Ask the Editor

Beta Readers: Part 2

Filed in Writing Tips by Erika Bennett on March 28, 2019 • 0 Comments

Receiving the first round of feedback on your manuscript can stir up a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for making it this far in the process and having real reader feedback in your hands. The flip side of that, you may find yourself in […]

Beta Readers: Part 1

You’ve successfully finished the first draft of your manuscript and are feeling pretty good about your story overall. Maybe you’re ready to take some time off before diving into revisions; or worse yet, you think it’s ready for editing. There is an integral piece of the revision process, however, many writers miss out on—beta readers. […]

Pushing Through the Middle: Reviving Your Fiction Story

Filed in Writing Tips by Erika Bennett on March 21, 2019 • 0 Comments

When writing fiction, oftentimes the middle is where most writers hit a wall and do one of two things: they quit or they keep going. The middle, however, is no place to give up. Instead, it’s time to hone in on what you can do to make the middle zone the best it can be. […]

Learning How to Take Constructive Criticism

Filed in Ask the Editor, Writing Tips by Erika Bennett on March 18, 2019 • 1 Comment

There’s a first time for everything I can still remember my first real exposure to constructive criticism of my writing. Sophomore year of college, I received my first C+ on a paper in my entire educational career. Immediately, I rationalized the grade had to be a mistake. I read the remarks my professor left on […]

New Year, Old You: Restarting a Failed Writing Resolution

Filed in Ask the Editor, Writing Tips by Erika Bennett on February 11, 2019 • 0 Comments

Less than two months ago, many of us took the time to write out long lists of New Year’s resolutions. We dreamed of becoming the next Bob Goff or Shauna Niequist—not only finishing the writing and publishing process, but also seeing our books at the top of bestseller lists. The reality for many, however, […]