As editors, we work with writers to fix problems. While it is satisfying to identify problems and help writers improve their work, one of the hazards of editing is focusing only on what is wrong and forgetting to acknowledge what is right.
When it comes time for an author to review my edits, having a meeting with them by phone or in person can lead to changes that might not happen when the conversation happens only on the edited page.
Artificial intelligence (AI) makes me anxious. Not because I’m worried about robot uprisings or deepfakes, but because I’m an editor living through what feels like an existential moment for my profession, arguably for almost all professions. Every day brings new…
Are you writing a manuscript and wondering if anyone will want to read it? A manuscript evaluation may be exactly what you’re after.
We recommend this insightful documentary about what editing can be.
This month marks the arrival in bookstores of Service on the Skeena: Horace Wrinch, Frontier Physician, by Geoff Mynett, published by Ronsdale Press. Geoff brings readers a slice of BC history with this biography of Horace C. Wrinch, farmer, doctor,…
While doing substantive edits of several business books this year, I found myself repeating the same thing over and over again to authors: “This section could use more of a storytelling style.” These books were about different business subjects, but…
One of the best editing tips of all time, and one I apply in every project, is to begin query letters and emails to writers with a compliment before launching into the many surprising and creative ways the author may…
At an October 2017 seminar in Vancouver, Greg Younging treated editors and other publishing folk to a sneak peek at his forthcoming book, Elements of Indigenous Style. Since the book hit stores in February 2018, it’s been sailing off the…
When I’m not editing, one of my favourite activities is horseback riding. For 10 years I owned my own horse, Cannon, a retired Quarter Horse “schoolmaster” with a huge personality—think Alistair Cooke with a glass of port and a wry…