Editing Tips March 2025
Photo Credit: Technology Devices Electronics - Free photo on Pixabay
Welcome to the March 2025 Editing Tips newsletter!
The various seasons of our life often determine what we as writers decide to write about, how much time we have to dedicate to our writing, and how we choose to publish.
Beyond my editing, my focus will be on completing Paralympian Deb Willows’s second memoir. Despite several delays, we are on the homestretch.
What are your writing goals for the next quarter of 2025? How did things go in Q1?
And now for this month’s tips:
Editing Tip
When selecting vocabulary, be certain to keep your target audience in mind. Consider their level of education, their familiarity with the subject matter about which you’re writing, how they may be “triggered” by the elements of your story or nonfiction work, etc.
Many readers enjoy expanding their vocabulary and their understanding of various topics. However, if our work is consistently “beyond them,” they may set our writing aside.
Equally important is not “talking down” to our readers, even if we write for children.
Levels of Editing
I do offer a manuscript critique. I do not, however, specialize in developmental/substantive editing.
If you’re looking for an editor to help you develop your book from start to finish, it’s best to hire an editor with extensive knowledge on your subject matter / in your genre.
As is advisable when hiring any editor, be certain that the service(s) a prospective editor offers align with your needs.
Tip for Fiction Writers
When it comes to choosing what to write, there’s a plethora of genres and subgenres to choose from. And while it makes sense to choose a genre that is selling well when determining what to write, if you don’t enjoy reading in this genre, it’s highly unlikely you will enjoy writing it. And that can come across in your work.
While you can learn the genre conventions of virtually any type of story, the more recently published novels and short stories you read in your chosen genre, the more likely you will learn reader expectations and begin to apply them to your own work. And this is much easier if you enjoy what you’re reading … and what you’re writing.
Tip for Nonfiction Writers
Research is extremely important when it comes to nonfiction writing. The more information you gather on your subject, the more you’ll be able to effectively share it with your readers.
However…
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll use all the information you gather in your book (or blog post).
An important part of writing effective nonfiction is not only knowing how much information to include but also how much to leave out.
Tip for Memoir Writers
It’s extremely beneficial for memoir writers to learn fiction writing skills.
Many specifics that constitute effective fiction writing also make a memoir engaging.
Character arcs. Plot development. Setting description. Pacing. Closed story loops. And much more.
Deep Point of View Basic
When writing in deep point of view, ask yourself the following questions:
Would my POV character know this?
Would they express it this way?
Would they pay attention to this detail?
Does their dialogue, both external and internal, reflect their level of education, emotional state, feelings toward the other character(s), etc.
Have I avoided using stereotypes in my story? (This is important no matter what POV you’re writing in.)
Featured Recommendation
Author Alex Tremblador was a guest on a recent episode of The Modern Editor’s podcast.
Immediately after listening to the episode, I ordered Tremblador’s book How to Write an Identity Not Your Own.
I highly recommend it for all writers. It offers so much food for thought.
Q2 Contest Details
Are you in the market for an editor?
For every 1000-2000-word sample I receive between March 15 and April 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.
I will randomly select one project to receive a 20 percent discount.