Category: Editing

Editing

How Acorns Investing App Helps Freelance Editors Plan for the Future

Cayla

As a freelance novel editor, I know the importance of focusing on the finer details. Whether it’s a character arc or ensuring continuity across multiple chapters, every small effort builds toward the larger goal: a polished, compelling novel. In a similar way, small, consistent actions can have a big impact on personal finances. Enter the Acorns investing app—a tool designed for those of us who might not have a finance degree but want to secure a more stable financial future.

What is Acorns?

Acorns is a micro-investing app that allows you to invest spare change by rounding up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar. Imagine paying $2.50 for your coffee, and Acorns takes the extra $0.50, investing it into a diversified portfolio on your behalf. It’s effortless, automated, and beginner-friendly—perfect for busy freelancers like me.

How Editing and Investing Are Alike

The similarities between editing and investing through Acorns are surprising. Here are a few ways that both my work and Acorns follow the same principles:

1. Small Changes Make a Big Difference

When editing a novel, it’s the subtle shifts in tone, the slight tweaks to dialogue, and the adjustment of pacing that can turn a good story into a great one. Similarly, with Acorns, those tiny spare-change roundups—insignificant on their own—grow over time into something substantial. Consistency is key. In editing, just like in investing, it’s about focusing on the long-term result.

2. Automated Processes Save Time

Just like a well-organized editorial schedule saves me time and energy, Acorns’ automation does the same for investing. The app handles everything, from pulling funds to choosing a portfolio, allowing me to focus on what I love—helping authors perfect their stories—while my money grows quietly in the background.

3. Investing in the Future

Editing a manuscript is an investment of time and effort that ultimately pays off when the novel is ready for publication. Similarly, using Acorns is an investment in my financial future. I might not always have the stability of a 9-to-5 job or a steady paycheck as a freelancer, but with tools like Acorns, I’m creating a safety net that grows as I continue to work and grow my business.

Why Freelancers Should Consider Acorns

Freelancing comes with many uncertainties, and for many of us, retirement planning is a distant afterthought. Acorns makes it easy to invest without requiring large sums of money upfront. For someone like me who juggles multiple projects, clients, and deadlines, the app simplifies investing in a way that fits naturally into my work life.

By making small, consistent investments, freelancers can build financial security over time—just like crafting the perfect plot or helping characters come to life. Acorns is more than an app; it’s a tool that empowers freelancers to focus on their work while planning for the future.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a freelance editor, writer, or creative professional, managing both your work and finances can be a challenge. The Acorns app offers a practical, low-maintenance solution to grow your investments. Just like editing, it’s a process of refinement and small, deliberate improvements that lead to long-term rewards. It’s time to invest not only in the stories we help create, but in our own futures as well.

Cheers!

Cayla!

Editing

Crafting Engaging Dialogue: Breathing Life Into Your Characters’ Conversations

Cayla

Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a writer has to convey character, advance plot, and immerse readers in the story. But it can also be one of the trickiest elements to master. Stiff, unrealistic dialogue can pull readers out of the narrative, while natural, engaging conversations draw them deeper into your world. Here are some tips to help you create dialogue that feels authentic, dynamic, and compelling.

1. Let Your Characters Speak Like Real People (But Not Exactly)

Real-life conversations are often filled with filler words, tangents, and pauses, but that doesn’t mean your characters should talk like that on the page. Dialogue in fiction should feel natural while still being more polished than everyday speech.

Avoid long-winded exchanges or repetitive phrases that bog down the narrative. Each line should serve a purpose—whether it’s revealing something about a character, building tension, or moving the story forward. But make sure it’s not too perfect; leaving in the occasional “uh” or “well” can add authenticity.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

Dialogue is a great way to show rather than tell your readers what a character is feeling or thinking. Instead of telling readers that a character is angry, let their words reflect that emotion. Short, clipped sentences can show frustration, while rapid-fire exchanges can indicate rising tension. Likewise, a character who stumbles over their words might be nervous or unsure.

Example:

  • Telling: “I’m really mad at you,” John said angrily.
  • Showing: “Oh, so this is what we’re doing now?” John’s voice was sharp, his fingers gripping the table’s edge.

3. Keep It Concise

In real life, we might spend several minutes debating something mundane, but in fiction, you want to avoid lengthy, irrelevant conversations. Your dialogue should get to the point and focus on what matters to the story. Long speeches or overly detailed explanations can lose readers’ interest.

When in doubt, trim the excess. Can you say the same thing with fewer words? Readers will appreciate a brisk pace.

4. Differentiate Your Characters’ Voices

Every character should have a unique voice, and their dialogue should reflect their personality, background, and current emotional state. A college professor might use more complex words, while a teenager might speak more casually. A confident character will sound different from someone who’s shy or insecure.

Listen for individual rhythms, quirks, and styles of speech. Even without dialogue tags, readers should be able to tell who’s speaking based on how they talk.

5. Use Subtext and Implication

Sometimes, the most powerful dialogue is what isn’t said. People rarely speak their minds outright, especially in emotionally charged situations. Let your characters’ words carry deeper meanings, using subtext to imply their true feelings.

Example:

  • Explicit: “I’m sorry I cheated on you. I made a huge mistake.”
  • Subtle: “Look, I never meant for this to happen. You know that, right?”

The second example carries the weight of an apology without saying it outright, leaving room for tension and interpretation.

6. Add Action and Reactions

Dialogue shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Break up lines with actions or reactions that add texture to the scene. This helps avoid the “talking heads” effect, where it feels like characters are just spouting words without moving or interacting with their environment.

For instance, instead of just having characters exchange words during a heated argument, show their body language: clenched fists, pacing, or looking away. This adds depth to their emotions and the scene.

Example:

  • “Fine, you win,” Sarah muttered, slamming the drawer shut and turning away.

7. Avoid Information Dumps

While dialogue can be a tool for delivering information, be careful not to turn it into an info dump. Characters shouldn’t sound like they’re lecturing or giving the reader a history lesson. If you need to convey a lot of information, break it up with actions, inner thoughts, or let the reader discover some of the details naturally as the story progresses.

Final Thoughts

Engaging dialogue draws readers into your story, makes characters feel real, and keeps the narrative flowing smoothly. By using dialogue to show emotions, reveal character traits, and advance the plot, you’ll create conversations that your readers won’t want to skip.

Remember, I’m a professional copy editor and proofreader that is happy to help with any of your manuscript needs!

What challenges do you face when writing dialogue? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what strategies work for you!

Cheers!

Editing

Polishing Your Fiction: How to Strengthen Your Plot for Maximum Impact

Cayla

As a writer, you may have a cast of characters who feel authentic and real, but without a strong plot to back them up, their story can fall flat. Just like a house needs a solid foundation, your narrative needs a sturdy plot to keep your readers hooked from beginning to end. Here are some tips to strengthen your plot and elevate your story to the next level.

1. Understand the Core Conflict

At the heart of every engaging story is a central conflict. Whether it’s a struggle between good and evil, internal doubt, or a complicated relationship, this conflict drives the story forward. Make sure your main characters have something to fight for or against, and don’t be afraid to raise the stakes. Readers need a reason to root for your characters, and conflict gives them that reason.

2. Check for Plot Holes

A plot hole is any inconsistency or gap in your story that makes the reader question its believability. As you revise, carefully examine your storyline to ensure that every event makes sense within the world you’ve created. Are there any unexplained events? Does everything tie together logically? A good editor can help you spot these gaps and offer suggestions to patch them up seamlessly.

3. Pacing Matters

A well-paced plot keeps readers engaged without overwhelming them with too much action or bogging them down with too much description. Ensure that your story has a natural ebb and flow. Scenes of action or tension should be followed by moments of reflection or calm to give readers a breather. Keep an eye on sections that feel too slow—tightening those can improve your narrative’s rhythm.

4. Character Motivation Drives Plot

Your characters shouldn’t just react to the plot; their desires, fears, and goals should drive it. If your protagonist wants to achieve something, the obstacles they face will shape the plot. Ask yourself, “What do my characters want?” and “What’s stopping them from getting it?” The answers will help you fine-tune the events and twists in your story.

5. Subplots Should Support the Main Story

While subplots can add depth to your story, they should never overshadow or derail the main plot. If you have side stories that don’t enhance the central conflict or character development, consider cutting them. However, well-placed subplots can add layers to your narrative, making it richer and more complex.

6. Surprises and Twists

Predictability can kill a reader’s interest, so keep them on their toes by incorporating unexpected twists. However, make sure that these surprises are earned. A twist should feel shocking but inevitable in hindsight, not random. When done right, these moments can leave a lasting impact and make your plot memorable.

7. The Resolution Should Feel Satisfying

Once you’ve built up the tension throughout your story, it’s important to deliver a resolution that feels satisfying. That doesn’t always mean a happy ending, but it should feel fitting for the characters and the journey they’ve been on. Loose ends can frustrate readers, so make sure everything is wrapped up—or at least addressed—by the conclusion.

Final Thoughts

Creating a strong plot takes time and careful consideration, but with these tips in mind, you can shape a story that grips readers from start to finish. Remember, a solid plot enhances the depth of your characters and keeps the narrative on track. And, of course, having a skilled editor to review your work can help identify the elements that will truly make your story shine.

If you’re working on a manuscript and want feedback on how to strengthen your plot or characters, feel free to reach out to me for professional copyediting services. Together, we can bring your story to life in the most compelling way possible!

Cheers!

Editing

The Art of Character Development: Tips for Creating Real and Relatable Characters

Cayla

Character development is at the heart of any compelling fiction. Readers connect with stories through characters, so crafting relatable and well-rounded individuals is essential. Here are some tips to enhance your character development process.

1. Start with a Strong Foundation: Create detailed character profiles that include background, motivations, and desires. This foundational work informs their decisions and reactions throughout the story.

2. Show Growth and Change: Dynamic characters evolve over the course of the narrative. Allow them to learn from experiences, face challenges, and ultimately transform, making their journeys more engaging.

3. Use Flaws to Build Depth: Perfect characters can feel unrealistic. Give your characters flaws or insecurities that make them relatable and human. This complexity adds richness to their personalities.

4. Establish Clear Motivations: Understand what drives your characters. Whether it’s love, revenge, or a quest for knowledge, clear motivations guide their actions and decisions, creating a believable arc.

5. Create Diverse Relationships: Characters are often defined by their interactions with others. Develop relationships that reveal different facets of their personality, from friendships to rivalries.

6. Utilize Dialogue Effectively: Authentic dialogue can bring characters to life. Pay attention to their unique voices and ensure their speech patterns reflect their backgrounds and personalities.

7. Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than explicitly stating a character’s traits, illustrate them through actions, decisions, and interactions. This approach allows readers to infer and engage more deeply with the character.

8. Use Backstory Wisely: While backstory is important, reveal it gradually. Integrate it organically into the narrative to maintain pacing and keep the reader’s interest.

9. Avoid Stereotypes: Strive for originality by avoiding clichés. Give your characters unique traits, backgrounds, and experiences that set them apart.

10. Solicit Feedback: Don’t hesitate to share your characters with trusted peers. Their insights can help you refine character traits and ensure they resonate with readers.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create characters that not only drive your story but also linger in readers’ minds long after they’ve finished the book. Ultimately, well-developed characters are the key to crafting unforgettable fiction.

Cheers!

Editing

Enhance Your Writing: The Power of Dynamic Verbs

Cayla

Using descriptive and vivid verbs helps to ensure that there is dynamic movement and a deeper connection between what your characters are doing and what your reader is seeing in their head. Without verbs, you will have wonderful characters that are mimicking Sims characters that stand around without anything to do.

Movement obviously helps to move your character, but it helps to move the plot forward. Without action, your characters cannot do anything with the other characters or perhaps it is a mystery and there is a piece of evidence in the room with them. Without being able to search in that room the character won’t ever discover that piece of evidence.

But! You don’t want to just look. When someone says they looked for something, we don’t hardly get any information about how that happened. Did Sally scour the windowsill looking for fingerprints? Did she gloss over the papers on the table only to miss a key element?

There are so many words out there that when used get the point across, but they don’t actually paint a picture unless paired with an adverb. Sure, the woman walked confidently, but when you swap walk for the word strut, now you don’t need confidently.

Here are a few words that we can swap for more descriptive verbs.

Walk: Stroll, hike, promenade, saunter, march, amble, stride, tread, pace, toddle, totter, stagger, perambulate

Run: Sprint, dart, bolt, canter, gallop, trot, zoom, hurry, speed, jog, saunter, scamper, hurtle, rush, scramble, spring, swing, swoop, dive, careen

Look: Observe, glance, stare, examine, peek, study, notice, see, glare, glaze over, scour, investigate

Go: Leave, depart, shift, take off, move on, quit, exit, take a hike, travel, drive, proceed, progress, run, walk away

Using these alternative verbs along with sensory details, you can enhance your readers’ experience! PS, if you need help with sensory details, you can find my post here!

Using say or said is totally fine! Once again though, we can give the reader more! The characters can shout, they can holler, they can stutter or mumbler, they can spit words like fire or groan them.

Saying there is something in the scene is an easy way to start painting the picture in the reader’s head, but with so many words available to us, we can swap out those two words with more vivid imagery.

There was a horn honking in the distance can go from that to: John jumped at the sound of a horn blaring through the silence, jolting him from his trip down memory lane.

Remember, it is always okay to keep things simple in some aspects. Everything doesn’t have to be flowery prose and if someone simply said something, then use that!

If these prompts don’t speak to you, snag a couple lines from one of your recent works and see about trying to rewrite them!

As always, I am a friendly and experienced copy editor with a passion for taking your written work from good to great! I’m always only a message away to chat! Feel free to drop a quick line in the comments and answer one of the prompts!

Cheers!

Editing, General Bookish

Unconventional Blind Dates: A Unique Romance Series on Kindle Vella

Cayla

Discover a Unique Love Story in My New Kindle Vella Series: “Swiped”

Are you ready for a romance that breaks the mold? Dive into “Swiped,” my Kindle Vella series that promises to capture your heart and keep you eagerly turning the digital pages. This engaging story follows two college students who find themselves in a complex situation: they can’t date each other, but that doesn’t stop them from embarking on a whirlwind of blind dates.

What’s the Premise?

In “Swiped,” meet our protagonists—two college students who are drawn to each other but face an unusual constraint that prevents them from dating directly. But, they both agree to participate in a series of blind dates set up by the college communications department as a senior project. Each date brings new challenges, surprising twists, and moments of self-discovery. As they navigate this unconventional dating journey, their path intertwines in unexpected ways.

Why You’ll Love This Series

  1. Fresh Take on Romance: If you’re tired of the same old romance tropes, this series offers a refreshing twist. Watching our characters maneuver through blind dates while their own relationship evolves provides a unique narrative experience.
  2. Relatable Characters: The story features real, relatable characters who grapple with the complications of modern dating and their own obstacles. Their experiences will resonate with anyone who’s faced the ups and downs of love and friendship.
  3. Engaging Plot Twists: Each episode is packed with surprises that keep you hooked. From awkward encounters to moments of unexpected connection, “Swiped” is full of delightful and suspenseful moments.
  4. Perfect for Quick Reads: Kindle Vella’s episodic format makes it easy to dive into the story during your breaks or downtime. With bite-sized episodes, you can enjoy a satisfying read whenever you need a quick escape.

Tropes
– friends to lovers
– forbidden dating
– college athlete
– semi public spice
– the best ride or die besties

Join the Adventure

Don’t miss out on this captivating love story. Follow “Swiped” on Kindle Vella today and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and romance. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance or just looking for a new read, this series offers something special.

Start reading now and let the blind dating adventures begin!

Editing

First impressions matter

Cayla

The Power of First Impressions: Why Fiction Copy Editing is Essential

When it comes to writing fiction, the old saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be truer. In the world of storytelling, that first impression can make or break your reader’s experience, and that’s where the magic of fiction copy editing comes into play.

Imagine your manuscript as a meticulously crafted gem. The story you’ve poured your heart and soul into deserves to shine in its purest form. But even the most dazzling gems need a skilled jeweler to cut, polish, and bring out their brilliance. This is precisely what fiction copy editing does for your manuscript—it’s the polishing touch that ensures your story sparkles with precision and clarity.

Why First Impressions Matter

In fiction, the first few pages are crucial. They’re your chance to hook the reader, draw them into your world, and make them fall in love with your characters and plot. A gripping opening can set the tone for the entire story, while a lackluster start might prompt readers to move on to the next book.

First impressions extend beyond just the initial pages. They also encompass how your characters are introduced, how the dialogue flows, and how the plot unfolds. All these elements need to be fine-tuned to engage your audience right from the get-go.

The Role of Fiction Copy Editing

Fiction copy editing is more than just a spelling and grammar check. It’s about enhancing the rhythm of your narrative, ensuring consistency in your plot and characters, and refining the dialogue to make it punchy and authentic. Good editors will:

  1. Polish Your Prose: They’ll help eliminate awkward phrasing and ensure your writing flows smoothly, making it easier for readers to get lost in your story.
  2. Sharpen Your Characters: Editors will work to ensure your characters are well-developed and consistent, helping them to leap off the page and into your readers’ imaginations.
  3. Tighten Your Plot: They’ll identify any plot holes or pacing issues, making sure your story progresses in a way that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
  4. Enhance Dialogue: Dialogue should sound natural and serve a purpose. Editors will help refine your characters’ conversations, making them realistic and impactful.

The Editing Process as a Partnership

Think of fiction copy editing as a partnership between you and your editor. It’s about working together to make your story the best it can be. Editors offer fresh perspectives and constructive feedback, helping you see your manuscript from a reader’s point of view.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a polished final product that makes a lasting impression. By investing in fiction copy editing, you’re not just refining your manuscript—you’re enhancing the overall reader experience, ensuring that your story resonates long after the last page is turned.

So, if you’re ready to give your manuscript the polished finish it deserves and make a memorable first impression, consider partnering with a skilled fiction editor. Your story—and your readers—will thank you for it.

Editing

Just a PSA from your copyeditor

Cayla

I’m not here to judge your writing! I’m simply someone hired to do a technical job! I will assess your writing and suggest edits or fix anything that is incontestable.

This will always be your work! It will always be your voice! I’m just here to make that voice clear, concise, and accurate.

I will always be your biggest cheerleader. The books I work on and the authors I work with have a special place in my heart. I will hype up everything you do, and I will always be a message away to chat.

Dishonesty doesn’t serve either party in editing. I will always be honest, but you can count that I will constructive in any criticism. Rudeness has no purpose in our jobs. I will be gentle and offer suggestions, but remember, they’re just suggestions! It will always come down to your choice in the end!

Don’t be afraid of your editors! We’re here to help you and make your work the best it can be!

Editing

Why it’s so important to show and not tell

Cayla

Show don’t tell is a phrase authors and writers hear constantly. Whether it’s from writing coaches or reviewers, it’s almost always at the forefront of any analysis of writing. What does that phrase even mean though?

Showing your reader involves putting the reader into the situation. The author describes feelings, sounds, sights. The author effectively plays to all of the reader’s senses. When telling is involved, the author will state exactly what is being conveyed.

When the author shows instead of tells, the reader feels what is happening. The reader is able to come to the correct conclusion of the emotion being felt by the character or the idea being portrayed. In the above example, a thriller author is going to have a better chance of creating that eerie setting and feeling with the first description. The second sentence doesn’t give nearly enough of an emotional connection to it to evoke the chills on the reader’s spine.

Take out those feel words. The “heard,” “smelled,” “tasted,” “saw.” The character is happy, sure, but how can the writer describe that? Did she have tears streaming down her face, her stomach aching from laughing so hard? Did her cheeks feel as though they were ready to split in two from grinning? Was there a lightness in her chest that wasn’t there before?

Choose an emotion or a scene and write! Go back and look to see how many of those feeling type words are used and then rewrite those bits.

A fun exercise I like is to select a scene from your favorite movie or show and try to write it out. Convey all the emotions and feelings without just simply stating what they’re experiencing.

Happy writing!

Editing

4 ways to fix a comma splice.

Cayla

Comma splices are so common. I think everyone was taught to just add a comma if you pause, but comma splices are just one problem that arises.

So what is a comma splice?

It happens when two independent clauses are joined by a comma and nothing else. It feels natural to take pause between those two clauses, but that pause should be a full stop period or it requires different punctuation and another device to reach a proper sentence.

So, what are the ways we can fix that?

1. You can use a conjunction!

Let’s throw it back to freshman English. Fanboys, do yall remember those? I’ll be honest, I forgot to use them all the time before I really got into focusing on grammar and writing.

2. Fix it with a semicolon!

Are your two clauses related to each other? Great! You can now get rid of the splicing comma by swapping it for a semicolon. Easy fix, right?

3. Fix it with a semicolon and a transition word.

This one adds a little flair to our last option. The transition is a bridge between two thoughts. However, although, in addition, furthermore, and understandably are all examples of those transitions.

4. Fix it with a period!

By far the easiest way to fix the comma splice is to just use a period. This is your best option when the two thoughts or clauses do not relate to each other.

Hopefully this helps someone out there! Happy writing!

Cayla