• Are You Still Making These Common Grammar Mistakes?

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    Grammar mistakes are the silent saboteurs of good writing. Just the other day, I started a new book that had been collecting dust on my shelf. Within minutes of opening it, I caught a glaring grammar mistake. Frustrated, I put the book back down. Common grammar mistakes can undermine your credibility, confuse your readers, and make even the most compelling story hard to follow. Even the best writers aren’t immune to errors. But there’s no need to memorize every rule to improve your writing skills. Instead, focus on identifying and avoiding the most common grammar mistakes. Let’s dive into four…

  • Quick Start Guide: Using Beta Reader Feedback

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    Receiving the first round of beta reader 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 another battle with self-doubt as you page through the comments. So, how can you use that beta reader feedback to take your story to the next level? This article covers exactly how to use your beta reader feedback to improve your writing. Organize the…

  • Beta Readers are More Important than You Think

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    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. After proofreading your first draft, beta readers should be your next step. Who Are Beta Readers? Think of beta readers as test subjects, or guinea pigs, for your book. They are typically the first group of people to read your manuscript in its entirety. When…

  • woman working at a desk with books stacked; manuscript review

    What to Expect from a Manuscript Review

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    At Salem Author Services, our editors offer a Manuscript Review, sometimes called an MDR, for all authors. A Manuscript Review allows an editor to become thoroughly acquainted with a piece. Manuscript Reviews are not only an important step in the editing process, but they are the very first step! Let’s dive into what these Manuscript Reviews are all about. What Is in a Manuscript Review? The Manuscript Review starts out with the title of the reviewed piece, the author’s name (or pen name), and the word count. Simple enough so far, right? Then it goes into the general overview—what the editor believes your…