Editor's Blog
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Editor's Blog keeps you up to date on the business end of things and reminds you of writing techniques you may have forgotten so you can concentrate on your writing.
Sample edits are currently being returned within three weeks.
An intern is not currently available (See the editing intern page for more information.)
Aug 10, 2023
Who REALLY knows..?
Sir, Good afternoon. Help me wrestle this please? I'm old and have time. A few quid and fewer worries. I was always accused of being creative. What to
Aug 17, 2021
Getting started
I feel like I get writer's block when I think about writing a paper. How can I get past this?
Mar 17, 2021
Old skool apostrophe
I went to school in the 60's and we were taught the apostrophe for possession comes after the s. Janes' book is there. Jane's running would represent
Mar 12, 2020
Write Reviews That Sell
Learn how to write reviews that sell anything. Tips from a professional reviewer.
Dec 22, 2019
Writing Goals 2020
Writers post their writing goals and receive reminders to stay on track.
Nov 08, 2018
Editing Promotion
Use the form on this page if you have an editing promotion code for a sample edit from Writer's Helper. Includes a link for sample edits for those without a code.
Aug 07, 2018
Explaining cultural architecture and other specifics in Fantasy
I have been writing a story set in a fantasy setting and much of the architecture these fictional races are using is based on real world architecture from
Continue reading "Explaining cultural architecture and other specifics in Fantasy"
Apr 06, 2018
Beginning sentences with pronouns
I currently tutor ESL students, and a question regarding using pronouns, specifically 'it' to begin sentences has me stumped. In the sentence, It is
Mar 13, 2018
Buyer Persona For Self Published Books
Learn why and how to create a buyer persona to market your self-published book to see your sales soar.
Jan 11, 2018
Writing Goals 2018
Writing goals for 2018 submitted by writers as part of writing support.
Dec 14, 2017
Editor's Notes Newsletter
A subscription to Editor's Notes, a free newsletter for writers, with a slant to self publishers, comes with a gift: a Tip Sheet on how to best use Word's Outline view.
Nov 27, 2017
Writing Goals 2017
Writing goals for 2017 submitted by writers as part of writing support.
Sep 16, 2017
I want to write but its impossible
I want to write but I can't help but edit the first sentence (words) again and again (because of grammar, change of words or change of idea). Then, my
Sep 16, 2017
Finding the correct usage for a word
Is using the phrase life issues correct since both life and 'issues' are nouns. I could not find an adjective for life in this context.
May 03, 2017
If you can't focus on writing, get a partner.
I used to be very unproductive because I was unsure what I should write about and I had no confidence in what I was doing. Then I got someone who was interested
Continue reading "If you can't focus on writing, get a partner."
May 03, 2017
Where to begin
The day started as usual. I went in, said good morning to everyone and started My main job description, filing. And my main agitation of filing. Why can't
Mar 08, 2017
Perterbing Pronouns
I'm a wanna-be editor, who has been struggling to find an answer to this question: how do pronouns work in scenes with two people of the same gender? I
Mar 01, 2017
International Writers' Festivals
Whether you plan to travel or visit a writers' festival in your back yard, this list may have something for you. It's listed by geographical area, so it's easy to use.
Jan 24, 2017
Whistler Independent Book Prize Competition Opens
New for 2017! Following up on the success of the first Whistler Independent Book Awards, we're launching a special manuscript competition for Canadian writers. The competition to find the best original, unpublished manuscript is now open.
THE PRIZE - YOUR BOOK PUBLISHEDThe winner of the first Whistler Independent Book Prize will receive:
Complete publication services including professional editing, cover design, interior design and layout, proofreading
Publishing and marketing support for independent publication
100 printed copies courtesy of
Book launch at the 2017 Whistler Writers Festival
Submission deadline:February 28, 2017
Shortlist announced:March 15, 2017*
Winner announced:April 22, 2017
Book published:October 11, 2107
*IMPORTANT: if you are selected for the shortlist, your complete manuscript must be delivered no later than March 22, 2017.
HOW TO ENTERSubmission form and full competition details can be found at the
authors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
manuscripts must be original, unpublished works of fiction or non-fiction
entries must include an excerpt of the manuscript (max 5,000 words) and a synopsis (max 500 words) in Word doc format
EVERY submission will receive a written assessment including valuable critiques and suggestions for developing the manuscript.
The shortlist will be jointly selected by
2017 WHISTLER INDEPENDENT BOOK AWARDS Entries for the 2017 Whistler Independent Book Awards will open on March 1, 2017.
Continue reading "Whistler Independent Book Prize Competition Opens"
Sep 26, 2016
create your own world! (for fiction writers)
There is a reason why Lord of The Rings and Hairy Potter are such great books. they don't use real places they use an environment that they created. Having
Continue reading "create your own world! (for fiction writers)"
Aug 31, 2016
let emotions into your writing
I've found that most fans like deep emotional thoughts ex. of what not to do she walked down the hall and smiled at a boy named Kevin ex. of what
Aug 09, 2016
Word on the Water Weekend
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators in Washington invite you to their weekend retreat for writers. Click for more information.
Aug 09, 2016
Comma in Title
Example: Jim's story, The Use of Quotation Marks, will be published in the first magazine next month. Why was the second comma, after Marks, put within
Feb 09, 2016
Literature of Ireland
Visit those who made the literature of Ireland through this literary map.
Jan 28, 2016
Word on the Lake Contest
The Thirteenth Annual Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival is announcing that the 2016 Askew’s Foods Word on the Lake Writing Contest is now open. Contestants may submit original unpublished works in the following categories: Fiction, Non Fiction, and Poetry. First place winners will receive a cash prize of $150 plus a 2016 conference package including banquet ticket ($230 value) and will be published in the Askews’ Foods Word on the Lake Anthology which will be available at the festival. Contest closes at midnight on 11 April 2016. Winners will be contacted prior to the Festival which takes place May 20 - 22 at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort and Okanagan College in Salmon Arm, BC. Winners will be recognized at the Saturday night banquet.
For further details concerning the writing contest including submission guidelines, and information about the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival
Jan 01, 2016
Writing Goals 2016
Writing goals for 2016 submitted by writers as part of writing support.
Nov 24, 2015
Rather or Whether - another question
Which example is more appropriate - May your travels rather near or far enable new experiences, and most importantly, allow you to spend time with those
Oct 20, 2015
Questions About Substantive Editors from a Complete Noob
First of all, I want to thank you for the wonderful help your website has been. I have been writing as a casual hobby for a few years, but I decided I
Continue reading "Questions About Substantive Editors from a Complete Noob"
Jun 28, 2015
Be You!
Be yourself. Don't write what someone else wants you to write. Write you want to. Do what you feel is right and NEVER give up. Good luck.
May 06, 2015
Writer's Style Guide
Use the writer's style guide and the find feature on your word processor to help proofread your own work. This page explains the most common errors Writer's Helper editor, Audrey, found while editing.
Apr 21, 2015
Word on the Lake Writers' Festival
It’s festival time again in the Shuswap!
Plan to attend the twelfth annual Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival taking place May 15th-17th, 2015, at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort and Okanagan College in Salmon Arm.
This is an opportunity not only to enhance your writing skills, but also to meet award-winning authors, network, socialize, and have fun!
Word has something for everyone--from editors and publishers, to bestselling fantasy and mystery writers. And, yes, we offer a workshop on songwriting!
Our presenters are some of the best authors, editors, publishers, and songwriters in Canada. This year's lineup includes Kelsey Attard, Gail Bowen, Brian Brett, Norma Charles, Margaret Curelas, Anne DeGrace, Charles de Lint, Gary Fjellgaard, Grant Lawrence, Kathryn Para, Jodie Renner, Harold Rhenisch, and our own Louise Wallace.
Did we mention fun? Friday night is the Coffee House with author readings and the lyrical music of Juno Award winner and Hall of Fame songwriter Gary Fjellgaard. The Saturday Night Banquet features vocal entertainment provided by Charles de Lint (who can really sing!), MaryAnn Harris, Gary Fjellgaard, and popular CBC personality and author Grant Lawrence.
Still thinking?
Check out our website at wordonthelakewritersfestival.com for festival rates, workshops, presenter bios, bursaries, and the highly- acclaimed Blue Pencil Café.
But time is running out on the Early Bird rate -- it ends midnight Saturday, April 25th.
Remember: "The Early Bird captures the Word! -- Cheep Cheep!"
Jan 01, 2015
Writing Goals 2013
Writers share their writing goals for 2013 and receive support from Audrey Owen, editor at writershelper.com, so their projects get completed in record time.
Jan 01, 2015
Writing Goals 2015
Writers share their writing goals for 2015 and receive support from Audrey Owen, editor at writershelper.com.
Dec 30, 2014
Writing Tips - General
General writing tips to help the self publishing writer create high quality books. Link to writing tips on specific topics.
Apr 01, 2014
Copy Editors
An editor outlines the work of copy editors. Learn which level of editing you need.
Mar 31, 2014
Book Review Jade
A book review for a self-published book by a renowned gemologist, Jade. Review written by Audrey Owen, editor for self-publishing writers.
Mar 27, 2014
Computer Tips For Writers
These computer tips for writers are offered because for most writers, the computer has become a necessary tool of their trade. Learn the basics here.
Mar 19, 2014
Children's Book Ideas
Uncover great children's book ideas using stories you know already. A Hollywood film writer shares secrets of story writing for children to boost your creativity.
Mar 19, 2014
Character In Conflict -- The Godfather
One way to structure a story is to put a character in conflict, or to put multiple characters in multiple conflicts. Consider The Godfather through the lens of characters in conflict.
Mar 19, 2014
Book Review Democratic Rules Of Order
Read the book review of the self-published parliamentary guide, Democratic Rules of Order.
Mar 10, 2014
Business Opportunites Online Home Page And Beyond
It seems everyone is looking for business opportunities online. Home page building is only the beginning of an exciting journey. Learn about building an online business. Get help with your idea.
Continue reading "Business Opportunites Online Home Page And Beyond"
Mar 09, 2014
Break Even In Self-Publishing
How many books does it take to break even? Know this before you decide how many to print and what to charge. See the results of a survey of self-publishing writers.
Mar 09, 2014
Books For Writers
Recommended books for writers. Reference books I wouldn't be without. Buy them for yourself or for a friend.
Mar 09, 2014
Book Review Common Wildflowers of British Columbia
A book review for a self-published nature study, Common Wildflowers of British Columbia. Reviewed by Audrey Owen, editor for self-publishing writers.
Continue reading "Book Review Common Wildflowers of British Columbia"
Mar 09, 2014
Book Marketing and the Book Proposal Doctor
A writer shares his experience using a book proposal doctor.
Continue reading "Book Marketing and the Book Proposal Doctor"
This is Jack Popjes and one of his published books. He and I worked on multiple projects. He's met many goals.
Meet your writing goals in 2023.
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