@lianabrooks.bsky.socialIf you're writing a novel and want help, whether it's help writing your first book or editing your latest passion project, feel free to drop me an email. I do have a few spaces for new editing clients this year and very reasonable rates.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialThe protagonist is the most important person to the reader. The villain is the most important person to the author. Your antagonist has to be strong or your hero never can be.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialOnce again recommending authors take 45 minutes and watch Mary Robinette Kowal talk about MICE and writing.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialI have an opening for a new client October 19th.
If you'd like to claim it, email me!
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialEvery scene you write, every paragraph, every sentence makes you a better writer. It doesn't matter if anyone else reads the sentence. What matters is that you had the discipline and courage to write it.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialThe problem with writing the endings of books is that you can't just randomly freewheel and make everything up. You need to use details you've already written into the book.
All of it can be fixed in edits, but it helps to keep a list of names, colors, symbols, ect.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialI have an opening for a new client October 19th.
If you'd like to claim it, email me!
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialAre you interested in writing a book and you don't know where to start? Let me help!
I have openings for new coaching clients and I'd love to help you make your author dreams come true!
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialI have an opening for a new client October 19th.
If you'd like to claim it, email me!
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialAre there things I don't edit? Yes.
I avoid horror that centered on torture, mutilation, ect. I don't like books with kids who die. I don't take non-fiction if it's not a field of study I'm familiar with. And I don't edit erotic, but I do have a list of editors I can recommend.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialA synopsis is not a query, blurb, or sales pitch. It is a play-by-play summary of the book.
Start with one sentence per scene. Expand the explanations where needed. Use connecting words like Then, Later, Elsewhere, After That, ect. Condense where needed to hit the required page limit.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialHow long does it take to edit a novel (100-400 pages)?
First Editing Pass: 1-2 months
Crit Partner Edit: 2-8 weeks
Dev Edit with editor or agent: 3-6 weeks
2nd Pass: 2-12 weeks
Line Edits: 1-3 week
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialSometimes it's hard to remember that the only thing a rough draft needs to do is exist. It doesn't need to be perfect. It doesn't need to be full length. It needs to exist.
Stop moving the goal post and let yourself finish that first draft. You can fix it in edits.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialThe whole point of a Developmental Edit, whether you're an experienced author or not, whether you're a plotter or pantster, is to make the book look cohesive and like you planned it that way all along. Most foreshadowing is done in edits.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialThe whole point of a Developmental Edit, whether you're an experienced author or not, whether you're a plotter or pantster, is to make the book look cohesive and like you planned it that way all along. Most foreshadowing is done in edits.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialI still have an opening for an October editing client. Come work with me and let's make your story amazing!
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialLook at these options for a chapter ending:
1) There's only one bed.
2) I was being abandoned. Again.
Which one do I end with if I write Romance?
#1 - obviously.
Because ending #2 leaves the reader feeling rejected. They put the book down and are sad. #1 gives hope.
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialIf you've written and published books before and editing this one is hard:
- drink some water
- take a walk
- get some sleep
- refill the well
- remember every book is a new book and editing is still work
- you've got this
@lianabrooks.bsky.socialQuick Editing Tip:
Read the chapter out loud and see where you stumble.
Reading it aloud slows you down and makes you see the words on the page. It's a great, cheap way to find missing words and bad phrases.