Fear and Rejection as a Writer

From Edie: Henry McLaughlin know writing takes courage. He shares how writers can overcome fear, rejection, critique, and self-doubt to grow in their craft and confidently tell the stories they were meant to write.

Take the Risk—Write the Story: Overcoming Fear and Rejection as a Writer

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Writing is risky. And not just in the sense of facing physical danger. Although I’m sure many writers did face physical danger at one time that stimulated or inspired them to write their story.

How Writers Can Rekindle Creativity and Fall in Love with Writing Again

From Edie: Struggling with writer burnout or lost motivation? DiAnn Mills shares practical ways to rekindle creativity, refresh your writing perspective, and fall in love with writing again.

How Writers Can Rekindle Creativity and Fall in Love with Writing Again

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Successful writers must maintain a fresh writing perspective, or their writing will fall flat. No getting around it. How do we climb back onboard the optimism train when we no longer have enthusiasm about our books, blogs, articles, poems, screenplays, or other forms of content?