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November 27, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Get your copy here!

Take your self-editing skills to the next level.

• Have you eliminated all the telling?
• Are the characters complex?
• Is every scene necessary?

Most authors will answer ‘yes!’ to these questions. But then editors and readers tell them the descriptions don’t engage them, the characters are stereotypical, and the story dragged.

How do you fix it?

Self-editing can only take you so far. But if you know the right questions to ask and you know how to interpret the answers, you’ll not only strengthen your self-editing skills, you’ll strengthen your writing.

HOW TO EDIT YOUR NOVEL doesn’t simply rehash the fiction-writing basics that create good stories-it provides examples, context, and questions that will help authors identify and strengthen their weaknesses the same way a professional editor tackles a manuscript. By combining mini writing lessons with practical self-editing tips, everything a writer needs to become a better self-editor is practically presented.

Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced author, HOW TO EDIT YOUR NOVEL can help you polish your story into a gem agents, publishers, and readers will want to keep reading.

” … bound to be a book you keep right next to your keyboard …. “
–Cristel Phelps, Managing Editor for Fiction, Elk Lake Publishing, Inc


Also check out: Intuitive Editing by Tiffany Yates Martin

Filed Under: editing, Uncategorized Tagged With: editing tips, how to edit your novel, novel editing, self-editing tips

Writing Tips & Advice from Linda Rondeau

November 20, 2023 by Karin Beery 2 Comments

What is your favorite writing craft book?

I’ve been writing professionally for over twenty years, and I have discovered styles and craft concepts are ever evolving. Stephen King’s On Writing,  isthe best writing craft book I ever read, and the advice still rings true. Also, Browne and King’s Self Editing for Fiction Writers.

Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book? Why?

Someone gave me a book, Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder (a guide to screenwriting.) I had never heard of it before, but it’s a neat book. I have yet to write a screenplay but one never knows!

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?

Writers conferences come in all flavors. I have attended many as well as taught in several. And they are all worthwhile. But I always feel the most at home at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, where God first affirmed the call to write professionally. The spiritual atmosphere alone is worth attending.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

I can’t say that I have a favorite. I belong to many Facebook writers groups, general market and Christian. I also belong to several online writers groups who provide education and tips such as: ACFW, Capital Christian Writers, Maryland Writers Association,  and Christian Authors Network. My publisher is faithful to let her authors know of good blog posts to help with our marketing, craft, and editing. I listen to a variety of YouTube and Podcast helps.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

I have a local writing group which provides a lot of support. I also belong to a peer support group through Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. I am looking for a critique partner or two. I have a very special friend from decades ago who is probably my greatest mentor. I’m the writer I am today because of her instruction and support. 

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write to the market. This is bad advice because the market fluctuates. By the time your novel or manuscript is finished, the market is looking for something different.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Be true to who you are as a writer, and write to your strengths. Good writing is good writing regardless of the genre. Secondly, know your demographic … who do you want to read your work? Identify with your reader. Don’t be selfish in your writing.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

My grandmother was a wonderful pianist. She once told me, “I know how to read music, but I don’t let that get in the way of my playing.” Once you’ve learned the craft, don’t get bogged down by the “rules.” They are conventional wisdoms, but not literal commandments. Know the spirit of the rules. Let your writing be a true and authentic version of you.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Read your manuscript aloud. If you are able to have someone else read it, that’s great. If not, use a read-aloud program on your computer. I always feel like Steve Urkel, “Did I do that?”

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

After you’ve hounded heaven with your doubts and fears, leave that discouragement at the altar. God does not call us to defeat. If He has given you a story, He has a plan for it. Sometimes, that story needs to lay fallow for a while, even years. Waiting is hard. And we ask, “How long, God?” But trust His timing. Keep writing, and praise Him while you wait.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My newest release is Lessons Along the Way in March of 2023. This devotional book was an adaptation from my many years as a contributing columnist to the religious page of our local newspaper. The print edition is currently on sale until the end of December. It is a great gift for the devotional reader on your list.

My latest fiction work is Ghosts of Trumball Mansion: a mystery and paranormal story about a romance writer and her estranged publisher husband. Reconciliation seems impossible. Not only do they struggle against the ghosts of their pasts, but the house itself seems to fight them. Strange apparitions intensify when a reconciliation seems possible. Only God can save them and their marriage.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I have five blogs that accept guest authors. (See www.lindarondeau.com/blog for descriptions and guidelines.) I also have founded a Christian Writers Co-op group on Facebook and am in the process of developing a website. For more information contact me at lindarondeau@gmail.com.


A former Selah Award winner and Carol Awards finalist, Linda Wood Rondeau writes to demonstrate that our worst past, surrendered to God, becomes our best future. Her books are inspired by her many years as a social worker, why her voice hits home with complex characters who walk off the page, and why readers relate to her non-fiction as well.

She is a breast cancer survivor and a recovering food addict. A Toastmaster graduate, she enjoys speaking to groups about her experiences as well as the writing life. The author loves to hear from readers. You may contact her through her website, www.lindarondeau.com, on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Linked In, or via Elk Lake Publishing. The author is also a writing consultant and freelance editor.

Filed Under: best practices Tagged With: advice for writers, author interview, editing tips, fiction writing, how to write novels, self-editing, writing advice, writing books, writing fiction, writing tips

Intuitive Editing by Tiffany Yates Martin (book review)

November 13, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Get your copy here!

Editing your own writing can feel like doing your own brain surgery. After you’ve completed your manuscript and you’re standing at the foot of Revision Mountain, climbing to the summit can feel impossible. It’s hard to look at your own writing with the objective eye needed to shape it into a tight, polished, publishable story—but just like writing, self-editing is a skill you can learn.

Developmental editor Tiffany Yates Martin has spent her career in the publishing industry honing practical, actionable techniques to help authors evaluate how well their story is working, where it might not be, and how to fix it. With a clear, accessible, user-friendly approach, she leads writers through every step of deepening and elevating their own work, as well as how to approach the edit and develop their “editor brain,” and how to solicit and process feedback. Intuitive Editing doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all advice or rigid writing “rules”; instead it helps authors discover what works for their story and their style—to find the best version of their vision.

Whether you’re writing fiction, narrative nonfiction, or memoir; whether this your first story or your fiftieth, Intuitive Editing will give you the tools you need to edit and revise your own writing with inspiration, motivation, and confidence.

In more than 25 years in the publishing industry, developmental book editor Tiffany Yates Martin has worked both with major publishing houses and directly with authors (through her company FoxPrint Editorial), on books by New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors and award winners as well as newer writers. She presents objective editing and writing craft workshops for writers’ groups, organizations, and conferences to help authors learn to edit their own writing and revise their stories. She also offers editing tips and advice on creative story revision for numerous writers’ sites and publications.


I’ve been itching to read this book for a while. Not only is the cover stunning, but teaching writers how to self-edit better is a passion of mine. I couldn’t wait to see what Yates Martin had to say about the process.

I absolutely agree with her.

Her book is full of valuable, relevant, necessary information authors need to strengthen their manuscripts. I’ve given almost all of the same advice to my clients.

The only small caveat I would include is that I wouldn’t personally recommend this to new authors (I work primarily with writers on their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd manuscripts). I think some of the info could be confusing or overwhelming to new-new authors, but for those authors with some experience (who’ve been studying and writing for a couple of years), I think this book is perfect. I would put this book on my shelf next to Donald Maass’s “Writing the Breakout Novel”–an invaluable resource, but a solid understanding of fiction-writing basics will make it easier to apply what you learn.

I’ll definitely recommend this book to others.

Also check out: How to Edit Your Novel: Practical Tips for Strengthening Your Story by Karin Beery

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: book reviews Tagged With: book review, editing fiction, editing novels, editing tips, how to edit, how to write, self-editing, self-editing fiction

Writing Tips from Crystal Caudill

November 6, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite writing craft book?

Writing with Emotion, Tension, & Conflict by Cheryl St. John

Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book? Why?

Can I say my favorite book again? I never see it suggested to people, but it truly is one of the best books I’ve read. Mainly because I can read it and use the hands-on practice with the actual story I’m writing. It serves as double duty for my growth as a writer and for the writing process.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?

I love the ACFW National Conference because of all the people I get to connect with. ACFW Virginia’s Royal Conference is an amazing virtual conference. You can’t beat the price, you get access to the recordings, and lots of great opportunities to network.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

I love Editing Insiders with Janyre and Sarah on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/EditingInsiders). They always provide great information and lots of help. The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (https://www.blueridgeconference.com/blog/) and Steve Laube Agency (https://stevelaube.com/blog/) blog posts come to my inbox every day.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration?

I look to Michelle Griep and Elizabeth Camden as my inspirations. The intriguing way Michelle describes things, her characters, and her story lines all inspire me to write better. I’ve been known to buy extra copies of her books and analyze the daylights out of them. Elizabeth Camden’s way of weaving in history in such a thorough manner without detracting from the story never ceases to amaze me.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?

“This is the only way to write a good story.” I’ve heard it from multiple presenters, and early on in my career, when their methods didn’t work for me, I felt like a failure. I know longer enjoyed writing.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

“Take what works for you and ditch the rest.” After years of being told there was only one way to do things, that statement completely changed my writing life. I realized we all have different methods that fit our personality. It was okay to take a part of an idea and incorporate it into your method and ditch the rest. I wasn’t a failure.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Don’t be in a rush. Take your time to learn everything you can. Practice what you learn. Get lots of feedback from those who are farther along in their journey. You are not on a deadline. Consider it “getting your degree” before getting the paying job part of your career.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Have a computer program or someone else read what you have written out loud to you. I can’t tell you how many mistakes I’ve found just by listening as I follow along with the text.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated or discouraged writers.

Go back to your reason why you write and literally write it down. Answer why you are going to do this even on the days you want to quit. Reread it every time you want to quit. And don’t compare your journey to others. God made your journey as unique as He made you.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection follows three generations of the Weise family. Meet Aldrich Weise on a Gilded Age Christmas-themed sea voyage with a criminal aboard, Lieutenant Charles Weise after WWII as he restores art to its rightful owners and hope to a broken German community, Brendon Wise as he leads a Christmas light festival to help those in, and the women who capture their attentions and their hearts.


Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. Her debut novel Counterfeit Love was a 2023 Carol Award finalist. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Website: https://crystalcaudill.com/
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Those who sign up for my newsletter get a free e-copy of my novella, Counterfeit Truth, the prequel to my Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series about 19th century Secret Service operatives hunting counterfeiters and finding love in the process.

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, fiction tips, fiction writing, writing books, writing fiction, writing tips, writing tools

Coming Soon: How to Edit Your Novel

October 29, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Last week, I’d planned for this post to celebrate the release of my first nonfiction book: How to Edit Your Novel: Practical Tips for Strengthening Your Story. However, life happens, and the book didn’t release.

Instead of becoming upset, let’s make the most of it, shall we?

Editors, agents, and writers alike love this book–if you write fiction, you will too! Will you help me spread the word about it? Just go to Goodreads and mark it as ‘Want to Read.’ Then stay tuned for release updates–I’m giving you a chance to win a free copy!

Until it’s available, you can read more about it below:

Take your self-editing skills to the next level.

· Have you eliminated all the telling?
· Are the characters complex?
· Is every scene necessary?

Most authors will answer ‘yes!’ to these questions. But then editors and readers tell them the descriptions don’t engage them, the characters are stereotypical, and the story dragged.

 How do you fix it? 

Self-editing can only take you so far. But if you know the right questions to ask and you know how to interpret the answers, you’ll not only strengthen your self-editing skills, you’ll strengthen your writing.

How to Edit Your Novel doesn’t simply rehash the fiction-writing basics that create good stories—it provides examples, context, and questions that will help authors identify and strengthen their weaknesses the same way a professional editor tackles a manuscript.

By combining mini writing lessons with practical self-editing tips, everything a writer needs to become a better self-editor is practically presented. Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced author, How to Edit Your Novel can help you polish your story into a gem that agents, publishers, and readers will want to keep reading.

“…bound to be a book you keep right next to your keyboard….”

              –Cristel Phelps, Managing Editor for Fiction, Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

Filed Under: book reviews Tagged With: how to write a book, How to Write a Novel, writing books, writing tips

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ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

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