"Once a manuscript is labeled 'Jewish,' a set of expectations follows—often shaping the editing long before a reader appears." Most writers don't realize how early categorization enters the life of a manuscript. Long before cover design or marketing copy, a quieter question begins shaping the work: What kind of book is this supposed to be? Is...
"The problem is rarely grammar or structure. It's judgment—knowing when clarity strengthens a Jewish text, and when it distorts it." Most writers don't come to me saying, "I need a Jewish editor." They come saying something else entirely. They say their editor keeps flagging passages that feel essential. They say they're being asked to explai...
As a Jewish book editor, I work with writers of Jewish fiction, Jewish memoir, and literary nonfiction shaped by memory and history. Writers often come to me after searching for a Jewish book editor—sometimes after a long, frustrating process of working with editors who were skilled, but unfamiliar with Jewish context. The issue is rarely grammar o...
Writing hopeful, healing stories can engage audiences looking for emotional depth. The world of writing is changing fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for authors. Readers are looking for stories that feel authentic, socially aware, and emotionally engaging. Understanding the top writing trends of 2026 can help writers adapt,...
'With a Good Eye' and your forthcoming novel, 'The Inheritance,' an adult psychological thriller set for release in 2025, both center on a young woman with dysfunctional parents and an older brother. Why did you maintain that same family structure? What inspired you to write about these types of families? Dysfunction exists within...
November 24, 2025 Hi Gila, Hope you're doing well.The article you helped me with will be published in Binah Magazine this week.Best, Miriam Malowitsky , New York
WHITE ZION, PASSPORT CONTROL I spent a lot of time on both Israel-based novels researching food because some interviewees used Arabic names for herbs, spices, and fruits and vegetables and I needed the Hebrew names or vice versa. While researching mallow, also named malva, I read that in Jewish culture, mallow was considered a very important ...
Do you have a story idea but don't know where to start? Or maybe you want to make your story more compelling and raise the stakes?Join my 90-minute writing workshop in Beit Shemesh or via Zoom (from anywhere!), where we'll explore:- How to develop your idea into a short or longer story- Ways to raise the stakes so your readers can't put it down- Pr...
Every author's journey is different, but one thing remains constant — thoughtful editing can transform a story and strengthen a writer's voice. Here are a few success stories from authors I've had the privilege to work with. Eleanor Thalheimer-- travel writer, Lonely Planet's Cycling Italy, Hop in the Saddle: A Guide to Portland's Craft B...
"AI can assist with precision and speed, but it's the human editor who adds the emotional resonance, cultural insight, and authenticity that truly connect with readers." Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we approach editing. Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and even AI-powered copyediting software are now essential parts of a writ...
A good edit doesn't cool the emotion; it channels it. Every July, my inbox fills up just as the weather hits its peak. Clients from Jerusalem, New York, Melbourne, and Montreal all send me drafts they've finally had time to face. Whether they're sweating it out in a Tel Aviv apartment or working under a ceiling fan in Brooklyn, something...
Hi Gila, I just wanted to add something that I somehow forget to mention, your editing is fantastic! Absolutely beautiful!Thanks very much! I very much appreciate it!Love Frank Frank Genao San Francisco, CA Author of dozens of books, including Misha: Book 1: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel About A Father and Son's Fight to Survive (Misha: A Post-Apo...
It's hard to concentrate on a plot twist or character arc when you know a siren is about to go off. Living and writing in Israel during a time of war presents a very specific set of challenges. One of the most disorienting is the randomness of Code Red alerts. These sirens are not only sudden and alarming, but lately, they're preceded by texts that...
Writing Prompt: Think back to the way people used to communicate when you were younger. Was it by letter, landline, or something else entirely? Describe the feel of it: the waiting, the handwriting, the voice on the other end. What memory rises up? As we move through May—a month that always seems to invite reflection—I find myself t...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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."...
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...
Even the most experienced editors, with years of meticulous proofreading under their belts, occasionally let surprising grammatical errors slip through the cracks. These aren't the glaring mistakes that leap off the page, like a misplaced apostrophe or a misspelled word. Instead, they're the subtle, nuanced errors that blend seamlessly into the tex...
My 2018 novel Passport Control was unavailable for a while. My publisher retired a while back and the rights reverted to me. But I was busy writing two more novels (With A Good Eye and The Inheritance). Meanwhile, a couple of book clubs requested Passport Control and I couldn't even get them back copies. In short, the link has been restored for pri...
Today, I'm excited to bring you the second installment in my Mizrachi Heritage Month series, where we delve into the rich and diverse stories of Mizrachi Jewish communities. In this installment, we're shifting our focus to Iran, a country with a deeply intertwined and complex Jewish history. I'm thrilled to welcome Lyn Julius, a passionate advocate...
