by Christine Bode | Aug 11, 2026 | Editing Tips
During the finessing of a manuscript, every writer reaches that pivotal moment: Is my story ready for the world? The answer, more often than not, is no, not yet. Before your book can claim its rightful place on readers’ shelves, it needs feedback. But from whom? There...
by Christine Bode | Jul 21, 2026 | Editing Tips
Handing your manuscript to another person can feel surprisingly vulnerable. Whether you’ve spent six months or six years writing it, you’ve poured your heart into every chapter. That’s why working with a book editor requires more than preparation. It requires courage....
by Christine Bode | Jun 30, 2026 | Editing Tips
The truth is simple, even if it stings a little: professional editing for indie authors is not a luxury—it’s the backbone of a book that wants to be taken seriously. Many writers pour everything into drafting, only to pull back when it’s time to refine the work. Yet...
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...
