• Why Freelance Editors Decline Manuscripts

    It’s one thing to receive a rejection from an agent or a publishing house—few writers win the publishing lottery immediately. Your prospective agent may have hit their quota for urban robot romance,…

  • What’s a “Reasonable” Rate?

    When I quote on a project, I prefer to offer a total package price. It’s easier for me, and it reduces surprise fees for the writer. That’s why a large part of…

  • The Importance and Limitations of Beta Readers

    So you’re feeling good about your current draft. It’s shiny, you’ve corrected the most glaring goofs, and you’re ready to move forward. But before you make any big decisions, consider farming out…

  • Ask An Editor: Kitty, Catty, Cater?

    Kitty-corner/catty-corner. I know it’s regional. But a story I edited a few nights ago had cater-corner. Which is best? First, a disclaimer: I am neither a linguist nor a lexicographer—I’m just an…

  • Ask an Editor: Punctuation with Parentheses

    Every Friday I plan on answering a writing or editing question I've received via social media—or submission on this site. Today's topic? Those lovely curvy marks known as parentheses.  Can you provide…

  • I left my heart in ACES2015

    It’s 9:00 a.m., and I’m standing on a corner where two empty streets intersect. It’s clear and sunny, but the wind gnaws at the exposed skin below the knot of my scarf,…

  • BuzzFeed, Editing Peeves, and Split Infinitives

    What—editors have grammar and style peeves? You must be shocked. Emmy Favilla from BuzzFeed asked ACES2015 attendees to write down their editing peeves as they relate to grammar or usage and used…

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    Upcoming Events

    If you’d like to discuss a project, schedule a self-editing clinic in person, or have a beer, I will be attending multiple events this winter and spring: ConFusion, January 16–18, Dearborn, MI…