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!
|
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, The good news is that I met my perfect literary agent. We are completely in sync with our interests and sensibilities, she understands and is excited by my project, and we "get along like gangbusters" on a personal level (as my father would say). The bad news? She can't offer me representation because she is already on submission with another author's manuscript, one which is in competition with mine. (So...
Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations Hiya Reader, I successfully implemented my own self-editing advice this week on a section that's been problematic for a while. I changed the font! No, that's not a joke. And I am newly reminded of what a great tool this simple change can be. I almost exclusively use 12 point Times New Roman, and I ask my clients to do the same when sending manuscripts my way. Whether my preference insistence is because it's a...
Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations Hiya Reader, One of my favorite writing and editing avoidance time wasting activities is browsing houses on Zillow. (I used to go to open houses just for fun, but haven't since before Covid. ) I'll just pick a city and see what's for sale in a certain price range. I'm not looking to move — yet — but I enjoy looking at the photos and daydreaming. Honestly, it's instructive about the relative cost of living from location...