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Learn how restricted viewpoint works in crime fiction and thrillers, and how to manage perspective, control character knowledge and build suspense effectively.In this post …Why viewpoint is important in crime and thriller writingWhich narrative viewpoint choice works best?What ‘earned knowledge’ actually meansRestricted viewpoint – single viewpoint character in a novelRestricted viewpoint –…
Learn about ‘shared ignorance’ in crime fiction and thrillers, and how writers use missing information to build suspense, mislead readers and deliver powerful twists.In this post …What is shared ignorance?Shared ignorance and psychic distanceHow shared ignorance worksWhat the restrictions areThe discipline required to preserve integrity5 practical principles for you to followWhy shared ignorance…
Learn how to use foreshadowing in crime fiction and thrillers to build suspense, plant clues and keep readers guessing without giving too much away.In this postWhat foreshadowing isIs foreshadowing always about unease?What effective foreshadowing achievesForeshadowing and shared uncertaintyHow foreshadowing drives suspense4 examples of effective and poor foreshadowingTips for controlling…
Learn how to use red herrings to create believable false conclusions, deepen mystery structure, and keep readers confidently wrong at just the right moments.In this post ...What is a red herring?What’s the difference between a red herring and controlled misdirection?Writing red herrings: The golden rulesWhat a red herring is not: Common misconceptions (with examples)What is a red herring?A red…
Learn how to use controlled misdirection to guide your reader towards convincing but incorrect interpretations, and build deeper, more engaging mysteries.In this postWhat is controlled misdirection?What’s the difference between a red herring and controlled misdirection?Writing controlled misdirection: The golden rulesWhat controlled misdirection is not: Common misconceptionsHow controlled…
This practical framework shows you 9 steps for line editing scenes in crime and thriller fiction so that every sentence pulls its weight and delivers the appropriate level of tension.In this postWhy your novel’s not gripping the readerWhat is line editing?Checking for clarityManaging narrative velocity with sentence lengthBuilding micro-tension with rhythmic toolsRegulating what the reader knows,…
Learn how to compress your thrillers and crime fiction writing with strong verbs that convey motion, emotion and pace.What is a verb?A verb is a word that describes an action or a state of being. For example:They ran down the alleywayZe sat on the bashed-up stool.She loaded the rifle.His hand trembled as he popped the pill.‘The kids are happier now that we’ve moved out here.’Strong and weak…
If you’re a UK-based freelance editor or proofreader who still hasn’t decided how to deal with Making Tax Digital, here’s how one of your colleagues solved the problem by using a bridging service.In this post ...What is Making Tax Digital?When does MTD start?How often do we have to file with MTD?What is a bridging service?Why I chose 123sheetsPreparation tips for using bridging servicesA…
Learn how to manage scope creep and set healthy boundaries in your editing and proofreading work.Summary of Episode 154Listen to find out more about:What scope creep isWhy scope creep happensHow to prevent scope creepSpotting scope creep earlySetting and communicating boundariesHow to say no (nicely)When it’s time to reasse [...]
Explore seven effective types of thriller opening lines, and how published novelists are using them to convince their audiences to keep on reading.In this articleThe recognizable patterns in thriller opening linesFirst-line focus on a pursuitFirst-line focus on psychological mindsetFirst-line focus on a shocking statementFirst-line focus on a crime or transgressionFirst-line focus on the…
Explore 10 weak thriller opening lines and learn how to turn them into compelling hooks that grab the reader, set the tone and hint at something that piques their curiosity.The weight carried by the opening lineThe opening line of a mystery or thriller carries an enormous amount of weight. In just a few words, it has to hook the reader, set the tone and indicate a problem or predicament that will…
Learn what every thriller must accomplish in its first five pages, including compelling opening lines, early pressure points, clear viewpoint characters and narrative momentum. Discover how to hook readers, build tension and set the stage for a gripping, page-turning story from the very first sentence.In this articleWhy the first five pages are a pitch to the readerCompelling opening linesPressure…
Learn about why character names matter, how to approach the ‘hard-to-pronounce’ issue, and practical strategies for making your characters memorable, readable and believable.In this articleWhy character names are more than just labelsWhy names matterEmbracing diversity in character naming‘Hard-to-pronounce’ namesHelping readers with pronunciationHelping readers with naming conventionsNames as…
Before you send your manuscript to an agent, editor or beta reader, use this comprehensive 10-step checklist to ensure your story is as tight, compelling and credible as possible.Why self-editing is part of the writing processA loose end, unconvincing motive, lack of tension and suspense, or mistimed reveal can unravel an otherwise gripping story. For that reason, self-editing is more than just a…
Learn about how to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading.Summary of Episode 151Find out more about the following:What do we mean by 'AI tools' in editing?The ethical questionsProtecting client confidentialityBeing transparent with clientsAccountabilityRespecting authorshipStaying informed and criticalReal-world scenariosThe&nb [...]
Learn how to edit more efficiently in Microsoft Word using the Quick Parts tool.In this article ...What Quick Parts isWhy Quick Parts makes editing more efficientCommon editing tasks you can streamline with Quick PartsHow to create a Quick PartHow to insert a Quick Part while editingHow to review or edit your Quick PartsTips for naming your Quick PartsQuick Parts versus third-party text-expansion…
Here are 8 suggestions for you to consider when disclosing how you use AI in your editing business.In this postRead on to find out more about:the impact of AI on editors and proofreaderswhy disclosure is importantwhere to disclose your AI usedisclosing why you use digital toolsdisclosing who's accountable for the outputdisclosing use of generative AIdisclosing specific digital toolsdisclosing…
Learn how to identify glue words, hedges and qualifiers, and then explore whether they’re adding clarity and enhancing character voice, or cluttering your fiction writing.In this post ...Read on to find out more about:the function of glue words, hedge words and qualifierswhether glue words, hedges and qualifiers signal poor writingusing glue words, hedges and qualifiers with purposehow glue words…
This post explores how to use embedded dialogue snippets and what effect they have on tone, character and flow.In this post ...Read on to find out more about:capturing speech memorywhat embedded dialogue iswhen to use embedded dialoguewhen active dialogue worksthe difference between embedded dialogue different and free indirect speech.Capturing speech memoryDialogue doesn’t only happen in real…
Learn about editorial foundations, growth, sustainability, legacy and marketing with this 5-book series from the hosts of The Editing Podcast.Fancy reading some of the core takeaways from The Editing Podcast? Notes from the Podcast is a brand-new book series that focuses on five core areas of editorial business development.What’s in the series?Currently there are five books in the Notes from the…
This post explores how oversimplifications of human motivation as ‘good’ versus ‘evil’ can damage crime fiction, mysteries and thrillers.In this postRead on to find out more about:the trouble with clear-cut moralityturning flat caricatures into relatable charactersexploring justice that reflects realitybuilding tension through real-world themes.The trouble with clear-cut moralityIn real life,…
Backstory helps readers understand why characters act the way they do and what their motivations are. This post offers five tips on how to introduce it so that it enriches, rather than distracts from, the main story.In this post ...Read on to find out more about:what character backstory isdrip feeding the informationusing natural dialogueinterjecting with narrative reflectionusing other characters…
Discover how to use a marketing buddy to conquer overwhelm and get your editing and proofreading business promotion moving.Summary of Episode 132Listen to find out more about:Sharing the problem of marketing inertiaWhy feeling nervous about marketing with someone else can be empoweringFinding a marketing buddy: Forums, groups and professional development eventsMaking space for marketing…
How human editors and proofreaders can remain relevant when AI capability is improving exponentially.Summary of Episode 131Listen to find out more about:Emotional intelligence and sensitivityThe ability to be subjectiveFocusing on the writer as well as the writingService opportunitiesBeing present in personUnique personal and business identitiesListen to the episodeRelated resourcesBranding for…
Discover what implied dialogue is and four ways you can use it in your novel, whatever the genre, to enrich your readers’ experience.What’s in this postFind out more about:what implied dialogue isreducing psychic distance to involve the readersummarising information the reader already knowsbreaking up large chunks of dialoguemaking direct speech more impactfulWhat is implied dialogue?Implied…