Welcome to the June 2025 issue of Editing Tips!

Consistency - I have often said I’m consistently inconsistent.

While that’s an exaggeration (sort of), there would be benefits to me and others if I were more consistent in several areas.

How about you?

Do you write consistently? If not every day, several times per week.

Do you have a consistent editing process?

Do you consistently add to your writing and writing-related skills development/knowledge?

Editing Tip

Consistently adding to your vocabulary will make it easier to replace overused words in your writing.

I have recently begun to follow several groups on social media that list lesser known words and their meanings. Now to deliberately add to my vocabulary.

Tip for Fiction Writers

Don’t know what to write next?

Why not consider trying your hand at your favourite genre/one of your favourite genres?

The more you read a specific genre, the more ingrained reader expectations and what is considered a well-written story becomes. This will give you a jump start for your own work.

Be sure to read recently published works to learn what today’s readers expect.

Tip for Nonfiction Writers

Do you have an idea for a book but become discouraged when you peruse the bookstore and realize how many volumes are available on the same topic?

Don’t get discouraged.

The reasons there are so many books on any given topic are almost as varied as there are volumes.

Consider the information contained in these books. Is much of it outdated? Does it depend on geographical location? Is it aimed at a certain demographic? Is it written by someone in the industry or a researcher? Are the books typically written from a single gender’s perspective?

You will bring a unique perspective, and therefore, your book may be just what readers are looking for.

Tip for Memoir Writers

I recently edited a memoir by a mom whose son asked that she not include his story in the book. It required a significant amount to rewriting, but it was important to do so.

When writing memoir, when possible, it’s helpful to check in with others who will play a significant role in the story.

Of course there are extenuating circumstances when this would not be possible or advisable, but it is worth considering.

Deep Point of View Basics

Beware of “the educated guess.”

It’s better to say, “He clenched his fists and his cheeks turned crimson,” and leave it at that.

Let your reader come to the conclusion that the non-POV character was angry rather than stating it outright.

There are at least three problems with commenting that the individual was angry, even when including the evidence that this is the case.

1. It assumes the POV character knows something for certain that they may not.

2. It minimizes the value of SHOWING how the other character responded and falls into the TELLING category.

3. It reflects a lack of trust in your reader to come to the conclusion that the individual was angry.

Featured Recommendation

I enjoyed Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work! so much that I got them in both audiobook and ebook formats. I also have the third book in the series, Keep Going, in audio.

I would recommend these quick-reads to all creatives, no matter whether they write, paint, draw, or pursue another creative endeavour.

Q2 Contest Details

Are you in the market for an editor?

For every 500-1000-word sample I receive by June 30, I will offer a sample edit and a recommendation of the level of editing I would suggest. If you decide to hire me, I will give you a 10 percent discount.