When I edit for individual authors, I typically get thanked in the acknowledgments section, and I can list it on my website. Not so for agency work. Most of my non-fiction work comes through specialized editing companies that handle the advertising, client communication, payment collection, and so on. This comes with two costs: (1)...
Most cultures have specific symbols that are used throughout that culture and understood by its members, such as a dove for peace and fire for destruction. These symbols are not universal, though: symbols depend on context for their meaning. In writing, we have the privilege of creating our own symbols. These need not be...
Some storytellers are so captivating that we don’t see the flaws in the story until we have a “refrigerator realization”, where you’re standing in front of the refrigerator and realize that there was a gaping plot hole. Usually, you don’t care, because you were entertained. For most of us writers, though, it’s important that...
Characters begin in real observation, no matter how far they may stray from that initial spark. For example, in one of my books, an important character is a talking paper giraffe. That giraffe began in two places: in a painting I saw and in some timid people I know who have performed acts of...
Line editing involves taking an existing piece of writing and reworking it, line by line, to make a better piece of writing. Sometimes this involves making or merging paragraphs, restructuring arguments, or even cutting out sections that are redundant or off topic. Most of my career has been spent in technical areas, and my...