Spring cleaning isn't just for your home—refresh your writing, declutter your drafts, and bring new energy to your creativity! spring clean your writing editing tips for writers how to improve writing clarity how to remove filler words how to organize writing projects best writing tools for organization time management for writers self-editing tips...

The Passover Haggadah is a masterclass in storytelling—repetition, engagement, and character development at its finest. Passover Haggadah storytelling lessons storytelling techniques writing tips fiction writing nonfiction writing memoir writing character development engaging readers how to keep readers hooked writing strategies storytelling strate...

 Industry & Advocacy News from the Author's Guild  Occasionally, I repost valuable information for authors and editors. You'll have to click on the link for the full story. From the Author's Guild website:  March 6, 2024 A new publishing company, launched by industry veterans, seeks to reshape the publishing model and put authors...

Never assume that cultural boundaries are strict or unbreakable—they're often much more porous than we think. Jewish book editor Jewish sensitivity reader Writing about Jewish culture Jewish religious practices in books Writing Jewish characters Hebrew-speaking editor Ladino editor Arabic-speaking editor Avoiding cultural mistakes in writing Jewish...

As a sensitivity reader for HarperCollins Middle Grade, for example, I identified issues with an Israeli character whose syntax was incorrectly identical to that of an English speaker. I revised the dialogue to reflect authentic Israeli speech patterns, ensuring a more realistic portrayal. Another client had inaccurate religious references for Amer...

It's about exploring the deep emotional connections that define us. Valentine's Day may have passed, but love stories are timeless and they're more than just romance. Whether you're writing your first novel, crafting a short story, or delving into memoir or autofiction, creating a compelling, heartfelt narrative is key to capturing readers' he...

While grand gestures can be memorable, it's often the small, everyday moments that define a romance. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate love—and for writers, it's a chance to explore the complexities of romance in your stories. Whether you're working on a romantic short story, writing a love novel, or just brainstorming new romance st...

A full manuscript critique or developmental edit can be expensive, especially if your book still needs major structural work. A writing coach helps you fix big-picture issues—plot holes, pacing problems, weak character arcs—before you hire an editor. Writing a book is no small feat, and many writers underestimate just how long the process can take....

Through years of class projects on family customs, recipes, and histories, I have gained a deep appreciation for the richness of the Jewish world. Recently, I was interviewed by an American Jewish author writing a book about sensitivity readers. She focused on the feedback they receive and why they believe they offer valuable insight to writers. It...

If your theme feels buried or unclear, a developmental editor can help you bring it to the surface in a way that enhances the story without feeling heavy-handed. So you've written a manuscript—congratulations! Whether you're planning to query agents or self-publish, you want your book to be as strong as possible. But how do you know if it's ready? ...

Plenty of brilliant books get rejected, and plenty of mediocre ones make it through. After publishing six novels, I've learned a lot. And some of those things I've had to unlearn. If you've been writing for any length of time, you've probably heard plenty of advice, too—some of it helpful, some of it frustratingly misleading. While well-meanin...

As writers, we often turn to our own lives for inspiration. Whether it's a particularly challenging relationship, a memory that has stayed with us, or even the quiet moments of daily life, our personal experiences shape the foundation of much of what we write. The beauty of writing from life lies in its authenticity—there's an emotional truth that ...

That's the beauty of historical fiction. You can do that. You can take a real person you admire, and have them cross paths with your imaginary people. My family immigrated to America from the Soviet Union in 1977. I was seven years old. I spoke no English. (OK, that's not true. I knew the words "apple" and "the." How do you translate the word "the?...

Writing is about creation—pouring out ideas and crafting stories or arguments from scratch. It's an exercise in exploration, where imperfection is part of the process. Editing, on the other hand, is about refinement. As both an editor and a writer, I often find myself navigating two very different worlds. Editing requires precision, objectivity, an...

 Naming chapters is not a must for every manuscript, but it can enhance your storytelling if done thoughtfully.  When it comes to naming chapters in your manuscript, the choice is ultimately yours. However, different genres often have different expectations when it comes to chapter titles. Here's a breakdown of whether or not chapters sho...

Too many headings can distract from your writing. Use them where they add value and structure. Headings and subheadings are essential tools in any writer's toolkit. Whether you are writing for print, the web, or a manuscript, these simple tools can improve readability, structure, and engagement with your audience. Here's how to effectively use head...

Writing is an adventure. It takes numerous twists and turns and alternate routes. It has its frustrations, but ultimately can lead to triumph no matter how long it takes to finish. --Jordan Steven Sher Bio Jordan Steven Sher is the author of four books, three of which focus on Bosnia. His previous two books are a non-fiction and an historical ficti...

Whether you're just starting out or ready to refine your latest draft, let's work together to make your story flourish. Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees, is a celebration of growth, renewal, and the cycles of nature. This year the holiday falls on February 12 to 13. The Jewish New Year is a reminder that every tree begins with a single seed...

AI-generated novels are expected to continue growing in popularity in 2025  In 2025, the literary world is set to embrace several notable trends, while moving away from others. Here's a breakdown of what's "in" and what's "out" in the book industry for the upcoming year: What's In: Diverse and Inclusive Narratives: There's a growing emphasis o...

I want to review some key takeaways to help you get the most out of your meetings with your editor in 2025. In 2024, I had numerous Zoom meetings with writers across various genres—fiction, nonfiction, and academic writing. During these sessions, I've seen a lot of different approaches, and I want to review some key takeaways to help you get the mo...

But as we step into 2025, does Zoom still meet the evolving needs of today's writers?  The new year often brings a sense of renewal, a time to set fresh goals and embrace new habits. For writers, editors, and academics, this might include reevaluating the tools that help us collaborate and create. One question many of us are asking as 2025 beg...

IntroductionPublishing in academic journals is a key milestone for faculty seeking to advance their careers and share their research. Yet, the process can be daunting. This guide simplifies the journey, offering actionable steps to help you navigate the academic publishing world. Step 1: Identify the Right Journal Scope and Audience: Choose journal...

Introduction As a faculty member, your book represents years of research, thought, and dedication. Ensuring it is polished, professional, and ready for publication is crucial. But how do you choose the right editor? And what steps can you take to streamline the process? This guide offers practical advice for faculty authors seeking professional edi...

The end of the year is the perfect time to focus on your writing goals. Whether you're dreaming of starting your first book, struggling with a messy middle, or trying to get across the finish line, there's no better time to take action. Here's why—and how working with a professional book coach can make all the difference. Fresh Start EnergyA new ye...

 What's almost as delightful as latkes and sufganiyot on Hanukkah?  New books, of course! Join me on December 18 for a Hanukkah Giveaway that's as warm and bright as the holiday itself. This special online event is hosted by the incredible Jews Love To Read! Facebook group—a vibrant community for book lovers and Jewish authors. I'll be gi...

The word "Chanukah" comes from the Hebrew word for dedication.  As the candles of Chanukah illuminate the dark nights of winter, they remind us of resilience, renewal, and the pursuit of clarity. These themes resonate deeply not only in life but also in the creative process of writing and editing. The Miracle of Beginnings Chanukah celebrates ...

Must They Be Two Separate Things? Here's Why They're Not Maybe you're even on a "goal diet," scaling back on ambitions to focus on fewer but more meaningful objectives. As 2024 comes to an end, many of us are looking ahead to what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. For writers, it's tempting to think of our writing goals as distinct from our...

"Just as the tribes had their own "gates in the heavens," each diaspora contributes its unique heritage to the mosaic of Judaism, enriching our shared tradition."  In the wake of recent events, the need for unity among the Jewish people has never been more pressing. In Genesis, we read, "Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness."...

"Today if you ask me what kind of Jew I am, I say Iraqi Jewish, because I want the world to know that there are Middle Eastern Jews." BIO Sarah is an Australian born, Iraqi Jewish writer, poet, and educator. She is the author of the award winning picture book, Shoham's Bangle and This is Not a Cholent. Her poetry micro chapbook, This is Why We Don'...

 Lately, I've started using photos from my week as a kind of visual diary. Here are some from last week. In the past, I've always written from a place of strong emotion, but something about this war has changed that. A kind of numbness has overtaken me. When I compare how I reacted to rockets before to how I react now, the difference is startl...