Editing a memoir versus editing fiction involves unique considerations due to the distinct nature of the genres. Though I agree that the best memoirs read like fiction, in practice, that advice can only take you so far.  Here's a list outlining some key differences: Factual Accuracy: Memoirs are based on real events and experiences from ...

When the hero or heroine faces no repercussions for their actions, the narrative lacks moral complexity. My posts are often questions I receive from actual clients. Recently, I had a client take the view that the hero can get away with a wrongdoing because "that's what happens in real life, so why not in my book?" I decided to write a post in ...

A well-qualified academic editor brings not only expertise in academia but also a breadth of experience, including meticulous research and fact-checking skills honed through creative endeavors.  As scholars pursuing advanced degrees, the quality and precision of our academic writing are paramount. Whether crafting a dissertation, thesis, resea...

Recently, I've encountered manuscripts where the tone lacks consistency throughout. One moment, it adopts a conversational style, only to switch abruptly to a formal, research-oriented tone. This inconsistency is a crucial aspect writers should address. Notice how these two photos have the same tone. It's a sunny day in both photos, both are colorf...

I specialize in editing a diverse range of documents across various genres and subjects. These include novels, memoirs, middle grade and young adult fiction, academic MA and PhD theses, and nonfiction books such as memoirs, how-to guides, and self-help titles.    Is your manuscript ready for submission? Whether you're a seasoned auth...

 It's crucial to recognize that while the journey of writing is deeply personal, the goal of publication often requires a collaborative effort  What, precisely, do book editors do? Here's an overview:  Understanding the Editor's Multifaceted Role: At its essence, the role of a book editor is akin to that of a sculptor, chis...

"Spring is not just a time for new beginnings—it's also an opportune moment to get a head start on your writing projects." As the gentle warmth of spring unfurls and whispers of summer vacations drift on the breeze, it's a pivotal moment to reassess your writing goals and dive into new projects. Contrary to popular belief, waiting until the peak of...

All of my posts are derived from real questions from actual clients. So here's one I had recently: should I write from first or third person? This book is a nonfiction Holocaust memoir. Should this client write as the grandchild or try to write in the voice of the grandparent who had actually experienced the Holocaust? Point of view (POV) is a fund...

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning," Psalms/Tehillim 30:5 As we delve into the month of Adar, traditionally associated with joy in the Jewish calendar, let's reflect on the profound connection between the joy in writing and the essence of this spirited month. The Joy in the Process: In the realm of writing, joy often...

In this post, we'll explore the importance of tailoring your editing approach to fit the specific demands of your chosen genre. When it comes to editing, one size does not fit all. Each genre comes with its own set of conventions, expectations, and unique challenges. Understanding how the nuances of different genres affect the editing process is cr...

Writing tips shouldn't focus solely on 'show don't tell' and 'read your dialogue out loud.' Part of writing well ultimately involves taking care of yourself. Finding time for nutritious meals can be a challenge for many of us who are trying to balance family and professional life, as well as meet deadlines. However, maintaining a healthy diet doesn...

"Challenge yourself to reduce the word count by a specific percentage or edit without using certain words. Constraints can lead to inventive solutions and more concise writing." The journey from the initial draft to the final polished manuscript is a crucial phase in the life of any writer. While professional editors play a vital role, the skill of...

 As we step into a new calendar year, let's weave the rich tapestry of Israel and Jewish culture into our creative expressions. Whether you're a writer deeply connected to these themes or looking to explore them for the first time, these New Year writing prompts are crafted to spark your imagination with elements of Israel and Jewish iden...

For my new novel "With A Good Eye" storyboards were particularly helpful in creating my character Luna Levi and her best friend Aiden Betel. by Gila Green Characters are the heart and soul of any compelling story. They drive the narrative, engage readers, and make the fictional world come alive. To create well-rounded, relatable characters, writers...

Whether you choose to work with an editor or not, the key is to prioritize the quality of your writing and the satisfaction of your readers. Ultimately, the decision to hire an editor depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. Lately, I've seen this question repeatedly on a number of writing sites: Should I hire an editor? To save time resp...

"Remember that the emotional depth of live readings cannot be duplicated on a screen" By Gila Green In a world dominated by virtual meetings and online interactions, the allure of live performances may seem like a relic of the past. However, the magic of sharing stories in person should not be shelved in the age of Zoom. Live author performances ha...

Compared to comprehensive developmental editing or line editing, manuscript evaluations are often more affordable.  If a writer is unsure about the overall viability of their manuscript, a manuscript evaluation can save time. The scenario is common. A writer gets stuck at a certain stage of the manuscript. It could be after 5,000 words or...

Through constructive feedback, encouragement, and guidance, a writing coach helps writers recognize their strengths, embrace their unique voice, and develop confidence in their abilities. A writing coach helpswriters create a schedule, set aside dedicated writing time, and provide strategies to maintain consistency and productivity. A writing ...

Dear Women 50+, It doesn't take more than a few clicks to find publications aimed at women over 50 years of age. My first try brings me to "15 Over 50 Magazines & Publications." The next article is from the Guardian informing me about the "rise of older female writers" and proclaiming that "things are definitely looking up," presumably for thos...

Maybe you suffer from writer's block or maybe you feel your writing is flat. Perhaps, you're caught in a loop in which all of your work is starting to sound the same or just boring yourself to sleep.  Calls for writing are all over the internet. Use them. Anyone who writes over the long-term has periods of flat, dull and uninspi...

Keep the words you want in for authenticity and describe the scene for accessibility.  Ever found yourself deleting or avoiding Jewish words and expressions in your writing (whatever Jewish means to you, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino)? Often writers tell me they are worried about alienating their general audience or sounding 'too Jewish' so they avo...

There are just so many problems that can be resolved in one novel.  This article is advice for both editors and authors. It applies to fiction and memoir. If you think your manuscript suffers from "dancing at two weddings," I'd be happy to take a look.  Many writers out there struggle with their manuscripts because they are trying to writ...

Autofiction : Between Fiction and Memoir

"An author working in good faith can't win at this game. If she is forced to confirm that her material is autobiographical, then she risks forfeiting both the privacy and the power of transfiguration that fiction promises. If she denies it, then she surrenders a badge of authenticity that she may never have wished to claim in the first place, and l...

The two faces of autofiction

Since July 2020, I've been teaching autofiction online (and now on zoom) and I've already received enough feedback to share with you not only my number one question, but the number one stumbling block at the beginning of each class. So at the risk of sounding redundant (yes, I answered this question back in June, but that was pre-teaching...

 Guest post from Desiree Villena The first half of 2020 has wrought havoc on all our lives, writers and non-writers alike — but for professional authors in particular, the chaos and uncertainty of the past few months have been incredibly daunting. Book launches have been delayed, releases that forged ahead have gone unnoticed, and for some aut...

Thank you so much to Christi Craig who hosted me on her Sunday Series. From her site: In this Sunday Series, you'll meet writers new and seasoned as they share what inspires them to put #PenToPaper. I have never attended a Canadian creative writing program, so I cannot say with certainty that my distance from Ottawa, my hometown, allows me to ...

By Gila Green We live in a publishing world that not only craves categories; it demands them. These pigeonholes are like gasoline for the modern manuscript, which cannot even move through cyberspace to an agent's inbox without the fuel labeling supplies. For those who guide writers on query letters, one of our first lessons is to help authors defin...

  By Gila Green When I tell people I teach a virtual flash fiction course, I often get strange responses bordering on laughter. Isn't flash fiction just really short fiction? What's the point of taking a specific Flash class? No, flash is its own genre deserving of its own class and in my opinion, it's still underrated as a way to break into p...

by Gila Green I have never attended a Canadian creative writing program, so I cannot say with certainty that my distance from Ottawa, my hometown, allows me to mentally glide over to the 1980s version of the city, pecking at bits and inserting them into my fiction, squirreling away savory pieces for later use, because I don't know any other writing...

Thanks to Chrissey Harrison for mentioning my suggestion to film an author read-aloud in her excellent post. Here she offers ten ways to promote your book and I have to agree with her number one suggestion, which is to write another book. Another book is your best marketing tool and you're a content creator after all. Check out the rest o...