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Allison Alexander

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A decision tree titled "What Type of Editing Does Your Novel Need?" Have you revised your novel? No - Revise your novel first (sign up to my newsletter for a free guide on self-editing!). Yes - Have you received beta feedback and revised again? No - get beta reader feedback first. Yes - Is your goal self-publishing or traditional publishing? (Not sure? Neither is "better," but they are very different. Research the pros and cons!" Trad - manuscript critique (maybe). Self - Does your story need big-picture feedback in areas like pacing, characterization, and worldbuilding? No - Does your manuscript need line-level feedback to ensure clarity and readability? Yes - Line edit. No - Copy edit or proofread. Yes - Do you want detailed comments in the margins in addition to a feedback letter? No - manuscript critique. Yes - Developmental edit.

A decision tree titled "What Type of Editing Does Your Novel Need?" Have you revised your novel? No - Revise your novel first (sign up to my newsletter for a free guide on self-editing!). Yes - Have you received beta feedback and revised again? No - get beta reader feedback first. Yes - Is your goal self-publishing or traditional publishing? (Not sure? Neither is "better," but they are very different. Research the pros and cons!" Trad - manuscript critique (maybe). Self - Does your story need big-picture feedback in areas like pacing, characterization, and worldbuilding? No - Does your manuscript need line-level feedback to ensure clarity and readability? Yes - Line edit. No - Copy edit or proofread. Yes - Do you want detailed comments in the margins in addition to a feedback letter? No - manuscript critique. Yes - Developmental edit.

What Type of Editing Does Your Novel Need?

From big-picture to sentence-level editing, how do you know what will benefit your novel the most?

May 1

Want to Read Middle Grade Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read Middle Grade Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read Middle Grade Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Love children's literature? Looking for fantasy books for your kids? Here are some recommendations.

Apr 17

A hand holding a red pen in front of a blank notebook resting on a wooden surface.

A hand holding a red pen in front of a blank notebook resting on a wooden surface.

What Does a Query Critique Look Like?

Get a sneak peek into what editorial feedback on a query looks like and questions to ask yourself about whether your query is ready to go.

Apr 4

Want to Read YA Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read YA Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read YA Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

30 novels for teenagers, including classics and modern gems, to add to your TBR.

Mar 20

A Glossary for Querying Writers

A Glossary for Querying Writers

A Glossary for Querying Writers

What do terms like "blurb," "commercial fiction," "MSWL," "high concept," and "upmarket" mean? This article's got you covered.

Mar 4

Want to Read Adult Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read Adult Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

Want to Read Adult Fantasy? Here's Where to Start

30 novels, including classics and modern gems, to add to your TBR.

Feb 20

The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels

The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels

The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels

A novel's age category helps the ideal reader find it.

Feb 6

An Overview of Book Genres for Writers

An Overview of Book Genres for Writers

An Overview of Book Genres for Writers

Seven genres that are currently popular and questions to ask yourself when writing them.

Jan 2

The Anatomy of a Book Cover: How Design Expresses Story and Genre

The Anatomy of a Book Cover: How Design Expresses Story and Genre

The Anatomy of a Book Cover: How Design Expresses Story and Genre

How book cover design gives readers a taste of what's inside.

Nov 21, 2024

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