Writing Groups

#196: Writer Resources: How to Find an Editor

Dear Christian Indies,

If you’ve listened to us for very long at all, you’ll notice we focus a ton on the importance of good editing. Good editing can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting those all important reviews, and, let’s face it, can be the determining factor as to whether or not a reader continues on with your series.

But where do you find an editor? Not only that, where do you find a good editor, particularly when you’re in the position of pinching your publishing pennies?

That’s what we’ll be discussing on today’s episode. We’ll cover our own methods of finding editing help, and we’ll also talk a little bit about what hasn’t worked for us in the past. After all, what’s the good of making a mistake if you (and others!) can’t learn from it?

Of course, before you start your hunt for an editor, you’ll want to refer back to our tips from episode #190, which is all about how to perform a good self-edit, and why there is wisdom in doing so (hint-it will save you money!).

It’s an episode you won’t want to miss.

See you there!

Jamie

#195: Writer Resources: Different Types of Editors

Dear Christian Indies,

We’ve covered Self-editing in depth on the podcast, most recently in episode #190. We’ve discussed how doing a good self-edit can save you money when it comes to having your book professionally edited.
What we haven’t covered recently is the fact that there are several different kinds of editors out there, and each has their own particular purpose. It is important that when you start looking for someone to edit your book, you understand what you are paying for, and have a clear expectation of the kind of work the editor will do for you.
That’s what we’re covering on this week’s podcast. It’s an episode that is sure to save you hassle and headache as you move forward on your writing journey, and you surely will not want to miss it.

See you there,

Jamie

#194: Self-Publishing Tips: Blurb Clinic

Last week we explored covers and gave you some helpful tips and tricks to see if your cover met genre expectations. Of course, that’s not super important if your goal is to write purely for pleasure, but it’s something super important if you’re hoping your cover will translate into more book sales.
But what if your cover is great and on target, yet you are selling no books? Or what your cover is “close enough,” but you don’t have the time/energy/funds to commit to a total re-brand at the moment?

#193: Self-Publishing Tips: Does My Cover Fit My Genre?

Is your cover in need of an overhaul? Does it still match your genre? Is your current cover thwarting book sales? Can it be resuscitated, or is it DOA? Bring it into the cover clinic and find out!

#192 Writing Groups 101: Genre-Specific Writing Groups Pros and Cons

Dear Christian Indies,

We’ve been talking all about writing groups these past weeks, and this week we’re going to talk about whether having everyone in your group writing the same genre is a help or a hindrance.

It’s an episode you won’t want to miss.

See you there,

Jamie

#191: Writing Groups 101: Critique Do’s and Don’ts: Jamie’s Piece

Dear Christian Indies,

It’s my turn to be “in the hot seat” this week, as Jen and Tina review the first chapter of my upcoming book, “Analog,” and offer suggestions for improvement.

It’s a difficult spot for me to be in.
I’m uncomfortable…but that discomfort hurts so good.

Allow me to explain:

#188: Writing Groups 101: Critique Dos and Don’ts Part 2: Jen’s Piece

Dear Christian Indie,

Each Friday, you get to see the ladies and I give feedback to one another about a piece of writing we’ve composed just a few minutes before the podcast goes live. We only give supportive, encouraging comments at these times, because the piece has been neither polished nor edited, is pretty raw, and is not an example of what we would call our “best work.”

But what does it look like to really get into a good, rigorous critique of a piece of writing? How do you approach giving such feedback? Is there a way to structure this event so as to minimize hurt feelings on behalf of the writer and yet maximize impact in order to make the story better?

While we on the podcast agree there is no one “perfect” way to do anything, including giving feedback, we do have a method we employ and a procedure we follow that we think can help you give amazing feedback to your fellow writers. We also have some advice for those of you bringing a piece to the “chopping block,” so this is for sure an episode you won’t want to miss.

#187: Writing Groups 101: Critique Dos and Don’ts

Dear Christian Indie,

#184: Writing Groups 101: Setting Expectations

Dear Christian Indie,

After last week’s episode, we hope we’ve inspired some of you to start a new writing group.

If so, we want to encourage you this week to decide how you will handle the “rules” of your newly formed group.

Of course, having listened to our encouragement and advice, you are going to come to the table with a list of “non-negotiables” in hand. But what other considerations are there for creating a group that will both serve your needs and honor Christ?
Tune in this week as we cover the basics of starting a writing group, part two.

See you there,

-Jamie