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# DearEditor.com

writers' advice weblog

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## Posts

- [When to Use Em-Dashes vs Ellipses](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/06/when-to-use-em-dashes-vs-ellipses/) - Dear Editor… I'm always confused about when to end a sentence with — or . . . Please help! Wanna Geddit Rite
- [Flashback, Part 2: How Come If I Stay's Opening Works?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/06/flashback-part-2-how-come-if-i-stays-opening-works/) - Dear Readers… Last week a writer—Diane—asked me why some current bestsellers that start with backstory or as the day is dawning can make those slower beginnings work so well? She specifically asked about The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. I posted my answer about The Fault in Our Stars last week. I think this is such a useful exploration of story beginnings that I’m taking up that same question today, this time parsing out If I Stay's opening. The Editor
- [Flashback, Part 1: How Come The Fault In Our Stars Opening Works?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/05/flashback-how-come-the-fault-in-our-stars-opening-works/) - Dear Editor… I am currently devouring your Writing New Adult Fiction. You strongly encourage authors to jump into the action from the very first sentence but a few current best sellers begin with backstory or as the day is dawning, as in The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. Can you give any insight as to what makes those slower beginnings work so well? Thank you, Diane
- [Winner - The Editor's 30-Year Celebration "Free Edit" Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2026/04/winner-the-editors-30-year-celebration-free-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers… We have a winner for The Editor's 30-Year Celebration giveaway of a FREE Substantive Edit of a full picture book manuscript (up to 900 words) or the first 20 pages of a chapter book, Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, or graphic novel (text only) manuscript. Read on for the winner….
- ["Free Manuscript Edit" Giveaway to Celebrate The Editor's 30 Years Editing!](https://www.deareditor.com/2026/04/free-manuscript-edit-giveaway-to-celebrate-the-editors-30-years-editing/) - Dear Readers… To celebrate The Editor's 30th year editing books for young readers, The Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of a full picture book manuscript (up to 900 words) or the first 20 pages of a chapter book, Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, or graphic novel (text only) manuscript. Deadline: April 21, 2026. Read on for rules....
- [Can I Use A.I. for Grammar and Spell Checking?](https://www.deareditor.com/2026/03/can-i-use-a-i-for-grammar-and-spell-checking/) - Dear Editor… Will I get in trouble with publishers if I use A.I. for grammar and spell checking? I don't use it to write. Sincerely, I Write My Books
- [How Should Co-Authors Handle Contact Info During Submission?](https://www.deareditor.com/2026/01/how-should-co-authors-handle-contact-info-during-submission/) - Dear Editor… We are co-authors about to submit to agents. At the top of the manuscript, where we’re supposed to put contact information, should we put contact info for both of us? Sincerely, Us
- [Avoid Scary Pitfalls when Writing Scary Stories](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/10/avoid-scary-pitfalls-when-writing-scary-stories/) - BOO! Dear Readers, today’s post has some Halloween fun for you. Writing a scary story? Here are three pitfalls to avoid, with ways to avoid them….
- [Is a “No” from One Editor a “No” from ALL Editors at That Imprint?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/10/is-a-no-from-one-editor-a-no-from-all-editors-at-that-imprint/) - Dear Editor… If you get a pass from one editor, is it a pass from the whole imprint? Sincerely, Sub-Ready
- [Use My Middle Name in My Author Name?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/10/use-my-middle-name-in-my-author-name/) - Dear Editor… Should I use my middle name in my author name? As in, Jane Louise Doe instead of Jane Doe. Sincerely, Jane
- [A Place for Poetry Collections in Children's Books?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/re-a-place-for-poetry-collections-in-childrens-books/) - Dear Editor… Are agents accepting children's poetry books by authors with a passion for phonemic awareness and whole-brain education? Sincerely, Jennifer
- [How Can I Avoid Over-Explaining in My Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/09/how-can-i-avoid-over-explaining-in-my-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I tend to over-explain in my novel manuscripts. Can you suggest a way to keep that in check? Sincerely, Too Much
- [Am I “Dumbing Down” My YA Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/08/am-i-dumbing-down-my-ya-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I was told to make my close third-person YA narrative sound “more youthful.” My book is Upper YA—do I really need to change "assisted" to "helped?" and avoid "ubiquitous”? In general, is a "little reach" with word choices acceptable? Sincerely, Big Words
- [How Do I Submit Multiple Manuscripts?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/07/how-to-submit-multiple-manuscripts/) - Dear Editor… I heard it's a good idea to submit three to four picture book manuscripts at one time, to show an agent that I can produce enough work that they can make money off of me. I have three picture book manuscripts ready to go. How do I structure the query letter? Sincerely, Ready Writer
- [Do I Include Backmatter in My Picture Book Word Count?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/06/do-i-include-backmatter-in-my-picture-book-word-count/) - Dear Editor… How do you tally the word count in a picture book manuscript? Do I include the art notes and author’s note? Or is that part of the backmatter? Sincerely, S. L.
- [What Are Some Chapter Book Trends?](https://www.deareditor.com/2025/06/what-are-some-chapter-book-trends/) - Dear Editor… Can you share some trends in chapter books? Sincerely, Writer Lady
- [Do Agents Always Hear Back from Editors?](https://www.deareditor.com/2024/01/do-agents-always-hear-back-from-editors/) - Dear Editor… Do agents hear back from editors? I'm assuming they eventually get an answer of yes or no, they're not just in limbo—right? Sincerely, L. B.
- [Submit Your Prologue with Your Sample Pages?](https://www.deareditor.com/2024/01/submit-your-prologue-with-your-sample-pages/) - Dear Editor… When agents ask a writer to submit some of their manuscript in the query process, should the prologue be included with your submission? Sincerely, Kelly
- [Can I Get a Book Deal for a Board Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/11/can-i-get-a-book-deal-for-a-board-book/) - Dear Editor… I have ideas for board books for toddlers. But I don’t hear my writer friends talking about board book deals, just picture books. Can I sell a board book? They must come from somewhere! Sincerely, Lee
- [Is My Novel Upper YA or New Adult?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/11/is-my-novel-young-adult-or-new-adult/) - Dear Editor… How do I know if having an 18-year-old protagonist means I've got a Young Adult novel or New Adult? What if I make him 19? Sincerely, L.
- [Is My Novel Upper MG or Lower YA?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/10/is-my-novel-upper-mg-or-lower-ya/) - Dear Editor… I can’t figure out if my fantasy is "Upper Middle Grade" or "Lower Young Adult." My protagonist is 13, which is outside the 9-12 age range of MG, but do older teens want to read about a 13-year-old? Are there guidelines? Sincerely, Sue
- [How Do I Fix Clunky Dialogue?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/09/how-do-i-fix-clunky-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… A critiquer said the dialogue in my novel sounds "clunky." How do I fix that? Sincerely, I Don't Hear It
- [Must I Mention Character “Diversity” When Submitting a Manuscript?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/08/must-i-mention-character-diversity-when-submitting-a-manuscript/) - Dear Editor… When submitting my manuscript, I haven’t identified whether there's diversity in the characters. Is that essential? Sincerely, Querying Author
- [Why Are Children's Book Sales Declining?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/07/why-are-childrens-book-sales-declining/) - Dear Editor… I'm suddenly hearing that kidlit "hardcovers" aren't selling, but I'm not sure what that means? Can you explain? Has something happened? Sincerely, Wondering
- [Help Me Switch POVs Without Jarring Readers](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/05/help-me-switch-povs-without-jarring-readers/) - Dear Editor… My story is third-person. BUT: 3 to 4 times in the story, I need to cut to periphery scenes/beats where the protagonist is not present. I’m told that’s jarring. How can I NOT jar readers? I REALLY need these story beats. Sincerely, Writing in L.A.
- [Listen to The Editor on the How Writers Write Podcast](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/05/listen-to-the-editor-on-the-how-writers-write-podcast/) - Dear Readers… Some fun today as I share a link to my interview on the HOW WRITERS WRITE podcast. We talked YA fiction, establishing productive writing routines, and getting yourself unstuck when writers block strikes. Click through for the podcast link.
- [Is My Book Series WIP Doomed Because a Movie Franchise Has the Same Creatures?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/05/is-my-book-series-wip-doomed-because-a-movie-franchise-has-the-same-creatures/) - Dear Editor… Big question for you: If my chapter book series about, well, let’s call them “fuzzywuts,” is not so unique because there’s a movie franchise about fuzzywuts, should I make major changes to my series (I’ve written Book 1 and am writing Book 2 for a two-book submission), or maybe start fresh with a new topic that agents may find more unique? Your brutally honest opinion would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Fuzzywutter
- [How Do I Make Each Character Distinct in My Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/04/how-do-i-make-each-character-distinct-in-my-novel/) - Dear Editor… I want every character in my novel to be distinct. Can you suggest ways to do that? Sincerely, Book Dude
- [How Do I Decide Whether to Revise My Manuscript?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/03/how-do-i-decide-whether-to-revise-my-manuscript/) - Dear Editor… Agents are rejecting my picture book manuscript. I’m worried that a passage that I like in the manuscript might be hurting me in submission. Or maybe I’m just getting paranoid?? I go back and forth about taking it out. How do I make this decision? Sincerely, Cut or Keep?
- [Must I Italicize Internal Dialogue in a First-Person Narrative?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/03/must-i-italicize-internal-dialogue-in-a-first-person-narrative/) - Dear Editor… I’ve noticed in many recently published novels that first-person, present-tense narratives don’t use italics for the main character’s thoughts. It doesn’t feel right for me to do so in my middle grade fantasy because, in a way, the narrative in this tense feels so immediate that everything that my narrator share seems like a thought. When I have put the obvious dialogue-type thoughts in italics, it feels jarring to me. Plus, I use italics for poems in the narrative. I’m curious if you have any thoughts about this. Sincerely, Curious in VA
- [Guest Editor Sara Sciuto re: Should I Submit My Picture Book Dummy to Agents & Editors Simultaneously?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/guest-editor-sara-sciuto-re-should-i-submit-my-picture-book-dummy-to-agents-editors-simultaneously/) - Dear Editor... If I submit a picture book dummy to a publisher, may I also query an agent about the same pb, as long as I state it is a "simultaneous" submission? I am thinking of finding an agent. Is this a turn-off to the agent if the ms is out there? Thanks for the advice! Lisa
- [Powerful Chapter Endings That Aren’t Cliff-Hangers](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/02/powerful-chapter-endings-that-arent-cliff-hangers/) - Dear Editor… I was told to make sure all the chapters in my novel end in an interesting way that leads the reader to want to read the next chapter. I'm not sure how vital this is. Is it? Sincerely, Hanging in There
- [What Does This Rejection Wording Mean?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/02/what-does-this-rejection-wording-mean/) - Dear Editor… I’m trying to decipher the meaning of vague feedback I received in a rejection letter. The agent said that even though my premise is “fascinating,” the agent did not “feel myself fully connecting with the writing here. Ultimately, I do not feel I’m the right agent for it." Any thoughts about what message I should take away from this? Sincerely, Puzzled Writer
- [A Valentine's Day Writing Tip](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/02/a-valentines-day-writing-tip/) - Dear Readers… Love is in the air! It’s Valentine’s Day, and in the spirit of red roses and love notes, I want to share a tip about writing romance....
- [How Many Picture Book Manuscripts Should I Have Ready When Pitching Agents?](https://www.deareditor.com/2023/02/how-many-picture-book-manuscripts-should-i-have-ready-when-pitching-agents/) - Dear Editor… I have an opportunity to pitch my picture book about a funny animal to a group of agents and publishers. If any of them like it, they’ll request to read my manuscript. I’m prepping two other manuscripts to have at the ready if an agent is interested in me. I’m going to write a second story about that funny animal because it’s a planned series, along with one of my other stories to have three altogether. Is three a good number? Sincerely, Seizing the Moment
- [Should I Write that Christmas Story?](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/11/re-should-i-write-that-christmas-story/) - Dear Editor… I have a story brewing in my head about a Christmas tree. I already have an opening line, but I’ve yet to write the manuscript. I’ve heard people say don’t write Christmas picture books. Right or wrong advice? (FYI, I’m unagented and unpublished. For now.) Sincerely, Writing in a Winter Wonderland
- [Should My Query Letter Reveal the Ending?](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/12/should-my-query-letter-reveal-the-ending/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing the query letter for my picture book submission. Do I need to reveal the ending when I summarize the story, or is it okay to write "But will she succeed?" or "What to do now!"? With picture books, is it more common to leave the agent wanting to read the manuscript to find out the ending? Sincerely, Tease or Tell?
- [Dare I Submit During the Pandemic?](https://www.deareditor.com/2020/05/re-dare-i-submit-during-the-pandemic/) - Dear Editor… Now that I’ve finished my manuscript, I’m wondering if this is a good time to submit to agents. I wish I’d finished this before the pandemic, but I didn’t. What do you think? Sincerely, Anon.
- [But What If I LIKE My Sagging Middle?](https://www.deareditor.com/2020/06/re-but-what-if-i-like-my-sagging-middle/) - Dear Editor… I’m struggling with an editor’s note that says my story needs more tension. I think my beginning and ending are really good, but I admit the middle is kind of slow. I’m frustrated because I like the plot and don’t see how I can change that. I know you haven’t read my manuscript, but do you have any guidance? Sincerely, Start Strong, End Strong
- [How Do I Format Texts in My Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2020/06/how-do-i-format-texts-in-my-novel/) - Dear Editor… How do you suggest presenting texts in print? I looked at Julie Buxbaum's book HOPE AND OTHER PUNCH LINES. She bolds the names and indents the texts the same amount as the indent at the beginning of regular paragraphs. What do you think? Sincerely, Want to Get It Right
- [Do I Need a Submission "Package"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2020/07/re-do-i-need-a-submission-package/) - Dear Editor… I am a picture book author. Do you recommend I have 3 solid stories in my pocket before querying? Sincerely, By the Numbers
- [Do Writers Submit Different Versions to Different Editors?](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/01/re-do-writers-submit-different-versions-to-different-editors/) - Dear Editor… I have a re-submit opportunity with two editors. I think one editor wasn’t so jazzed about a certain part of my picture book manuscript, while the other editor was. I could remove that part altogether, or remove it just from the version I send to that first editor. Do people do this? Do writers ever do different versions for different people? Sincerely, Which One?
- [Should Historical Fiction Be Written in Past Tense?](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/01/re-should-historical-fiction-be-written-in-past-tense/) - Dear Editor… I want to ask you if my middle grade historical fiction should be written in past tense, or is it acceptable/marketable to write in historical present? It is currently written in historical present, but I am open to revising to past tense if you feel it will be better received upon submission. Sincerely, Writing It Like It Was
- [Does My ‘80s Slang Require a Glossary?](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/02/re-does-my-80s-slang-require-a-glossary/) - Dear Editor… One of my beta readers for my middle grade novel commented that he didn't understand a lot of the "old sayings," referring to my ‘80s slang. I don't think this is a bad thing, because it does teach the reader about things from the past. I thought about adding a glossary at the back of the book giving the meaning of some of the slang terms as well as some of the objects we don't see anymore. But first, I wanted to get your take on it. What do you think? Sincerely, Totally Amped
- [Do I Include Back Matter in My Picture Book’s Word Count?](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/03/re-do-i-include-back-matter-in-my-picture-books-word-count/) - Dear Editor… Should the factual back matter and references be included in the word count when I submit my picture book manuscript to editors? Sincerely, Count on Me
- [What to Do? An Agent Requested My Full MS - But I'm Revising!](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/08/re-what-to-do-an-agent-requested-my-full-ms-but-im-revising/) - Dear Editor… My writing partner and I decided to revise our manuscript after several agents rejected it. Today, one of the agents we hadn’t heard from requested the full manuscript. Yay! I know you are supposed to respond right away, but could we wait a few weeks to send the revision? The request comes through QueryManager and you download the submission there, so I don’t have the agent’s email. Should I download an email explaining that? Sincerely, Almost Finished
- [Tell Agents I Worked with a Writing Coach or Freelance Editor?](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/08/re-tell-agents-i-worked-with-a-writing-coach-or-freelance-editor/) - Dear Editor… I’ve read in several articles and forums that mentioning at the query stage that you’ve worked with a writing coach or freelance editor can mean that agents won't look further, as they won't want to work with someone long term who can't "do things on their own." Is this valid? Crap advice? In many other industries, working with someone with a solid reputation would be a good thing. Truly, the part about "don’t let on that you’ve hired an editor before the process" has me stumped—it seems counter-intuitive to me. I’d really appreciate your take on this as someone with extensive experience as an in-house editor and then a freelance editor. Sincerely, Wondering
- [Am I Wrong to Avoid Contractions?](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/09/re-am-i-wrong-to-avoid-contractions/) - Dear Editor… I heard an agent tell an author not to avoid contractions with a certain character she was creating—in this case, an alien’s voice. The agent said that purposefully avoiding contractions was a distraction—that it slowed the flow of the language. I had avoided using contractions for the aliens throughout my entire novel WIP. I guess I was after that Other that they presented. Other as in “not human.” Do you have an opinion on this topic? Sincerely, The Alien Whisperer
- [How Do I "Show, Don't Tell" Emotions?](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/10/re-how-do-i-show-dont-tell-emotions/) - Dear Editor… How do I describe emotions so that the reader can really feel them? I know I am supposed to show and not tell. However, can I do both? Can I say - "Elaina was sad. Her eyes were looking down and large tears were dripping onto her eyelashes and down her cheeks?" Or should I just remove the first sentence and just keep the second? Sincerely, Caring in California
- [Unreliable Narrators, Plus "Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies" Giveaway Winner](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/11/unreliable-narrators-plus-writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… We’ve got a winner of the WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES signed book giveaway. Huzzah! Click through to find out who won, and for a tip about making unreliable narrators likeable and believable.
- [Tips for Writing Romantic Scenes that Aren't Cliche?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/07/re-writing-smoochie-scenes-that-arent-corny/) - Dear Editor… The romantic parts in my YA novel are hard to write. They sound corny and feel cliche. Help?! Elle S.
- [Forty-Six-Year-Old Wants to Sound Sixteen](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-voice-how-to-sound-like-a-teen/) - Dear Editor... I’ve been told that the main character in my teen novel sounds too sophisticated. I’m forty-six years old! How can I sound like a teen? Sincerely, Too Old in Idaho
- [The Perils of Swapping Slang](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-the-perils-of-swapping-slang/) - Dear Editor... Often it seems that dialogue can get choppy and sound too contrived. How do you establish a more natural conversation, especially when writing with a teen voice and vocabulary? Sincerely, Anna
- [What's So Wrong with UN-Happily Ever After?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-whats-so-wrong-with-un-happily-ever-after/) - Dear Editor... I’m writing my first romance novel. I think my ending is creative and powerful. My critique group agrees . . . but they still want me to rewrite it. I don’t end with the two lovers together. My group says they have to be, that a romance novel MUST have a happy ending. But that’s so predictable. Does it really have to? Sincerely, Desperately Seeking an UNhappy Ending
- [Thinking about Direct Thoughts](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-thinking-about-direct-thoughts/) - Dear Editor... I'm reading more novels, especially YA, where direct thoughts are put in italics. It's clearer, and obviously editors are accepting/using the style. I'd prefer to use it in my YA novel. Advice? Sincerely, Karen
- [Are Sentence Fragments Worth Fisticuffs?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-are-sentence-fragments-worth-fisticuffs/) - Dear Editor... An argument is ensuing in my writing group about "realistic" dialog. On one side are the believers in using clipped dialog as they believe that is the way people speak—all the time. I say sometimes people speak in full sentences, so I use both. What's the right balance? Assuming two native speakers. Sincerely, Bill
- [Which Comes First, the Editor or the Agent?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-which-comes-first-the-editor-or-the-agent/) - Dear Editor... I've heard that the only way a publishing house will even consider looking at a manuscript is if it's submitted by a literary agent. Is that true? And if so, how do I go about finding an agent for myself? Sincerely, Mary
- [Confusing Rejection Letters from Editors](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-confusing-rejection-letters-from-editors/) - Dear Editor... I have received a couple of rejection notices from editors that confuse me. They write they like the premise and voice, but say the execution fell short. What do editors mean when they talk about execution? Pace? Plot? Thanks! Author in Waiting
- [This Story in my Head Won't Leave Me Alone](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-this-story-in-my-head-wont-leave-me-alone/) - Dear Editor... I'm an engineer but I've had this story floating around in my head for a few years and it won't leave me alone. It's really starting to bother me because I don't have the foggiest idea about writing styles or even where to begin. I do know I have to get it out of my head. Help! Where do I begin? Sincerely, Joe
- [Is My Independent Publisher's Contract Normal?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/03/re-is-my-independent-publishers-contract-normal/) - Dear Editor... I submitted my query to a number of agents and an independent publisher and the publisher is interested in my work. I've received a contract and there isn't any mention of an advance, and they've asked me how many books I would like to purchase to help with self-promotion. Is this normal? Sincerely, Cindy
- [Dare I Swear in a Teen Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/dare-i-swear-in-a-teen-novel/) - Dear Editor... I’m writing a YA novel and the question of four-letter words has come up. Usually, I avoid them. But I’ve got a scene where two kids argue at school, and it seems natural to have one tell the other to f___ off. "Get lost" just doesn't cut it. Do you have any suggestions? What is the best policy to follow? Sincerely, Shelia
- [Should She Leave the "g" in Regional Dialect?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/should-she-leave-the-g-in-regional-dialect/) - Dear Editor... What is your opinion on the use of dialect? In my MG novel, I rely on it a lot. The dropping of the “g” in knowing, for instance. I need to show how these two girls talk. Right? Sincerely, Robyn
- [When the Limits of 1st Person POV Are TOO Limiting](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/re-when-the-limits-of-1st-person-pov-are-too-limiting/) - Dear Editor... I’m working on the second book in a series of three. The first book naturally flowed in first person and so I went with it, but the second is more challenging as the plot calls for scenes that take place away from the protagonist. I tried using a narrative voice, but that just feels wrong. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Elizabeth
- [Are We Running Out of Original Titles?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/re-are-we-running-out-of-original-titles/) - Dear Editor… I've noticed that we seem to have run out of original titles. Old book titles, old movie titles, old used and reused quotation titles seem to be appearing more often. Ever wonder why? What could be the benefit of copycat titles? Sincerely, K.L.
- ["Rules" for Picture Book Word Counts?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/re-rules-for-picture-book-word-counts/) - Dear Editor… I'm having a hard time figuring out the "rules" of picture books. Word limits: I've seen figures ranging from 1000 to 1500 to even higher. Do you have any advice? Sincerely, Sharon
- [Giving Editors Their (Line)Space](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/re-giving-editors-their-linespace/) - Dear Editor... I know the correct format for a novel is to begin Chapter One two-thirds down the page. Once, I read that other chapters should begin 1/3 down the page. This looks really weird to me, like I made a mistake in spacing. Do editors expect or desire to see manuscripts with successive chapters spaced 1/3 down the page? Sincerely, Carol
- [Can She Think in 3rd Person?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/re-can-she-think-in-3rd-person/) - Dear Editor… I recently read in a self-editing book (fiction for adults) that when writing in 3rd person, the main character's thoughts can also be written in 3rd person. Is this true for mg/ya or does it depend on the story? Sincerely, Sue
- [I Know It's Synopsis Time...But Do I HAVE To?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/i-know-its-synopsis-time-but-do-i-have-to/) - Dear Editor… Okay, the book is done and now I want to sell it. Do agents/editors really want a synopsis? If so, what do they use it for? Should a synopsis be plot only or should it "come alive" with at least a sense of the mood/drama of the book while giving a plot summary? Lastly, how long should it be? Thanks! Sincerely, Bill
- [Submitting Prologues - Pro or Con?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/re-submitting-prologues-pro-or-con/) - Dear Editor... When agents ask a writer to submit some of their manuscript in the query process, should the prologue be included with your submission? Sincerely, Kelly
- [Using Song Titles as Chapter Headers](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/05/re-using-song-titles-as-chapter-headers/) - Dear Editor... My middle grade novel's protagonist is moved when she learns a new song, which is at the heart of the book. Can I use the titles of published well-known songs as chapter headings? Will a publisher think this is too much work to get permission rights? There's 15 chapters. Sincerely, June
- [What Is My Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/06/re-what-is-my-novel/) - Dear Editor... My character is a 7th grader, she's 13 years old, my novel is intended for middle school age students. I have been querying it as "Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction" but I just read on a blog that middle grade is considered ages 7-10? Am I wrong? HELP! Sincerely, Danielle
- [When Did Editors Get So Young?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/06/re-when-did-editors-get-so-young/) - Dear Editor… I’ve attended some writers’ conferences, and I’m always a bit surprised at how young the agents and editors are, compared to me and many other writers. Do you think the age difference can work against a writer? Sincerely, Kathy
- [How Do I Find Small Publishers?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/06/re-how-do-i-find-small-publishers/) - Dear Editor... I have a mid-grade novel, which I have not found a place for yet. I've tried most of the major publishing houses with no success. I wondered where I could find a list of small publishing companies, and would submitting to them be the next logical step? Sincerely, Betty
- [10 Rejections and Losing Hope Fast](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/06/re-10-rejections-and-losing-hope-fast/) - Dear Editor... Ten agents have requested to read my full YA ms. One has rejected it but said, "I loved the voice. I think it's fantastic. Obviously you are an incredibly talented writer. However, I actually have a client who writes YA with very similar themes." Wouldn’t she know that from reading my query? Sincerely, Losing Hope
- [What’s a “YA Memoir”?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/06/whats-a-ya-memoir/) - Dear Editor... I've seen some editors and agents state that they would like to add a YA memoir to their list. My understanding of YA is that it is all in the moment. How would a YA memoir work in terms of POV? Are there examples of published YA memoirs? Sincerely, Kellie
- [Telling the New Agent about the Old Agent](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/re-telling-the-new-agent-about-the-old-agent/) - Dear Editor... When I query agents for possible representation, should I inform them that I had an agent for 3 years but I chose to leave due to creative differences? Sincerely, Merrily
- [How Many Characters Are Too Many in Chapter 1?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/re-how-many-characters-are-too-many-in-chapter-1/) - Dear Editor… Is there a maximum number of characters to introduce in the first chapter of a MG grade or YA novel? I don't want to introduce too many, but I have 8 characters PLUS a generic Mom, Dad, and two sisters. Does it make a diff if some of these 8 are name intros only? Sincerely, Carol
- [How Many Dots for Ellipses?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/re-how-many-dots-for-ellipses/) - Dear Editor… I use ellipses a lot in my current manuscript. But how do I know when to use three dots and when to use four? And someone told me I’m spacing them incorrectly. Huh? Sincerely, Seeing Spots in San Diego
- [I Wrote It . . . Now What?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/re-i-wrote-it-now-what/) - Dear Editor... I have written several childrens stories and am seeking publication. Most are picture book style, two for YA. Some rhyme, giving an opportunity for interaction. My manuscripts are ready. I'm unsure of how to proceed. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Claudia
- [Help for Em-Dashaholics](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/08/re-help-for-em-dashaholics/) - Dear Editor… You recently answered a question about seeing spots (ellipses). I’m wallowing in dashes, like these: ---. Can you explain why dashes are different lengths and when to use which? Sincerely, Randalf
- [Must a Murdering Dad Make Good by "The End"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/08/re-must-a-murdering-dad-make-good-by-the-end/) - Dear Editor... My protagonist’s father is convicted of murder. He also has a history of abuse. He’s found innocent of the murder, and promises a better life for his family. My critique group wants him rehabilitated. How can I resolve this and stay true to the time period when spousal abuse was sadly hidden or ignored? Sincerely, Maria
- [Is Past Tense Safe for Synopses?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/08/re-is-past-tense-safe-for-synopses/) - Dear Editor... I am working on a synopsis for my MG novel. It is written in present tense, except for a few sentences (in past tense) that provide background material explaining why a character did something. Is that okay? Sincerely, Theresa
- [Query Quandary](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/08/re-query-quandary/) - Dear Editor... I have written a few query letters for my picture books, and sent them off to many editors, with no success. I decided to write a Middle grade novel and try to get it published first... Question is: Can I query it before I finish? And is it bad to query the editors I have already queried for my picture book? Sincerely, Christina
- [Should Flashbacks Be Feared?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/re-should-flashbacks-be-feared/) - Dear Editor... In my critique group my fellow authors warned me about the dangers of flashbacks in fiction. They suggested a prologue, but I have heard that prologues can also be deadly to a manuscript. Can you give me some advice on this matter? Many thanks, J
- [Are Three Pens Better Than One?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/re-are-three-pens-better-than-one/) - Dear Editor... Two writer friends and I have collaborated on a mg novel. Are editors leery of taking on collaborations and working with three authors and three agents? Is there a preferable way to package our talents so that we can be marketed as a team versus individuals? Sincerely, Natasha
- [Writer Credentials](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/re-writer-credentials/) - Dear Editor... I'm writing a picture book and when putting together my manuscript I understand I have to include a bit about my writing credentials. Problem is - I don't have any! Is this a barrier to entry or mean I'll be subject to greater critical analysis than a published author? Thanks, Navigating Novice
- [Do I Have to Read When I Sign?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/re-do-i-have-to-read-when-i-sign/) - Dear Editor... I was wondering if doing readings of your work at book signings is something you're required to do as an author? Sincerely, Megan
- [Time to Trash My Manuscript?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/re-time-to-trash-my-manuscript/) - Dear Editor... I have been sending out my middle grade fantasy. I was writing to my 8 year old but the 2 rejections I received speak about voice. I myself am moved by the voice in children's books and can certainly attain A GOOD voice in a new book, but should I throw this one away? Believe the two rejections? Sincerely, Gemini
- [Is the “Upper” Part of “Upper YA” Moving Up?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-is-the-“upper”-part-of-“upper-ya”-moving-up/) - Dear Editor... Are novels with protagonists who are in their late teens and early twenties also considered YA? Lauren Conrad's new YA series has characters who are 19. How old can a heroine/hero be in a YA novel? Please clarify! Thanks! Sincerely, Mayra
- [The Sweet Smell of Submissions](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-the-sweet-smell-of-submissions/) - Dear Editor... I have written a picture book manuscript and am confused about what to write as far as a cover letter/query letter. It’s my understanding I send the entire ms (461 words) with it for any submissions. What do I need to send with the ms? Sincerely, Melanie
- [Finding Adventure in Historical Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-finding-adventure-in-historical-fiction/) - Dear Editor... I have just completed an MG adventure for boys set in the middle ages. I've heard that historical fiction is a hard sell these days. How should I pitch my manuscript? Sincerely, Nancy
- [How Much Talk Is Too Much in YA Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-how-much-talk-is-too-much-in-ya-fiction/) - Dear Editor... How much dialogue is too much dialogue in a young adult novel? Sincerely, Katie
- [Pitching a Dual POV Novel](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-pitching-a-dual-pov-novel/) - Dear Editor... I'm working on my logline/elevator pitch. I have been told that it should be one sentence, and no more than 17 words. What about dual POV stories? While they do end up together, they also have their own story arcs. Do I pick 1 for my pitch or is 2 lines—one for each—okay? Sincerely, Rachel
- [Letting Your WIP RIP... For a Spell](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/re-letting-your-wip-rip-for-a-spell/) - Dear Editor... It's a good idea to take a break from a WIP for a period of time, say, three months, to gain perspective. But when? After I finish the rough draft? Or once I've revised to the point where I'm thinking the story's in good shape? Sincerely, Jay
- [Time Frame for Submission to Interested Agent/Editor?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-time-frame-for-submission-to-interested-agenteditor/) - Dear Editor... I am thrilled to have had several agents and an editor request full manuscripts at a recent conference. Not wanting to blow this wonderful opportunity, I have readers going over it for the umpteenth time & continue to edit, but wonder what is an appropriate length of time to submit to those interested parties? Sincerely, Connie
- [Can You Really Land an Agent at a Conference?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-can-you-really-land-an-agent-at-a-conference/) - Dear Editor... At most writers' conferences, there's at least one editor and one agent who review first pages and queries and share critiques, so I'm curious: What is the percentage of published writers who were "discovered" at a conference? Thanks for even an estimate. Sincerely, Kate
- [Integrating the POV and Narrative](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-integrating-the-pov-and-narrative/) - Dear Editor... Please explain this comment from an agent on my midgrade historical fiction ms told in first person: "your POV and narrative are not integrated enough." Thank you, Carrie
- [Chapter Titles V. Chapter Numbers](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-chapter-titles-v-chapter-numbers/) - Dear Editor... Do agents/editors like to see chapter titles? Or are just numbered chapters okay? Sincerely, Heather
- [Is Branding Wicked or Wise?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-is-branding-wicked-or-wise/) - Dear Editor... I'm sort of eclectic when it comes to my YA novel genres. But I know "branding" is really important for a writer. When I'm creating my urban fantasy followed by my light, contemporary romance followed by my edgy issue novel, how concerned should I be about consistency as a writer in the market? Sincerely, Heather
- [Thanksgiving Thinking](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/re-thanksgiving-thinking/) - Dear Readers . . . As we set aside our pens and papers today to count our blessings amongst family and friends, here's something extra to chew on, from the writer who teaches us as much now that we're grown as he did when we were tykes. Happy Thanksgiving! The Editor
- [Scenes, Chapters . . . What's the Difference?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-scenes-chapters-whats-the-difference/) - Dear Editor... I give up. My writing group keeps telling me that my chapters are really just scenes. I don’t get it. What’s the difference? Sincerely, Randalf
- [But Aren't Proposals for NON-Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-but-arent-proposals-for-non-fiction/) - Dear Editor... Please settle a point for me: Don’t proposals only apply to non-fiction? Thanks. Sincerely, Robyn
- [Is My MG Manuscript Too Wordy?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-is-my-mg-manuscript-too-wordy/) - Dear Editor... Is a 50,000-word MG novel too long? If I send a query to an agent with the word-count, will they be likely to dismiss it based on the word count? Thanks! Heather
- [Word Counts for Published Novels](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-word-counts-for-published-novels/) - Dear Editor... How do you find out how many words are in a published novel? You mentioned that Bud, Not Buddy was 52,000 words. Did you estimate from the number of pages in the book or is there somewhere we can find out that information? Thanks, Becky
- [Submitting a Memior that "Doesn't Conform"](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-submitting-a-memior-that-doesnt-conform/) - Dear Editor... I've finished my manuscript. It's about all the drunks, nuts, and abnormal individuals I worked with during thirty years at the Postal Service. Since it doesn't conform to traditional topics of manuscripts, who do I submit it to? Sincerely, Lenny
- [Happy Holidays](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-happy-holidays/) - Dear Readers... With Christmas just days away, I am officially doffing my editor's hat in favor of a warm, red Mrs. Santa cap. I will switch hats again on Monday and field a new writing question. Until then, my best wishes for a happy holiday full of family, fun, and stockings bulging with writing supplies. The Editor
- [Lie, Lay, and Other Grammar Issues in Dialogue](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-lie-lay-and-other-grammar-issues-in-dialogue/) - Dear Editor... I (now) know the difference between lie and lay, but I was wondering if this grammar rule had to be followed in dialogue? I would like my character to talk about "laying out" and tanning but trying to say it grammatically correct seems too stilted and wrong. What's the verdict? Sincerely, Rachel
- [3rd Draft . . . Last draft?](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/re-3rd-draft-last-draft/) - Dear Editor… Now I'm ready to work on the third draft of my YA novel. I've never been here before. How do I do this? Should I start over for the 3rd time or just edit parts of it that need work? Is this still the cutting down on characters/bettering the plot time? How do you know when you're done? Sincerely, Melody
- [Too Young To Be Taken Seriously?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/re-too-young-to-be-taken-seriously/) - Dear Editor… I am a currently unpublished writer at the age of 16, but I am approaching the stage at which I will start pitching manuscripts soon. Is there a good way to spot agents that will blow me off because of my age? Sincerely, A. E.
- [Mention High Word Count in Query Letter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/re-mention-high-word-count-in-query-letter/) - Dear Editor… How should one handle a word count that is far out of the norm in a cover letter. Should it simply be stated or is some explanation necessary? Thanks. Sincerely, Rosi
- [A Changing Industry?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/re-a-changing-industry/) - Dear Editor… Do you think the current publishing business model is dying or at least morphing? Agent-Editor-Big Publisher with long waits from acquisition to publication. How are advents in self-publishing, the Kindle & iPad changing things? Part of me is convinced I need to think outside the box today. Thoughts? Sincerely, Bill
- [Dare I Write a YA Western?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/re-dare-i-write-a-ya-western/) - Dear Editor... I've hashed out an idea for a young adult western, which I think could be refreshing amidst a swirl of vampires and zombies and fantasy novels. What is your opinion on the marketability of a western in today's market? Is it a difficult placement and sell in 2011? Sincerely, Lorie
- [1 Manuscript, 2 Agents. What Should I Do?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/re-1-manuscript-2-agents-what-should-i-do/) - Dear Editor... I met an agent at a conference who asked me to email my picture book to her. I did and she responded by giving me the names of two other agents who she strongly suggested that I contact. I contacted a different agent at the same agency where one of the referred agents works. It has been a month and I've received no response from the agent. I'd still like to contact the referred agent yet I worry about contacting two agents at the same agency. Can I contact the agent who was referred at the same agency by giving the name of the agent who gave the referral, and mentioning the first agent's name who I had already contacted at that agency? Please advise. Sara
- [Verifying a (Novel) Novel Idea](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-verifying-a-novel-novel-idea/) - Dear Editor… How do I tell if my novel’s basic premise is unique, and how can I research to see what other books have been published similar to my new idea? I've heard some editors do this for marketing purposes and in-house meeting proposals, so they must have SOME way of going about it! Thanks! Carol
- [Average Wait for Agent Response?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-average-wait-for-agent-response/) - Dear Editor… I wonder what the current wait for a response to a pb submission is? I have waited five months, and sent a sase. Thanks! Lisa
- [Help with Hooks](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-help-with-hooks/) - Dear Editor… I am having trouble with query letters. Any tips on writing an awesome tagline or hook? I've recently started my second project and I already have that hook down. But my first eludes me, I think I may be too close to it. Please help! Danielle
- [What's a Poor Vampire Writer to Do?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-whats-a-poor-vampire-writer-to-do/) - Dear Editor… It's no secret that editors and agents are sick of werewolves, ghosts, and especially vampires. So is there really any point in writing a vampire novel right now? Don't agents and editors just roll their eyes when they see the words "Vampire" and "Young Adult Paranormal" in a query letter? Sincerely, Megan
- [Submitting on Your Own When You Have an Agent](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-submitting-on-your-own-when-you-have-an-agent/) - Dear Editor… I have an agent who has submitted my novel to all her connections. I would like to pursue sending it out to some smaller publishers now. Should I start sending it out on my own with a note to inform them I do have an agent? What do you think I should do about this? Thanks for your help! Amy
- [Formatting IM Exchanges in a Manuscript](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/re-formatting-im-exchanges-in-a-manuscript/) - Dear Editor… I have a lot of text/IM conversations in my YA novel. Is there a way to distinguish this in my manuscript? How creative can I get? Sincerely, Anne
- [Mention Series Potential in Query Letter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/re-mention-series-potential-in-query-letter/) - Dear Editor… I have written a middle grade fantasy novel that could be the first in a series. Is it a good idea to mention the series potential in queries? Sincerely, Heather
- [The Look of Lyrics](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/re-the-look-of-lyrics/) - Dear Editor… When you are writing prose, and showing that someone/group/radio is singing a song, how do you format the lyrics to the song? In quotation marks? Italics? Different margins? Thanks, Scott
- [Youth Is in the Details](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/re-youth-is-in-the-details/) - Dear Editor... I’ve received some rejections for my middle grade manuscript. One agent said my voice is not “as kid-friendly as it could be.” Do you have ideas for addressing that? Sincerely, R.
- [Promote My Own Book? How???](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/re-promote-my-own-book-how/) - Dear Editor… Ok. So, I've published my book. NOW, HOW TO PROMOTE IT???? The publisher has some publicity but not enough . . . they have a hundred books to promote. I'd like to help my book. So what can you suggest??? Thank you, Mimi
- [Feeling Tense about Tense in Synopses](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/re-feeling-tense-about-tense-in-synopses/) - Dear Editor... What tense should be used when writing a synopsis? Does it matter what tense is used in the manuscript? Sincerely, Mary
- [Scared of Skyping](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/re-scared-of-skyping/) - Dear Editor… Thanks to your readers for the suggestion about doing Skype author visits to self promote. The only problem is, I’m a dunce when it comes to technology. What others say is “simple” is NOT so simple to me. I’ll try it, but . . . what kind of camera should I get for Skype???? Thanks again, Mimi
- [1st DearEditor.com Free Edit Giveaway Winner Gets Book Deal](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/re-1st-deareditor-com-free-edit-giveaway-winner-gets-book-deal/) - Dear Editor... I just wanted to let you and anyone else following know that my MG historical fiction novel, DANCE WITH BORZOIS (that you read and edited) was sold to Erin Clarke at Knopf. Thank you, DEB, for all of your great comments!!!! DANCE WITH BORZOIS is expected out spring of 2013. Cheers, Annemarie O'Brien
- [Can Online Critiquing Hurt My Pub Chances?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/re-can-online-critiquing-hurt-my-pub-chances/) - Dear Editor… Will posting my pb manuscript on online discussion boards for peer critiques hurt my chances of publication? I have commented on several on SCBWI’s discussion board, but always hesitate. What are the pros and cons of this? Sincerely, Wendy
- [The Right Words Matter More Than the Right Word Count](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/re-the-right-words-matter-more-than-the-right-word-count/) - Dear Editor… I am writing a YA novel, I think. (I guess it might be considered middle grade.) How many words are these novels usually? I'm past half way and mine is 14,000 words. Am I on the right track? Sincerely, Tina
- [What Does It Take to Be an Editor?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/05/re-what-does-it-take-to-be-an-editor/) - Dear Editor… I'm interested in becoming an editor and I would like to know more about the job scope. What skills would I need and should I major in English at university? Thanks, Sarah
- [Which Tense Is Best for Synopses?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/05/re-which-tense-is-best-for-synopses/) - Dear Editor… What tense should be used when writing a synopsis? Does it matter what tense is used in the manuscript? Sincerely, Mary
- [Smoothing a Choppy Synopsis](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/05/re-smoothing-a-choppy-synopsis/) - Dear Editor… I had an editor comment that my synopsis doesn’t read as “smoothly” as my sample pages. Have you got any ideas for how I should rework it? Sincerely, Sue
- [How to Get to Editors](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/05/re-how-to-get-to-editors/) - Dear Editor… How do you get a manuscript to an editor when so many are not taking submissions at all? Sincerely, Sally
- [Trash It or Tweak It?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/re-trash-it-or-tweak-it/) - Dear Editor... I have been sending out my middle grade fantasy. I was writing to my 8-year-old but the 2 rejections I received speak about voice. I myself am moved by the voice in children's books and can certainly attain A GOOD voice in a new book, but should I throw this one away? Believe the two rejections? Sincerely, Gemini
- [OK to Resubmit After a "No"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/re-ok-to-resubmit-after-a-no/) - Dear Editor... Is it acceptable to revise a manuscript based on an editor or agent's feedback and then resubmit to that same person? Sincerely, Wendy
- [Leave Self-Marketing to the Young?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/re-leave-self-marketing-to-the-young/) - Dear Editor… Can you be too old to write for kids? I'm older and I finally have time to write. I have lots of experience with kids, my stuff is funny, and editors have good things to say. But I'm afraid I'm seen as too old to help market a book effectively, especially by young editors. Sincerely, Margery
- [How Do I Revise a Third Draft?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/re-how-do-i-revise-a-third-draft/) - Dear Editor… Now I'm ready to work on the 3rd draft of my YA novel. I've never been here before. How do I do this? Should I start over for the 3rd time or just edit parts of it that need work? Is this still the cutting down on characters/bettering the plot time? How do you know when you're done? Sincerely, Melody
- [Writing YA Fiction For Dummies Virtual Book Launch - Thank You!](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-writing-ya-fiction-for-dummies-virtual-book-launch-thank-you/) - Dear Readers… I hope you don’t mind one more WYAFFD launch-related post, because I simply must say THANK YOU. The kind wishes and enthusiasm sent my way this week has been nothing short of amazing. So many of you shared news of the launch through your blogs, social media, and email. I am supremely grateful for such active support.
- [Bildungsroman v. Coming-of-Age Novels](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-bildungsroman-v-coming-of-age-novels/) - Dear Editor… It seems that a number of fairytales and fantasy stories are bildungsroman—the protagonist either grows to adulthood, or is an older teenager (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, the Princess Bride, etc.). Would these stories be considered for adults or children? Sincerely, Lucy
- [Ways to Stop Copying Characters?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-ways-to-stop-copying-characters/) - Dear Editor... What do you suggest for younger writers with more limited experiential base when it comes to letting go of copying characters (i.e., Harry Potters, Wimpy Kid)? Thanks, K.
- [Finishing a Novel Despite Self-Doubt](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-finishing-a-novel-despite-self-doubt/) - Dear Editor… I just started writing a story, but I want to know how I can be motivated to write a novel!? Make it long, and beautiful. Every time, I think, It’s never going to be good. Is there any way I can lose this feeling, and continue on writing it? Sincerely, Xena
- [Which Comes First, the Agent or the Editor?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-which-comes-first-the-agent-or-the-editor/) - Dear Editor… I've always been focused on writing queries to agents. Recently, I've heard a number of authors say it's far better to sell your ms to a publisher yourself and then get an agent. Other authors say almost all publishers no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts. Is it better to approach an agent or a publisher? Best regards, L.
- [Thank you. Now Have a Free Webinar.](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/re-thank-you-now-have-a-free-webinar/) - The Editor's month-long party celebrating the publication of Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies may be ending with today’s final stop on her WYAFFD Blog Tour, but she's got one last grand finale event for writers: her eye-popping, info-laden FREE webinar tomorrow with high-energy author/illustrator Katie Davis....
- [How Do You Write a Query for a Series?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/08/re-how-do-you-write-a-query-for-a-series/) - Dear Editor… In all the reference books I've read on queries, I have never been able to find one that tells you how to write a pitch or a query for a *series*. They usually only tell you how to write a query for a book which isn't meant to have sequels following it. Would your pitch have to be for the whole series? Or just for the first book? Thank you! Kayla
- [Should I Italicize Internal Dialogue in Close Third Person?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/08/re-should-i-italicize-internal-dialogue-in-close-third-person/) - Dear Editor… In close third person, what are the best ways to handle internal dialog? Italics, “she thought” tags, or just let the reader figure it out? Sincerely, Stephanie
- [New Title for Revised MG?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/08/re-new-title-for-revised-mg/) - Dear Editor… I've acquired the rights to one of my out-of-print MG novels and am going to release it as an e-book. I've revised the book to update and improve it and am developing a cover and getting the required new ISBN. Since the book is substantially different, should I give it a new title so it doesn't get confused with the previous version? I like the old title, but don't want it to limit possible sales if people think it's the same book, even though there's a new generation of readers out there who've likely never heard of the original. Sincerely, K.
- [Social Networking Prior to Book Release?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/08/re-social-networking-prior-to-book-release/) - Dear Editor… I have an upper middle-grade novel about a boy struggling in the sport of gymnastics due for release this fall. With the Olympics coming next summer and an Olympian backing my book, how should I begin to get the word out there? Thank you, Christi
- [Hidden Hassles of Pen Names](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/08/re-hidden-hassles-of-pen-names/) - Dear Editor… I write both adult novels and books for children. Should I use a different pen name for my adult fiction than I use for my children's fiction? I've asked people this before and most just scratch their head and say, "Interesting that you can write for such a wide audience." I know I am not the only one in this situation. Sincerely, Haley
- [What's the Trick to Pitching a Dual POV Story?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/09/re-whats-the-trick-to-pitching-a-dual-pov-story/) - Dear Editor... I'm wondering the best way to craft a query letter for my new manuscript. It's told in the 3rd person and there are 2 POVs. It's also a fantasy novel and the 1st book in a 3-book series. How should I handle this?? Thanks, Jennifer
- [Free 15-Minute Consult with Publicists!](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/09/re-free-15-minute-consult-with-publicists/) - Dear Readers... I'm breaking from my regular format to tell you about this chance to win a FREE consult with the renowned publicists at Blue Slip Media. You only have till midnight tonight!
- [Opportunities in Children's Book Categories](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/09/re-opportunities-in-childrens-book-categories/) - Dear Editor… I have ideas for both fiction and nonfiction children’s books. What category is easier to break into? Thanks, Amy
- [Clueless About Character Arcs](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/09/re-clueless-about-character-arcs/) - Dear Editor… I say I have a character arc, but editors say I don’t. Clearly I’m clueless about something. Help! Thanks, R.M.
- [Do Agents Give Second Chances?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/re-do-agents-give-second-chances/) - Dear Editor… An agent rejected my sci fi manuscript. I really want to be repped by this agent—he's impressive at conferences and he reps great authors. Is it okay to submit another manuscript to him? Thanks, Anon.
- [Is Your Internal Dialogue Telling You Something?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/re-is-your-internal-dialogue-telling-you-something/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing a young adult novel in first person that alternates between the 2 main characters’ POV. I’m getting conflicting advice from critiquers about the use of internal dialogue—those not very into YA fiction say I have too much; those accustomed to YA fiction don’t comment on the internal thoughts OR say I need more! Is it a genre thing? Sincerely, Beth
- ["Free First 20 Pages Critique” Giveaway!](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/re-“free-first-chapter-critique”-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... The Editor is celebrating the premier of her book trailer for WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES by giving away a FREE CRITIQUE OF THE FIRST 20 PAGES OF YOUR FICTION MANUSCRIPT. See the book trailer and get the full rules today on DearEditor.com.
- [Can I Use That Title, Too?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/re-but-i-want-that-books-title/) - Dear Editor... Is it OK to use the same title for a new YA novel as an already published adult novel? Thank you, Laurie
- [Forcing Readers to Read It Your Way](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/re-forcing-readers-to-read-it-your-way/) - Dear Editor… To me the use of ellipses, em dashes, and the use of italics to emphasis specific words are very much a part of both the author’s voice but more importantly the character’s voice. Some critiquers have said nothing about the amount of each of these included in my story, while others have had a fit. I want to say, “Have you talked with any teenagers recently, especially teen girls?” My female main character’s POV includes many more these style type things than does the male character's POV. It's part of what's different about their voice. Would LOVE your take on this, Beth
- [Writing YA Historical Fiction with a Reflective Adult Narrator](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-writing-ya-historical-fiction-with-a-reflective-adult-narrator/) - Dear Editor... I am in a quandary about a historical novel I’ve started. I want to show how one woman was captured by the Shawnee, rescued, and married her rescuer. But I also want to show how another woman has a burden for her brother and the fate of her tribe at that time. Ultimately I imagine the women meeting again 20 years later. I feel there are 2 ways of life to show. Is it best to write about them from an older age looking back or to take them from youth when one was captured at 14 and the other was about 20? I am old (75) and wonder if I will be able to capture their young voices and feelings. —Jane
- [Is 3rd Person POV Dead in MG Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-is-3rd-person-pov-dead-in-mg-fiction/) - Dear Editor… Many editors say they are looking for MG novels with a strong voice. So many examples they cite are in first person. Is there still room for 3rd person narration? Would you differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of both. Sincerely, Sondra
- [Do I Pitch My Crossover Novel to YA Agents Only?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-do-i-pitch-my-crossover-novel-to-ya-agents-only/) - Dear Editor… I think my coming-of-age novel is a crossover book, appealing to young adults and adults. Do I mention that in a query letter? Do I market it primarily to agents who are looking for YA? Sincerely, Valerie
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-happy-thanksgiving/) - Dear Readers... The Editor realizes that next week will be full of vacation, family, and food. Hopefully, you'll spend some time with your WIP, too. In the interest of not contributing to the massive backlog of emails that will likely greet you upon your return to the regular grind, The Editor will take Thanksgiving week off. (Plus, she's got vacation, family, and food plans, too!) Look for the next DearEditor.com post on November 29. Best wishes for a safe holiday.
- [Dare I Submit During the Holidays?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-dare-i-submit-during-the-holidays/) - Dear Editor... I know that the publishing world shuts down for Christmas and New Year's. Should I submit my query letter now before the holidays? Or would I have a better chance if I waited until 2012? Thanks! Katie
- [Did That TV Show Just Kill My Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/11/re-can-a-tv-show-kill-my-book/) - Dear Editor... I just pitched my book as "Glee meets West Side Story" to an editor, who loved the idea. Yesterday, I read that Glee is doing WSS. I've never even watched the show. What do I do? Is my novel dead? I've been working on it for three years. Sincerely, Cathy
- [Is a Novel Set in the 60s Historical Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-is-a-novel-set-in-the-60s-historical-fiction/) - Dear Editor… At what point does a novel become historical fiction? Is 1963 in that category? Sincerely, Cricket
- [What's the Right Style for a Crossover Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-whats-the-right-style-for-a-crossover-novel/) - Dear Editor… I am attempting my first manuscript aimed at 18 to 30 year olds; is there a particular writing style I should look at, or can I blend young adult fiction with adult fiction to make it work? Sincerely, Alana
- [What If the Best Stuff Is In the Middle of My Story?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-what-if-the-best-stuff-is-in-the-middle-of-my-story/) - Dear Editor... When a publisher requests a query letter, synopsis, and two sample chapters, is it okay to send the first chapter and a chapter from elsewhere in the book instead of chapter two in order to show something with more excitement or adventure than the second chapter might show? Thanks, Rosi
- [Are Subplots Off-Limits in 1st Person POV?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-are-subplots-off-limits-in-1st-person-pov/) - Dear Editor… I was reading that subplots are told in the secondary character's point of view. How do you manage this in a 1st person point of view novel? Can you still have subplots even though you have to see all the action through the main character's eyes? Thanks, Linda
- [How Do I "Flesh Out" Characters?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-how-do-i-flesh-out-characters/) - Dear Editor... I'm getting feedback to flesh out characters in my story. What does this mean and how can I do it in my story? Sincerely, Wendy
- [Happy Holidays from DearEditor.com](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/12/re-happy-holidays-from-deareditor-com/) - Dear Readers... Here's hoping this post finds you happy, well, and enjoying time with loved ones. For those of you who will manage to fit in some writing time, too---go get 'em! And the rest of you, well, don't sweat it---everyone deserves one day off. In fact, the Editor is going to take a few extra days off. Look for your next DearEditor.com post the first week of the new year. Until then, Happy holidays!
- [Girl Writes Boy . . . Bad Idea?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-hide-that-im-a-girl-writing-a-boy/) - Dear Editor… I write both non-fiction picture books and boy-centric middle grade novels. I publish the non-fiction under my full name, but should I consider using initials for the novels, since I'm not the same gender as the MC? Will it matter to the reader? Thank you for your thoughts on this! Alison
- [How Do I Set Up a Blog Tour?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-how-do-i-set-up-a-blog-tour/) - Dear Editor… I really enjoyed your blog tour, and now that my picture book biography, Cixi, The Dragon Empress, will be released in October by Goosebottom Books, I'd like to know how I would go about setting up a blog tour. Thanks, Natasha
- [I Refuse to Believe Epistolary Novels are "Dead"](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-i-refuse-to-believe-epistolary-novels-are-dead/) - Dear Editor... I’ve written a contemporary YA novel in epistolary format. All of the professional feedback I’ve received is positive (I even won an award for the 1st 15 pages). Most agents tell me the writing is excellent, BUT they are passing strictly due to the format. A favorite author told me that epistolary novels are dead. Dead? I don’t believe it. How do I find agents/editors who will consider an epistolary novel? T. S.
- [When Is the Best Time for a Blog Tour?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-when-is-the-best-time-for-a-blog-tour/) - Dear Editor… When is the best time for a blog tour? Before the book comes out? After? Anytime to get buzz on the book? Thanks again, Natasha
- [Use Modern Dialogue for Historical Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-use-modern-dialogue-for-historical-fiction/) - Dear Editor... In writing an historical fiction novel about an immigrant boy in 1911, how would you handle dialogue---should it be true to the time or more modern for today's readers? Roz
- [Keep My Fantasies to Myself During Submission?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/01/re-keep-my-fantasies-secret-during-submission/) - Dear Editor... My current manuscript is different from my others, which are high fantasy. High fantasy is such a select genre—do I say something about those manuscripts when I query this one? Anon.
- [Bad Idea to Post Excerpts Online?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/re-bad-idea-to-post-excerpts-online/) - Dear Editor… I'd like to post a 1- to 2-page excerpt of my latest manuscript along with a summary of the book on my blog. Do editors and agents frown on having the material out there for all to see before they've had a chance to sell it? Should I worry about the idea getting swiped before I publish it? Sincerely, Heather
- [Bumping Up My Word Count](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/re-bumping-up-my-word-count/) - Dear Editor… My MG is around 20,000 words. Too long to be a chapter book and too short to be in the ideal range for MG... so do I cut and change the vocabulary to make it a chapter book or do I try and expand on the characters, add scenes, to make it more like a solid MG? Thank you! Franziska
- [Pitching a Collaboration](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/re-pitching-a-collaboration/) - Dear Editor... A friend and I are considering submitting a collection of our poems for publication. We have each written about half the poems. How do we handle this in our query? We each have some publishing credits for our poetry. Sincerely, Rosi
- [Multiple Character Quests](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/re-multiple-character-quests/) - Dear Editor… I'm new to writing and currently working on a YA book. I have three main characters in my book that will be going on different quests. How should I handle each quest in one book or should they each have a book of there own - meeting up at the end? Thanks for you help! Kathi
- [Do You Have To Be Published To Do Class Visits?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/re-do-you-have-to-be-published-to-do-class-visits/) - Dear Editor… A former teacher of mine is teaching a creative writing class to high school seniors and invited me to speak to them—basically offering that they would read a few chapters of my ms (which has an agent offer) and then we could have a discussion. While a part of me would love to do a school visit (and start building my reader platform), I'm not sure if the timing is right since I don't have published book yet. What do you think? Anonymous
- [Winner, Wonder, and Week Off](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/re-winner-wonder-and-week-off/) - Dear Readers... Three months ago, many of you made this New Year Resolution: "Finish my manuscript!" It's likely time for your follow-up resolution: "Revise my manucript!" Revision Week was designed to bring you tips, insights, and inspiration for that very task. Thank you many times over to the fab authors who pulled back the curtains on their revision processes, thank you all for joining in, and congrats to the week's final giveaway winner, Patti J. Kurtz. Next week DearEditor.com will return to the usual format, with answers to the craft and industry questions you wonder about. Until then... Happy revising! The Editor
- [Dump the Blog, Go Full-Tilt on Twitter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/re-dump-the-blog-go-full-tilt-on-twitter/) - Dear Editor A published writer friend is thinking of freezing her blog and simply posting regularly on Twitter. She says the blog takes too much time for too little feedback. I get that she wants more writing time while still having the social networking, but this seems like a strangely backward idea. If I wanted to open a discussion, Twitter would be my last choice. What's your opinion? Which will agents/editors prefer to see? How do YOU write a successful blog, keep tabs on the triplets, write books, and run the vacuum cleaner? or feed the dog? or put your feet up for a simple moment of peace and quiet? Anon.
- [Is a Nom de Plume a No-No?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/re-is-a-nom-de-plume-a-no-no/) - Dear Editor... What are the pros and cons of using a pen name? What if you are quite a private person? Is this enough of a reason to use one? If so, what are some good ways to choose one and how do agents and editors feel about the practice? Many thanks, The Writer Behind the Curtain
- [Why Aren't Chapter Books on Agents' Wish Lists?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/re-why-arent-chapter-books-on-agents-wish-lists/) - Dear Editor... I've written a couple of chapter books and would like to find an agent. However, very few list "chapter books" as something they look for. Should I query agents who say they represent "PB, MG and YA," assuming that chapter books fit in between the PB and MG so the agent would be interested? Thanks so much. Heather
- [The Secret to Writing Dystopian Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-the-secret-to-writing-dystopian-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I'm attempting to find a good how-to article on book on how to get started on writing a dystopian novel. Any suggestions?? Thanks! Karen
- [The Agent "Loves" It... But Won't Rep It?!](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-the-agent-loves-it-but-wont-she-rep-it/) - Dear Editor… I follow an agent blog where books are reviewed and the agent says why she would or would not represent the book. Very often, she loves the books, but then says, "I wouldn't represent it." I mean, why not? If you love a book, others might too. If you can sell it, you make more on commissions. Isn't that what it's about? Selling books that you like and making money in the process? Why so picky? Is this common or just this one agent? Seems very unbusinesslike. Signed, B.
- [Can I Query Agents Before My Manuscript Is Done?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-can-i-query-agents-before-my-manuscript-is-done/) - Dear Editor… Is it appropriate for an unpublished writer to query agents before her MG/YA manuscript is complete? Provided there is an outline and a synopsis of the work, is it okay to test the waters halfway through? Another thought: Agents are seasoned professionals and would know right away whether they like a manuscript or not. It makes more sense to have someone guide you along the way to completion before you finish the project than to take you through numerous revisions once you have. What say you? Sincerely, Rosie
- [Querying a Book That's Already Sold](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-querying-a-book-thats-already-sold/) - Dear Editor…. I've signed with a small press for the first two books in a trilogy. The first is coming out very soon, but I'm almost finished with the second. Would it ever be okay to query the second book (or even the series) even though it's already sold? Thank you, Emily
- [Tips for Non-Corny Romance Scenes?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-tips-for-non-corny-romance-scenes/) - Dear Editor… I am having trouble writing the romantic parts of my YA novel. They sound kinda corny and feel cliché. Any advice? Sincerely, Struggling with the Smoochie Stuff
- [Life after an Editor Calls You an Idiot](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-life-after-an-editor-calls-you-an-idiot/) - Dear Editor… Writers Digest asked Robopaclypse author Daniel H. Wilson how he got his agent. His answer? “I wrote a query letter to an editor — a friend of a friend. The editor called me an idiot, told me never to contact an editor directly, and then recommended three literary agents he had worked with before. Laurie Fox was one of them, and I’ve never looked back.” So, do NOT contact an editor directly nowadays? Sincerely, Kate
- [Writing Height in Dialogue](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/re-writing-height-in-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… How should we write height in a story when the height is either in dialogue or a thought? Verbally we often say someone is five four, leaving out the word foot, but should it be written correctly either as five-foot-four or 5'4"? Thanks, Sue
- [Disguising the F-Word in YA Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/05/re-disguising-the-f-word-in-ya-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I'm writing a book featuring a 13-year-old main character that has a lot of cursing. It's completely integral to the story and the character's arc, and she really can't be older because of her maturity level. I have no issues with using abbreviations (e.g. f-ing, effing, etc.) so that the book can reach a wider audience, but I doubt I should do that in ms form. What do you think? Sincerely, Karol
- [How to Submit When Illustrations Are Kit-and-Caboodle with the Text](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/05/re-how-to-submit-when-illustrations-are-kit-and-caboodle-with-the-text/) - Dear Editor… My wife and I have collaborated on a 4,000-word children’s book with hybrid animals as the main characters and are growing a brand built around them. Although we have not done the illustrations, we own the copyrights to them and need them to be depicted as conceived. In a query letter to an editor and/or agent, would it be appropriate to include these illustrations and would color be acceptable? As an alternative, could we insert a link to our website? Sincerely, Nick
- [Which POV Is Best for Fiction Starring Talking Animals?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/05/re-which-pov-is-best-for-fiction-starring-talking-animals/) - Dear Editor… Main charac & plot w/talking animals. Secondary: humans. 1st or 3rd ltd? Trudy
- [Cursed by a Crappy Query Letter](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/05/re-cursed-by-a-crappy-query-letter/) - Dear Editor… I am beginning my writing career and am trying to sell my first children's book. I feel like my stories are great but are not getting read due to my cover or query letter. How can I make my letter stand out better? Sincerely, Megan
- [Are Prologues Taboo?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/05/re-are-prologues-taboo/) - Dear Editor… Are prologues taboo? Some writers have told me just to call it Chapter 1. However, it's a different format than the rest of the book. Someone else said a prologue has to be a different time period. What can you tell us about prologues? Sincerely, Sue
- [The RIGHT Way to Read a Novel](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/06/re-the-right-way-to-read-a-novel/) - Dear Editor… I can't be in the room with my husband when he starts a new book. He reads the last chapter first. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to me. It’s wrong! I’m a writer, so I know the author worked hard to lay out the story as she or he did. You should start the story where the author started it, right? Right!? Slowly Going Crazy in Carlsbad
- [Are There "Musts" When It Comes to Formatting a Synopsis?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/06/re-are-there-musts-when-it-comes-to-formatting-a-synopsis/) - Dear Editor… What format should the novel synopsis take? I've seen advice on CONTENT but not format - such as double-space? Margins? Is there an industry standard? Many thanks! Jeanne
- [How Long Does a Publisher Have the Rights to My Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/06/re-how-long-does-a-publisher-have-the-rights-to-my-book/) - Dear Editor… When you sign a contract, does the publisher get the rights to that book for its whole copyright time? Thanks, R.
- [Refer to Parents by Name in Third Person POV?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/07/re-do-kid-characters-refer-to-parents-by-name-or-title-in-third-person-pov/) - Dear Editor... I've decided to revise a manuscript, changing it from first person to third person. When I'm in a section from Luke's p.o.v. do I only refer to his father (Richard) as "Luke's father" or "his father?" Or can I refer to the father as Richard? Normally, a child doesn't refer to their father by first name. Thanks, Margo
- [Making Sense of "High Concept"](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/re-making-sense-of-high-concept/) - Dear Editor… There are so many definitions for “high concept” floating around. Can you help me understand what this really means? M. Moon
- [Submitting to Amazon Children's Publishing](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/re-submitting-to-amazon-childrens-publishing/) - Dear Editor… Amazon started a children’s book publishing imprint. I can’t find information about how to submit my manuscript to them. Are they accepting submissions? R.
- [What the Heck Is Amazon Children's Publishing?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/re-what-the-heck-is-amazon-childrens-publishing/) - Dear Editor... Is Amazon Children's Publishing a paid market or a pay for print company? Thanks, Elizabeth
- [Is a Blog Tour Worth the Trouble?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/re-is-a-blog-tour-worth-the-trouble/) - Dear Editor... You coordinated and completed a blog tour for your book a while back. Did you feel that it was worth all of your hard work? If did it all again, would you do anything differently? Thanks, A.
- [Should Split Personalities Get Italicized Dialogue?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-should-split-personalities-get-italicized-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… I’m currently working on a book and in it I have a character with a split personality. Throughout the book I have the two talking to each other frequently, and both are distinguished by their names. My question is, if A (the split personality) is talking to B (the physical person) do I italicize it? Quote it? Any help would be appreciated! Damian
- [Pitching a Novel as Multicultural](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-pitching-a-novel-as-multicultural/) - Dear Editor . . . Can you refer to your novel as multicultural if only your secondary characters are from a different background, but not your protagonist? Thank you, T. J.
- [President Obama's Book Contract v. Mine . . . Any Similarities?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-president-obamas-book-contract-v-mine-any-similarities/) - Dear Editor… Business Insider just ran the article “How Barack Obama Made His Fortune” by Walter Hickey that included details of President Obama’s book deal for The Audacity of Hope. Obviously I’d never get a $1.9 million advance, but how about the rest of the percentages? Would my book contract look like that? Thanks, Anonymous
- [Free Giveaway of Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies & Guest Post by The Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-free-giveaway-of-writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-guest-post-by-the-editor/) - Dear Readers... Laura Howard of the blog Finding Bliss has just posted a free giveaway of Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies to go along with a guest post by The Editor. To learn about "chunking" your revision as well as the details of the giveaway, visit ow.ly/dLkfr. Good luck!
- [Salvaging Submission Slipups](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-salvaging-submission-slipups/) - Dear Editor… Will agents forgive ignorant query mistakes made by a passionate new PB writer? (My learning curve is still quite vertical, but flattening out slowly.) When should I move on from Literary Agency "X" to Agency "Y" or should I simply try the small publishing houses directly for PB manuscripts submissions? Thank You, Robert
- [Fictionalizing Real-Life Settings](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-fictionalizing-real-life-settings/) - Dear Editor… My mc attends a design school in LA closely based on the Fashion Institute (FIDM) there, a fairly well known school. Should I change the name? Details regarding curriculum, location, and the facility will play into the story and her decision to be a student there. Am I allowed to use the material I received in my research trip to the school and NOT call it by its real name and not be "plagiarizing"? Thanks, K. R.
- [When Is Too Many Words Too Many Words?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/09/re-when-is-too-many-words-too-many-words/) - Dear Editor… My fantasy is at 126,000 words; I can probably cut to 115-120K but maybe not to 100K without ruining plot. In a market in which short is seen as more viable, should I worry about this? Lorie
- [Making an Interruption FEEL Like an Interruption](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/10/re-making-an-interruption-feel-like-an-interruption/) - Dear Editor… My critique group has a debate going on about how to punctuate dialogue when the speaker is interrupted versus when they let their words trail off. Can you clarify the correct punctuation? Sue
- [Should I Tell the Agent She Already Rejected My Manuscript?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/10/re-should-i-tell-the-agent-she-already-rejected-my-manuscript/) - Dear Editor… I'd like to re-query an agent I queried over a year and a half ago. It is the same novel but substantially reworked and revised. She asked for pages the first time, but ultimately passed. Should I remind her of her previous interest and let her know about the changes? Or should I hope she doesn't recognize the title and premise?? Sincerely, D.
- [Picture Book Text versus Magazine Story](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/11/re-picture-book-text-versus-magazine-story/) - Dear Editor… I’ve been getting rejection letters—that’s okay, I get it, it’s part of the process and I've been fine with it until now. An agent just rejected my picture book manuscript with the comment that it would be best suited for a magazine because the hook isn’t strong enough to carry a whole book. It made me feel BAD, I mean REALLY BAD, that she didn’t think it has any value as a picture book. And now I’m worried she’s right. Maybe I’m taking it too hard, and maybe it’s not such a terrible comment. I hope you don’t mind me bouncing this off you…. Thanks, E.
- [How to Handle Picture Book Back Matter During Submission](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/11/re-how-to-handle-picture-book-back-matter-during-submission/) - Dear Editor... I see picture books with supporting information in the back. I am ready to submit a fiction picture book for which I have some suporting information I think would be fun for readers. How do I handle that in the submission? Do I include it or just discuss it in the cover letter? Sincerely, Rosi
- [Scare Readers with Your Mind, Not Your Monsters](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/11/re-how-to-scare-readers/) - Dear Editor… I want my WIP to totally scare readers, but it hasn’t scared even one of my Beta readers. They agree that the monsters are cool and the chases are exciting, but scary? Not so much. I’m frustrated. Advice? Sincerely, Wannabe Scary
- [The State of Picture Book Ebooks](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/12/re-the-state-of-picture-book-ebooks/) - Dear Editor… Thanks for your help with all our questions! I am a little wary of e-publication, since I have been going the other route. I would like to know the success or state of e-books vs traditional publishing. Is it a viable option for picture book authors? I'd really like to know how well e-books, and apps are doing, and whether or not e-books are gaining popularity and sales. Thank you! Lisa
- [I Don't Want to Bug My Agent, But...](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/12/re-i-dont-want-to-bug-my-agent-but/) - Dear Editor... My agent will be negotiating a two-book deal with a publisher for me. An experienced children's author friend of mine brought up four issues I might want to talk to my agent about: separate accounting for the two books, escalation clause, electronic rights split, and who has the right to sell the film rights. My main questions to you: Should I talk to my agent about this before she starts negotiating? Just bring up one or two of these issues now? Or wait and see what she and the editor come up with first and then get into it? (Is this last option a bit late in the game?) Thanks, Debut Author
- [Happy Holidays!](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/12/re-happy-holidays-2/) - Dear Readers... With this post, I bid you farewell for the rest of the year. DearEditor.com will be back in January with more questions and answers about the craft and business of publishing. See you in 2013. Happy writing! The Editor
- [What Is Speculative Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/01/re-what-is-speculative-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I just met someone who told me she’s writing “speculative fiction.” She then described a WIP that I would call paranormal. Would you please explain speculative fiction to me? Thank you, T.
- [The Secret to Writing Regularly](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/01/re-the-secret-to-writing-regularly/) - Dear Editor… How do you motivate yourself to write daily? How do you structure your day/environment? How do you get in the mindset or zone? Thank you, Jennifer
- [Finding the Story among the Facts for a Biography](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/01/re-finding-the-story-among-the-facts-for-a-biography/) - Dear Editor… I've done so much research on my obscure historical figure that I think I know what kind of candy and dogs he would have liked. How do I begin to write a PicBk Historical Fiction or Biography when there is SO much to his story? Thank you, Pat
- [Help! Unromantic Me Can't Write Romantic Scenes](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/01/re-help-unromantic-me-cant-write-romantic-scenes/) - Dear Editor… I'm trying to write a romantic scene for a YA novel that I'm writing but I'm the most unromantic person I've ever met. Do you have any advice as to how I can get over my unromanticness and write good romance scenes? Sincerely, Taylor
- [My Agent Says No, I Say Yes.... Who's Right?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/02/re-my-agent-says-no-i-say-yes-whos-right/) - Dear Editor… My agent isn’t sure there’s enough of a market for my new picture book manuscript. I'm thinking of subbing it on my own (my contract with my agent is very flexible in this regard), and trying for smaller, independent presses. Here’s where I get a little confused as a writer. The agent is supposed to know the market, so do I just take her at her word for it and abandon the project? My writing group thinks it’s a good story and, my agent did say she thought it was very well written, so I’m not quite ready to just toss it aside. Once upon a time, nobody thought there was a market for boy wizards either until one publisher took the risk. Just wondering if you have any thoughts or insights on this. Thanks, Y. N.
- [Is the Vietnam Era a Publishing Black Hole?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/02/re-is-the-vietnam-era-a-publishing-black-hole/) - Dear Editor… I'm writing a MG novel set in 1965 in Midwest America. While the story is about a little girl who wants a dog, the background story touches upon her brother, and the neighbor's son, both in Vietnam. We learn about the war through letters written by her brother. Recently, I was told that 1965 isn't historical, and that the Vietnam war is a black hole in the publishing world. Well, then! Is my novel doomed even though the story isn't non-fiction, and isn't only about Vietnam? Sincerely, Rachel
- [Have I Waited Too Long to Submit Post-Conference?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/02/re-have-i-waited-too-long-to-submit-post-conference/) - Dear Editor… At a SCBWI conference, I had an art director show interest in my pb dummy, however she wanted to see some changes. I have made those changes, but it has taken me five months. May I submit the ms and dummy to her at this point? Or should I submit it with the SCBWI sticker used for conference attendees to the "acquisitions" dept. and send her a follow-up letter it is submitted the usual way? It is a long time after the usual three months. We did connect via email about this project, and she was interested. Which way to proceed? Thank you for your ideas. Sincerely, Lisa
- [What Lurks in the Fine Print of Writing Contests?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/re-the-fine-print-of-writing-contests/) - Dear Editor… Is it all right to submit the same piece of writing to more than one contest? Sincerely, Elizabeth
- [Submitting to Agent at Same Agency](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/re-submitting-to-agent-at-same-agency/) - Dear Editor… Three years ago I submitted a full YA novel to an interested agent (the owner of an agency) who ultimately passed. Now one of her new agents at this agency invited me to submit the same but much revised YA from a written critique at a conference. Is this okay or will the owner agent not like this? Love this agency and don't want to burn bridges. Sincerely, Loretta
- [Should a Cliffhangar's Synopsis Hang Too?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/04/re-should-a-cliffhangars-synopsis-hang-too/) - Dear Editor... What is the best way to finish a synopsis to a cliff hanger ending? Thanks much! CR
- [What's the Right Tone for a Query Letter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/04/re-whats-the-right-tone-for-a-query-letter/) - Dear Editor... My aim with my query letter is to capture the comedic/satirical aspect of my book---but I'm really not sure if a query is supposed to be more formal than this? I'm quite confused: Is a query supposed to be more like a backflap or more like business letter? Thank you, Ana V.
- [Mention Erotic Scenes in a Query Letter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/05/re-mention-erotic-scenes-in-a-query-letter/) - Dear Editor... I am in the process of querying agents for a New Adult novel I've written. My question is, should I mention in my query letter that there are a few erotic scenes in the novel (a potential selling point)? Due to the broad definition of "New Adult," I'm wondering if I should prepare the agent for the adult scenes. If I do decide to include this information, how should I go about doing so? Sincerely, Jamie
- [Dare I Reveal My Secrets In My Synopsis?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/05/re-dare-i-reveal-my-secrets-in-my-synopsis/) - Dear Editor… When querying agents and/or publishers, which type of synopsis would you recommend including in the query letter?: 1) a "book blurb" synopsis (similar to what would appear on the book jacket), which does *not* tell the whole story or give away the ending, or 2) a "comprehensive synopsis" that gives an overview of all major plot points from beginning to end, including revealing the ending. I am a debut author who is fairly new to this whole querying business, and I've read mixed recommendations about which type of synopsis should be included. I'd love to know what you recommend! Jamie
- [How Do I Get Useful Feedback from My Beta Readers?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/06/re-how-do-i-get-useful-feedback-from-my-beta-readers/) - Dear Editor... I'd like to know what guided questions a writer can give to beta readers to get the best feedback from a manuscript. Thanks, Beth
- [What's Up with the Super Short Picture Book Texts?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/06/re-whats-up-with-the-super-short-picture-book-texts/) - Dear Editor… I was wondering if you would know why the word count for picture books is dwindling. Now I have heard it's 500 words or less. Why the decrease in word count? Same number of pages. Is it to focus more on illustrations? Sincerely, Patti
- [When an Agent Wants a Second Opinion](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/06/re-when-an-agent-wants-a-second-opinion/) - Dear Editor... An agent said she "really enjoyed" my manuscript (!) and wants to see more of my manuscripts to get a more complete sense of my body of work. She says that in the meantime she'll be sharing my story with the rest of her team and will be in touch once they all have a chance to review it. I'm nervous about a "team meeting." Do all agents work that way? I'm a little worried that there's something about my submission that's giving her pause. Thanks, Nervous Nelly
- [What If My Agent Doesn't Live in NYC?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/07/re-what-if-my-agent-doesnt-live-in-nyc/) - Dear Editor... In thinking about finding an agent to represent me, should location be a big consideration? Does it matter if an agent does not live in NY where I would like to submit manuscripts? Thank you! Lisa
- [Resources for Richer Characters, Plots, Voice, Dialogue](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/07/re-resources-for-richer-characters-plots-voice-dialogue/) - Dear Readers... Two things floated to the top of the Internet this week that you might find useful for beefing up characters, plot, voice, and dialogue, so The Editor is featuring them today: "Deborah Halverson on Why Perfectly Nice People Make Perfect Bad Guys" and The Editor's FREE webinar "Four Fixes for a 'Flat' Story”. Read on for descriptions and links...
- [What's the Beef with Third Person Objective POV?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/07/re-whats-the-beef-with-third-person-objective-pov/) - Dear Editor… I've always liked the idea of writing in 3rd person objective, which never describes characters' thought or feeling in favor of a cinematic feel. I'm planning to use it for my multiple-quest YA, but considering I've never seen a YA novel written in this POV, and that it's not mentioned in your Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies, I wonder if it's generally despised by readers/agents/editors. Thanks for your thoughts on this, Harry
- [What’s the Rule for Indenting First Paragraphs?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/07/re-whats-the-rule-for-indenting-first-paragraphs/) - Dear Editor… Is there a rule that says the first paragraph of a new chapter should NOT be indented? Or is the decision to indent or not indent the first paragraph solely a case-by-case design decision? Thanks, Kate
- [Self-Publishing Tween and Teen Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/08/re-self-publishing-tween-and-teen-fiction/) - Dear Editor... Kids are the fastest growing group of ebook consumers. Do you think this is affecting how emergent writers for teens and tweens need to present their work to traditional publishers who may or may not be embracing the digital format, and what are your thoughts about skipping the traditional publisher altogether and using an independent ebook publisher to create a digital novel to sell directly to kids? Sincerely, Roxyanne
- [Is It Perilous to Pitch the Whole Series?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/08/re-is-it-perilous-to-pitch-the-whole-series/) - Dear Editor… I'm currently writing a five-book series that I want to publish. I know that if editors like your story they'll have you sign a contract for, say, a three book series. So if I've already planned a five book series, should I mention that so they know, or should I let them contact me first? Sincerely, JD
- [How Reading John Green Can Help Your Dialogue](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/08/re-how-reading-john-green-can-help-your-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… I’m really struggling with writing dialogue that sounds like real people talking. Can you throw a struggling writer a tip? Thanks, Tongue-Tied
- [Are Series Giving Way to Stand-Alones in MG Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/09/re-are-series-giving-way-to-stand-alones-in-mg-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I am wondering: Have series fallen into disfavor? Is it currently better to write a stand-alone book when writing middle grade fiction? From your recent post and your state of the market keynote at the SCBWI Summer Conference last month, I would guess that our current tight market, although showing signs of improvement, would favor stand-alone books. Is this correct? I would love to have your opinion on this. Thanks! Pauline
- [How Old Should My MG Protagonist Be?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/09/re-how-old-should-my-mg-protagonist-be/) - Dear Editor… How old would my protagonist have to be to be considered “tween fiction”? My critique group thinks I’m in the wrong genre. Sincerely, Yvette
- [Will Mentioning Mangas in My Novel’s Query Letter Hurt Me?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/09/re-will-mentioning-mangas-in-my-novels-query-letter-hurt-me/) - Dear Editor... What if my similar books are all Mangas? Should I mention them anyway? Will the agent/editor reading the query yuck upon that with "so this writer actually reads more Japanese comics than English novels??" Thanks, Herley
- [Is Teen Too Young to Publish?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/10/re-is-teen-too-young-to-publish/) - Dear Editor… I'm a teen and my dream is to be an author. But in the past year it has started to become more of a reality. I have written a rough draft of a novel and have begun revising. But I don't know whether I should go on. Is it too risky being a teen in this market? Should I wait for my dream when I'm older? Thank you so much! Bye. Just A Teen
- [Do Agents Ding International Queries?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/10/re-do-agents-ding-international-queries/) - Dear Editor… How hesitant are agents to take on new writers from another country? Are international queries second choice when pitted against local ones? Thank you, Writer in a Faraway Land
- [Must Manuscripts Be Done for Agent Conference Critiques?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/10/re-must-manuscripts-be-done-for-agent-conference-critiques/) - Dear Editor… I submitted a query, synopsis, and first 5 pages of my YA novel to be critiqued at a conference. I wasn't thinking anyone would ask for it—just wanted to see if I was on track with the revisions my freelance editor suggested. I must be, because the agent asked for the full. It’s not done. Do I fudge—say I sent it to the freelancer and am in the process of revising...it won't be ready until the new year? Or admit I haven't written the whole thing? I hate to lie, but I’ve heard admitting you haven't written whole thing is the kiss of death. Will agents even wait that long for something? I'd appreciate your advice, Happy But Worried
- [NaNoWriMo a No-No?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/re-nanowrimo-a-no-no/) - Dear Editor... I am doing NaNoWriMo and am doing surprisingly well! I was looking up NaNo fun (proscrastinating) when I stumbled upon something from another editor saying that they won't publish anything from NaNoWriMo. They called it stupid and useless! Is this true? I understand not publishing something on December 1st, but can a novel from NaNo still be good if edited properly? Sincerely, Still Just a Teen
- [How Do I Format My Chapter Titles and Numbers?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/re-how-do-i-format-my-chapter-titles-and-numbers/) - Dear Editor… How should I format chapter numbers and titles? Should there be a certain number of spaces before and after? I'd appreciate any insight you'd be willing to share. Sincerely, Myrna
- [Can I Use a Symbol in My Title?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/01/re-can-i-use-a-symbol-in-my-title/) - Dear Editor... The title of my current WIP is the name of a fictional corporation, followed by (tm). I'm concerned that, in queries, this will look like I'm trying to protect my title from the agent or editor -- which I know is a very unprofessional thing to do. How do I clearly communicate that the (tm) is part of the title? Thanks, Darin
- [I Don't Know What to Make of This Agent's Letter](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/02/re-i-dont-know-what-to-make-of-this-agents-letter/) - Dear Editor… When querying by email, it's hard to know if an agent's response is a form letter or a personal note. This came to me recently: “Thank you for sharing your work with me. Right now my list is full but I invite you to query back in two months. Thanks for thinking of me.” I'm guessing this is more of a form letter response. Am I right? Thanks, B.
- [What to Say to the Agent Who’s Had My Manuscript a Year?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/02/re-what-to-say-to-the-agent-whos-had-my-manuscript-a-year/) - Dear Editor... A well-reputed agent has had my full for almost a year now. I've nudged her once and she says she hasn’t read it yet. Her policy is to inform her if you receive rep elsewhere on fulls she currently has. I've received many rejections for this ms already – I’ve been told it’s a tough sell because it has a dystopian vibe – and personally, I want to shelve it. I've been working on another ms in a different genre and plan to query that soon. What happens if I'm offered rep for the new ms that’s in a different genre? How do I inform this first agent who still has my old full (when it’s a completely different ms)? Will she be upset that I want to go with someone else? But I can’t sit around waiting for her forever. What’s the most professional way to handle this without burning bridges? Thank you! M. L.
- [When the Third Book in a Series Gets Rejected by Your Publisher](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/02/re-when-the-third-book-in-a-series-gets-rejected-by-your-publisher/) - Dear Editor... A few years ago I had two MG books published by a mid-sized Canadian publisher. Both books were sold separately (unagented) and are basically stand alone books in a series. Without any commitment from the publisher I went ahead and wrote a third (and final) book in the "series". My publisher rejected it. Is there any hope for this manuscript? Should I put it in the drawer? Or is there any chance that I could find another publisher? Many thanks... Y.
- [How Manuscript Auctions Work](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/03/re-how-does-a-publishing-auction-work/) - Dear Editor… Can you explain how manuscript auctions work? Thanks, Laurel
- [What To Do When Your Story Feels "Rushed"](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/03/re-what-to-do-when-your-story-feels-rushed/) - Dear Editor… My readers are pretty unanimous in their love for my characters, but some say the story feels rushed. I don’t know what to do with this feedback. Any advice? Thanks, Anon.
- [Dare I Tell an Agent to Hold That Offer?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/04/re-dare-i-tell-an-agent-to-hold-that-offer/) - Dear Editor… If you send your manuscript to several agents and one offers you representation, what's the best response? Is there an appropriate time frame to ask for so you can hear from the others? Thanks, Linda
- [Can My Small Press Book Get a New Life with a Big Publisher?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/04/re-can-my-small-press-book-get-a-new-life-with-a-big-publisher/) - Dear Editor... I have a book published by a small press. It was never reviewed by any of the major kidlit reviewers prior to publication. However, an editor at one of them later told me she would have reviewed it had she known it wasn't self-published. The book received positive reviews. I'm working on new projects, but still feel this project didn't get its best shot. Is there a process for submitting a small-press book to large publishers when sales have not reflected the book's potential? Thank you, M.
- [Do I Capitalize "God" in Dialogue and Internal Thoughts?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/04/re-do-i-capitalize-god-in-dialogue-and-internal-thoughts/) - Dear Editor... When using the word God in a dialogue sentence or thought, like Oh my G** or G**d***it, must I capitalize it? In my faith I'm taught not to use the Lord's name in vain, but using curse words is true to my character. I've seen it both ways and I feel better when I leave it lower case because it could mean any god not my God. Thanks, L.
- [Timing the Time Travel in Your Novel](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/04/re-timing-the-time-travel-in-your-novel/) - Dear Editor… If I am writing a novel about time travel, do the time travellers have to enter the alternate time zone or the new world very early in the novel? Thanks, Joy
- [Should I Pitch the Ethnicity of My Characters?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/re-should-i-pitch-the-ethnicity-of-my-characters/) - Dear Editor… I keep reading about the lack of diversity in children’s books and that agents are in search of non-white main characters. I am about to query a middle-grade novel (an adventure across parallel worlds) in which the main character is part Native American and her best friend is Chinese. (The characters’ ethnicities do not impact the plot at all.) Should I attempt to work this into the query letter? Any suggestions as to the best way to do it? Sincerely, Mary
- [Does My Mental Illness Mean Writing Is a Bad Idea?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/re-does-my-mental-illness-mean-writing-is-a-bad-idea/) - Dear Editor... My life is stressful due to suffering from mental illness and that clearly brings with it more negativity and self-doubt than average. As I'm socially isolated, research is a nightmare too and I feel like being a Writer is the worst thing I could attempt. As such, I sometimes feel like its a massive mistake to start down that path. What do you think? Thanks, JC
- [How to Balance High Action with Deep Characterization](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/re-how-to-balance-high-action-with-deep-characterization/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing a teen thriller, filled with lots of action. Beta readers say I’ve got the action but that the characters aren’t interacting enough. I don’t really know what they mean, since the protagonist and her protector are in every scene together. They talk all the time! Ideas? Can you recommend some books that do it right? Thanks, T. E. S.
- [Do I Submit Using My Real Name or My Pen Name?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/06/re-do-i-submit-using-my-real-name-or-my-pen-name/) - Dear Editor... I'm writing my fiction under a pseudonym. Do I submit the query letter to agents with my real name or pen name? Sincerely, I'd Sign My Real Name But Then I'd Have to Kill You
- [What Is “New Adult Fiction"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/06/re-what-is-new-adult-fiction/) - Dear Editor… The “New Adult Fiction” category has recently entered the publishers lexicon. Please enlighten us by defining. Thanks, Peter
- [Can I Bend Submission Rules for My Novel in Verse?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/06/re-can-i-tweak-submission-rules-for-my-novel-in-verse/) - Dear Editor... Is there a standard format for submitting a novel in verse? If I submitted the usual ten pages, double-spaced, then less than ten poems will be sent in. Can I single-space the poems with double spacing between poems and have it look professional? Sincerely, Joan
- [How Do I Format the Line Spacing to Indicate a Mid-Scene Break?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/07/re-how-do-i-format-the-line-spacing-to-indicate-a-mid-scene-break/) - Dear Editor… The question I have relates to formatting. I can't seem to find the standard for what I'm trying to do in my manuscript and would appreciate any suggestions you have on this. Here goes: I know how to format a scene break. But I have a few scenes where I play with line spacing within the scene. Basically, the effect I want is a blank line between paragraphs. How do I indicate (within a scene) that the line space is intentional? Then, would I indent the first paragraph after each line space or place it flush left like the first paragraph after a scene break? Thanks, Space Case
- [Should Chapter Titles Be Banished?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/07/re-should-chapter-titles-be-banished/) - Dear Editor... I recently heard that some editors don’t like chapter titles, saying they give things away. Should I not use chapter titles? Sincerely, Anonymous
- [Is Kindle Singles Right for My Middle Grade Mystery?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/re-is-kindle-singles-right-for-my-middle-grade-mystery/) - Dear Editor... What do you think about selling a middle grade mystery on Kindle Singles? I'm not sure how one finds buyers after putting it on there. Also would an agent consider looking at it if it was on Kindle Singles? Thanks, M.G. Mystery Writer
- [What Do They Mean, ‘Not Literary Enough’?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/re-what-do-they-mean-not-literary-enough/) - Dear Editor… What does it mean if an agent says your MG historical novel, due to the concept, needs to be more literary? Is that referring to the choice of language and sentence structure? Sincerely, P.
- [How Come The Fault In Our Stars Opening Works?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/09/re-how-come-the-fault-in-our-stars-opening-works/) - Dear Editor… I am currently devouring your Writing New Adult Fiction. You strongly encourage authors to jump into the action from the very first sentence but a few current best sellers begin with backstory or as the day is dawning, as in The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. Can you give any insight as to what makes those slower beginnings work so well? Thank you, Diane
- [How Come If I Stay’s Opening Works?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/09/re-how-come-if-i-stays-opening-works/) - Dear Readers… Last week a writer—Diane—asked me why some current bestsellers that start with backstory or as the day is dawning can make those slower beginnings work so well? She specifically asked about The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. I posted my answer about The Fault in Our Stars last week. I think this is such a useful exploration of story beginnings that I’m taking up that same question today, this time parsing out If I Stay's opening. The Editor
- [My Editor Doesn't "Get" My Project -- What Now?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/10/re-my-editor-doesnt-get-my-idea-what-now/) - Dear Editor... I'm worried about stepping on toes. I have an editor, and have published a number of books. She's not quite "getting" my latest project, though. I have her revision suggestions, but I don't agree with them at all. She hasn't acquired the book, so I want to try submitting it elsewhere. Do I tell her? Will she be angry with me? What's the protocol? Sincerely, Trying to Tread Carefully
- [NA Fiction Guest Posts and Contest Links](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/10/re-na-fiction-guest-posts-and-contest-links/) - Dear Readers… If you'd like to learn more about NA fiction, get chances to win copies of my new book, and find some great new writing blogs, here's a post with four links to fabulous blogs that are posting articles, interviews, and videos this week that give me the chance to explore many aspects of New Adult fiction. Happy Friday! The Editor
- [Does Paragraph Length Matter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/10/re-does-paragraph-length-matter/) - Dear Editor... Do paragraphs have to be the same size? Sincerely, Adele
- [How Can I Make Readers Cry?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/10/re-how-can-i-make-readers-cry/) - Dear Editor… I cried when I wrote my romance manuscript. My beta readers aren’t crying. What am I doing wrong? Sincerely, Boo-Hoo
- [Any Hope for Non-Artists Submitting ABC/Other Concept Books?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/11/re-any-hope-for-non-artists-submitting-abcother-concept-books/) - Dear Editor… Is there any point in submitting a concept book such as ABC, colors, numbers if you are not an illustrator. I have a great idea but I am concerned that editors/agents will think my contribution to the end product was not significant enough. What are your thoughts on this? Sincerely, Laurie
- [Are Footnoted Illustration Notes the New Vogue?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/12/re-are-footnoted-illustration-notes-the-new-vogue/) - Dear Editor... I know illustration notes should only be used when absolutely necessary in picture book manuscripts, but I do have a few manuscripts that need them. I've recently seen them noted as footnotes rather than italicized text between brackets. What do you think of this? Sincerely, Wendy
- [YA Characters in an NA Plot Can't Be Good, Right?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/12/re-ya-characters-in-an-na-plot-cant-be-good-right/) - Dear Editor… I thought I was writing a YA, but after reading a chapter of your Writing New Adult Fiction and interviews about the NA category, I’ve began to wonder if my characters and some of the content may be better suited for new adults. Plus, an agent asked questions about some of the actions taken by the antagonist and the legality of it all, suggesting they may not be suited for 13-17 readers. How do I know if this is NA or YA? My main protagonist and antagonist are 18, just graduated from high school, but my MC's main partner in the adventure is 17. Maybe it would work better if she, too, were just graduated? Changing the plot would make the story feel forced. I’ll probably learn more as I read your book, but any advise for me now? Sincerely, Not Sure Which Way to Go
- [How Do I Respond to an Agent's Status Update?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/01/re-how-do-i-respond-to-an-agents-status-update/) - Dear Editor... After I've written an agent regarding a status inquiry on a full request, if that agent gives a timely, chatty response about how far into my manuscript she is, how should I respond---or do I wait patiently until they are done reading to respond? Sincerely, Wendy
- [Is It MG Fiction If the Character Ages Into His 20s?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/01/re-is-it-mg-fiction-if-the-character-ages-into-his-20s/) - Dear Editor… I am writing a manuscript that starts with the MC at 7 yearrs old. He soon turns 9, then 11, then 15, and so on. The novel ends with him in his mid-20s. The voice starts out young and I want to pitch it as MG, but at the very end of the book, he does sound more mature (with slight, gradual changes throughout as the story moves along). Is it wrong to label this as MG? Should I make the voice mature from the beginning to avoid the changes at all? Am I doing something wrong?? I'm so confused! Help!! Thank you! Mary
- [My WIP Is Giving Me Nightmares](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/01/re-my-wip-is-giving-me-nightmares/) - Dear Editor… I'm having seconds thoughts about continuing the psychological thriller I’m writing. Maybe it isn't the right time for it, I'm not sure. But I feel it is affecting me. By this I mean that the story itself is giving me anxiety and causing unsettling dreams. I don't want to spend the next several months having nightmares. I feel frustrated, I'm not sure what to do, after all this time brainstorming. It isn't the writing, I'm quite happy with the first 2K words. I don't want to stop for the wrong reasons, or because I don't want to get out of my comfort zone. But somehow I feel this is different from other thrillers I’ve written. Maybe I need to work on something lighter at the moment? How do I find out? How do I know for sure? Your thoughts and advice? Pandora
- [How Will a Traditional Publisher “Sell” My Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/02/re-how-will-a-traditional-publisher-sell-my-book/) - Dear Editor… I am interested to know how traditional publishers "sell" authors books? With the options of self-publishing these days, I like to weigh the pros and cons of both worlds. Can you answer this question? Thank you, Elaine
- [How Do I Break Into Picture Book Illustration?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/02/re-how-do-i-break-into-picture-book-illustration/) - Dear Editor… How on earth do I become an illustrator? Sincerely, Troubled in Texas
- [Why Does My Action "Read Slow"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/03/re-why-does-my-action-read-slow/) - Dear Editor… The feedback on my mystery manuscript was that it has lots of action but “reads slow.” The reader gave one bit of elaboration: “Some of the paragraphs ‘feel’ long even though they aren’t.” I’m not sure what to do with that. Suggestions? Sincerely, Confused
- [How Much Do I Tell a New Agent about My Old Agent?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/03/re-how-much-do-i-tell-a-new-agent-about-my-old-agent/) - Dear Editor… My agent and I recently came to a parting of the ways. If that comes up in response to queries---say, the new agent wants to submit to the same markets the old agent submitted to---how should I handle that? Sincerely, Anon.
- [Word Count Intimidation](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/04/re-word-count-intimidation/) - Dear Editor… As I understand it, a young adult novel needs to have a word count of between 40,000 and 60,000 words. The thought of having to write that much paralyses me at word one. I don't know how I'll be able to write that much, how I'll be able to stretch my story and whether I may be wasting my time. What should I do? Sincerely, JC
- [Wait for Agent or Enter Contest?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/04/re-wait-for-the-agent-reply-or-enter-the-publisher-contest/) - Dear Editor... For several months I had planned to enter a YA novel contest with a small Indie publisher. The window to do this is from May 1 to June 30. Recently I was asked to submit a full of this same novel to a requesting agent that I thought was a no response. The contest is for unagented authors. How do I handle this if don't hear from agent before the deadline? Sincerely, Unagented But Hopeful
- [The Missing Comma in "Yes sir" Bugs Me](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/05/re-the-missing-comma-in-yes-sir-totally-bugs/) - Dear Editor… I have noticed in many books that are supposed to be "edited professionally" that writers aren't putting commas in these instances: "Yes sir," she said. And "I told you not to do that Anne," John said. Shouldn't there be a comma before "sir" and "Anne"? Why are so many people ignoring this basic 101 punctuation rule? Or am I wrong? I see it most from indie or smaller publishers. The funny thing is, the rest of those manuscripts are fine - no typos, other mistakes - except for that one rule, as if it's been misused so much that some freelance editors have started to believe that's the correct way. Sincerely, Wondering
- [Confused About Diversity](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/06/re-confused-about-diversity/) - Dear Editor… I heard a panel at a recent conference say I had to be of a particular race to write about it, but at the same conference a different panel said I don’t have to be of a particular race to have those characters. I happen to have characters from three different countries in my middle grade fantasy WIP. Now I’m confused and questioning my WIP. Help? Sincerely, Confused About Diversity
- [How Do I Respond to an Agent's Status Update?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/06/re-how-do-i-respond-to-an-agents-status-update-2/) - Dear Editor… After I've written an agent regarding a status inquiry on a full request, if that agent gives a timely, chatty response about how far into my manuscript she is, how should I respond — or do I wait patiently until they are done reading to respond? Sincerely, W.
- [Moving Backmatter Online While Pleasing Bound Book Lovers](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/06/re-moving-backmatter-online-while-pleasing-bound-book-lovers/) - Dear Editor… After reading Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson (which we both loved) my husband wondered why books have to contain all those resources and notes in the back. He wondered why that section couldn't be online. It would save printing all those pages and therefore natural resources. Are there any other earth-friendly solutions to documenting resources in nonfiction books? Sincerely, Natasha
- [Tricks for "Telling" in Dialogue](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/06/re-tricks-for-telling-in-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… I tried to explain to a writer friend that dialogue can be "telling" the reader just as much as narrative can. I gave examples of restating events that happened and laundry lists of events that characters will be doing or experiencing. Am I right? Can dialogue also tell instead of show? Sincerely, Anon.
- [Getting Past the Blank Page](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/07/re-getting-past-the-blank-page/) - Dear Editor... I really want to write a novel, and I have a couple of ideas, but once I sit down at the computer and try to write, I end up staring at a blank page. I've looked online for ideas for motivation, but nothing has worked. Suggestions? Sincerely, Foiled by the Blank Page
- [Making the Dream Happen](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/07/re-making-the-dream-happen/) - Dear Readers... Today's is a special post---an update from a DearEditor.com reader who feared the dream of being a Writer was unattainable due to struggles with a mental illness that saps self-confidence. You supported JC with your comments, your suggestions, and your own stories of struggling for your dreams. With JC's permission, then, I share with you the note that made my day. The Editor
- [Writing a Romantic Scene for a Novel That's Not Romance](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/08/re-writing-a-romantic-scene-for-a-novel-thats-not-romance/) - Dear Editor… I need your help! I'm writing a book, and I don't know how to incorporate a romance scene without making the whole book a romance. It's a YA Novel, and I don't want to ruin the book. Sincerely, H.
- [Submitting Finished Art with Picture Book Manuscripts](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/08/re-submitting-finished-art-with-picture-book-manuscripts/) - Dear Editor... Do I need to have illustrations finished for a picture book before I try to sell it? How does that work? Sincerely, Heather
- [Can I Start with 3 POVs then Go Down to 1?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/09/re-can-i-start-with-3-povs-then-go-down-to-1/) - Dear Editor… In the beginning of my story, the three main characters are hailing from different places. I have a POV for each. As the secondary characters meet up with my heroine, they lose their POV, leaving the only POV to my heroine. Is that too confusing? Sincerely, K. UPDATE: K. sent a clarification of her question, so this wording is different than what was posted earlier today, and my answer has been adjusted accordingly. -- The Editor
- [The Whooshing Sound of Exclusive Deadlines Passing](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/09/re-the-whooshing-sound-of-exclusive-deadline-passing/) - Dear Editor… Super Agent requested my middle grade novel on an exclusive basis, but did not specify a time frame, so I offered it for six weeks. Six weeks have passed with no response, and I’d like to begin sending my novel elsewhere. Should I ask them if they need more time, notify them that I am now querying elsewhere, or keep silent and do as I please? Thanks, J.
- [Do Middle Graders Like Corny Metaphors?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/10/re-do-middle-graders-like-corny-metaphors/) - Dear Editor… An editor recommended I read a book that would be a competitor to my middle grade adventure WIP. The book was engrossing enough to keep me entertained, but I think a lot of the metaphors were rather corny. Here’s a made-up one as an example: “His words were as hard as stale pizza.” In some cases, the author actually has two or three of these metaphors on a page and I found it distracting. I do note that the book is supposed to be playful as well as adventurous. My question: Is it okay to have metaphors like that for 10- to 12-year-olds? It seems corny to me, but then I am 63 years old, not 10. Sincerely, Young at Heart
- [Am I Locked into a Character’s Nickname Once I Use It?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/10/re-am-i-locked-into-a-characters-nickname-once-i-use-it/) - Dear Editor… When giving your character a nickname, should you use that after it's introduced or can you go back and forth between names? Sincerely, H. S.
- [Any Hope for Serious Middle Grade Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/11/re-any-hope-for-serious-middle-grade-fiction/) - Dear Editor... My critique group is concerned my contemporary middle grade story might be too earnest/serious for the MG market, and they are wondering if I should do some work on sprinkling in more funny moments to break it up. Note: They haven't read the whole manuscript at one time yet. Do you have a comment on that? Sincerely, Too Serious?
- [Winner! Thank You for Celebrating 20 Years With Me](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/12/re-winner-thank-you-for-celebrating-20-years-with-me/) - Dear Readers… It's a privilege to be able to celebrate my 20th anniversary by giving back to the community that embraced me on Day One. I'm happy to announce the winner of last week’s “Free Full Manuscript Edit" giveaway: Julie Falatko. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Must I Contact Descendants for Biography?](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/12/re-must-i-contact-descendants-for-biography/) - Dear Editor... During the recent Picture Book Idea Month hosted by Tara Lazar, I had a question that popped up (and was referred your way). I have a nonfiction biography I'm working on (creative nonfiction). If the person still has possible living descendants, do you track them down for permission to write about the historical person (if they're not someone famous)? What would a publisher's or editor's perspective be on a project like this? Any idea? Sincerely, Jena
- [How to Not Annoy Readers?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/01/re-how-to-not-annoy-readers/) - Dear Editor... I have a story idea: Two strangers' lives tragically collide in a hit & run accident, leaving the DRIVER with haunting visions of the VICTIM. Driver’s visions of Victim become more desperate and her guilt more debilitating, so she decides to return to save Victim—and herself. My question: What do you think of this non-traditional structure: Book 1: Victim's POV pre-crash; Book 2: Driver's POV post crash; Book 3: Victim’s POV & resolution of Driver’s story. I worry about leaving Victim’s story in limbo for all of BOOK 2. Readers won't know if the protagonist they just spent 100 pages with is dead or alive. Is that enthralling, or just plain irritating? I know I could do alternating POV chapters, but I don't care for that style. Ideas? Thanks! Plotting Author
- [Should I Skip the Agent's General Submission Address?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/01/re-should-i-bypass-an-agents-general-submission-address/) - Dear Editor... I want to query an agent I queried two years ago, and I'm not sure who to address it to. She liked that first manuscript and asked if I could wait a few weeks to meet with her to revise it. In the end, we did not meet and she rejected it because she didn't think she could sell it. Now I want to query her on a new project. However, the agency's guidelines are to send queries to their general email. Since she probably remembers me (my name is unusual), can I send it to her email and the agency's general email, and address the query to her? Or should I just send a general query so it doesn't look like I am purposely not following their guidelines? Thank you! Anonymous
- [Put Interested Editors on Hold While Seeking Agent?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/02/re-put-interested-editors-on-hold-while-seeking-agent/) - Dear Editor... I want an agent and am ready to start submitting to agents. But there’s this: At a conference I got “special” permission from two editors to submit directly to them, bypassing their houses’ “no unsolicited submissions” policy. Should I submit to them first, wait, and then submit to agents? Or is it okay to submit to all at the same time? Would agents consider it a no-no that I’m submitting to two editors as well? Sincerely, Two Birds in the Hand
- [Bad Idea for Multiple POVs to Alternate Between 1st and 3rd Person?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/03/re-bad-idea-for-multiple-povs-to-alternate-between-1st-and-3rd-person/) - Dear Editor… I'm beginning work on a YA thriller. I plan to use multiple POVs. It feels right to use 1st person when my protagonist is telling the story, but 3rd person feels right for everyone else. Do you think it's okay to switch back and forth or would that bother readers? I plan to identify the person whose POV we're getting at the beginning of each chapter. Sincerely, T.
- [Do I Indent the First Paragraph of a New Scene?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/03/re-do-i-indent-the-first-paragraph-of-a-new-scene/) - Dear Editor… After a scene break, should I start the first paragraph of the new scene flush left, or should I indent it just like any new paragraph? Sincerely, Oddly Obsessed with this Detail
- [How Do I Deal with Accents in Dialogue?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/04/re-how-do-i-deal-with-accents-in-dialogue/) - Dear Editor…. I’d love to get your opinion on how to show accents. I have a lot of French and Spanish speakers in my realistic Young Adult story and I'm struggling with how to show that on the page. I felt good about playing with an accent in a short scene, but this book's characters are all European except for the protagonist and her family, so it’s becoming a pain to sort out how to represent their nationalities in dialogue. Sincerely, Hearing Things
- [How Do I Build a World without Boring Readers?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/05/re-how-do-i-build-a-world-without-boring-readers/) - Dear Editor… I feel like I’m caught in a catch-22. I’m writing a fantasy and I know I’m supposed to do world building. But what about the warning that people don’t like to read long descriptions? How do I build a world without boring readers with description? Sincerely, Stuck
- [Wait Till After Summer to Submit?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/06/re-wait-till-after-summer-to-submit/) - Dear Editor… I’m nearly ready to submit my manuscript to agents, but I’m wondering about submission timing. Is Summer okay? Wait till Fall? Does it matter? Sincerely, To Wait or Not to Wait
- [The Dreaded Flashback](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/07/re-the-dreaded-flashback/) - Dear Editor… In my outline, my main character finds out my supporting character has been manipulating her from the beginning and wants answers. Initially, I was going to write a flashback chapter to explain how that came about, but I’ve read readers and writers hate flashbacks. The flashback was going to be his explanation. How else could I achieve this? Sincerely, J
- [Which Swear Words are Allowed in YA Lit?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/07/re-which-swear-words-are-allowed-in-ya-lit/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing a YA novel. Quick question: How are words like screw, damn, cr*p, and sh*t looked upon? (Though I think I know the answer to the last one!) Thanks, Weighing My Words
- [Can I Use Classic Rock Song Lyrics?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/08/re-can-i-use-classic-rock-song-lyrics/) - Dear Editor… I am working on a new short story, and I make use of several classic rock songs. They are integral parts of the story and character development, and I use around 3-4 lines per song. "Fair Use" guidelines are of course vague and my main concern is an editor not publishing due to copyright concerns. So how should I go about this? Sincerely, BB
- [Good Characters, Bad Hook-Ups](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/08/re-good-characters-bad-hook-ups/) - Dear Editor… I’ve got a romance in my novel, but beta readers tell me they don’t care enough when the couple gets together. They like the characters themselves, though. Suggestions? R.
- [The Best Way to Signal a Scene Break?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/08/re-the-best-way-to-signal-a-scene-break/) - Dear Editor… A manuscript formatting question for you: Is there a standard way to indicate a space between scenes so that readers know the space is intentional? I’ve seen * and # used. Is one better than the other? Thanks, CC
- [Should I Stay Mum on My Magazine Writing when Submitting My Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/09/re-should-i-stay-mum-on-my-magazine-writing-when-submitting-my-novel/) - Dear Editor… I’m currently doing a lot of writing for a trade magazine and have written for other magazines in the past. Nothing published in the children’s market, though, which is the market for my middle grade novel. Some sources say mention all writing experience in cover letters to agents and editors. Other sources say only mention writing experience if it’s in the children’s market. I would appreciate your advice on this. Sincerely, Mag Writer
- [Smarter to NOT Rhyme My Picture Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/10/re-smarter-to-not-rhyme-a-picture-book/) - Dear Editor… I’ve learned my rhyming picture book manuscript needs A LOT of work—specifically, I need to learn more about meter. Daunting and exciting. I’m hearing, though, that some agents/editors are reluctant to consider rhyming picture books from unknown writers. Do you think my time would be better and more strategically spent by writing a non-rhyming version of the book, rather than working further on the rhyming version? I've learned not to treat any of my writing too preciously, so I'm happy to follow either route, but just want to do what would benefit this project (and position it for a possible sale) the most. I'd love to know your thoughts on that. Sincerely, To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme
- [Page Time for Adult Villains in YA Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/12/re-screen-time-for-adult-villains-in-ya-fiction/) - Dear Editor… Here’s a problem I’d like your advice on. I understand wanting to keep my YA novel from a younger perspective, but my villains are adults. I hate flat villains so I wanted to give some back story. How much time do I spend on the adult antagonist? Thank you, Oldies But Baddies
- [Got a Fix for "Stiff" Dialogue?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/01/re-got-a-fix-for-stiff-dialogue/) - Dear Editor… I’m having trouble making the dialogue in my mystery sound realistic. The criticism I keep getting is the dialogue sounds stiff. Can you help me? Sincerely, Real Talker
- [Not Feeling the Love](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/02/re-not-feeling-the-love/) - Dear Editor... There's a romance in my novel. An early reader said she's not rooting for the couple like she thinks she should and I know that's bad (obviously), but I don't know what to do about it. Help? Sincerely, R.
- [Which Writing Software Should I Use to Write My Book?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/03/re-which-writing-software-should-i-use-to-write-my-book/) - Dear Editor… I’ve recently been inspired to write a New Adult novel. I have a pretty clear idea of what I want my book to be. I’ve never written a book before so I decided I would do some research and came upon your book Writing New Adult Fiction. I’ve read a good part of the book and think it can definitely help me as I move forward with my story. The only thing I'm not quite sure about yet is which software/app I should use to write my book. I’ve heard of a couple but I’d really like to know which ones you would recommend I use. Thank you so much for your help! Best regards, Veronica
- [Can a Teen Novel with Traditional Values Sell?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/03/re-can-a-teen-novel-with-traditional-values-sell/) - Dear Editor… How does the marketplace view YA stories that portray traditional moral values? For example, no sex outside of marriage, etc. Thank you, M.
- [How Can Picture Book Readers Feel It If I Don't Tell It?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/05/re-how-can-picture-book-readers-feel-it-if-i-dont-tell-it/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing a picture book. A reader recommended I remove the parts that say how the character feels physically when she’s scared. Here’s an example: “It looks taller than I remember. My stomach starts to hurt.” Other lines recommended for deletion: “My heart pounds just as loud.” “I swallow. My throat feels dry.” My crit group wanted more of those. I’d appreciate your experienced perspective about how to handle this to make PB stories the strongest. Sincerely, N
- [Do I Cite My Magazine Writing in My Query Letter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/05/re-do-i-cite-my-magazine-writing-in-my-query-letter/) - Dear Editor… I’m currently doing a lot of writing for a trade magazine and have written for other mags in the past. Nothing published in the children’s market, though, which is the market for my middle grade novel. Some sources say mention all writing experience in cover letters to agents and editors. Other sources say only mention writing experience if it’s in the children’s market. I would appreciate your advice on this. Sincerely, Mag Writer
- [Choosing When to Chuck a Joke](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/05/re-choosing-when-to-chuck-a-joke/) - Dear Editor… I’m seeking confirmation. If a joke/gag doesn't advance the plot/story, is it best to chuck it? As I revise my middle grade fantasy manuscript, that's what I'm inclined to do, especially if the gag/joke, while possibly funny enough, stalls the advancement of the story. Got to keep things moving, right? Sincerely, The Jokester
- [OK to Submit to Agents During Summer?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/06/re-ok-to-submit-to-agents-during-summer/) - Dear Editor… I’m nearly ready to submit my manuscript to agents, but I’m wondering about submission timing. Is Summer okay? Wait till Fall? Does it matter? Sincerely, To Wait or Not to Wait
- [Blasting Best Friend Stereotypes](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/07/re-blasting-best-friend-stereotypes/) - Dear Editor… Some readers say my main character’s best friend is a stereotype of best friends. She’s supposed to help her friend and that’s what she does. It’s not like this is her story. I’m frustrated. Can you help? Sincerely, Anonymous
- [Did Poor Self-Pub Sales Sink My Career?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/08/re-did-poor-self-pub-sales-sink-my-career/) - Dear Editor… My agent didn’t have luck finding a home for my teen novels, so I decided to self-publish…but I now wonder if I should have waited longer. I wonder if I acted impulsively and made a mistake. I also broke with my agent (not because she couldn’t sell the work but for other reasons). To be honest, I feel as if I’m a boat drifting at sea as far as my writing career goes, which is sad to say at my age. A friend is encouraging me to try other agents/editors, but I’m not sure if I should contact them since the first book of my series and another stand-alone novel are already self-published and far from doing stellar. So…I don’t see the point in contacting them. Or do you think I still should? Sincerely, Confused
- [Can Self-Publishing Trigger a Book Deal?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/08/re-could-self-publishing-lead-to-a-book-deal/) - Dear Editor… How likely is it these days for someone to self-publish a novel, only for it to be picked up soon after and re-published by a big publishing house? Thanks, R.
- [Is First-Person Point of View Off Limits?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/11/re-is-first-person-point-of-view-off-limits/) - Dear Editor... I’m feeling really comfortable using first person for my novel—but “experts” say avoid it. How do you know if third person would be a better choice? Thank you, S. B.
- [Will U.S. Editors Buy U.K. Manuscripts?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/11/re-will-u-s-editors-buy-u-k-manuscripts/) - Dear Editor: I live in the UK and have written YA mystery. As for the market to pitch it to, I’ve assumed that I wouldn't be able to sell it in the States. I have this idea—I'm not even entirely sure where I got it from—that it's even harder for European writers to get their books picked up in the States than it is in the UK. However, you are the expert so if you think that's not the case and I'd stand a chance, I would very interested in your insights, as impending Brexit has everyone here concerned about what's going to happen with the British publishing market. Thank you, Bundt Boss
- [Can You Stay True to Your Story If You're Reading Others' Stories?](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/12/re-can-you-stay-true-to-your-story-if-youre-reading-others-stories/) - Dear Editor… In a lit agency’s online submission form, I replied to question about comparable titles by saying I don't have time to keep up with all the stories that are currently on the shelves. The agent replied: If I want to write middle grade fiction, I must read current middle grade fiction. She said immersing myself in it is the best way to capture the voice and pulse of these stories. I was always taught to write the story that I am comfortable with, my truth, my ideas. Not write what is currently hot now. Am I wrong on this? Should I be reading current MG? I don't know how to fit in the time—I barely squeeze in the occasional adult novel, magazines, and Publisher's Weekly. Most importantly, I don't want to end up writing something that's already out there. Thoughts? Thanks, Time-Crunched
- [How Much Time Would an Editor Give Me to Revise?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/03/re-how-much-time-would-an-editor-give-me-to-revise/) - Dear Editor… How much time would an author be given to revise a novel manuscript after receiving editing instructions from her editor? Let’s say the manuscript's about 75,000 or 80,000 words. I want to make sure I’m mentally ready when I do get a contract! Sincerely, Mac
- [Should I Delete My Short Story from Wattpad When I Turn It Into a Novel?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/03/re-should-i-delete-my-short-story-from-wattpad-when-i-turn-it-into-a-novel/) - Dear Editor... The novel I'm finishing is based on a short story I wrote last year, which won a medal in a Wattpad writing contest. Should I leave the story up or take it down since I'm planning on submitting the novel form? (The short story is basically the first two chapters of the book. . . but I'm already making revisions and improvements to those two chapters.) Sincerely, Wattpad Woman
- [Rules for Love Scenes in YA Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/04/re-rules-for-love-scenes-in-ya-fiction/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing an upper YA fantasy. It has a lovemaking scene. The scene doesn’t mention birth control so I was wondering what’s the rule these days in YA novels when characters make love? The scene has many big revelations about their history in another dimension, and I’m trying to convey that they’ve “done it” without being explicit, so there’s already a lot going on and I’m trying to make it feel otherworldly. If I can get away without mentioning a condom, I’d rather not include it. Would love your thoughts on this. Warmly, RL
- [Winner of "Free Partial Edit" Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/04/re-winner-of-free-partial-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers, Thank you for your entries and comments. I'm pleased to announce the winner of last week's "Free Partial Edit" giveaway: Sarah Floyd. Happy writing! The Editor
- [When Is It Wrong to Use Real Place Names in Fiction?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/04/re-when-is-it-wrong-to-use-real-place-names-in-fiction/) - Dear Editor… If I'm trying to make Los Angeles like a main character in my novel, can I use real names of places in Los Angeles or should I use fake names? There are some autobiographical undertones to this story and there's a restaurant that I wanted to use. It's been open for eight or nine decades and has multiple locations....but maybe I should give it a fictional name? Sincerely, L.A. Scribe
- [What's the Difference between Plot and Reading Experience?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/10/re-whats-the-difference-between-plot-and-reading-experience/) - Dear Editor… I seem to be stuck - not just with my current picture book WIP but caught between “plot” and “reading experience” and I think I'm confusing myself. How do I know which I’m working on? I can’t quite put my thumb on the difference, not in any practical way. Sincerely, Confused
- [Is Tweeting a Must for Authors?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/10/re-is-tweeting-a-must-for-authors/) - Dear Editor… I'm not on Twitter and wonder if you feel it’s worth it for writers? I'm on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks, Elle
- [Best Twitter Name Strategy?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/11/re-best-twitter-name-strategy/) - Dear Editor… For Twitter, do people generally use their own name or come up with something catchy if they are an author? Sincerely, Elle
- [Will a Pen Name Confuse Agents and Editors?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/11/re-will-a-pen-name-confuse-agents-and-editors/) - Dear Editor… I have a question about whether to use my pen name or not in correspondence with agents and editors. I don’t want to cause confusion. My real name is JoJo. My email address is NOT JoJo, it's my pen name. I want to do business as my real name, but it doesn’t match my email address… how can I avoid confusion? Sincerely, JoJo
- [How Much Page Time Can Adult Characters Have in Middle Grade Novels?](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/12/re-how-much-page-time-can-adult-characters-have-in-middle-grade-novels/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing a middle grade novel. I’m hearing that it’s problematic to start with the old woman in the story. Fine, I’ll move the kids to get them in the opening scene earlier, so that readers would get to know the kiddos quicker. The thing that’s tricky is I want the old woman’s perspective but she disappears in the next chapter and the kids don’t know what’s happened. Also, I’d love for this to be a series and want her to have a point of view in the future books as well. I’m not sure about the balance of this in MG. How much “adult” can you have? In this book, it is going to be from three kiddos perspectives. But if I write a sequel, can it be from just the witch? Or would that book have to have child protagonists as well? Sincerely, Balance Seeker
- [Can One Agent Rep All Three of My Writing Categories?](https://www.deareditor.com/2019/02/re-can-one-agent-rep-all-three-of-my-writing-categories/) - Dear Editor… I’ve written a YA, an adult memoir/novel, and a screenplay. Do you know if one agent would ever represent such a large swath of genres, or would I be best served trying to find an agent for each? Sincerely, Writer with Many Hats
- [Is "Which" a Legit Sentence Starter?](https://www.deareditor.com/2019/04/re-is-which-a-legit-sentence-starter/) - Dear Editor… I’m revising my middle grade novel. One editing change involved the use of the word “which.” I’ve been told to keep my sentences simple for my target age group, so I broke up several long sentences that had used the word “which.” For example, “It had felt like running away—which she had wanted to do ever since she’d moved in with her grandmother” became “It had felt like running away. Which she had wanted to do ever since she’d moved in with her grandmother.” These don’t sound right either. Now I’m totally confused. Can you shine some light on this? Thanks, H. P.
- [Should I ALL-CAP Character Names in My Synopsis?](https://www.deareditor.com/2019/07/re-should-i-all-cap-character-names-in-my-synopsis/) - Dear Editor… I’m writing my synopsis for submission to agents. Do I put my character names in ALL CAPS the first time they appear in the synopsis? I looked at several resources and got mixed messages. Thanks, All Confused about All Caps
- [Are There Better Months to Publish YA Horror?](https://www.deareditor.com/2019/07/re-are-there-better-months-to-publish-ya-horror/) - Dear Editor… Is there a better time to release YA supernatural/horrors? September or October? Or is summer better? Does it matter? Thanks, Indie Writer
- [Is a Lot of Violence OK in YA Novels?](https://www.deareditor.com/2019/09/re-is-a-lot-of-violence-ok-in-ya-novels/) - Dear Editor… My YA historical WIP, set in ancient times, includes a lot of violence. One character is murdered in a mill. Another (we don’t see this but hear about it) is strangled and drowned. The villain tries to kill the protagonist multiple times, she’s attacked by an animal, and her friend loses a limb in a carriage chase. Finally, the hero kills the villain by stabbing him with an object she grabs during a struggle. Of course, the teens are defending themselves and others. See what I mean? Works for me but I’m wondering what you think. Thanks, Writing Under Sunny Skies
- [Giveaway! Free WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES signed paperback](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/11/giveaway/) - Dear Readers… National Novel Writing Month is underway. (“NaNoWriMo” to the cool among us.) To celebrate the bump in creativity flowing through our atmosphere this month, I’m giving away a signed copy of my WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES. Entry deadline: Nov 13, 2022, 12am PST. Read on to learn how to enter this random drawing….
- [Happy Summer, Happy Writing](https://www.deareditor.com/2022/05/happy-summer-happy-writing/) - Dear Readers… It’s been a while. But the questions keep coming, and this editor is ready to get back in the answering game. I appreciate your kind notes as I worked to get the Editing / Writing / DearEditor / Life balance back into whack. I’m eager to Q-and-A again, to host guest editors, to hold edit giveaways, the whole shebang. Here we go! The Editor
- [On Revision: Kathleen Krull, in Memoriam](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/01/on-revision-kathleen-krull-in-memoriam/) - Kathleen Krull is an esteemed figure in children's literature. Her books for young readers are fixtures in school curriculum and appear on countless awards lists and bookshelves. I had the honor of working with Kathleen on many books at Harcourt Children’s Books. For DearEditor.com's 2012 Revision Week, I interviewed Kathleen to explore her revision process. Last Friday, the children's books world lost this amazing talent, and I lost a dear friend. In Kathy's memory, I repost that insightful interview.
- [Happy New Year, Dear Writer](https://www.deareditor.com/2021/01/happy-new-year-dear-writer/) - Dear Readers... As your 2020 chapter ends and your 2021 chapter begins, I wish you fresh perspectives, renewed spirit, and fulfilling adventures in writing. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Giveaway Winners and Big Thanks!](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/10/giveaway-winners-and-big-thanks/) - Dear Readers… Thank you for celebrating DearEditor.com's new look with me! I'm pleased to announce the winners of the two giveaways, randomly selected via Rafflecopter: Wendy BooydeGraaff for the picture book manuscript edit, and Janice Yuwiler for the partial edit of her novel. Deep thanks to you all for your support and enthusiasm. I'm glad you're finding the new look inviting and navigation-friendly, and promise to do my best to continue sharing useful, clear answers to your questions about the craft and business of writing. Happy writing! The Editor
- [A New Look, with Edit Giveaways to Celebrate!](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/10/a-new-look-with-edit-giveaways-to-celebrate/) - Dear Readers… Welcome to DearEditor.com's new look! Fresh face, easier navigation, same great features: >> answers to your questions about the craft and business of writing >> Revision Week Archive with 25+ revision-focused interviews of award-winning, bestselling authors >> Guest Editor posts by experts and authors >> 2 ways to quickly find more about the topic that interests you most -- Search icon and Categories bar >> comments section for adding your insights or asking for more >> featured flashback posts at the bottom of the page *NEW* Mobile users will find all these features with a simple tap of the Menu icon or a flick of your scrolling thumb. Please celebrate this redesign with me by entering one or both of the two drawings below for a free picture book edit or a free partial edit of your novel manuscript. It's my of saying thank you for visiting, and enjoy your stay. And of course, tap Write the Editor to send me your burning questions because I'm here to help! Happy writing! The Editor
- [ALERT: "Free Partial Edit" Giveaway!](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/04/alert-free-partial-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... It’s been too long since DearEditor.com held a giveaway, so it’s ON! This week, The Editor is giving away a FREE EDIT OF THE FIRST 40 PAGES OF YOUR FICTION MANUSCRIPT. Entry deadline: April 20, 2018, midnight. This giveaway is open to any novelist of MG, YA, NA, or fiction for adults in any genre. The winner will be announced on April 22, here and on DearEditor.com’s Facebook, Google+, and Twitter pages. Read on to enter via Rafflecopter…
- [DearEditor.com Returns!](https://www.deareditor.com/2018/03/deareditor-com-returns/) - Dear Readers… I’m happy to be back from an unscheduled hiatus, answering your questions about writing craft and the publishing business. I’m eager to chat with you once again about those Q-and-A's, and to host guest editors, hold edit giveaways, even launch a fresh design for DearEditor.com. Indeed, virtual remodeling is afoot! For now, look for my first new post on Tuesday. Happy writing! The Editor
- [News: KidLit Cares Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort Auction](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/08/news-kidlit-cares-hurricane-harvey-relief-effort-auction/) - Dear Readers… The children's lit community has an amazing online auction going on to benefit the Red Cross relief effort to help communities recover from Hurricane Harvey and related flooding. Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services to be auctioned off (edits, critiques, edits, free skype visits, signed books and booksets, and more). You can read more about KidLit Cares and take part in the auction here. I've also provided more info in the rest of this post...
- [Happy New Year](https://www.deareditor.com/2017/01/happy-new-year/) - Dear Readers... With a fresh new year upon us, I wish you bountiful creativity, focus, productivity, and peace. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Revision Week: Winner and Week Off](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/06/revision-week-winner-and-week-off-4/) - Dear Readers… I hope you enjoyed the 4th annual Revision Week. I created this event to inform and inspire your own revision and am honored by the authors who've helped. Want more? Visit Revision Week Archive. Want to dig deeper into craft? Check out the advice from myself and 20+ author, editor, agent, and industry contributors including Revision Week guest Jane Yolen in Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies and Writing New Adult Fiction. DearEditor.com will return June 13 with answers to YOUR craft and industry questions. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Revision Week: Marie Force](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/06/revision-week-marie-force/) - Dear Readers… Revision Week ends with a flourish thanks to the fabulous Marie Force, author of some of our favorite contemporary romance series. Marie has sold more than five million copies of her books worldwide, some self-published, others traditionally published. She is talented, prolific, and here to give us a glimpse into her process. Today also brings us to the grand finale giveaway: a Free Full Manuscript Edit by the Editor. Read the full post for giveaway details and Marie’s interview.
- [Revision Week: Jane Yolen](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/06/revision-week-jane-yolen/) - Dear Readers… What a pleasure to share with you, on Day 4 of Revision Week, insights from the amazing Jane Yolen, celebrated author of over 300 books for young people. Jane has written picture books, novels, and poetry collections, in genres including fantasy, science fantasy, and fairy tales. She's a master at craft with an endless imagination, a work ethic that staggers, and a deep respect for her young readers. Please join Jane and The Editor for Day 4 of Revision Week, and enter to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Chanel Cleeton](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/06/revision-week-chanel-cleeton/) - Dear Readers… Day 3 of DearEditor.com's Revision Week brings us Chanel Cleeton, author of four popular thriller and romance series, including the brand new Wild Aces. Please join Chanel and The Editor for Day 3 of Revision Week, and enter to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Salina Yoon](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/05/revision-week-salina-yoon/) - Dear Readers… Revision Week continues with Salina Yoon, author/illustrator of more than 160 books for kids. Salina's characters Penguin and Bear are adored by young children around the world, and it's an honor to have her here talking about the revision process with picture books, both the text and visual storylines. Please join Salina and The Editor for Day 2 of Revision Week, and enter to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Pam Munoz Ryan](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/05/revision-week-pam-munoz-ryan/) - Dear Readers… Revision Week kicks off with Newbery Honor author Pam Munoz Ryan. She's written picture books, beginning readers series, and middle grade novels, many of which are taught in schools nationwide, including one of The Editor's favorites, Esperanza Rising. Please enjoy Pam's interview, and enter to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Welcome to DearEditor.com’s 2016 Revision Week!](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/05/welcome-to-deareditor-coms-2016-revision-week/) - Dear Readers… I'm thrilled to announce DearEditor.com’s fourth annual Revision Week! Five best-selling and award-winning authors with 598 books among them sharing revision tips, insights, and been-there/done-that tales. Starting tomorrow, stop by each day for a new author interview and daily 'Free Partial Edit by the Editor' giveaways and one grand finale 'Free Full Manuscript Edit by the Editor' giveaway. Read the rest of today’s post to learn to learn about the authors participating…
- [Newsflash: 4th Annual DearEditor.com Revision Week May 30-June 3](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/05/newsflash-4th-annual-deareditor-com-revision-week-may-30-june-3/) - Dear Readers... Next week is the 4th Annual DearEditor.com Revision Week! Five best-selling and award-winning authors with 598 books among them will share their revision tips, insights, and tales from the trenches. There’s a new author interview each day, plus daily Free Partial Edit by The Editor giveaways and one grand finale Free Full Manuscript Edit by The Editor giveaway. Please read the rest of today's post to see who these amazing authors will be. The Editor
- [Guest Editor Carter Higgins: How to Tackle a Big Revision](https://www.deareditor.com/2016/04/guest-editor-carter-higgins-how-to-tackle-a-big-revision/) - Dear Editor... From a practical (logistical) standpoint, do you have any advice for how to tackle a large revision of a manuscript I haven't read in over a year? I've just had it professionally edited. I'm thinking I'll read through those edits, then print out the manuscript and read the whole thing. And make changes as I go? Or read it through once and then go through again and make changes? Or read it electronically and then make changes and then print it out? I just can't decide quite how to approach it. Sincerely, J.
- [Happy Holidays](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/12/happy-holidays/) - Dear Readers... I send you my best wishes this holiday season. May peace hold your hand, love fill your heart, and visions of new stories dance in your head. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Alert! Winner of "Free Picture Book Manuscript Edit" Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/11/alert-winner-of-free-picture-book-manuscript-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... Thank you for helping me celebrate my 20th year in publishing. Later this week I'll post another giveaway, but today is all about the winner of last week's "Free Picture Book Manuscript" Edit giveaway: Manju Howard. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Giveaway Winner announced](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/08/giveaway-winner-announced/) - Dear Readers... Thank you for celebrating my good news with me. WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION was a pleasure to write, and I'm pleased that the San Diego Book Award committee finds it worthy of their honor. I'm especially thrilled to have heard from so many of you that it's been a useful addition to your writing life. Mission accomplished! And now for the winner of the Free Full Manuscript Edit giveaway: Congratulations, Serene Heiner! Happy writing to all! The Editor
- [ALERT: Free Full Manuscript Edit giveaway!](https://www.deareditor.com/2015/08/alert-free-full-manuscript-edit-giveaway-2/) - Dear Readers… You know I love to celebrate milestones and good news by paying it forward. This week I'm celebrating WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION winning a San Diego Book Award by giving away a FREE FULL MANUSCRIPT EDIT. Read today's announcement post for details and the Rafflecopter entry form. Good luck! The Editor
- [Happy Holidays -- See You in 2015!](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/12/happy-holidays-see-you-in-2015/) - Dear Readers... As 2014 winds down, easing us into a new year of adventure, I wish you a holiday season full of love and laughter. I will take a couple of weeks off for some of that myself, with a little writing time thrown in. I look forward to seeing you again here, in 2015, with our pencils sharp, our imaginations churning, and our resolve renewed. Peace to you --- and happy writing! The Editor
- [Newsflash: Free Full Manuscript Edit Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/10/newsflash-free-manuscript-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... You know I've got a blog tour going on, but you don't know I'm giving away a FREE FULL MANUSCRIPT EDIT as part of the tour because I forgot to tell you. (Editor smacks forehead.) You can visit any of the great blogs on the tour to enter that tour-wide giveaway as well as to enter their individual giveaways or read my guest posts, or you can go to Rafflecopter to enter the free edit giveaway directly. I want you to have a shot at that. Good luck! The Editor
- [Thank You, and See You in a Week!](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/thank-you-and-see-you-in-a-week/) - Dear Readers… Thank you for joining me to celebrate the publication of Writing New Adult Fiction, and congratulations to Devanie on winning yesterday’s grand finale Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. We’ll take week off from DearEditor.com updates in your inbox, then I'll be back with the regular Q-and-A—starting with a writer who wants to know what makes "bestsellers that begin with backstory, like The Fault in Our Stars,” work in an age when in media res is the magic phrase. Happy writing! The Editor
- [WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION Launch Week, Grand Finale: Free Full Manuscript Edit Giveaway ](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/writing-new-adult-fiction-launch-week-grand-finale-free-full-manuscript-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers… It’s here—the final day of Writing New Adult Fiction Launch Week. Today, a few words of thanks and the grand finale giveaway: a Free Full Manuscript Edit. Good luck! The Editor
- [WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION Launch Week, Day 4: Revising in the Speed-Driven NA Market](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/writing-new-adult-fiction-launch-week-day-4-revising-in-the-speed-driven-na-market/) - Dear Readers… Here we are at Day 4 of Writing New Adult Fiction Launch Week. Today, the last “Free 1st 20 Pages Critique” giveaway and advice for revising your NA manuscript. Tomorrow, the grand finale “Free Full Manuscript Edit” giveaway…. Happy reading! The Editor
- [WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION Launch Week, Day 3: NA Lit and Multiple Points of View](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/writing-new-adult-fiction-launch-week-day-2-na-lit-and-multiple-points-of-view/) - Dear Readers… Welcome to Day 3 of Writing New Adult Fiction Launch Week. Today, a “Free 1st 20 Pages Critique” giveaway, advice for deciding if your NA fiction should have multiple narrators, tips for smooth POV switching, and a peek at author Molly McAdams’s efforts to coax a voice from a new narrator in Book Two of her bestselling Taking Chances series. Hope you find it informative! The Editor
- [WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION Launch Week, Day 2: Manipulating New Adult Characters](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/writing-new-adult-fiction-launch-week-day-2-manipulating-new-adult-characters/) - Dear Readers… It’s Day 2 of Writing New Adult Fiction Launch Week! Today, a “Free Chapter Critique” giveaway and tips for manipulating new adults with their own universal traits. Thanks for joining me! The Editor
- [WRITING NEW ADULT FICTION Launch Week, Day 1: NA Fiction v. YA Fiction – What’s the Diff?](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/writing-new-adult-fiction-launch-week-day-1-na-fiction-v-ya-fiction-whats-the-diff/) - Dear Readers… Thank you for joining me for Writing New Adult Fiction Launch Week. Today, a “Free 1st 20 Pages Critique” giveaway and my answer to the question, “What the difference between YA, Mature YA, and NA?” Enjoy! The Editor
- [NEWSFLASH! Free Edit Giveaways During Launch Week Aug 25-29](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/newsflash-free-edit-giveaways-during-launch-week-aug-25-29/) - Dear Readers… I encourage writers to celebrate their writing milestones. Today my new book Writing New Adult Fiction releases and I’m celebrating with a week of daily “Partial Edit” giveaways and a grand finale “Full Manuscript Edit” giveaway starting Monday. I’ll also share tips for crafting riveting New Adult Fiction, some of the sidebar wisdoms contributed to the book by bestselling NA authors, editors, agents, and cover designers, and other fun stuff like that. Join me for this 5-day virtual book launch August 25-29. And if you're free, stop by #NAlitchat tonight on Twitter 9pmEST to talk all things NA. Party time! The Editor
- [Free Edit Giveaways, Conferences, and Other News](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/08/free-edit-giveaway-conferences-and-other-news/) - Dear Readers... I'll be back to the usual fun of answering writers' questions next week, and will soon announce the dates for my week of free edit giveaways and other hijinks celebrating the release of my new book, Writing New Adult Fiction. For now, you can read my Publishers Weekly coverage of last weekend's SCBWI summer conference here, or make plans to join me at the Writer's Digest Novel Writing Intensive in Los Angeles next weekend, August 15-17, to talk techniques for writing seamless fiction and writing riveting New Adult fiction. For more about my sessions at the Writer's Digest conference, read on. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Welcome to DearEditor.com’s 2014 Revision Week!](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/welcome-to-deareditor-coms-2014-revision-week/) - Dear Readers… It’s here: DearEditor.com’s third annual Revision Week! Five days, five best-selling and award-winning authors with 80 books among them sharing revision tips, insights, and stories from the trenches. Stop by each day for a new author interview and to enter the daily drawings for Free Partial Edits and the grand finale Free Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. Read the rest of today’s post to learn about the authors participating…
- [Revision Week: Winner and Week Off](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-winner-and-week-off-2/) - Dear Readers… I hope you enjoyed DearEditor.com’s third annual Revision Week. I created this event to bring you insights and inspiration as you work through the ups and downs of revision, and. I’m honored that five talented authors helped me do that. Thanks to them and to you for joining in with your comments, and congrats to the giveaway winners, including Rachel Stones, winner of yesterday’s Free Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. If you haven’t had your fill of revision insights, click here for the Revision Week Archive. And now I shall take a breather for a week, returning on May 19 to the usual format, with answers to the craft and industry questions you wonder about. Until then… Happy revising! The Editor
- [Revision Week: Denise Grover Swank](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-denise-grover-swank/) - Dear Readers… We put the exclamation point on Revision Week with prolific Denise Grover Swank, the bestselling author of mysteries, paranormal, romance, and thrillers for young adults, new adults, and regular ol’ grown-up adults. Today also brings us to the grand finale giveaway: the Free Full Manuscript Edit Giveaway. Read the full post for giveaway details and Denise's interview.
- [Revision Week: Warren Fahy](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-warren-fahy/) - Dear Readers… We’ve reached the penultimate day of Revision Week. Today I talk revision with Warren Fahy, bestselling author of thriller fiction. Of Warren’s international bestseller Fragment, author James Rollins says, “Think Jurassic Park on steroids.” Please join Warren and The Editor for Day 4 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Joni Rodgers](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-joni-rodgers/) - Dear Readers… Day 3 of Revision Week brings us memoirs and ghostwriting with Joni Rodgers, who is known for her beautifully crafted, impeccably researched memoirs. Joni is also a bestselling, critically-praised novelist in her own right. Please join Joni and The Editor for Day 3 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Jean Ferris](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-jean-ferris/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com’s Revision Week continues with Jean Ferris, author of more than ninetineen award-winning novels for young readers—some quirky fun, others intensely serious, all packed with thoughts well worth mulling. Please join Jean and The Editor for Day 2 of Revision Week, and enter to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Marla Frazee](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/05/revision-week-marla-frazee/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com’s Revision Week kicks off with Marla Frazee, bestselling author and illustrator of more than nineteen picture books as well as the winner of numerous awards, including two Caldecott Honors. Marla wields both words and pictures, and her insights into the revision process are a wonderful way to start the week. Please join Marla and The Editor for Day 1 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Announcing DearEditor.com’s Revision Week 2013, March 24-30!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/announcing-deareditor-coms-revision-week-2013-march-24-30/) - Dear Readers… Heads up! It's almost time for DearEditor.com's second annual Revision Week. The Editor is honored to host five authors---who have published a combined 270 best-selling and award-winning books---for a week of revision tips, insights, and stories from the trenches. Learn from writers who turn first drafts into lauded books every day—and enter the daily drawings for Free Partial Edits and the grand prize Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. Read the rest of the post to learn about the authors participating...
- [Newsflash: Giveaway Winner!](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/03/newsflash-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… I’m pleased to announce the winner of last week’s giveaway---a free full manuscript edit---celebrating the completion of my final draft of Writing and Selling New Adult Fiction: Irene Latham, with her middle grade contemporary survival fiction. Congratulations to Irene, and happy writing to all! The Editor
- [Guest Editor Vonna Carter re: Choosing Online Writing Courses](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/03/guest-editor-vonna-carter-re-choosing-online-writing-courses/) - Dear Editor… I've been following you for the past few years. I fell off the wagon with my children's writing and am thinking an online class might get me running again. Can you suggest a good class with regular assignments and instructor feedback. Doesn't matter where the class is located since I'm thinking in terms of online. Thanks very much, Cheryl
- [ALERT: Free FULL MANUSCRIPT Edit Giveaway!](https://www.deareditor.com/2014/03/alert-free-full-manuscript-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... The Editor believes the path to publication should be as full of celebration as it is of hard work. Therefore, to celebrate finishing the final draft of her new craft book, Writing and Selling New Adult Fiction, the Editor is giving away a FREE EDIT of a full fiction manuscript. Entry deadline: March 22, 2014. Read on for rules….
- [DearEditor.com on Holiday Hiatus](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/12/deareditor-com-on-holiday-hiatus/) - Dear Readers... In the spirit of focusing on family during the holidays (and knocking out final pages for a mid-December manuscript deadline!), I'm going to put DearEditor.com on holiday hiatus for the first time ever. Join me again in January to ring in the new year with free edit giveaways (two already planned!) as well as fun and informational Q-and-A posts about the art, craft, and business of writing. I'll keep posting on the DearEditor.com Facebook, Google+, and Twitter pages, so tune in there for news and inspirational posts until 2014. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Newsflash: Another Free Critique Giveaway Winner!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/newsflash-another-free-critique-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… I’m pleased to announce the winner of the FREE CRITIQUE Giveaway celebrating Steven M. Booth's debut YA fantasy DARK TALISMAN: Mara Bushansky, with her YA novel. I’ll be sending you an email, Mara. Happy writing to all! The Editor
- [Newsflash: FREE CRITIQUE Giveaway Winner!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/newsflash-free-critique-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… I’m pleased to announce the winner of the FREE CRITIQUE Giveaway: Deb DiTomaso, with her historical/paranormal YA "Shoddy Girl". I’ll be sending you an email, Deb. Happy writing to all! The Editor
- [Newsflash: FREE CRITIQUE giveaway!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/newsflash-free-critique-giveaway/) - Dear Readers… Anyone who’s followed DearEditor.com for long knows that the Editor believes the path to final manuscript should be as full of celebration as it is of hard work. Therefore, to celebrate meeting her deadline for the first half of her new craft book, Writing the 'New Adult' Novel, the Editor is giving away a FREE CRITIQUE OF THE FIRST 10 PAGES OF YOUR FICTION MANUSCRIPT. Entry deadline: November 7, 2013. Read on for rules….
- [Newsflash: Free Critique and Free Kindle Giveaways with Steven M. Booth Interview](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/11/newsflash-free-critique-and-free-kindle-giveaways-with-steven-m-booth-interview/) - Dear Readers... We're back already with another FREE 10-PAGE CRITIQUE giveaway. Plus, my guest today is raffling off a FREE KINDLE FIRE HD and an e-reader copy of his fantasy debut, Dark Talisman. Read the full post for my interview with Steven M. Booth and entry details. The Editor
- [Guest Editor Robin Cruise: "onto" versus "on to"](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/09/guest-editor-robin-cruise-onto-versus-on-to/) - Dear Editor… Which is right? 1) Jane stepped onto the patio. 2) Jane stepped on to the patio. My net surfing tells me #1 is right, that if a person or thing is "upon" a concrete object, you can use "onto" and reserve "on to" for things non-concrete or metaphorical, like "Please move on to the next topic." Is there a net site I could use as a reference? Thanks so much, All Mixed Up
- [Guest Editor Eddie Gamarra re: Agents for Your Script or Book-to-Film Rights](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/09/5532/) - Dear Editor... I was talking to my screenwriting professor about getting an agent. He informed me that writer-directors do not get talent agents, but have to get literary agents. I have a producer already interested in my work, so I thought it might be safe if I sought representation. Is this true? How do I go about that? Sincerely, J.
- [Newsflash: FREE EDIT Giveaway Winner!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/08/newsflash-free-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers... I'm pleased to announce the winner of the FREE EDIT Giveaway celebrating Annemarie O'Brien's debut novel, Lara's Gift: Ann Jacobus Kordahl, with her YA Romancing the Dark in the City of Light. I'll be sending you an email, Ann. Happy writing to all! The Editor
- [FREE EDIT Giveaway to Celebrate Annemarie O'Brien's Debut, Lara's Gift](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/08/free-edit-giveaway-to-celebrate-annemarie-obriens-debut-laras-gift/) - Dear Readers... I'm thrilled today to host Annemarie O'Brien, DearEditor.com's first Free Edit giveaway winner ever, whose debut MG novel LARA'S GIFT pubs this week. As far as I'm concerned, there's only one way to celebrate that: with another FREE EDIT giveaway! Read my interview with Annemarie about her journey from idea to publication, then enter the giveaway for a free substantive edit of your fiction manuscript (novels up to 80,000 words; picture book mss ok). Good luck! The Editor
- [Newsflash: Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies Blog Tour](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/07/newsflash-writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-blog-tour/) - Dear Readers… If you enjoyed the exclusive daily articles featured in the WYAFFD Virtual Book Launch, drop in on the 8-stop Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies Blog Tour July 18-27. It’ll be a fun tour, with The Editor guest posting about craft and promotion, and with interviews, giveaways, and a grand finale FREE webinar with The Editor. For the tour schedule and links to tour stops, read on…
- [News: 1 Call for Submissions & 2 Publisher-Sponsored Contests](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/05/news-1-call-for-submissions-2-publisher-sponsored-contests/) - Dear Readers… Summer seems to be bringing out the editors! In today’s post I share news about two publisher-sponsored contests and a call for submissions for a new imprint. Check out the rest of the post for details on these opportunities. Heads up: I post news like this and other publishing happenings on the DearEditor.com Facebook page and DearEditor.com Google+ page. If you haven’t already “Liked” the page, consider checking it out. I do my best to keep the news and inspirational items flowing there. Happy submitting! The Editor
- [Newsflash! The Editor's New Book for Writers of 'New Adult' Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/05/newsflash-the-editors-new-book-for-writers-of-new-adult-fiction/) - The Editor is happy to announce her new book Writing the New Adult Novel: How to Write and Sell ‘New Adult’ Fiction, to be published by Writer’s Digest Books in 2014. This book for writers will be a hands-on guide featuring essential information, steps, and techniques to guide writers in creating engaging stories featuring eighteen- to twenty-six-year-old protagonists against the backdrop of the emerging adult experience.
- [Guest Editor Danny Fingeroth re: Submitting Graphic Novels](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/05/guest-editor-danny-fingeroth-re-submitting-graphic-novels/) - Dear Editor... My husband has put together a middle grade hybrid graphic novel that I've helped him to edit. He's gotten some positive responses from agents but is always told they don't think they can place the book. Is there something more challenging about selling this type of novel even though they seem to be very popular right now? Sincerely, Heather
- [Newsflash: The Editor to Deliver State of Industry Keynote](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/04/newsflash-the-editor-to-deliver-state-of-industry-keynote/) - The Editor is honored to deliver the state of the children's book industry keynote at the SCBWI 42nd Summer Conference August 2-5. She will also teach an intensive and two breakouts, as well as do one-on-one critiques. Registration for the conference just opened up. For details, read today's full post or go straight to the SCBWI conference home page.
- [Guest Editor Taryn Fagerness re: Did I Just Double-Cross My Agent?](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/04/re-uh-oh-did-i-just-double-cross-my-agent/) - Dear Editor... I have an agent in the U.S, and I've been extended an offer for representation in Turkey. I'd heard of authors having an agent for non-English speaking country aside from their agent in the U.S., so I accepted the offer; however, now, I feel that it's somehow unethical. Can I have an agent in both countries or should I sever ties with one? Signed, Double Agent Girl
- [Welcome to DearEditor.com's 2012 Revision Week!](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/welcome-to-deareditor-coms-revision-week/) - Dear Readers… This week DearEditor.com brings together eight prolific, bestselling, award-winning authors for a week of revision tips, insights, and stories from the trenches. Learn from writers who turn first drafts into lauded books every day—and enter the daily drawings for Free Partial Edits and the grand prize Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. *Giveaway directions will be posted each with the interviews, starting tomorrow.
- [Revision Week: Winner and Week Off](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-winner-and-week-off/) - Dear Readers... I hope you enjoyed DearEditor.com's second annual Revision Week. I created this event to bring you insights and inspiration as you work through the ups and downs of revision, and I'm honored that six amazing authors helped me do that. Thanks to them and to you all for joining in with your comments, and congrats to the giveaway winners, including Fiona Ivey, winner of yesterday's Free Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. If you haven't had your fill of revision insights, click here for last year's interviews. And now I shall take a breather for a week, returning on April 8 to the usual format, with answers to the craft and industry questions you wonder about. Until then... Happy revising! The Editor
- [Revision Week: Peter Economy](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-peter-economy/) - Dear Readers... We end Revision Week with a master of nonfiction and ghostwriting, Peter Economy. Peter is the bestselling author and ghostwriter of more than 6o books. He’s collaborated with thought leaders in a variety of different industries and organizations – from Fortune 100 businesses to universities to non-profits with national reach. The Editor is thrilled to wrap up this great week with Peter's sage advise. Today also brings us to the grand finale giveaway: the Free Full Manuscript Edit Giveaway. Read the full post for details for entering the giveaway.
- [Revision Week: Susan Stevens Crummel](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-susan-stevens-crummel/) - Dear Readers… Four authors and four Free Partial Edit Giveaway winners later, we've reached the penultimate day of Revision Week. It's been fascinating to see the varied revision processes of these talented, prolific writers. Today and tomorrow bring us two more generous authors, another Free Partial Edit Giveaway, and the grand finale Full Manuscript Edit Giveaway. Today, a glimpse into picture book revision and author/illustrator collaboration with Susan Stevens Crummel, who has authored and co-authored nearly twenty popular picture books for children. Please join Susan and The Editor and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Matthew J. Kirby](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-matthew-j-kirby/) - Dear Readers... Day 4 of Revision Week brings us to middle grade novels and the delightful Matthew J. Kirby, Edgar Award-winning author of two popular novels for young readers, with two more novels releasing this year, including the fifth book in Scholastic's mega-hit, multi-platform Infinity Ring series. Please join Matthew and The Editor as they compare revising a novel within a multi-author series to revising a solo novel, and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Bruce Hale](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-bruce-hale/) - Dear Readers... Day 3 of Revision Week brings us the prolifically funny Bruce Hale, whose three chapter book series keep kids (and The Editor) laughing. When The Editor interviewed him for Revision Week, Bruce was in the thick of revising his second book in the SCHOOL FOR S.P.I.E.S. series: Thicker Than Water. "Revision is in the air!" he declared. Please join Bruce and The Editor as they explore revising series, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Laura Griffin](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-laura-griffin-2/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com's Revision Week continues with New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin. Laura has written eleven award-winning novels, six of them in the popular Tracers series. She’s just put the finishing touches on the seventh book in the series, Exposed, which will release on June 25. Please join Laura and The Editor for Day 2 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Larry Dane Brimner](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/revision-week-larry-dane-brimner/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com’s Revision Week kicks off with Larry Dane Brimner, the award-winning author of more than 150 books for readers of all ages. His nonfiction books for children and young adults include Birmingham Sunday, an Orbis Pictus Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, and We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin, a Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Award winner. Please join Larry and The Editor for Day 1 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today’s “Free Partial Edit” from The Editor.
- [Welcome to DearEditor.com's 2013 Revision Week!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/welcome-to-deareditor-coms-2013-revision-week-2/) - Dear Readers… This week DearEditor.com brings together six prolific, bestselling, award-winning authors for a week of revision tips, insights, and stories from the trenches. Learn from writers who turn first drafts into lauded books every day—and enter the daily drawings for Free Partial Edits and the grand prize Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. *Giveaway directions will be posted each with the interviews, starting tomorrow.
- [NEWSFLASH: Revision Week Just Got Bigger!](https://www.deareditor.com/2013/03/newsflash-revision-week-just-got-bigger/) - Dear Readers… The Editor is thrilled to announce that award-winning picture book author Susan Stevens Crummel will be joining the Revision Week lineup! Loved for her solo books as well as her collaborations with author/illustrator (and sister!) Janet Stevens, Susan will shed light on the ins and outs of working through a highly collaborative revision process. Read the rest of the post to learn about Susan…
- [Guest Editor Stacy Innerst: The Risk of Illustration Notes in Picture Books Manuscripts](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/12/guest-editor-stacy-innerst-the-risk-of-illustration-notes-in-picture-books-manuscripts/) - Dear Editor... If you have a spare text for a picture book, should you send along another copy of the story with illustration notes? If so, what's the proper format for the notes? Brackets? Italics? Sincerely, Natasha
- [NEWSFLASH: The Free Picture Book Edit Giveaway Winner...](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/12/newsflash-the-free-picture-book-edit-giveaway-winner-2/) - Dear Readers… The giveaway for one FREE EDIT of a picture book manuscript is over. Early this morning I used Randomizer.org to select the winner: JULIE SEGAL WALTERS, with her picture book manuscript Hello, Broccoli! I look forward to working Julie and my favorite green vegetable. Happy writing! The Editor
- [NEWSFLASH: "Free Full Picture Book Edit" Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/11/newsflash-free-full-picture-book-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... The Editor believes writers should celebrate every milestone---and she's got a milestone to celebrate with you. Her first picture book, Letters to Santa, has just published and she's feting it by giving away a FREE edit of a picture book manuscript up to 2,000 words. Deadline: December 4, 2012. Read the full post for rules….
- [Guest Editor Robin Cruise: When Do You Put "and" Before "then"?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/10/guest-editor-robin-cruise-when-do-you-put-and-before-then/) - Dear Editor... When you use "and then" in a sentence, is it more clear to use either "and" or "then" versus both? Why would you need the word "and" before "then"? Thanks, Natasha
- [Guest Editor Taryn Fagerness re: Are U.S. Readers OK with International Settings?](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/10/guest-editor-taryn-fagerness-re-are-u-s-readers-ok-with-international-settings/) - Dear Editor... How essential is it to place your story somewhere that's familiar or, alternatively, exciting to readers? My story demands that it's placed in either British Columbia, Canada, or Scotland in the UK, but I've read that U.S.-based readers mostly want to read stories based in places that they know or are familiar with (anywhere within the U.S.), or they want something exotic (e.g., Thailand, the Philippines). Is this really true? Would an editor ask me to change the location of my story? Has this ever happened to you or anyone you know of? Sincerely, Franziska
- [NEWS: The FREE EDIT Giveaway Winner...](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/news-the-free-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… The giveaway for one FREE EDIT of a full manuscript is over. Early this morning I used Randomizer.org to select the winner: IAN T. HEALY, with his spoofy space opera Starf*cker. I look forward to working with Ian, who is already making his mark in the superhero fiction category. Happy writing! The Editor
- [Newsflash: A DearEditor.com FREE EDIT Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/newsflash-a-deareditor-com-free-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers… To celebrate the end of the summer writing season, the Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of a manuscript up to 80,000 words. Deadline: August 28, 2012. Read on for rules….
- [News from DearEditor.com](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/08/news-from-deareditor-com/) - Dear Readers... The Editor has been quiet for a couple of weeks, but with good reason: she was preparing the keynote "An Up to the Minute Survey of Market Needs and Trends" for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators International Conference this weekend. She has just delivered her talk to a full crowd of 1,200, and you can glimpse some highlights at the SCBWI Conference Blog: http://bit.ly/PUnTAo. Starting next week, The Editor will be back online, feverishly answering reader questions about the craft, market, and business of writing. Happy writing!
- [Guest Editor Bobbi Katz re: Formatting a Poetry Collection Submission](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/06/guest-editor-bobbi-katz-re-formatting-a-poetry-collection-submission/) - Dear Editor... My writing partner and I have a collection of poems we want to submit. What we can't find anywhere is how to format the poems. Should we include a list of the poems in the order they are being presented? Should each poem have line or word counts at the top of the page? Should the pages have a header with the overall title and page numbers? Should each poem simply be presented with its own page number since they might be moved around by an editor? We can't find any information anywhere to guide us. Thanks, Rosi
- [Guest Editor Warren Lewis re: Format of Nursery Rhyme within a Play Script](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/06/guest-editor-warren-lewis-re-format-of-nursery-rhyme-within-a-play-script/) - Dear Editor... I'm writing to check with you on the format of a nursery rhyme recited by a character within the format of a play script. Currently, I have the nursery rhyme indented five spaces from the remaining words. Is there a standard way to format this kind of element? Thanks, Leni
- [Newsflash: SCBWI Summer Conference with The Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/04/newsflash-scbwi-summer-conference-with-the-editor/) - Dear Readers... SCBWI's 2012 Summer Conference registration opens tomorrow, April 18, at 10am! DearEditor.com readers are getting this alert because a lot of you write for young people and this important annual 3-day event sells out---and the intensives on the extra day fill up almost immediately. If you were planning on registering, don't delay. As you peruse the amazing schedule, note that The Editor will be there presenting the Current Market Report keynote, a breakout session on writing dialogue, an intensive on revising your MG/YA novel, and an intensive on creating youthful narrative sensibility. Read the rest of today's DearEditor.com newsflash for details on her presentations; check out the full info on the SCBWI conference page.
- [Guest Editor Jeff Hirsch re: Dare I Dream "Dystopia" in This Market?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/guest-editor-jeff-hirsch-re-dare-i-dream-dystopia-in-this-market/) - Dear Editor... My current novel is post-apocalyptic, and I was going to market it as dystopian. One of my critiquers said it's not depressing and dark enough to be dystopian. Is that a necessary criteria for this genre? Sincerely, Carol
- [Revision Week BONUS Interview: Rachel Caine](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-bonus-interview-rachel-caine/) - Dear Readers... The Editor is thrilled to present a BONUS Revision Week interview . . . with Rachel Caine! Rachel is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the YA series The Morganville Vampires, the Weather Warden series, and the Outcast Season series. Rachel's newest series, The Revivalist, launched in 2011 with Working Stiff, and her stand-alone YA novel The Great and Lamentable Tragedie releases this year. Please join Rachel and The Editor for the Revision Week finale, and find out how to win the final "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Nathan Bransford](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-nathan-bransford/) - Dear Readers… Today was scheduled to be the grand finale of Revision Week, but the event has been so fun that The Editor can't resist posting a bonus author interview tomorrow. Stop by for that surprise guest, along with a bonus edit giveaway. For today, we've got the wonderful Nathan Bransford, author of the Jacob Wonderbar middle grade series and former literary agent with Curtis Brown. Nathan offers a unique view of the revision process thanks to his experience both as an author and as an agent ushering writers to book deals with publishers. We've also got the promised "FREE Full Manuscript Edit" Giveaway from The Editor!
- [Revision Week: Mark A. Clements](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-mark-a-clements/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com's Revision Week continues with award-winning author Mark A. Clements. In addition to being a horror and suspense novelist, Mark has ghostwritten numerous books, giving him a distinct view of the revision process. Please join Mark and The Editor for Day 5 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Co-Authors Lin Oliver, Henry Winkler, & Theo Baker](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-co-authors-lin-oliver-henry-winkler-theo-baker/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com's Revision Week continues with co-authors Lin Oliver, Henry Winkler, and Theo Baker. All three authors team up today to discuss the part collaboration plays in the revision of series and chapter books for young readers. Please join Lin, Henry, Theo, and The Editor for Day 4 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Robin LaFevers](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-robin-lafevers/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com's Revision Week continues today with Robin LaFevers, the author of fourteen books for young readers, including the Theodosia series, the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series, and the much buzzed-about new His Fair Assassin series. Please join Robin and The Editor for Day 3 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit"from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Kathleen Krull](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-kathleen-krull/) - Dear Readers… DearEditor.com's Revision Week continues with award-winning author Kathleen Krull. In 2011 Kathleen was awarded the Children's Book Guild of Washington D.C. Nonfiction Award, an honor presented annually to "an author or illustrator whose total body of work has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children." Please join Kathleen and The Editor for Day 2 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit" from The Editor.
- [Revision Week: Cynthia Leitich Smith](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/revision-week-cynthia-leitich-smith/) - Dear Readers... DearEditor.com's Revision Week kicks off with Cynthia Leitich Smith, the New York Times and Publishers Weekly best-selling author of Tantalize, Eternal, Blessed, Diabolical, and Tantalize: Kieren's Story. Her award-winning books for younger children include Jingle Dancer, Indian Shoes, Rain Is Not My Indian Name, and Holler Loudly. Please join Cynthia and The Editor for Day 1 of Revision Week, and find out how to win today's "Free Partial Edit"from The Editor.
- [Guest Editor Melissa Wiley re: Facebook v. Google+ as Author Tools](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/03/guest-editor-melissa-wiley-re-facebook-v-google-as-author-tools/) - Dear Editor… My New Year’s resolution is to get active in social media and start “building my platform.” I don’t think I have time to be active in both Facebook and Google+. A friend says Facebook is established, so choose that. (I do have an account there but haven’t really used it.) Another friend says Google+ is the future, so choose that. I’m stuck. Advice? Thanks, R.
- [News: DearEditor.com Goes Mobile](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/news-deareditor-com-goes-mobile/) - Dear Readers... Now you can access DearEditor.com on your iPhone or other mobile device. Go ahead, try it out. And if you're a social media hipster, you'll be glad to find DearEditor.com now on Google+ sharing industry news, creative inspirations, and writing tips to keep you in the publishing know.
- [Announcing DearEditor.com’s Revision Week, March 5-10!](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/announcing-deareditor-coms-revision-week-march-4-10/) - Dear Readers… The Editor is thrilled to host eight prolific, bestselling, award-winning authors for a week of revision tips, insights, and stories from the trenches. Learn from writers who turn first drafts into lauded books every day—and enter the daily drawings for Free Partial Edits and the grand prize Full Manuscript Edit giveaway. Read on for more…
- [News: eBook Winner; Free Online Workshop with the Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/news-ebook-winner-free-online-workshop-with-the-editor/) - Dear Readers... DearEditor.com is happy to announce the winner of the How to Promote Your Children's Book eBook Giveaway, along with details about a free online YA Fiction workshop with The Editor.
- [Blog Tour: Katie Davis on Promoting Books (Book Giveaway!)](https://www.deareditor.com/2012/02/blog-tour-katie-davis-on-promoting-books-book-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... Author/illustrator Katie Davis is a tireless promoter whose 9 children’s books have sold over 250,000 copies. Today at DearEditor.com she’s sharing what she’s learned about promoting---and she's giving away a free download of her new eBook How to Promote Your Children’s Book: Tips, Tricks and Secrets to Create a Bestseller.
- [NEWSFLASH: “First 20 Pages Critique Giveaway” Winner](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/newsflash-“first-20-pages-critique-giveaway”-winner/) - Dear Readers… We have a winner for the giveaway of the free critique of the first 20 pages of a fiction manuscript. Read on for the winner….
- [Guest Editor Gary Soto re: Heeding Your Creative Instinct](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/10/guest-editor-gary-soto-re-heeding-your-creative-instinct/) - Dear Editor… I have a short story that my writing group thinks could be a whole novel. I worked hard to distill this character’s story down to its essentials . . . I can’t seem to get my head around expanding it meaningfully. I feel like I’m adding stuff for the sake of adding pages. I hear about great novels that started off as short stories. What’s their secret? Thank you, M.
- [Guest Editor Randy Morrison re: Legality of Using Real People in Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/09/guest-editor-randy-morrison-re-legality-of-using-real-people-in-fiction/) - Dear Editor... I was wondering what legal problems (if any) are associated with using real people as characters in fiction? I'm not talking Elvis, or someone who would obviously have an estate with a problem, more like a fantasy novel about people who have disappeared through the ages (like Louis Le Prince, or Dorothy Arnold.) What's the rule? Is it easier to just avoid it altogether and name them something else? Thanks, Megan
- [Newsflash: Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies Virtual Book Launch](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/newsflash-writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-virtual-book-launch/) - Dear Readers… My new book Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies hits stores July 5, and I’m hoping you can help me spread the word about my 7-day virtual book launch June 29-July 5 on DearEditor.com. Daily giveaways, free downloads, excerpts from the book... read my full post for more.
- [Guest Editor Theresa Stanton re: Author Blogsite v. Website](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/06/guest-editor-theresa-stanton-re-author-blogsite-v-website/) - Dear Editor… I read an interview where you refer to your website as a “blogsite.” How does a blogsite differ from a regular website? Should authors have a blogsite instead of a website? Sincerely, R.
- [Guest Editor Katie Davis re: To Podcast or To Video?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/05/guest-editor-katie-davis-re-to-podcast-or-to-video/) - Dear Editor… I’m thinking of including either podcasts or videos on my blog. Is one better for an author blog than the other? Michael
- [NEWSFLASH: The FREE EDIT Giveaway Winner](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/newsflash-the-free-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… We have a winner for the giveaway for the FREE substantive edit of one fiction manuscript. Read on for the winner….
- [NEWSFLASH: a DearEditor.com "FREE Fiction Edit" Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/newsflash-a-deareditor-com-free-fiction-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers… To celebrate the completion of her final manuscript for Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, the Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of one fiction manuscript for adults or young readers. Deadline: April 21, 2011. Read on for rules….
- [News: Dummies, Revision Workshop, FREE EDIT Giveaway](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/04/news-dummies-revision-workshop-free-edit-giveaway/) - Dear Readers... I've got great news about Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, a revision workshop, and a FREE EDIT GIVEAWAY. Read on for the details...
- [Newsflash: DearEditor.com Now on Facebook!](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/newsflash-deareditor-com-now-on-facebook/) - Dear Readers... DearEditor.com is steppin' out. Read more...
- [Guest Editor Barrie Summy re: Red Herrings in MG Mysteries?](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/03/guest-editor-barrie-summy-re-red-herrings-in-mg-mysteries/) - Dear Editor... Do you think red herrings and foreshadowing are important in middle grade novels? I'm working on a spooky mystery and am wondering if I need to pay more attention to adding red herrings. It seems like a tough element to learn. Thanks for any input you can give me. Sincerely, Lynn
- [Guest Editor Darcy Pattison re: Virtual Book Launches](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/guest-editor-darcy-pattison-virtual-book-launches/) - Dear Editor . . . I’m looking for suggestions and ideas on how to pull off a successful virtual launch party for a self-published book. Sincerely, Michael
- [Guest Editor Mary E. Pearson re: Help! I've Hit a Wall!](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/editor-for-a-day-mary-e-pearson-re-help-ive-hit-a-wall/) - Dear Editor... I attended a week-long retreat a year ago. I hit a wall and have been lost in confusion about everything: my story and my ability to write. How can I get my confidence back? I seem paralyzed. Sincerely, Maureen
- [NEWSFLASH: The Free MG/YA Edit Giveaway Winner](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/02/newsflash-the-free-mgya-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… We have a winner for the YA Dummies Celebration giveaway for the FREE MG/YA EDIT. Read on for the winner….
- [NEWSFLASH: a DearEditor.com Giveaway - a FREE YA/MG EDIT](https://www.deareditor.com/2011/01/newsflash-a-deareditor-com-giveaway-a-free-yamg-edit/) - Dear Readers… To celebrate the completion of her manuscript for Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, the Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of one YA or MG fiction manuscript. Deadline: January 31, 2011. Read on for rules….
- [UPDATE: Podcast Interview with The Editor Now Posted](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/12/update-podcast-interview-with-the-editor-now-posted/) - Dear Readers... As promised, here's the podcast link to hear The Editor field phoned-in questions about publishing...
- [Newsflash: New Feature - Guest Editor for the Day! ](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/newsflash-welcome-guest-editors-for-a-day/) - Dear-Editor.com gets a new feature...
- [NEWSFLASH: One Week to Phone In Questions to the Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/11/newsflash-one-week-to-phone-in-questions-to-the-editor/) - Dear Readers... Have you emailed a question that The Editor hasn't gotten to yet? Been mulling something but haven't asked? Now's your chance to phone that question in to The Editor---for a short time, anyway. Read on for details....
- [NEWSFLASH: The Free Picture Book Edit Giveaway Winner](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/10/newsflash-the-free-picture-book-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers… We have a winner for the six-month anniversary giveaway for the FREE PICTURE BOOK EDIT. Read on for the winner….
- [NEWSFLASH!: a Dear-Editor.com Giveaway - a FREE picture book edit!](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/09/newsflash-a-dear-editor-com-giveaway-a-free-picture-book-edit/) - Dear Readers... By popular request, to celebrate the six-month anniversary of Dear-Editor.com, the Editor is giving away a FREE EDIT of one picture book manuscript. Deadline: October 10, 2010. Read on for rules....
- [NEWSFLASH: The Editor to Write "Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies"](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/07/newsflash-the-editor-to-write-writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies/) - Big news... .
- [NEWSFLASH: The Free YA/MG Edit Giveaway Winner ](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/newsflash-the-free-yamg-edit-giveaway-winner/) - Dear Readers... We have a winner for the one-month anniversary giveaway for the FREE Substantive Edit of one YA or MG fiction manuscript. Read on for the winner....
- [NEWSFLASH: a Dear-Editor.com Giveaway - a Free YA/MG Edit!](https://www.deareditor.com/2010/04/newsflash-a-dear-editor-com-giveaway-a-free-yamg-edit/) - Dear Readers... To celebrate the one-month anniversary of Dear-Editor.com, the Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of one YA or MG fiction manuscript. Deadline: April 14, 2010. Read on for rules....

## Pages

- [About](https://www.deareditor.com/about/) - DearEditor.com is the place for writers—published or not—to ask questions about the craft of writing and/or the publishing industry... and get direct answers and actionable suggestions. Are editors telling you that your characters are flat? Are you losing readers by page 2? Don’t know what a hook is or why it's so darned important? Trying
- [Meet the Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/meet-the-editor/) - Deborah Halverson was an editor at Harcourt Children's Books for 10 years before becoming the award-winning author of Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, Writing New Adult Fiction, two teen novels (Honk If You Hate Me and Big Mouth), the picture book Letters to Santa, and three books in Remix series for struggling readers. She has
- [News](https://www.deareditor.com/news/) - June 25, 2025: Watch the Editor's "State of the Children's Book Market" Zoom Event On June 26, 2025, The Editor, Deborah Halverson, will present a Zoom event called "The State of the Children's Book Market" for SCBWI, the Society of Children's Books Authors and Illustrators. The online event is 90 minutes long and free to
- [Editorial Services](https://www.deareditor.com/editorial-services/) - By conducting word-by-word line editing or more general substantive editing, Deborah Halverson ("The Editor") helps authors hone their storytelling voices, synchronize age-appropriate language and subjects, and develop stories that appeal simultaneously to young readers and to adults such as parents, teachers, and librarians. With Deborah's guidance, improve your manuscript's... Narrative voice Plot development / narrative
- [Writing Books](https://www.deareditor.com/books/) - Foreword by Sylvia Day. A guide for writers of New Adult fiction, featuring essential information and techniques for creating engaging stories featuring 18- to 25-year-old protagonists against the backdrop of the new adult experience. Includes advice on self-publishing in the NA marketplace and self-marketing. Find insights from best-selling NA authors as well as editors and agents.
- [Revision Week Archive](https://www.deareditor.com/revision-week-archive/) - This year's Revision Week may be over, but you can still read all the insightful interviews! Below is an alphabetical list of every interview ever featured during a DearEditor.com Revision Week, with an excerpt from each interview. Just click on a name to see the full Q&A! Nathan Bransford, top publishing blogger and former literary agent-turned-author
- [BLOG TOUR: Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies](https://www.deareditor.com/books/writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-blog-tour/) - The blog tour celebrating Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies's publication is over, but you can still read the fun, informative interviews and guest blog posts by The Editor covering craft, promotion, & the business of publishing. Click on links below: Shrinking Violet Promotions - "Flipping the Switch from 'Introvert' to 'Extrovert'" - How to get
- [Write to The Editor](https://www.deareditor.com/write-to-dear-editor/) - Have a question for The Editor? Fill out the form to the right and submit it.
- [Posts](https://www.deareditor.com/posts/)
- [BLOG TOUR: Writing New Adult Fiction](https://www.deareditor.com/books/writing-new-adult-fiction-blog-tour/) - Thanks for your support of the blog tour celebrating the publication of Writing New Adult Fiction! You can read all the fun and informative interviews and guest blog posts by The Editor - covering craft, promotion, and the business of publishing New Adult fiction by clicking on the links below. NA Alley blog: "Four Steps
- [Search](https://www.deareditor.com/search/) - Need to search for a specific topic or post? Fill out the form to the right.

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