Do I really need an editor?

Do I really need an editor?

Most of the people in the book industry I know will say ‘Yes, definitely.’  Even if you’re a talented writer, you’re probably too close to your work to be objective. Editors aren’t proofreaders (although they will make spelling, punctuation and grammar corrections as...
Manuscript finished – now what?

Manuscript finished – now what?

Most authors type the last full stop and heave a sigh of relief.  All the hard work is done, now they can send the manuscript to the publisher and wait for their precious book to land in their hand. Sorry, but you’re just getting started – not at the end! It doesn’t...
Non-fiction still needs stories

Non-fiction still needs stories

You might hear fiction authors discussing ‘narrative arcs’ and ‘plotting’, but even non-fiction books need stories.  Why?  Because people engage more and remember better when there’s a story that brings your point to life. The difference between a fictional story and...
Your non-fiction book writing plan

Your non-fiction book writing plan

I recently read an excellent post on LinkedIn about ‘inspiration’.  The point was being made by a commercial copywriter, that professional writers can’t afford to wait for inspiration or we’d never be able to sustain a business! When you’re facing the task of writing...
One step at a time …

One step at a time …

(and here are the steps) Writing a book is a process – and every process has steps. Contemplating becoming an author can be overwhelming, especially if the idea of writing thousands of words is daunting.  But there are lots of things you can do that will make that...