by Christine Bode | Jul 7, 2026 | Publishing Industry
You typed “The End.” Congratulations! Finishing a manuscript is an incredible achievement. However, your self-publishing checklist begins now. Publishing a professional-quality book involves many important decisions. Taking them one step at a time will save money,...
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 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...