Writers’ Biggest Issues...

On the recent giveaway, I asked what each entrant considered his biggest problem. Here’s a list of the responses, no names attached. In the coming weeks I’ll write blog posts to cover these topics and hopefully offer some suggestions to overcome your challenges. If you...

Smooth Draft free edit ...

Thanks to everyone who entered the raffle and thanks so much for your patience. I’ve emailed the winners and here’s a list, so if you didn’t get your email, let me know. First prize: Free edit goes to Michael Thomas 2nd prize: 50% off editing/proofreading: Pat Brown 2x...

Poll: What kind of arti...

Please help me know what articles you find most useful here. I’d like to do some weekly series, such as writing tips, editing tips, or more specific topics such as how to finish a manuscript or how to prepare for NaNoWriMo. I’m open to suggestions.  Thanks! You can select...

Want a free edit? Keep ...

Not sure what you get for your money from Smooth Draft? Why not enter to win a free edit or a big discount on our services? (Contest closes February 1) Grand Prize: A free edit, your choice from 1. Full-service editing (from punctuation to big-picture content) on one manuscript up to...

Character vs. Plot, Par...

Last time I wrote about how plot and character are interwoven, so when they interact you get a stronger story than with just good characters or a thrilling plot. (Read Part 1 of Character vs. Plot) I love working on plots—on the what and how of the story more than the who—and for a long...

How to WOW an Editor

By EM Lynley I can’t guarantee you’ll get a contract–that’s up to a lot of other factors–but you will distinguish yourself by not pissing the editor off, and often, that’s halfway to getting an acceptance rather than a rejection. Remember, editors are...