by Christine Bode | Jun 2, 2026 | Editing Tips
Recently, I discovered that a first-time author I worked with last year revised the manuscript I had professionally edited—and that had already been published—for a second edition of his novel without telling me. What he didn’t realize was the hidden risk of revising...
by Christine Bode | May 26, 2026 | Editing Tips
If you’ve ever wondered how to use the em dash correctly, you’re not alone. Many first-time and self-publishing authors struggle with punctuation that feels intuitive but carries surprisingly specific rules. The em dash has become increasingly popular in 21st-century...
by Christine Bode | May 19, 2026 | Editing Tips
Editing sensitive content requires more than correcting grammar or tightening sentence structure. It demands empathy, professionalism, and deep respect for both the manuscript and its author. Stories that explore trauma, abuse, grief, racism, mental illness, or other...
by Christine Bode | May 12, 2026 | Editing Tips
If you’ve completed your manuscript and are wondering whether it’s ready for publication or querying, a professional manuscript review can become an invaluable part of your writing journey. But what exactly does a manuscript review involve, and how can it strengthen...
by Christine Bode | May 5, 2026 | Writing Tips
I’ve spent the past year exploring AI tools for writers, learning both their strengths and their limits. Along the way, I’ve used ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to create Non-Disclosure Agreements, service contracts, marketing plans, email welcome series, newsletter...
by Christine Bode | Apr 28, 2026 | Writing Tips
Writing spiritual and self-help books can feel like walking a well-worn path. The ideas are meaningful. The intention is sincere. Yet somehow, the words begin to echo what’s already been said. When that happens, even meaningful insights can lose their power. If you’ve...
by Christine Bode | Apr 25, 2026 | Writing Tips
There are days when writing feels hard—when the words resist you, when your thoughts tangle, when even opening the document feels like an act of defiance. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Every writer, at every stage, meets this invisible wall. The question...
by Christine Bode | Apr 21, 2026 | Writing Tips
Learning on the Job If you’re a first-time writer drawn to gripping plots, morally grey characters, and shocking twists, you may want to know how to write a mystery thriller that echoes James Patterson, David Baldacci or Jeffrey Archer’s storytelling power. Archer’s...
by Christine Bode | Apr 18, 2026 | Poetry
Why poetry matters in a world that moves too fast, speaks too loudly, and often forgets to feel is a question we should ask ourselves. In a time shaped by constant noise, poetry offers something rare—stillness, clarity, and truth. It doesn’t shout to be heard....
by Christine Bode | Apr 14, 2026 | Author Interviews
Recently, my Substack acquaintance, Jason Garman, invited me to read an ARC of his debut speculative noir horror novel. Reflections in the Dark publishes on April 21, 2026. I eagerly accepted and discovered an exceptional, intelligent, and surreal page-turner. If...
