Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As writers, we’ve all been there – pouring our hearts and souls into our work, only to realize that we’ve made some crucial mistakes that can make or break our manuscript. The good news is that these mistakes are easily avoidable, and with a little awareness and practice, we can take our writing to the next level.

In this post, we’ll explore some common writing mistakes to avoid, along with some practical tips and resources to help you improve your craft.

Character Development Mistakes

One of the most critical aspects of any story is character development. Our characters should be multi-dimensional, relatable, and engaging. However, it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can make our characters feel flat or unrealistic.

• Underdeveloped characters: Make sure you give your characters unique personalities, backstories, and motivations. Avoid making them too perfect or one-dimensional.
• Overused character tropes: Steer clear of overused character archetypes, such as the “chosen one” or the “damsel in distress.” Instead, create characters that are unique and authentic.
• Character inconsistencies: Keep track of your characters’ traits, habits, and quirks to avoid inconsistencies throughout the story.

By avoiding these common character development mistakes, you can create characters that readers will love and remember.

Pacing and Plot Mistakes

A well-paced plot can make all the difference in keeping readers engaged. However, it’s easy to fall into some common pitfalls that can slow down your story or make it feel disjointed.

• Info dumping: Avoid overwhelming readers with too much information at once. Break up long passages of exposition into more manageable chunks.
• Sagging middles: Make sure your story has a clear three-act structure, with rising tension and conflict throughout the middle section.
• Rushed endings: Give your story the conclusion it deserves by taking the time to wrap up loose ends and provide a satisfying resolution.

By paying attention to pacing and plot, you can create a story that flows smoothly and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Editing and Revisions Mistakes

Editing and revisions are crucial steps in the writing process, but it’s easy to get complacent or lazy. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your manuscript is polished and error-free.

• Rushing through edits: Take the time to thoroughly review your manuscript, making sure to check for grammar, punctuation, and consistency errors.
• Not getting feedback: Share your work with beta readers and writing groups to get valuable feedback and insights.
• Not using writing tools: Utilize tools like grammar and spell checkers, thesauruses, and writing software like Vellum or Canva to help with editing and revisions.

Remember, editing and revisions are not just about fixing mistakes, but also about refining your ideas and making your writing shine.

“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” – Stephen King

This quote from Stephen King is a great reminder to show, not tell, and to avoid using too many adverbs in our writing. By being mindful of our writing habits and avoiding common mistakes, we can create a manuscript that’s engaging, polished, and error-free.

If you’re interested in learning more about self-editing and DIY editing tools, check out our post on The Art of Self-Editing: Tips and Tricks. And if you’re looking for ways to create a professional-looking chapbook, be sure to check out our post on DIY Book Binding Methods for Indie Authors.

By avoiding these common writing mistakes, you can take your writing to the next level and create a manuscript that’s worthy of publication. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and open to feedback, and always keep working to improve your craft.

DIY Book Binding Methods for Indie Authors

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As an indie author, you take pride in every aspect of your book, from the writing to the editing to the final product. But what about the physical binding of your book? While it’s tempting to outsource this task to a professional, DIY book binding can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to have complete control over the final product. In this post, we’ll explore some DIY book binding methods that you can use to create a professional-looking book that you can be proud to call your own.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Binding Method

Before you begin, you’ll need to decide on a binding method. There are several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Here are a few popular methods to consider:

• Coptic binding: This ancient method uses chain stitch to bind the pages together. It’s a great choice for thinner books and allows for a lot of flexibility.
• Saddle-stitching: This method uses wire staples to bind the pages together. It’s quick and easy, but may not be suitable for thicker books.
• Perfect binding: This method uses a strong adhesive to attach the pages to a hardcover or softcover. It’s a popular choice for larger books, but can be more difficult to master.

Regardless of which method you choose, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials to get started. These may include a bone folder, a sewing needle, a ruler, and a cutting mat, as well as paper, glue, and any other materials specific to your chosen binding method.

Tips and Tricks for a Professional-Looking Finish

Once you’ve chosen your binding method and gathered your materials, it’s time to start binding your book. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional-looking finish:

• Use high-quality paper that is designed specifically for book printing. Look for paper with a high gsm weight and a smooth finish.
• Make sure your pages are accurately trimmed and aligned before binding. This will ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.
• Use a consistent and careful hand when sewing or stapling your pages together. This will help prevent errors and ensure a strong bind.
• Consider adding a ribbon or bookmark to your book for a finishing touch. This can add a touch of elegance and make your book more user-friendly.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to have patience and practice when it comes to DIY book binding. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly – with time and practice, you’ll develop the skills and techniques needed to create a professional-looking book.

“The book is a film that takes place in the mind of the reader. That’s why we need readers, to bring the book to life.” – Carl Sagan

This quote from Carl Sagan is a great reminder of the importance of readers in bringing our work to life. By taking the time to create a beautifully bound book, you’re showing respect for your readers and your craft. It’s a labor of love that requires patience, practice, and attention to detail – but the end result is well worth it.

Resources for Indie Authors

As an indie author, you’re likely used to wearing many hats – writer, editor, designer, and more. But when it comes to DIY book binding, it’s okay to ask for help. Here are a few resources to get you started:

If you’re new to self-publishing, be sure to check out our post on From Manuscript to Print in 30 Days, which covers the entire self-publishing process from start to finish. You can also find helpful tips on editing and revising in our post on The Art of Self-Editing: Tips and Tricks.

In terms of design and layout, tools like Vellum and Canva can be a huge help. These programs allow you to create professional-looking interiors and covers with ease, and are specifically designed with indie authors in mind.

Finally, if you’re looking for inspiration and community, be sure to check out online forums and groups dedicated to indie authors and book binding. These can be a great resource for tips, advice, and support as you navigate the DIY book binding process.

With these resources and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautifully bound books that you can be proud to call your own. Happy binding!

The Art of Self-Editing: Tips and Tricks

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As writers, we’re often told that editing is a crucial step in the writing process, but what does that really mean? For many of us, editing conjures up images of red pens, grammar guides, and tedious hours poring over our manuscripts. But editing is so much more than just catching typos and grammatical errors. It’s about refining our ideas, clarifying our message, and shaping our words into something that truly resonates with readers. And the good news is, self-editing is a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice, patience, and the right tools.

Getting into the Right Mindset

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of self-editing, it’s essential to talk about mindset. As writers, we’re often so close to our work that it can be challenging to separate ourselves from the manuscript. We’ve poured our heart and soul into those pages, and it’s natural to feel attached. But to effectively self-edit, we need to be willing to take a step back, put on our critical thinking hats, and approach our work with a fresh perspective.

This means setting aside our ego, letting go of our attachment to specific words or phrases, and being open to making changes that will ultimately improve our work. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow as writers. As author Neil Gaiman so eloquently puts it:

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”

In the context of self-editing, this means being proactive, taking initiative, and being willing to do the hard work necessary to craft a manuscript that truly shines.

Practical Self-Editing Strategies

So, what are some practical strategies for self-editing? Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Take a break: Before you start editing, take a break from your manuscript. This could be a few days, a week, or even a month. The goal is to approach your work with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

• Change your environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can be just what you need to approach your work from a new angle. Try editing in a coffee shop, library, or park.

• Read aloud: Reading your manuscript aloud can help you identify clunky phrasing, awkward sentence structures, and other issues that might be hiding in plain sight.

• Use DIY editing tools: There are a wealth of free and low-cost editing tools available online, from grammar and spell checkers to formatting templates and more. Check out our guide to Writing on a Budget: DIY Editing Tools for some of our favorites.

• Get feedback: Share your manuscript with trusted beta readers or writing groups to get feedback and insights from others.

In addition to these strategies, it’s also important to develop a self-editing routine that works for you. This might involve setting aside dedicated blocks of time for editing, creating a checklist of common errors to watch for, or using specific software or apps to help streamline the process.

Tools of the Trade

Speaking of software and apps, there are some amazing tools out there that can help make the self-editing process easier, more efficient, and even enjoyable. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Vellum: A formatting tool that makes it easy to create beautifully designed ebooks and print books.

• Canva: A graphic design platform that’s perfect for creating custom book covers, social media graphics, and more.

• Scrivener: A writing software that offers advanced editing and formatting features, as well as organization tools and customizable templates.

In terms of physical tools, consider investing in a few high-quality notebooks, pens, and paper types that inspire your creativity and help you stay focused. For chapbook writers, consider exploring different paper weights, binding methods, and cover designs to create a truly unique and professional-looking publication. Check out our guide to Proven Chapbook Structures to Wow Readers for more on this topic.

Ultimately, the key to successful self-editing is finding a rhythm and routine that works for you, and being willing to adapt and evolve as you continue to grow and learn as a writer.

So, what’s your favorite self-editing strategy or tool? Share with us in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more guidance on the publishing process, be sure to check out our guide to From Manuscript to Print in 30 Days, where we break down the entire process from start to finish.

Writing on a Budget: DIY Editing Tools

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As writers, we’ve all been there: pouring our hearts and souls into our manuscripts, only to realize that professional editing services are out of our budget. But fear not, dear writer! With the right DIY editing tools, you can self-edit your work like a pro without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore some affordable and effective solutions to help you refine your writing and get your work print-ready.

Getting Started: Mindset and Preparation

Before diving into the world of DIY editing tools, it’s essential to adopt the right mindset. Self-editing requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to critique your own work. Take a step back, put on your editor’s hat, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re an opportunity to learn and grow.

Next, prepare your manuscript for editing by formatting it correctly. Use a clear, readable font like Arial or Calibri, and set your margins to at least 1 inch on all sides. This will give you ample space to make notes and corrections.

Software and Apps to the Rescue

Luckily, there are many free or low-cost software and apps that can help you with the editing process. Here are a few of our favorites:

• ProWritingAid: This comprehensive tool offers grammar and spell checks, suggestions for improvement, and even helps with sentence structure and pacing. The free version is quite robust, but if you need more features, the premium version is reasonably priced.
• Grammarly: Another popular choice, Grammarly is known for its excellent grammar and spell checks. It also offers suggestions for sentence clarity and style. The free version is a great starting point, and the premium version is available for those who need more advanced features.
• Canva: While not exclusively an editing tool, Canva is an excellent resource for creating visual aids like diagrams, flowcharts, and character profiles. These can be incredibly helpful when trying to organize your story or develop your characters.

In addition to these software and apps, consider investing in a good thesaurus and dictionary. These will help you expand your vocabulary and avoid repetitive language.

Physical Tools for a Hands-On Approach

Sometimes, there’s no substitute for a hands-on approach. Here are some physical tools that can aid in your DIY editing process:

• Color-coded pens and highlighters: Use these to mark different types of errors or suggestions, such as grammar mistakes, plot inconsistencies, or areas that need more development.
• Sticky notes and tabs: These can help you keep track of important details, mark scenes or chapters that need revision, or even create a makeshift timeline for your story.
• Printer paper and a good printer: Print out your manuscript on high-quality paper, and consider investing in a printer that can handle heavier weights. This will make it easier to read and mark up your work.

Remember, DIY editing is not about replacing professional editors, but about taking ownership of your work and refining it to the best of your ability. By combining these software, apps, and physical tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating a polished manuscript that’s ready for publication.

If you’re looking for more guidance on the self-publishing process, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: Write, Edit, Publish: A DIY Guide. And if you’re interested in learning more about chapbook structures, take a look at our post on Proven Chapbook Structures to Wow Readers.

Lastly, don’t forget that editing is just one part of the self-publishing process. With the right tools and mindset, you can take your manuscript from draft to print in just 30 days – learn how with our guide: From Manuscript to Print in 30 Days.

Happy writing and editing, and remember to stay patient, persistent, and always open to learning and growth!

From Manuscript to Print in 30 Days

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

Have you ever felt the rush of excitement when you finally completed your manuscript, only to be overwhelmed by the daunting task of turning it into a physical book? You’re not alone! Many writers struggle to navigate the complex process of self-publishing, from formatting to printing, and everything in between. But what if I told you that you can take your manuscript from digital file to printed chapbook in just 30 days?

Day 1-5: Pre-Production Preparation

The first five days are crucial in setting the stage for a successful chapbook creation process. This is where you’ll prepare your manuscript, decide on the design and layout, and choose the right tools and materials for the job. Start by reviewing your manuscript one last time, making any final edits and tweaks. Then, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve with your chapbook. Will it be a minimalist design with plenty of white space, or a more elaborate layout with illustrations and graphics?

For chapbook design inspiration, I recommend checking out some of the amazing examples on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. You can also look into Proven Chapbook Structures to Wow Readers for some tried-and-tested layouts that can help you get started. Once you have a clear vision, you can start selecting the perfect paper type, ink color, and binding method that will bring your chapbook to life.

Day 6-15: Design and Layout

With your design concept in mind, it’s time to start creating your chapbook layout. You can use a design software like Canva or Adobe InDesign to create a digital version of your chapbook. If you’re not familiar with design principles, don’t worry! Canva has plenty of tutorials and templates to help you get started. Alternatively, you can use a chapbook formatting template in Vellum, a popular tool among self-publishers.

As you design your chapbook, keep in mind the importance of typography, whitespace, and image placement. You want your chapbook to be visually appealing, easy to read, and cohesive in its design. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and designs until you find one that feels true to your manuscript.

Day 16-25: Printing and Binding

Once you’ve finalized your chapbook design, it’s time to start printing and binding. For printing, you can use a high-quality printer at home, or outsource to a printing service that specializes in chapbook production. When choosing a printing method, consider the paper weight, ink quality, and turnaround time that will work best for your project.

For binding, you have several options to choose from, including saddle-stitching, perfect binding, or even handmade binding methods like Coptic stitch or Japanese stab binding. If you’re new to bookbinding, I recommend starting with a simpler method and experimenting with more complex techniques as you gain experience.

• Use 80-100 gsm paper for a premium feel and durability.
• Choose a printing service that offers chapbook-specific formatting and design guidance.
• Experiment with different binding methods to find the one that works best for your chapbook.

Day 26-30: Final Touches and Launch

The final five days are all about putting the finishing touches on your chapbook and preparing for launch. Review your printed chapbook for any errors or typos, and make any necessary corrections. Once you’re satisfied with the final product, it’s time to start sharing it with the world!

Create a social media buzz around your chapbook launch by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creation process, sneak peeks of your design, and testimonials from beta readers. You can also consider running a pre-order campaign to generate buzz and build anticipation around your launch.

“The most important thing is to believe in your work and take the leap. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back from sharing your creation with the world.” – Unknown

And that’s it! With these 30 days, you can take your manuscript from digital file to printed chapbook, ready to share with readers and critics alike. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and most importantly, stay true to your vision. Happy chapbooking!