Self-Editing for Writers: How to Know If Your Book Really Works

From Edie: PeggySue Wells shows writers how to self-edit your manuscript for structure, flow, clarity, character development, and reader impact before polishing the words.

Self-Editing for Writers: How to Know If Your Book Really Works

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

“Great writing. Great story. But what’s it about?”

That priceless feedback came from a skilled fellow author who kindly read my completed novel.

I spent so much time inside the manuscript that I understood connections the reader would not. There was what I meant, and there was what I wrote. Self-editing is the process of making sure what you meant and what you wrote are the same.

The Writers Conference Survival Guide Part 2: What to Do After a Writers Conference

From Edie: What should you do after a writers conference? Learn how to follow up with editors, submit requested material, and maximize your publishing opportunities.

The Writers Conference Survival Guide Part 2: What to Do After a Writers Conference
by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles, you attended a writers conference and met with an editor about your project.

At the end of your 15-minute meeting, the editor handed you his or her business card. “Send me the proposal. I’d like to take a look at that.”

Now What?

• Follow through. If an editor tells you to send in your project, do it! These industry professionals are busy people and only offer to look at a project if they truly have an interest. Editors report that only a small percentage of writers actually email their manuscript to the editor who requested it.

• Make changes. If an editor recommended that you make changes or restructure the order of your chapters, do it. Industry professionals only offer suggestions if they see potential in the writer and the writing. Following your meeting, do the rewrites right away, while the editor’s suggestions are fresh in your memory.

• In the subject line of your email, type the words ‘requested material.’ In the body of the email, remind the editor that you met at the writer’s conference. Editors receive lots and lots of emails and attend lots and lots of conferences, so make their job easier by helping the editor remember where the two of you crossed paths.

• Include a note in your email that says, ‘Thank you for your suggestions to improve my writing. I followed your advice and appreciated your time to reconsider the new and improved version.”

• Keep a record of when you sent the email, to whom, and what was included.

• Get to work on your next project while you wait for the acquisitions editor to get back to you. The industry standard is to allow three months for a response.

When To Connect

• At the three-month mark, if you have not heard anything regarding your submission, forward your initial email including the attached proposal to the editor with a note that says, “I’m checking to see if you’ve had an opportunity to look at this requested project.”

• Editors do their best to keep up with demands on their time but occasionally challenges ranging from an abundance of work to do to job changes to restructuring to mergers interrupt our carefully planned calendars. Once, a year later, I received an envelope (back in the day when we mailed proposals) with a note from the editor, “Cleaning off my desk, I found your proposal. It’s been so long I’m sure you found another publishing home.”

• If you haven’t heard back after two check-ins, that’s an Indiana No, and time to move on.

Typically, you will hear back from the editor after sending your requested project. Hopefully, you receive a contract to work together. And when the editor likes that project, talk about how you can help market this first collaboration, and other ideas that might make your editor’s eyes light up.

Keep attending writers’ conferences. The networking is important for your work, and staying up on industry trends is vital to your career.

For You

Polish your writing with these Quick Guides to Writing Well

After submitting your work, take a break and read a great novel series like the Marc Wayne adventure romance series

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Don't Miss the Rest of This Series on The Writers Conference Survival Guide!

Part 1: How to Prepare for Editor and Agent Appointments

Part 2: What to Do After a Writers Conference

Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells including Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.

PeggySue is a frequent guest with media including Focus On The Family, Family Life Today, and Christian Product Expo. She regularly teaches at conferences including Write To Publish, Taylor University Writers Conference, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Collaborator on multiple titles including books with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Shemane Nugent, Pat Palau, and Pam Farrel, PeggySue is a writing coach. When not writing, she parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, rides horses, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Founder of SingleMomCircle.com, connect with PS Wells at WWW.PEGGYSUEWELLS.COM, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and LinkedIn at LINKEDIN.COM/IN/PEGGYSUEWELLS

The Writers Conference Survival Guide Part 1: How to Prepare for Editor and Agent Appointments

From Edie: PeggySue Wells shares how to prepare for editor and agent appointments at a writers conference with practical tips to make a professional, confident, and lasting impression.

The Writers Conference Survival Guide Part 1: How to Prepare for Editor and Agent Appointments

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

A writers' conference is an opportune time to talk with editors, publishers, agents, and authors.

Understandably, many writers feel nervous about discussing their ideas and work-in-progress with these industry experts. But with some strategic preparation, you can have a productive face-to-face meeting.

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.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Planning Your Publishing Path

From Edie: PeggySue Wells answers the foundation questions about planning your publishing path. Discover how to choose between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with this practical guide, key questions, and decision-making quiz for authors.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Planning Your Publishing Path

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors have a variety of publishing options. Which path is best for your project? For your goals as an author?

Here are questions to serve as a guide and help find which publishing path is the best fit. 

Answer each question honestly and in alignment with your goals for your project and for yourself. 

Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?

From Edie: Discover what boutique independent publishing is and how it compares to other publishing paths. Learn how this model gives authors full ownership, professional support, and long-term control of their work.

Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?

by PeggySueWells @PeggySueWells

Writers today have more publishing options than at any point in history, and that abundance can be both exciting and confusing. With so many paths available, many writers ask the same question: Which option actually serves the author’s goals and protects the work?

One option that is gaining attention among professional authors is boutique independent publishing. Understanding how it works can help you decide if this path fits your goals.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Done-for-You Publishing Services (Part 5)

From Edie: Learn how done-for-you publishing services work, what they include, and what authors should watch for. Understand costs, control, and key decisions before choosing this publishing path.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Done-for-You Publishing Services

By PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors can choose from six publishing options to make their project available.

• Traditional Publishing
• Hybrid Publishing
• Independent Publishing
• Vanity Press
• Done For You Publishing Services
• Boutique Publishing

Done For You 

Also known as Do It For You publishing, Done For You services are designed to handle the administrative, operational, and technical parts of turning a manuscript into a book. This publishing option is a step between traditional publishing and true do-it-yourself independent publishing. Important for the author to know, the quality and ethics of these services vary widely, so do your homework before making your decision.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Vanity Presses Before You Sign (Part 4)

From Edie: Vanity presses can be confusing and costly. Learn what vanity presses are, how they work, and what authors should know before signing a publishing contract.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Vanity Presses Before You Sign

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Today, authors have a variety of options when it comes to getting their book published, including traditional publishing, hybrid presses, independent publishing, vanity presses, self-publishing support services, and boutique publishing.

Hybrid publishing and vanity presses are frequently confused, yet there are significant differences between the two. All vanity presses are author-funded, but not all author-funded models are vanity presses.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Independent Publishing and Long-Term Control (Part 3)

From Edie: A clear, practical guide to independent publishing for writers, covering control, responsibility, and long-term strategy to help authors make informed career decisions.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Independent Publishing and Long-Term Control

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors today have more options than ever before when it comes to bringing their work into the world. The publishing landscape has expanded well beyond the traditional gatekeepers, offering new pathways that didn’t exist even a decade ago.

Most authors encounter three primary routes: traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and independent publishing. Each comes with its own tradeoffs. Understanding those tradeoffs is essential before making a decision that affects a single book, and potentially an entire writing career.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options With Hybrid Publishing (Part 2)

From Edie: Learn how hybrid publishing works and whether it’s the right path for your book. This guide explains the hybrid model, its costs, benefits, and limitations, and how it compares to traditional and independent publishing so writers can make informed decisions about their publishing journey.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options With Hybrid Publishing (Part 2)

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors have several viable options to make their work available. 

Essentially, the three most common tracks are traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, or independent publishing.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options with Traditional Publishing (Part 1)

From Edie: Discover what it really takes to secure a traditional book deal. This practical guide for writers explains agents, proposals, advances, royalties, platform expectations, and how to know if traditional publishing is the right path for your writing career.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Your Options with Traditional Publishing (Part 1)

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Authors have more choices about how to feature their work than ever before. 

Essentially, the three most common tracks are traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, or independent publishing.

Traditional Publishing

Mastering Point of View: How to Fix Common POV Mistakes and Write More Compelling Stories

From Edie: Learn how to master point of view in your writing. Fix common POV mistakes, strengthen emotion, and craft compelling stories that keep readers hooked.

Mastering Point of View: How to Fix Common POV Mistakes and Write More Compelling Stories

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

How important is point of view to create compelling, page-turning, suspenseful projects? Take this pop quiz and see.

What is the issue most fixed by editors?

Point of view is the issue most fixed by editors. POV is complex and even skilled writers can occasionally shift in or out of POV without realizing it. Writers benefit from having a small circle of smart and loyal prereaders who can catch POV issues before the manuscript goes to the editor.

Struggling with a Weak Chapter? Try Rewriting from Another POV

From Edie: PeggySue shares how to revive flat scenes by shifting POV. Discover how choosing the character with the most at stake adds suspense, tension, and depth to your story.

Struggling with a Weak Chapter? Try Rewriting from Another POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

The plot is fueled by conflict, and conflict is often a matter of point of view. If your chapter lacks suspense and when a story is not working, try changing the POV. 

Consider who in the story has the most at stake. 

Writing Trends and POV Choices: How Storytelling Styles Evolve (and What Readers Want Now)

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Writing, like hair styles and clothing fashions, follows trends. Writers must stay plugged into the industry and attend the occasional conference to stay up to date with what is popular in publishing. The alternative is become a dinosaur whose career drifts out of style.

In earlier years, writers were paid per word for their work. Writers like Victor Hugo who penned Les Miserables spent the first 100 pages describing lesser characters like the Priest who gives the main character, Jean Valjean, a second chance. 

Additionally, prior to television, readers were not as familiar with how places and activities looked. Herman Melville spent the better part of Moby Dick describing life in the American colonies and the practice of whaling. The advent of widespread television made a lot of description unnecessary. Through media, readers were now aware of what other countries and lifestyles looked like. 

A Writer Can Rely on the Unreliable Narrator POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Point of View signifies who is telling or narrating the story. 

Occasionally, the reader is surprised to discover that the narrator is far from reliable. Yes, the narrator is relaying the tale but their POV is skewed. The slant can be caused from a variety of reasons. 

Be All-Seeing By Writing Third Person Omniscient

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

The Third Person Omniscient POV is told from a narrator who is all-knowing while not involved.

The cult classic, The Princess Bride, is a brilliant example of a tale told in Third Person Omniscient POV. The narrator, the grandfather, knows the actions, feelings, history, motivation, and thoughts of all the characters. Additionally, the narrator is privy to secret events and is not limited by space or time. 

Writing in Third Person Omniscient POV, the narrator shares freely about everyone and everything in the story. The narrator is not limited by space, time, or view to know anything about the workings of the tale. 

Fourth Person May Be The Least Used POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Fourth Person POV is characterized by the pronouns Anyone, Anybody, One, One's, Oneself, Somebody, and Someone.

In the commercial industry of professional writing, Fourth Person may be the least used point of view. This POV does little to assign responsibility or ownership for actions, opinions, or possessions. 

No Objections to Third Person Objective POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

In Third Person Objective POV, the author narrates what happens without sharing the character’s thoughts or feelings.

This perspective is characterized by the pronouns He, She, and They.

In stories told in Third Person Objective POV, the narrator is a neutral entity, relying on observations of characters rather than seeing from the character's head. The tale is told as if the author is a fly on the wall, a mouse in the corner, or a non-participating person in the background who is free to observe. 

Learn the Craft of Writing: The Three Lives of Third Person POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Third Person POV is characterized by pronouns He and She, They, and It.

In the Third Person point of view, the author tells the story of different characters. The story unfolds through the POV of one character at a time. 

When using more than one character to tell the story, the author does not need to vary the chapters equally, or always bounce from the hero to the antagonist and back again every other chapter. Instead, the author is free to tell the story in the most compelling fashion. The reader is not counting which character has the most chapters in their POV. 

The First Paragraph Leads to the First Chapter

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Take a look at your manuscript. Does your first line compel the reader to take in the first paragraph? Is the opening paragraph an incentive to read the first chapter?