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Different Kinds of Editing

Most writers need a range of proofreaders, test readers and at least one professional editor prior to submitting their work to a publisher or embarking on a self-publishing venture. Usually editing is as simple as plunging in, reading right through a manuscript and doing a line edit using tracked changes in Microsoft Word. However sometimes a work needs a manuscript assessment for salability, a structural edit for efficiency, ghost-writing (rewriting), proofreading (a light edit) or a comprehensive edit (a combination of the above and often more than one round).   Read More

The Self-editing Process

By Terry Kleemann
Prelude
The first thing to understand is what is written here is not cast in stone. They are ideas and suggestions, based on experience, which may be helpful to you. The value of this work is something only you can determine. Therefore, whether you self edit in full or in part, you must do that which you decide is best for you.   Read More

Australian eBook Publisher’s Guide to Self-Editing

Take time
When it comes to self-editing the most important thing you can give yourself is time. Time to step away from your manuscript, so when you return you are looking at it with fresh eyes.

Kinds of editing
Structural
Before you get down into the nitty gritty of your words, you must first look at the book as a whole. Structural editing is where you can cut and move whole chapters, and paragraphs, identify any issues in plot and pace and weed out any unnecessary characters or inconsistencies.   Read More

Block paragraphs vs indented paragraphs

If you take a look at any published novel you will see there are not blank lines between every paragraph. That style of paragraphing is called ‘block paragraphs’ and is mainly only used online and sometimes in letter writing.

Usually in essays, novels, magazines, newspapers and pretty much any publication, indented paragraphs are used. This is not just an issue for typesetters. If you are planning to submit your manuscript to publishers it should be formatted properly and this includes indented paragraphs, adequate margins etc. Most publishers have these sorts of instructions in their submission guidelines.

How to use track changes in Microsoft Word

How does Australian eBook Publisher use tracked changes?
In Microsoft Word, your assigned editor used the Review tab on the ribbon and used New Comment whenever he or she had questions or comments. We have almost always had Track Changes on, which marks in red our additions and puts a strikethrough on any deletions. We have also previewed the document in its final form (if, for example you decided to accept all our changes) to look for any final errors or problems with page layout not visible due to extensive tracked changes.   Read More

Getting images and text: What is copy and paste?

This article is for beginners who don’t already know how to copy and paste files in their hard drive or text and images from PDFs, word documents, emails and websites. Not for Mac users.

Did you know you can save time when it comes to writing letters, emails, websites and flyers by copying images and text from other electronic documents? If you want to make your own tailored information for customers in Microsoft Word, or other programs, read on for how you can get images and text from documents, websites and emails.   Read More

Is it an editor's responsibility to ensure your book will be saleable to book stores?

This must be negotiated up front with your editor. If you don't divulge your publishing and distribution requirements at that stage, then your editor can't be expected to factor them into the edit. Also, you may find that some freelance editors simply do not have this skill. It is more of a traditional publishing skill than a self publishing one.

Before an Australian eBook Publisher editor edits your manuscript, your publishing plans are requested. Often the writers we work with don't know, and are either hoping to try traditional publishing or have already decided to self-publish.   Read More

Editing Tips from Australian eBook Publisher

Language settings Make sure when you write you choose a language and stick with it. For example, when writing in English, be aware that there are US, UK and AU options. Each region has different rules that apply to spelling and grammar. When writing for Australian audiences, using AU or UK is acceptable; however, US is not.

The default language on Microsoft Word is US English. This means it will pick up spelling "errors" that are really correct for AU or UK English.  Read More

Write for your readers

You know the kind of story you want to write, but do you know who’s going to read it? When writing, whether it be fiction or non, you should always consider the KAN (Knowledge, Attitude, Needs) of your readers.

You will have probably have already thought about the target audience of your book. If you haven’t, you should definitely stop to consider it. The target audience is the readership you are hoping will purchase and read your book. This is the audience you will be marketing towards. To successfully reach your target audience you must keep in mind what they want from your book. The easiest way to discover this is to review the following:   Read More

Should I release an Australian and an American English version of my ebook?

I was recently asked by one of my new customers "Is there a difference in editing style for the American market such as typically Australian words, phrases or humour that may be in the book?" My answer:

Yes there are differences and if you want a primarily Australian or a purely American version of the book, AeP editors are skilled to deliver this for you during the editing. As far as I’m aware, though, most publishers/authors do not release multiple versions of their ebook just to satisfy these differences. That would essentially double the production cost, and for what? There are no consequences to releasing an Australian-English/Culture book into overseas markets, and vice versa.   Read More

Why write children’s books about social issues?

Perhaps there is a good reason why there are not many children’s books that deal with social issues. Perhaps I am missing some unspoken feeling or rule that other children’s book authors know. Perhaps I am pretending to myself that I can write about social issues without taking a position that would alienate different groups of people.   Read More

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