Edit yourself like a pro. I'm a writer, editor, and book coach who has worked with more than 4,000 students, entrepreneurs, and corporate/institutional clients over the last 30+ years. You'll hear from me in your Inbox every other Wednesday at 2pm EST :) Reader Testimonials: "You're one of the cheeriest, funniest, most helpful writer-oriented people I know! Thanks for being out there!" "Love your newsletter, especially your light-handedness! Thanks :-D" "I enjoy your insights and style. Thank you for providing the newsletter!" "I am LOVING your newsletter and am very happy I discovered it 😊" "You're awesome—keep up the good work!" "Can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your newsletter. You uncomplicate things authors are puzzled about." "I so enjoy your writing and sense of humor. You make editing sound like fun!!" "I love everything about Editorial Notes. Keep up the great content!"
Heavens to Betsy, Two Rules, and Write Like You Talk!
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Hiya Reader, I have a confession. I grind my teeth. I don't just grind them — I mash and crush with gusto! I've worn an industrial strength bespoke night guard since 2003 so my TMJ does not result in, over time, my being only able to gum my food. Recently, however, I reached a new Oh heavens to Betsy, as my parents would say.* Think a friend would appreciate Editorial Notes?Send them this link to sign up:
(And if you’re the appreciative friend, you can subscribe at the same link.) Example of the WeekSometimes this is a good example—or a great one. Sometimes this is a bad example—or just a funny blooper. Sometimes a combination. You never know. Rrminds me of this gem from The Princess Bride regarding the word "inconceivable." Actionable Tip of the WeekA trick to add to your self-editing toolbox right now! Prepare to be rocked like a hurricane! Literally hundreds of thousands of students failed this quick and easy grammar quiz and... [continue reading the article] Reader Question of the WeekScott wrote: What does it mean to write like you talk? Scott! I used to give this suggestion to students when I taught ENG 101 a thousand (give or take) years ago. I agree that it isn't helpful advice by itself. So, let's start with why someone feels compelled to give this feedback in the first place... [continue reading] Want to Submit a Reader Question to Helene?Give in to the urge.
Link of the WeekWhile "heavens to Betsy" is of unknown origin* this lovely little corner of the Internet, The Grand Encyclopedia of Eponymous Laws, shows a whole bunch of things named after people, like Ruckert's Law which states that “There is nothing so small that it can’t be blown out of proportion.” Enjoy! I ❤️ Hearing from You!Comments? Just reply to this email or click this link. I respond to every email—that's a promise. Thanks for reading!~Helene, your writing sherpa |
Editorial Notes
Edit yourself like a pro. I'm a writer, editor, and book coach who has worked with more than 4,000 students, entrepreneurs, and corporate/institutional clients over the last 30+ years. You'll hear from me in your Inbox every other Wednesday at 2pm EST :) Reader Testimonials: "You're one of the cheeriest, funniest, most helpful writer-oriented people I know! Thanks for being out there!" "Love your newsletter, especially your light-handedness! Thanks :-D" "I enjoy your insights and style. Thank you for providing the newsletter!" "I am LOVING your newsletter and am very happy I discovered it 😊" "You're awesome—keep up the good work!" "Can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your newsletter. You uncomplicate things authors are puzzled about." "I so enjoy your writing and sense of humor. You make editing sound like fun!!" "I love everything about Editorial Notes. Keep up the great content!"
Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations Hiya Reader, It's a pretty divisive topic in my family, but I absolutely love Good & Plenty. I like black licorice of all kinds, but the chummy pink and white ovals of yumminess are my favorites. I like them when they are hard to chew. I like them when they are super soft. I really like them, Sam I Am! Recently, I saw the movie theater boxes on the store shelf and wondered, why do I never buy these any more? So I bought...
Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations Hiya Reader, A question for you. What do you make of a school teaching students that it's okay to use AI if they #1 disclose that they've done so, and #2 cite it as a source with both in-text citations and an entry on the reference list? Hit reply to give your opinion on this! Extra credit for explaining why you hold the opinion you do. Think a friend would appreciate Editorial Notes? Send them this link to sign up:...
Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations Hiya Reader, After much paperwork and many months of waiting, my proprietary Butterfly Blueprint® framework now officially carries the federally-registered trademark symbol! Clients who choose to work with me already choose me for a number of important reasons including the trust such a mark conveys, so in that sense, nothing has changed. But crossing this hurdle is nevertheless a big milestone for me and I'm excited,...