Welcome to the July 2025 issue of Editing Tips!

I’m excited about plans I have for upcoming issues of the newsletter.

Look for the first of these new features coming in the September issue.

If you know a writer who may enjoy this newsletter and who likes writing and writing-related surprises, feel free to invite them to sign up by clicking this link: https:buttondown.com//steph_beth

Editing Tip

If using software such as ProWriting Aid, take the time to read the explanation of the changes it suggests.

You will begin to see repeated mistakes and shortcomings in your writing. Even better, you will begin to learn how to avoid them.

Just a caveat…

Remember that you don’t have to accept all the changes writing software (or a human editor) suggests. It’s your work, and you’re allowed to make the final decision.

A caveat to the caveat above…

If you’re working with a traditional publisher, know when to stand your ground and when to defer to their recommendations. You don’t want to get a reputation of being difficult to work with.

Tip for Fiction Writers

“I’m not smart enough to write a mystery.”

I’ve said those words more than once over the years.

While I may never write a cozy mystery, I’ve changed my mind about my ability to do so because I’ve read a number of them over the past few months.

If there’s a genre you would like to write but feel you lack the required skill set, one way you can change that is to dive deeply into the genre.

Read numerous books in your chosen genre.

Watch TV shows and movies in the genre.

Read current skills development books and listen to podcasts written by authors who have experienced success writing novels in the genre.

Who knows? You just might surprise yourself.

Tip for Nonfiction Writers

Properly citing your sources when writing nonfiction is especially important since you will likely include information and quotes gleaned from copyrighted sources.

(My Church History professor required students to footnote every fact they didn’t know before writing their assignments. My 10-page paper on Islam included 60 footnotes. Thank goodness of “Ibid.”)

No matter how learned you are, you will need to hone your research skills if you haven’t used them in some time. And even if research is a part of your day-to-day life, you will need to exercise those skills to ensure that you are sharing the most up-to-date, reliable information you can.

Check and double check the reliability of your sources.

Remember to cite quotes responsibly.

Get written permission to use quotes when required.

Learn about copyright law and how it applies to your work.

Tip for Memoir Writers

How can you make your memoir appealing to those beyond your family and closest friends?

In one word … relatability.

Does your audience relate to the topic of your memoir? (Remember that memoir zeroes in on a narrow segment of the author’s life rather than giving a 30K-foot overview.) Your emotional journey? Your stage of life?

Your reader may not have experienced what you have, but if they can relate in some way, your story could very well appeal to them.

Deep Point of View Basics

One of the Dangers of Writing in DPOV

To evoke intense emotions in our readers, we must be willing to experience those emotions, to possibly relive a time in our lives when we felt a certain way.

In this way, we can show rather than tell our readers what our character’s are experiencing.

How do you experience anxiety? Tightness across your shoulders? A clenching in the pit of your stomach?

How about fear? Do you become nauseated? Do you shake uncontrollably?

And excitement? Do you become a chatterbox? Are you unable to sit still?

While allowing yourself to experience and analyze a wide variety of emotions can add depth to your work, your mental, emotional, and physical health are of prime importance. I encourage you to take the steps needed to protect your health at all times, including when you are “going deep” with your writing.

Featured Recommendation

I’m a huge fan of podcasts.

Among my favourites are…

Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp

Check it out here: 460 - The Writer's Staycation: Making Time for Your Calling

The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman

Check it out here: The Next Right Thing Podcast by Emily P. Freeman - Emily P. Freeman

The Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi

Check it out here: The Lazy Genius Podcast — The Lazy Genius

I’d love to hear what podcasts you listen to, writing-related or others.

Q3 Contest Details

Do you have a manuscript you would like critiqued?

Every subscriber who reaches out by July 31 asking a question that, if answered in a future newsletter, would benefit their fellow subscribers will be entered into a randomized draw for a 50 percent discount on the critique of their manuscript.

If I don’t feel qualified to critique the winner’s manuscript, I will offer them a 25 percent discount on any of my other editorial services.