Welcome to the Shortcuts for Writers Blog
Behind The Rewrite With Justin Doyle: 5 Major Changes To YA Space Opera @JustinD_n_Space
Welcome to Justin Doyle who gave us a sneak peek behind the rewrite of his YA space opera, Embargo on Hope. Here are five areas that Justin focused on while editing his science fiction book.  Embargo on Hope took me over fifteen years from first words on paper to...
Editing Shortcuts For Writers – Writer’s Tribe Talk Show Interview
If you could use some editing tips, then I'd love for you to check out my interview on The Writer's Tribe Talk Show. Host Elsa Kurt asked me lots of insightful questions about my writing journey, how I became an editor and online course creator, and the common...
Take On The Grammar Habit With These Simple Steps
If grammar is your nemesis as a writer, then let me introduce you to Ellen Sue Feld, the creator/instructor of online grammar refresher courses at grammar-lion.com and the author of Comma Sense: Your Guide to Grammar Victory. Below, Ellen offers valuable advice on...
5 Common Mistakes Authors Make When Outlining Novels
I'm sure you'll enjoy this guest post on outlining from Rose Atkinson-Carter, a writer with Reedsy. Itâs one of the greatest debates in the #amwriting world: should you outline your novel before writing it, or should you pants it? At the end of the day, the answer is...
6 Ways to Truly Get to Know Your Characters @thenovelsmithy
Thanks to Lewis Jorstad of the Novel Smithy for this guest post. Be sure to head over to his blog to read my post on 5 Line Editing Tips for Polishing Your Prose. When most writers sit down to outline their characters, their first order of business is creating...
Time Blocking Tips And Princess Trivia – A Tale Of 2 Interviews
I love doing interviews on podcasts and YouTube channels for readers and writers. Below, you can find out more about my two latest conversations and how to listen in. Could you use some time management tips? Then be sure to check out my interview on the Author Your...
Editing And Formatting For Authors Free Workshop Replay @AuthorEncounter
Last weekend, I was honored to participate in an Editing and Formatting for Authors panel discussion organized by my friends Nan and Bethany at The Author Encounter. This event was part of The Author Encounter's Indie Author Day. I was joined by freelance editor Deb...
Behind The Rewrite With Maureen Fisher: 5 Steps To Revising A Mystery Novel @AuthorMaureen
Hi, my name is Maureen Fisher. As a guest blogger on Behind the Rewrite, Iâm delighted to share my editing experience at Stacy Jubaâs competent hands. After reading Stacyâs 10-page edit summary of Deadly Thanksgiving (A Senior Sleuth Mystery - Book 2), I realized Iâd...
Behind The Rewrite With C.E Flores: Revisions Inspired By Free Editing Class
Today's Behind the Rewrite meant a lot to me as author C.E. Flores made her revisions after taking my free editing class, Line Editing Made Simple: 5 Days to More Polished Pages. If you haven't gone through the course, be sure to sign up. And if you took it a long...
Behind The Rewrite With Amber Lambda: 5 Fiction Editing Techniques
It's always fascinating to see what goes into the rewrite process. I'm delighted to welcome Amber Lambda, who shares five changes she made to her YA fantasy novel, Halos. Below, Amber, describes the fiction editing techniques she used when revising her book. ***...
Behind the Rewrite With Stacy Juba: Rewriting An Old Manuscript
As a freelance developmental editor, I often send long editorial letters and suggest major rewrites. When clients are discouraged, I remind them that I'm an author, too, and can relate to difficult rewrites. However, I'm not entirely sure they believe me! So, I'm...
3 Free Tools For Authorpreneurs: Build Your Indie Author Empire
Many authors think of themselves as artists or creatives, and that's definitely true, however, they are also entrepreneurs. In the literary world, we call them authorpreneurs. Your book is a product. If you want it to to sell, you need a solid business plan and an...
Improve Your Skills With These Free Grammar Resources
 I've found some wonderful free grammar resources to share from my friend Ellen at Grammar Lion, which you'll find listed below. As a freelance developmental editor and line editor, I work with a lot of writers. Many of them have problems with grammar and...
Self-Editing Tips For The Indie Author Podcast Interview @lkhillbooks
Do you know you need editing, but are worried about how you're going to afford it? Would you love to do a lot of it yourself, but know you have blinders on when it comes to your own work and that self-editing may not be your strong suit? Never fear! Recently, my...
Free Time Management For #Writers 5-Day Challenge #Writing
Could you use some time management tips? Then you're invited to check out my free 5-day Time Management for Writers challenge. Every day from Thursday, June 17 through Monday, June 21, I'll be giving my followers a small challenge on Facebook and Instagram. It will be...
