Books and Other Business
A blog by Rafaela Novelli
Favourite Books of 2023
Looking back at my 2022 and 2023 reading lists, I now realise just how much I have been influenced by BookTok. I don’t even have TikTok, yet many popular titles championed by BookTok users have found their way into my life.
Fantasy and Science Fiction Editing
Fantasy and science fiction stories transport us to other worlds, taking us on epic adventures through uncharted territories, distant planets, and magical dimensions. However, these stories often require meticulous editing to help keep readers engaged. Here are 5 areas in which professional editors help authors enhance the magic of their worlds and refine their storytelling craft.
Sample Edits
Finding the right editor can be tricky. Just as every author has their own style, so do editors. While hopefully, all editors will be skilled in finding and fixing grammatical errors, each will have their own idiosyncrasies and unique style of feedback. Requesting a sample edit can be a useful experience to find an editor that is the right fit for you
Favourite Books of 2021
Perhaps it was because we were into the second year of the pandemic, or perhaps it was the personal events in my life, but this year I used books for pure escapism. When I read this year, I wanted to be whisked off to a different world.
My Santa, Your Santa: A Christmas Self-Publishing Success
A chat with Margaret Thompson, author of My Santa, Your Santa, about self-publishing, editing, and the need for diverse representation in Children’s books.
The Benefits of Beta Readers
A beta reader is a person who reads your work or manuscript and provides general feedback. Beta readers are the ‘test subjects’ for your work and should represent your general audience (they should be well-read in your genre). They will tell you what they like about your manuscript and what could be improved. Beta readers will often bring up ‘big picture’ issues such as plot holes, or issues with pacing, setting, or characterisation.
Copyediting vs. Proofreading
Copyediting and proofreading are the final levels of editing needed before your book manuscript, thesis, report, or writing project are ready for submission or publication.
While copyediting and proofreading services can sometimes be combined, there is a difference between them. Understanding this when employing an editor will ensure you are getting the service you need.
Manuscript Assessments vs. Structural Reports
What’s the difference between a manuscript assessment and a structural report?
In the world of publishing, there are many different levels of editing. Generally, a manuscript or book will go through at least three levels before publication: structural editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Today, I want to focus on structural editing or the ‘big picture’ editing.
Favourite Books of 2020
At the beginning of the year, I challenged myself to read more widely. Reading is a large part of professional development as an editor. I have always enjoyed a range of genres but had found myself slipping into the comfortable pattern of reading the same type of books. I was not doing myself any favours by limiting my reading to one small niche, so 2020 was the year to shake this up.
Why Hire an Editor?
5 ways a professional editor can help your writing
Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavour; but, you don't have to go it alone. A good editor can be invaluable, supporting your goals and vision while helping your manuscript or writing project become the best it can be.