Hello Reader!
Happy 2025! Are you ready for a new year?
It's hard to believe we've turned the calendar already isn't it? I'm figuring it'll take at least 3 months before I get used to writing "2025". How about you?
December flew by for me, but interestingly I got busier as the month came to a close. I ended the month with three manuscripts to read-a historical mystery, contemporary romance, and fantasy. One is the second round of the fantasy novel I edited over the summer and I can't wait to see how it has developed!
The first part of December was slower for me, which means I got to do some research for my own book. Research is my favorite part of the process and I've been searching old records (we're talking 1700s old) looking for historical criminal butlers. So far I've found a few petty thieves, which back in the day was enough to get you killed or transported, but not as many as the cliche might have us belive. In the 1700s at least, it seems the butler wasn't doing it much.
I had a great video call with my web designer at the end of December and I love the direction my new logo is headed. I can't wait to share it with you all! Of course, now I have to work on updating and improving my website copy.
I hope you're all looking forward to 2025 and are resolving (like me) to make it a creative year. In small ways or large, let's get our creativity and imagination out there for everyone to see!
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Writing Tip: When you're stuck writing dialogue, ask yourself: what is the goal of each charater in the scene? What kind of conflict comes up on the way to their goals? Flirty banter, witty repartee, terse sentences or actual fighting? These can all be fun ways to move your scenes forward and get into your character's mind.
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Editing Insights Club
Welcome to the Editing Insights Club! Here I'll introduce you to editors and other professionals from all over the freelance publishing world. You'll see we're all here to be part of the community that supports writers on their journey to success.
Meet: Jessica Andersen
Brand Book Strategist
https://jessicalandersen.lpages.co/shop/
What type of content do you edit or proofread?
My clients are writing Brand Books—my term for marketing/business books. Their goals with this evergreen content are to position themselves as experts, build brand awareness, attract paid keynotes, and invite readers to become clients. I work with them at all stages of creating the content, from strategizing the core message and themes to outlining to writing and editing, all the way to proofreading.
What's your favorite thing about your work?
I love celebrating their wins when they launch their book, like when they attract 5 new clients in just two weeks, or when they sell hundreds of copies despite not having a built-in audience, or when they reach bestseller status in their genre. But the best feeling is when my clients see such incredible success with their first Brand Book that they decide to write another one!
What is one tip you like to share with writers searching for (or working with) an editor?
Make sure you always work with service providers who align with your core values. For example, among the editors you’re considering, do any of them promise “perfection”? Dig into that. Do any of them publicly state their stance on AI-generated content or AI editing tools? If not, ask them. Having a candid conversation upfront before you hire an editor will save everyone from a wrong-fit working relationship.
What are some of your favorite things outside of editing?
Lord of the Rings because I’m a huge nerd. Riding lessons even though I’m a newbie who’s pretty awkward on a horse. My whippet, Blue, who is my #stetpet. Watching cooking competitions and trying new recipes. Also, croissants.
What's a book you're reading for fun right now?
Love On Top which is the new novel from my friend, Honorine Locenay. I also like to keep my finger on the pulse of trends in Brand Books—recently I read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin which I highly recommend, and now I’m diving into Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller.
You can also find Jessica on her LinkedIn page!
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2025 Sale
Let's start 2025 off with a creative bang! If you follow me on Instagram you've seen me announce a 10% sale on all my services. But how would you feel about an extra discount? Just put NEWSLETTER in your email to me and I'll give you 15% off your total. The sale will run through January 31. Email me with any questions!
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2025 Women in Publishing Summit
Did you know there is an amazing community for women writers, editors, publishers, and other professionals? I discovered them last year and I'd love for you to join me.
This is a virtual summit that you can attend live or watch the recordings throughout 2025. It's happening March 5-8 and new talks are being announced daily. But it isn't just the summit. There are pre- and post- conference bonus sessions and networking chats each month. This community makes sure we're all stronger together.
Sign up using my affiliate link: WIP SUMMIT
Let me know if you have any questions, I can’t wait to see you there!
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Beta Readers
One of the manuscripts I've been reading recently is a beta read for my friend Karen Odden's new historical mystery. Which rather naturally got me thinking about why authors use beta readers, and how you can benefit from them.
Beta readers shouldn’t necessarily be just anyone. They are standing in for your target reader- which means they need to be people who read and understand your genre. You don’t want to just get your friends and family to be your beta readers unless they also read the type of book you’ve written. Beta readers need to understand the genre and the expectations of the audience.
When should beta readers read your book? This is an “it depends” moment. Did you work with a developmental editor? Then I recommend not bringing in beta readers until after you’ve finished all the revisions you and your editor discussed. After that is a great time to let your book go to a test audience and see how they respond. Once you’ve gotten all your reader’s feedback and thought about their responses, you can decide how to move forward. Have the responses told you that you need a lot more revisions or that you’re nearly done?
What if you can’t afford a developmental editor? Then I recommend approaching it this way: once you’ve typed “the end” on your first draft, put the book away for at least a week and give yourself a break. Now you’re ready to start the self-editing process. After you feel comfortable with draft two, bring in a few beta readers. If you have any writer friends who can be your beta readers, they will be particularly useful at this stage since they can advise you on craft issues if you need/want it (see blog by Jane Friedman on a study about beta readers). Revise your draft again and you’ll probably feel confident enough for the more general beta readers at this point.
Decide before you start what exactly you want to get from your beta readers. For example, do you want the writers to give you advice on writing issues? Are there specific elements you worry readers won't find appealing?
Communicate this to your beta reader. Ask them specific questions. Don’t just give them the manuscript and say “tell me what you think” because usually you’ll get something vague in return. And vague doesn’t help you in the revision stage.
Feedback is subjective. One persone will love what the next person hates. So while you should read all of the feedback you get, the only time you should seriously think about definitely acting on something is if every one of your readers mentions the same thing. If all five of your readers says the same thing is confusing, that's a big red flg and you should take it seriously. If only one person felt that way, you can think about it, but not be as worried.
Reading Update
As work picked up steam my for-fun reading tailed off, but I still managed to read the last of Samantha Young's Highlander series, Forever the Highlands; as well as Dan Jones' fabulous new book on Henry V, and one of my favorite food historians, Neil Buttery, has a new book on The Philosophy of Puddings.
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