3 Resources for Improving LGBTQIA+ Representation in Your Stories
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

3 Resources for Improving LGBTQIA+ Representation in Your Stories

Even if you set out to write diverse, realistic characters, it’s easy for stereotypes and harmful tropes to show up in our novels - especially if we’re not consciously trying to avoid them. In this blog post, I round up three great resources that can help you write LGBTQIA+ characters with sensitivity, respect, and nuance. Happy Pride!!

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Revising for Change: The Four C’s - Part 4
Revision, Craft Advice Olivia Bedford Revision, Craft Advice Olivia Bedford

Revising for Change: The Four C’s - Part 4

At a fundamental level, stories are about one thing: change. Whether it’s your main character, supporting cast, or the story world itself, something should be different when we get to the end of your story. In this blog post, learn how to evaluate the change (or lack thereof) in your novel so that you can write a story that impacts readers long after they reach “the end.”

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Reverse Outlining: What, Why, and How
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

Reverse Outlining: What, Why, and How

You know that you can use an outline to write your novel. But did you know that you can also use an outline to revise your novel? That’s the magic of a reverse outline! In this blog post, I explain exactly what a reverse outline is and how you can use it to revise efficiently and effectively.

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3 Strategies for Layering Your Revisions
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

3 Strategies for Layering Your Revisions

Revision can be overwhelming. To combat that overwhelm, I recommend layering in your revisions. But what does that even mean? In this blog post, I explain exactly what layering revisions means and how you can apply this strategy to your own novel-in-progress.

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Revision Tips from a Developmental Editor
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

Revision Tips from a Developmental Editor

As a developmental editor, I have a lot of thoughts on revision. It’s my job to help writers master this part of the writing process. In this blog post, I let you behind the scenes with all of my top tips for revising your novel without losing your mind in the process. Read on for the exact tips I share with my clients to help them create the best books possible!

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The #1 Mistake Writers Make in Revision (and how you can avoid it…)
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The #1 Mistake Writers Make in Revision (and how you can avoid it…)

Revising your novel is essential, but too many writers make one critical mistake that can totally undercut the hard work they’re doing to revise their projects. Don’t let this mistake derail your writing process or your writing career. Read on to find out exactly what this mistake is and how you can keep yourself from making it in your next novel project!

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What should you look for in a developmental editor?
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

What should you look for in a developmental editor?

Hiring a developmental editor is a big step toward publishing your book. But how do you know if an editor is a good fit? How can you protect yourself from scams? What really separates one editor from another? How can you make sure your money is well spent? Read this blog post for four tips that will help you find the best developmental editor for you and your book!

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Do you need to hire an editor? It depends on your publishing goals.
Olivia Bedford Olivia Bedford

Do you need to hire an editor? It depends on your publishing goals.

Considering whether you should hire an editor for your book? The decision ultimately comes down to your publishing goals. Whether you want to self-publish or get a contract from a publisher, read on to find out what kind of editors you’ll need to make your writing dreams come true.

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