Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Editorial Department, LLC Serious Support For Serious Writers ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/blog/) - [The Best Books on Writing: 25 Craft Books Our Editors Recommend](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-best-books-on-writing-ever-picks-from-teds-staff/) - Explore the best books on writing, curated by professional editors. From fiction craft and story structure to style, revision, and screenwriting, these help novelists, memoirists, and storytellers improve their craft. - [What Book Editors (Really) Do](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/what-editors-really-do/) - Editorial Department founder Renni Browne shares insights about the full scope of what freelance book editing entails, and what authors can expect from it. - [Book Proposal Checklist: What Literary Agents and Publishers Look For in Nonfiction Books](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editors-eavesdrop-what-agents-and-acquisitions-editors-really-want-in-a-nonfiction-book-proposal/) - What do agents and acquisitions editors really want in a nonfiction proposal? Insights from the Authors Guild panel — plus a free quick-reference checklist. - [Reviewing HOSTILE WITNESS by Rebecca Forster](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/review-of-hostile-witness-by-rebecca-forster/) - Editor Ross Browne reviews Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster — a solid legal thriller and a masterclass in why characterization makes or breaks your story. - [Spotlight on Developmental Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/developmental-editing/) - Learn what developmental editing really is, why it matters most early in the process, and how it strengthens your manuscript before line or copy editing begins. - [Still More About Our Sentence-Level Editing Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/still-more-about-our-sentence-level-editing-services/) - Line editing, copy editing, and proofreading are all hands-on services where your editor works with the words on the page directly. While there is some degree of overlap in the purview of each service, these are three fundamentally different kinds of editing that serve three very specific objectives. Understanding what each service is and the - [How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Protagonists in First-Person Narratives](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/how-ten-bestselling-authors-introduce-their-protagonists-in-first-person-narratives/) - Editor and writing coach Ross Browne explores the art and craft of introducing your novel's narrator when writing in the first person. - [PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Self Publishing Options for 2026](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/traditional-vs-self-publishing/) - Editors Ross Browne and John Marlow explore today's traditional publishing and self publishing landscapes, what to expect, and the pros and cons of each. - [Spotlight on Editing for Science, Nature, Environment, and Animal Advocacy Books](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/spotlight-on-editing-for-science-nature-environment-and-animal-advocacy-books/) - Expert editing services for science, nature, environment, and animal advocacy books. Enhance your manuscript with specialized guidance tailored to your niche. - [The First Duty of a Manuscript Critique: Honest Feedback](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/manuscript-evaluation-considered/) - [by Ross Browne] The first thing I'd put on the table in connection with how we handle very flawed manuscripts can, I hope, go without saying. And that is that we never want to be discouraging to an author. There's no pleasure in telling a writer that a manuscript needs deep rewriting rather than editing - [EDITOR’S EAVESDROP: Award-Winning Bestselling Author Joe Ide Dishes Truth on Getting Traditionally Published](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/joe-ide-dishes-truth-on-getting-published/) - [by Ross Browne] Joe Ide is a brilliant, critically acclaimed author. He also turns out to be a refreshingly straight shooter on what aspiring writers need to know about the business of publishing and how to maximize their chances of making a successful career out of writing novels. While Ide works in the crime fiction - [Revise Your Book, Hollywood-Style](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/revise-your-book-hollywood-style/) - Novelist, editor, and screenwriter John Marlow shares a simple, fast, and intuitive method to plan story and story revision for novels and screenplays. - [Know Your (Copy) Rights](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/copyright-for-authors/) - Copyright can be a confusing and often intimidating subject. This is not a comprehensive legal guide, but it will set the record straight on a few key points every writer should understand. What is copyright? In the United States, copyright is a form of legal protection granted to “authors of ‘original works of authorship,’ including - [How P.J. Parrish Starts a Story: A "First 50" Analysis](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/south-of-hell-by-p-j-parrish/) - Discover how P.J. Parrish masterfully opens South of Hell with a gripping first 50 pages. This in-depth analysis explores pacing, point of view, character setup, and structure—essential reading for aspiring thriller writers. - [POV Part III: Mastering Third-Person Point of View](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/mastering-third-person-point-of-view/) - Learn how to master third-person point of view in fiction with this practical guide for novelists and short story writers. Explore omniscient, limited, and objective POVs, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen your narrative voice. - [POV Part I: POV Mistakes That Sabotage Your Story](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/pov-mistakes-that-sabotage-your-story/) - Learn what head-hopping is, why it disrupts point of view in fiction, and how to avoid it. This guide helps writers master POV consistency and build stronger, more immersive narratives. - [POV Part II: Writing With the Camera in Mind](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/writing-with-the-camera-in-mind/) - Explore how writers can use the camera metaphor to understand and manage point of view, narrative distance, and perspective. Learn practical tips to create intimacy, maintain consistency, and engage readers. - [THE CRIME WRITER, by Gregg Hurwitz: A Riveting Novel and a Masterful Lesson in How to Write Mystery/Suspense](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-crime-writer-by-gregg-hurwitz/) - Crime fiction editor Ross Browne reviews a quirky, wildly entertaining novel from Gregg Hurwitz and why it's a must-read for anyone who writes mystery/suspense. - [Writing Mysteries](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tips-for-mystery-writers/) - Discover expert tips, craft advice, and essential resources for writing compelling mysteries and police procedurals. From avoiding common pitfalls to mastering investigative detail, we’ve got you covered. - [The Mystery Writer's Toolbox](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/mystery-writers/) - Explore the essential tools of mystery writing—questions, motives, clues, red herrings, villains, and suspense—and learn how they can strengthen fiction in any genre. Perfect for mystery writers and authors of plot-driven stories alike. - [Perfectly Good Words Christian Writers Need to Avoid](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/perfectly-good-words-christian-writers-need-to-avoid/) - [by Marcia Ford] Christians, and much of the population outside that demographic, realize that, as with any subgroup of society, believers have their own lexicon—a collection of words that convey specific religious concepts common to their everyday experiences, but words that are often misunderstood by those beyond the fold. Take the term “born again.” That - [YOU NEED A GOOD EDITOR](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/you-need-a-good-editor/) - Learn from one self-published author's journey: why having a great idea isn't enough, how professional editing saved his manuscript, and essential advice for aspiring writers starting their first novel. - [Spelling It Out in the Synopsis](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/spelling-it-out-in-the-synopsis/) - Learn how to write fantasy synopses that work for all readers, not just genre experts. Avoid confusing terminology and unclear world-building that leaves agents scratching their heads instead of requesting your manuscript. - [Evaluating Nonfiction: A Nonfiction Editor Shares His Perspective](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/evaluation-nonfiction-one-editors-approach/) - Nonfiction editor Peter Gelfan explores what agents and publishers want from salable nonfiction and how this affects our evaluation and developmental editing. - [Spotlight on Ghostwriting](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/spotlight-on-ghostwriting/) - Thinking about hiring a ghostwriter? Meet an experienced pro who can help you turn your story into a compelling, market-ready book or screenplay—efficiently, expertly, and true to your vision. - [Authentic Voice](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/authentic-voice/) - [by Peter Gelfan] Fiction readers are very demanding creatures. They want their made-up stories to be as close to truth as possible—sort of like vegetarian meat. If they have to pick between two gritty detective novels, one by an ex-cop and the other by an MFA who has always lived in the nice part of - [How Stephen King and Alexandra Sokoloff Cultivate Willing Suspension of Disbelief in Crime Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/cultivating-willing-suspending-disbelief-in-crime-fiction/) - Mystery/suspense editor Ross Browne explores how two popular novelists entice readers to buy into supernatural elements in realistic crime fiction. - [News, Insights, and New Resources for Authors Considering Self-Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/news-insights-and-new-resources-for-authors-considering-self-publishing/) - Self-publishing offers greater control, faster timelines, and higher earning potential for many authors. Learn how to navigate the process and succeed - [How JK Rowling (Writing As Robert Galbraith) Sustains Reader Engagement in a Very Long Mystery](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/patience-required-patience-rewarded/) - Mystery editor Ross Browne's craft-focused examination of how Robert Galbraith holds readers' attention over the course of an unusually long mystery. - [Hook, Line, and Sinkers: Writing the Great Pitch](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/hook-line-and-sinkers-writing-the-great-pitch/) - Querying literary agents...looking for beta readers...entering writing contests...wooing potential book reviewers... These are just a few of the reasons you might need an effective pitch to entice someone to take an interest in your book and say "now that sounds interesting!" What makes a good pitch? According to one respected online source: “More than a - [THE EDITORIAL PROCESS 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Readying a Book for Quality Self-Publication](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editorial-process/) - These days, it seems everyone wants to self-publish a book. And that is both a tremendous freedom afforded to all who have the desire, and a scary proposition for a market now flooded with books and no process for quality control. This means a lot of people are publishing books who don’t necessarily know what - [Everyone Needs an Editor: A Final Lesson from the Harry Potter Series](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/jk-rowling-everyone-needs-an-editor-a-final-lesson-from-the-harry-potter-series/) - "So why couldn't Malfoy have brought that necklace into the school?" "Oh, Harry, not that again..." Many readers, ourselves included, echoed Hermione Grangers' frustration at that point in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Readers of this blog know how much we enjoy looking at JK Rowling's Harry Potter books even after all these - [A World to Remember: More Lessons from the Harry Potter Series](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-world-to-remember-more-lessons-from-the-harry-potter-series/) - This blog is part of the Storytelling lessons from Harry Potter series. For part one, click here. For part two, click here. For part three, click here. Diagon Alley. The Quidditch World Cup.The Chamber of Secrets. The Cupboard Under the Stairs. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. These were not places that existed in our imaginations before we met Harry Potter, - [Heroes Have Hormones: More Lessons from the Harry Potter Series](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/heroes-have-hormones-more-lessons-from-the-harry-potter-series/) - This blog is part of the Storytelling lessons from Harry Potter series. For part one, click here. For part two, click here. It's Harry Potter time here at The Editorial Department, and in honor of the release of the newest addition to the series, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, we're looking at what we can learn from J.K. - [Chekov's Gun: More Lessons from the Harry Potter Series](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/chekovs-gun-more-lessons-from-the-harry-potter-series/) - This blog is part of a series. For part one, click here. This week we're talking about Harry Potter. No, not the much-anticipated book that's releasing next week (although I, for one, already preordered it.) We're talking about the books that started it all, and the lessons that authors can apply in their own Works In Progress. Principle - [Five Great Storytelling Lessons from Harry Potter](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/five-great-storytelling-lessons-from-harry-potter/) - It wasn't so long ago that everyone was talking about The Boy Who Lived and his son, Albus, the main protagonist of the 2016 addition to the Harry Potter series. In anticipation of the (unexpected) new addition, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, we decided to re-read the entire series, all 3407 pages (in the - [How Susie Steiner Handles Characterization, Craft, and the Conventions of Mystery Writing in a Stunning Series Debut](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/missing-presumed-a-novel-by-susie-steiner/) - Mystery editor Ross Browne analyses Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner and shares insights into the writing of a gripping mystery and its compelling narrative. - [GRISHAM vs. GRISHAM: How a Master Storyteller Honors (and Flaunts) Convention Within the Confines of Genre Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/grisham-vs-grisham/) - An editorial comparison of two popular but very different novels by John Grisham and the latitude he takes so effectively in genre fiction. - [How Dean Koontz Creates Dramatic Character Arc in His Best-Loved Novel](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editorial-analysis-watchers-by-dean-koontz/) - A crime fiction editor's examination of Koontz's masterful handling of characterization in WATCHERS--and what writers can learn from this riveting novel. - [How Jeff Lindsay Introduced Dexter To The World](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/darkly-dreaming-dexter-by-jeff-lindsay/) - Explore an editorial review of Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay with The Editorial Department. Dive into insights on this darkly compelling thriller and its captivating protagonist - [How Ken Follett Masterfully Handles Plot, Characterization, and Historical Storytelling in THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/ken-follett-historical-fiction-at-its-finest/) - Explore Ken Follett's mastery of historical fiction with insights as to what makes his work exceptional and how it continues to captivate readers worldwide." - [How P.J. Vernon Delivers Fresh, Distinctive Characterization in Mystery Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/when-you-find-me/) - A mystery editor's reflection on what writers can learn from the unusual but highly effective characterization of the sleuth in WHEN YOU FIND ME by P.J. Vernon. - [In Praise of Literary Writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/in-praise-of-literary-writing/) - Writer and editor Gregory Collins shares his thoughts on the timeless appeal of literary fiction—and what it takes to write it well. - [Anatomy of a Character-Driven Mystery](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/anatomy-of-a-character-driven-mystery/) - Mystery editor Ross Browne presents practical tips on balancing plot with characterization and using multiple viewpoints to create richer, more nuanced crime fiction. - [Reviewing CASINO ROYALE, by Ian Fleming: A Most Pleasant Surprise](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/casino-royale-by-ian-fleming/) - A "read like a writer review" of CASINO ROYAL. Explores what novelists can learn from Ian Fleming's rendering of the more vulnerable side of James Bond. - [One Editor's Love/Hate Relationship with Freedom (By Jonathan Franzen)](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/one-editors-lovehate-relationship-with-freedom-by-jonathan-franzen/) - “In his first novel since The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen has given us an epic of contemporary love and marriage. Freedom comically and tragically captures the temptations and burdens of liberty: the thrills of teenage lust, the shaken compromises of middle age, the wages of suburban sprawl, the heavy weight of empire. In charting the mistakes - [A Writer’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Voice Actor for Your Audiobook](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-writers-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-voice-actor-for-your-audiobook/) - Every author should consider turning their book into an audiobook. Why? The audiobook market is growing fast, with many book lovers discovering that audiobooks are an easier way to read while on the move or performing other tasks. Everyone is seeking to optimize their time. It is quickly becoming the norm to listen to audiobooks at - [A Guide to Sub-Genres in Fantasy and Science Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/what-the-heck-is-it/) - Sub-genres of any kind can be difficult to nail down, but in the genres of fantasy and science fiction it’s not easy to even get them to hold still. The principle reason for this is that these two genres are often collectively called “speculative fiction” because they deal with the question “What if . . - [Considering The Sad, Honorable Life of Jack Reacher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-sad-honorable-life-of-jack-reacher/) - Crime fiction editor Ross Browne explores a fan's perspective on Jack Reacher and the challenges of the series in Andrew Child's hands. - [How to Make Your Book a Movie or TV / Streaming Series](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/make-your-book-a-movie-or-tv-streaming-series/) - [by John Robert Marlow] Humans have always been storytellers. Whether gathered around a campfire, painting on cave walls, or writing words on dead trees or glowing screens—it’s in our blood. Books and other storytelling formats can be noble undertakings, capable of reaching hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of people. But movies and series are - [Editor’s Eavesdrop: An Intimate Conversation with Ken Follett and Lee Child](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editors-eavesdrop-an-intimate-conversation-with-ken-follett-and-lee-child/) - Highlights from an intimate conversation with Ken Follett and Lee Child, chock full of unique writing insights from two masters of storytelling. - [Considering the Pros and Cons of Irredeemable Antagonists in Crime Fiction in WRECKED by Joe Ide](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editorial-analysis-wrecked-by-joe-ide/) - Read an in-depth editorial analysis of Wrecked by Joe Ide from The Editorial Department. Get insights into this gripping novel and what makes it a standout read. - [Query Do, Query Don’t](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/query-do-query-dont/) - I’ve recently worked through a post-holiday backlog of submissions, and stumbled on some recurring themes and – naturally – some recurring pet peeves. Agents are as diverse in their taste for query letters as they are in their tastes for reading material, so please know my advice comes from personal preference. But I hope these - [KEEP IT OR CUT IT? Four Questions To Help You Get Your Manuscript Down To Size](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/keep-it-or-cut-it/) - [by Whitney Bak] When an editor takes the literary equivalent of a hedge trimmer to your bountiful, blossoming book baby, the process can feel more than a little personal. While some authors begin working with an editor in the very early stages of developing their manuscript, many don’t solicit editorial help until they’ve produced a - [My Neighbor Is My Editor](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/my-neighbor-is-my-editor/) - This just in: your neighbor's English skills are probably not up to the standards of book publishing. When I first began editing books, I had been a professional editor for more than twenty years, at a New York-area newspaper, a regional magazine, and several magazines with an international readership. Perfectionist that I was at the time, - [Is Your Book a Movie? (Part 1)](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/is-your-book-a-movie/) - The Editorial Department's Director of Development John Marlow explores ten things Hollywood wants in salable book-to-screen adaptations. - [Is Your Book a Movie? (Part 2)](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/is-your-book-a-movie-part-2/) - John Robert Marlow, The Editorial Department's Director of Development presents a crash course in determining if your novel has cinematic potential. - [Considering The Lessons of Eight Bestselling Series in Crime Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/bestselling-crime-fiction-series/) - Crime fiction editor Ross Browne explores why series can be easier to publish than standalones and what writers can learn from some of the best in the genre. - [What Writers Can Learn from Lee Child & Jack Reacher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/lee-child-jack-reacher-handling-exposition/) - Exposition: a discourse of information. (Often necessary, but also challenging to handle skillfully.) In an earlier post for mystery writers, I talked a little bit about the value of resisting the urge to lecture your readers on what you might have learned in the course of researching your story or what you might know from - [Reviewing SUDDEN PREY by John Sandford](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/sudden-prey-review/) - Crime fiction editor Ross Browne explores characterization and antagonist motivation in his "Read Like a Writer" review of a popular John Sandford title. - [How Not to Get Your Indie Book Inside Barnes & Noble](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/how-not-to-get-your-indie-book-inside-barnes-noble/) - "Absolutely not!" Those were among the first words of encouragement I heard as I embarked on my quest to have my indie book carried in a major retailer’s store. They were uttered by a Barnes & Noble customer service rep who, after saying I must go through their corporate headquarters, was responding to my follow-up - [FLASHING THE READER: A Practical Guide to Clearly Managing Transitions of Time, Place, and Viewpoint in Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/flashing-the-reader/) - [by John Robert Marlow] TRICKY TRANSITIONS Few works of fiction relate events in a continuous flow, from start to finish. Sometimes the story moves back in time (as with flashbacks); more often it jumps forward, sparing the reader the dull details of ordinary life. Frequently, the transition will take the reader from one location (and - [Jonathan Balcombe on Writing, Editing, and Getting Published](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/jonathan-balcombe-on-writing-editing-and-getting-published/) - [guest post by Jonathan Balcombe] My career as a biology student, animal advocate, editor and author has required me to write at every stage: essays, lab reports, a thesis and a dissertation, peer-reviewed journal articles, testimonies, correspondence, course syllabi and lectures, even a film script. Most recently, as an author of popular science books, I - [WORD PLAY by Peter Farb: An Enlightening Study of Language That’s a Gold Mine for Dialogue-Conscious Novelists](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/recommended-reading-word-play-by-peter-farb/) - [by Ross Browne] Word Play by Peter Farb may not have been written with novelists in mind, but it's chock full of good insights for writers, especially on the topic of dialogue. (You can check out the book here.) One chapter I find especially interesting is on verbal dueling. The author's position is summed up nicely - [WRITING A KILLER THRILLER by Jodie Renner](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/writing-a-killer-thriller-by-jodie-renner/) - In Writing a Killer Thriller, Jodie Renner covers all the elements necessary to create a compelling thriller. Clearly structured and easy to read, with examples from popular novels and movies, Writing a Killer Thriller offers a wealth of important information for the new (thriller) writer and can serve as a helpful refresher and reference book for experienced - [THE URBAN SETTING THESAURUS & THE RURAL SETTING THESAURUS](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-urban-setting-thesaurus-the-rural-setting-thesaurus/) - Ackerman & Puglisi have published several helpful thesauruses for writers. This review covers both their urban and their rural setting thesauruses, which they recommend be used together. The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to City Spaces Drawing Readers in Through Emotion-Driven Imagery and Realism Introductory Chapters The first part of the book consists of - [DOES WRITING SUCK? A Favorite TED Author Reflects on the Elusive Pleasures of the Writing Life](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/does-writing-suck/) - [Guest post by Mike Kenny] I’ve had more than a few interactions like this: Carl: So, what do you do? Me: Well, I like to say I’m a writer, but- Carl: Oh man, I hate writing. I don’t know how you do it. Writing is the worst. Me: Ha, yeah, I know, I’m weird. I - [Spotlight on Sentence-Level Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/spotlight-on-sentence-level-editing-2/) - In an earlier blog post we talked about the importance of developmental editing and why the focus on big-picture stuff – structure, book-spanning issues like plot or organization, character development, dialogue, and that sort of thing – needs to come first, before you spend too much time worrying about the finer points of style and - [Reviewing A GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-game-of-thrones/) - [by Shannon Roberts] George R.R.Martin's A Game of Thrones turns 20 this month! In honor of twenty years in print, and a hugely successful twenty years at that, here's a breakdown of the first 50 pages of the book that started it all. Aside from the prologue, the first 50 pages of ‘A Game of Thrones’ is divided - [Miss Manners for Authors](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/miss-manners-for-authors-part-3/) - So what about reviews? If you get a good one—from a stranger, not your mom—it’s cause for major celebration: dancing around the room, busting out the champagne, wildly bursting into a song from The Sound of Music. But if you get a bad one, well, nothing can ruin your day faster. Now that your baby, aka - [Romance: More Than a Formula](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/romance-more-than-a-formula/) - [by Lindsay Guzzardo] Romance novels get a bad rap. They’re not taken seriously. Some of it (okay, most of it) has to do with the formula. The formulaic covers, titles, and premises. Covers featuring busty heroines embraced by bulgingly-muscled heroes, and never quite enough fabric to cover everything. Titles like The Sheikh’s Impatient Virgin and Hide and Sheikh (sheikhs - [A History of the Great Divide: Literature vs. Genre Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-history-of-the-great-divide-literature-vs-genre-fiction/) - I was once involved in a near knockdown drag-out fight that began with my assertion that John Irving’s The World According to Garp was a great piece of “literature.” The wine-swilling MFA fiction writer seated across from me at the bar took umbrage at the idea that Irving could possibly be considered “literature.” I then - [SO WHO’S IT WRITTEN FOR? Distinguishing the Differences Between Young Adult and Middle Grade](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/so-whos-it-written-for/) - [by Sean Fletcher] It happens more often than you think. A budding (or seasoned) writer approaches me for an edit on what they believe to be a work of middle grade, only for me to tell them that their 100,000-word fantasy about a 17-year-old discovering their identity among a totalitarian regime would fit better as - [How Do We Write about The Future Now That It's Here?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/how-do-we-write-about-the-future-now-that-its-here/) - [by Shannon Roberts] Science fiction, as a genre, has often struggled to be taken seriously. Oh, it’s garnered some respect, a few classics, and a bucketful of noteworthy authors, but how seriously are we expected to take a class of fiction that still doesn’t even warrant its own section in too many bookstores? Don’t get - [Reviewing BLUE MOON by Lee Child](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editorial-analysis-blue-moon-by-lee-child/) - [by Ross Browne] Author’s note: As a reader, I’m a loyal fan of the Jack Reacher series, awaiting each release with rabid anticipation. As a professional editor, I’m a longtime admirer of what Lee Child does well and, at times, a constructive critic of what I believe he could do better. I write about Lee - [Words That Earn Their Keep](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/words-that-earn-their-keep/) - Economists talk about Gresham’s Law—in simple terms, bad money drives out good. When a country goes off the gold or silver standard in favor of paper money, many people hoard gold or silver coins. Which would excite you more, a shoebox full of paper money, or a handful of $20-gold pieces? For most of us, - [Twilight, A "First 50" Review](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/twilight-by-stephenie-meyer/) - The first 50 pages of Twilight make for what I would call a mildly interesting read. The novel opens with a preface of a half page in which an unnamed narrator writing in the first person contemplates the fact that she's about to die, presumably at the hand of an also-unnamed 'hunter.' What's interesting here is that - [Man of Action: John H. Cunningham Strikes Adventure Gold by Writing What He Knows](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/man-of-action/) - Second Chance Gold is the fourth release in John H. Cunningham’s mercilessly entertaining and seriously fun Buck Reilly series. Cunningham, a commercial real estate broker by day, could fool (and frustrate) us all by claiming that his writing always came naturally. But we can rest assured it did not. “I don’t have an MFA,” Cunningham - [Critical Steps in a Smart Approach to Self-Publication](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/critical-steps-in-a-smart-approach-to-self-publication/) - By Mark Febbo with Jane Ryder and Morgana Gallaway I am a DIY kinda guy, and to quote Lennon/McCartney, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” The “do it yourself” kind of projects I’m speaking of are primarily Jeeps, roofs, landscaping, rainwater harvesting and backyard chickens. Being the creative type, especially as - [Critical Question for Authors: To Trend or Not to Trend?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/critical-question-for-authors-to-trend-or-not-to-trend/) - It’s no news to anyone who wanders into a bookstore now and then that young adult fiction is in its prime. It claims more space on Barnes & Noble’s shelves—and on the bestseller lists—than ever before. The world has yet to recover from the phenomenon that was Twilight, The Hunger Games will be with us for years to - [Friends, Fans, Tweets, Pins:](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/friends-fans-tweets-pins/) - A few years ago, the publishing community decided that every author could build an audience online, and that would help us all sell more books. “Go, authors, to Facebook and Twitter! This is where you shall find your audience, and convince them to buy your book! You must have fans! You must get re-tweeted by - [Bad Book Covers Considered](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/bad-book-covers-considered/) - There are countless cliches that speak to the idea that beauty is found within, and that the value of what is on the surface is, well, superficial. A facade. “Beauty is only skin deep.” Another old adage points a crooked, arthritic finger from well beyond the grave at those who might say otherwise: “Never judge - [Writing About Writer’s Block](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/writing-about-writers-block/) - There is probably nothing more frustrating for a writer than encountering the dreaded problem of writer’s block. And the problem shows no prejudice. It is a creative paralysis that hinders the best of us at one time or another. Adages and acknowledgments about the problem run the gambit from practical to practically obvious. Consider some - [Which Publishing Path is Better for Debut Authors?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/which-publishing-path-is-better-for-debut-authors/) - Q. These days, it seems harder and harder to land an agent and a traditional publisher, while on the other hand, many of the growing number of self-published books on sites like Amazon have difficulty finding an audience. What is your advice for unpublished novelists who are faced with this dilemma? As an agent, I - [Characterization and the Film Adaptation of Jack Reacher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/characterization-and-the-film-adaptation-of-jack-reacher/) - [by Ross Browne] Can an inherent limitation in the medium of film compel Lee Child to take a seminal character in contemporary fiction to a whole new level? I remember it like it was yesterday, the conflicting moment during a hotly contested game of Scrabble when I learned that there was finally going to be - [Mainstream Publishers and the Acquisition of Successful Self-Published Titles](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/how-interested-are-mainstream-publishers-in-buying-successful-self-published-books/) - Q. How interested are mainstream publishers in buying successful self-published books? I don't mean hugely successful titles (Hugh Howey’s stuff, say), but books that have racked up impressive sales. And how many sales does it take to get a traditional publisher’s attention? This is a hard question to answer because I truly think it’s different - [Patience: A Sterling Virtue of Quality Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/patience/) - by Jane Ryder When I was a kid, my mom -- an impressively self-educated poor Tennessean with a high-school education and a fondness for annoying axioms -- would say, in a sing-song voice, “Patience is a virtue, and it will never hurt you.” Keeping my mouth shut in the face of such an obvious untruth - [A Writer’s Motivation: Who Are You Writing For?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-writers-motivation-who-are-you-writing-for/) - Q. I've had some really interesting and unique life experiences, and my friends keep encouraging me to write about them. From a market standpoint, is it a better idea to write a memoir, or to use those experiences as inspiration for a novel/work of fiction? I wish I could answer this question with a bullhorn - [Who Needs A Brand Name?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/who-needs-a-brand-name/) - A perfect, real-world example of the power of author brand comes from looking at the sales of a book called The Cuckoo’s Calling by John Galbraith. According to Peter Hildick-Smith, founder of the Codex-Group, when first released in April 2013, the book sold 449 copies. A few months later, after it was revealed that Galbraith was a - [What a World Class Chef Can Teach Us About Editing & Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/what-a-world-class-chef-can-teach-us-about-editing-publishing/) - If you’ve never seen Gordon Ramsay in action, think of him as a drill instructor for chefs. His restaurants have earned a total of 16 Michelin stars, he was awarded the OBE, and he’s had eight different television series in the UK and US combined. The guy not only knows food, he knows the business - [A View From The Trenches](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/a-view-from-the-trenches/) - If you want to publish today, your work must be impeccable. Whether you have a novel manuscript that has been slaved over for years, or are an expert in your field with a non-fiction book proposal, the case is the same. Your writing must be in the best shape possible to win the attention of - [Common Language, Different Rules](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/common-language-different-rules/) - When I relocated part-time to the UK last year, there were many mysteries to figure out: Why so many tea breaks, and how does one brew it in the Orwell fashion? Where does one find canned pumpkin come Thanksgiving? What’s a knees-up, and what does it mean to get trolleyed there? I’m still as baffled - [Reviewing CAREER OF EVIL by Robert Galbraith](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/review-of-career-of-evil-by-robert-galbraith/) - “When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman's severed leg. Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible--and Strike knows that any one of them is - [Let’s Hear It for the Little Guy!](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/smaller-agencies-considered/) - [by Karinya Funsett] Your manuscript is finally finished. It’s been revised, agonized over, critiqued, and revised again. It’s ready to take the next step. It’s ready for an agent. And because you want nothing but the best for your manuscript, you know you’ve got to find the best agent possible. The biggest name, the top - [Publishing Glossary](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/publishing-glossary/) - Language is power, and to that end we at The Editorial Department have come up with a glossary of commonly-used terms and abbreviations in the book publishing industry. This is a quick, handy guide (in no particular order) to many of the terms that writers will come across during all stages of editing and publishing. - [The Writer’s Secret Weapon: The Power of What You Leave Out](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-writers-secret-weapon/) - Here's an excerpt from a writing contest entry where a man is driving to San Diego with the servant girl he's just given a Rolex watch—a girl who gave him something he valued much more: Amir's assignment had been to gain access to Bonnie Becker's house, using Marie's position as a live-in domestic with lawful possession of - [COMING OUT OF THE FANFICTION CLOSET - Part One: The fanfiction Writer](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/coming-out-of-the-fan-fiction-closet-part-1/) - Remember all the furor about E.L. James’s bestselling trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey and its unabashed origins in Twilight fanfiction? That series started a healthy debate among writers and fans alike about the concept of fanfiction. Some of us read it, others hate it, and then there’s a number of us (more than you might think) who - [To MFA or Not?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/to-mfa-or-not/) - When it comes to the question whether or not you should pursue an MFA in creative writing, you’ll get ten different responses from ten different people. One guy will tell you only the big programs—Iowa Writer’s Workshop and its ilk—are worth the effort. The next gal will tell you that you get much more personalized - [COMING OUT OF THE FANFICTION CLOSET - Part Two: But Do the Original Authors Approve?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/coming-out-of-the-fanfiction-closet/) - This is part of a series on fanfiction. For the first entry, click here. So you’re a famous author. You’ve written a series that’s captured the imaginations of millions of readers. You have fan clubs, a movie deal, hordes of Twitter followers, and high six-figure royalty advances. Then along comes some upstart fan who hijacks - [Yul Brynner's Black Hat](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/yul-brynners-black-hat/) - Bad guys and black hats are, in the classic American Western film, almost synonymous. Even if you haven’t seen many Westerns, you’ve probably absorbed this knowledge via cultural osmosis—I certainly had. Fortunately, the first Western I was privileged to watch was The Magnificent Seven (if a cowboy movie based on a Japanese film inspired by the mythology - [Characters: Making Them Real](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/characters-making-them-real/) - Most fiction writers begin a novel or short story by coming up with characters firmly in mind and then building a story around them—or by coming up with a plot and then building characters to play the various roles it requires. It's not really that simple, of course: an unruly character may at some point - [Five Short Steps to the Reject Pile](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/five-short-steps-to-the-reject-pile/) - [by Peter Gelfan] Oh, the dreaded reject pile Often we like to imagine the (probably imaginary) good old days when editors searched for traces of gold in the rough ore of a first draft and worked with the writer to refine it. Recently, an editor at a major publisher offered a less romantic glimpse of - [Writing with Voice](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/writing-with-voice/) - [by Shannon Roberts] Confession: When I first started writing, I copied. Not ideas—not consciously anyway—but voice Initially I modeled my work after one of my (at the time) favorite bloggers and web-comic writers, Jerry Holkins. I started to fold in some Terry Pratchett and I sampled from Robert Heinlein. Whenever I came across a technique - [Book Titles: Trends to Avoid](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/bell-bottoms-and-book-titles-trends-to-avoid/) - There are three important elements of a novel. The story is only one of them. The other two are about connecting readers to that story: the cover, and the title. Just as in fashion, book titles have trends. Titles are a contentious subject for fiction writers; most publishing contracts have a clause stipulating that the - [Write what you know](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/what-do-i-know/) - [Guest blog by J.S. Anderson] “Write what you know.” For years I struggled with this common little sliver of advice. What did I know? I was not a detective or former prosecutor. I was not a physician or politician or Olympian or scholar of history. What I knew well was health care administration for the - [Make Time for Writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/making-time-for-writing/) - Like most writers, we all have day jobs here at The Editorial Department. We're fortunate that our everyday activities are centered around writing and helping other writers get their books into print but we know how hard it can be to make the time to write. We also know how important it is make time - [The Evolution of a Book Cover](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-evolution-of-a-book-cover/) - Writing is a lonely business. Authors spend the majority of the life of a manuscript in their own heads, fiction authors playing God to a cast of characters in situations of their own devising, and nonfiction authors gathering information they distill into a form that fits their own purpose and vision. As anyone who’s ever - [Don't Confuse Plot with Plot Event](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/plot-vs-plot-event/) - [by Ross Browne] It wasn’t all that long ago that the news hit Hollywood that Matt Damon was considering bowing out of his leading role as Jason Bourne. The untitled film he considered passing on would have been the fifth in a series based on a trilogy that we have Robert Ludlum to thank for. - [The Role of Mystery in Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-role-of-mystery-in-fiction/) - [by Peter Gelfan] Unlike nonfiction, fiction's motor doesn't run on information, but on its opposite: mystery. I'm not talking about mystery as a genre, but as the essential quality in all fiction that cultivates curiosity, stimulates the imagination, invites participation, and generally keeps readers reading. Every step of the reader's journey should be fraught with - [The Truth about First Novels and Traditional Publication](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-truth-about-first-novels-and-traditional-publication/) - [by Renni Browne] What you might hear: "Acquisitions editors at major publishing houses don't want to read first-novel submissions." "Literary agents don't want to take on unknown writers anymore." "Publishers only want novelists who have a strong platform or a great track record of book sales." "If by a miracle you get a first novel - [Q&A With Literary Agent Diane Stockwell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/q-and-a-with-literary-agent-diane-stockwell/) - Diane Stockwell joined The Editorial Department in the spring of 2020 and is now available to consult with authors in the later stages of readying manuscripts for publication and submission to agents and publishers. We're delighted to have her aboard and to share this brief Q&A with her. What single word comes to mind to - [ADAPTING YOUR BOOK FOR THE SCREEN: A Hollywood Primer](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/adapting-your-book-for-the-screen/) - [by John Robert Marlow] So you want your book to be a movie. (Or series.) Who doesn’t, right? Most authors dream about this, but few do more than cross their fingers and hope Hollywood will come knocking. And, hey, sometimes that happens. Usually after the book (or book series) has become hugely successful in its - [Titles and Synopses](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/titles-and-synopses/) - Q. Can you tell me a little about book titles and how often an author’s own title survives the publication process? If a title changes, is it the agent, editor, or someone in house who suggests the new one? A book’s title is a huge part of the book’s package (by which I mean its - [Query Questions](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/query-questions/) - Q. I've heard it's pointless to query between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Are there other times of year that are better or worse for agent responses? It’s true that publishing slows way down over the holidays (we’re people with families too!) and during the summer doldrums (we love the beach too!), but anything sent during - [Part III: Showing vs. Telling](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/part-iii-showing-vs-telling/) - Almost every aspect of fiction writing can be analyzed by the degree to which you the author allow your reader to formulate his own pictures, thoughts, opinions and versions of your story. This is a delicate matter, certainly, because leaving too much out is just as much a travesty as directly telling the reader exactly what ## Pages - [Home](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/) - The Editorial Department is a leading provider of freelance book editing services founded by Renni Browne in 1980. We help good manuscripts become great books! - [Screenplays & Screenplay Adaptation Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/screenplay-adaptations/) - Complete writing, editing, strategic guidance, and story planning support for screenplays, screen treatments, and screenplay adaptations. - [Jacqueline Sinclair](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/jacqueline-sinclair/) - Editor, writer, and story consultant specializing in manuscript critique, developmental editing, and ghostwriting for fiction and narrative nonfiction. - [Employment](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/freelance-editorial-positions/) - The Editorial Department is seeking experienced freelance fiction and nonfiction editors and former literary agents. Submit your resume to work with our team. - [Developmental Editing Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/developmental-editing-services/) - Our developmental editing services provide story development support, revision guidance, and substantive editing to authors of fiction and nonfiction. - [Traditional Publishing Support](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/traditional/) - Expert guidance and editing from industry insiders to prepare manuscripts, synopses, query letters, and pitch materials for literary agents and publishers. - [Spotlight on Editing for Christian Fiction and Nonfiction, Theology, Religion, and Spirituality](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editing-for-christian-fiction-and-nonfiction-theology-religion-and-spirituality/) - Veteran editor Marcia Ford works with authors writing serious books about faith, Christianity, theology, and spirituality — from literary memoir to theological nonfiction. - [Query & Submission Packet Evaluation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/traditional/query-submission-packet-evaluation/) - Query & Submission Packet EvaluationCritique and revision guidance on your query letter, synopsis, and first 25 manuscript pages OverviewMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverviewFrustrated by a lack of positive response to your query letter? Want to make sure your submission materials are in the best shape possible before submitting your manuscript to agents and publishers? 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Complete our manuscript development questionnaire to help your editor understand your AI use and tailor the best editorial support. - [Fiction Technique Memo](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/author-coaching/fiction-technique-memo/) - Our fiction technique memo delivers 45+ pages of personalized novel coaching on plot, character, dialogue, POV & structure—based on your own manuscript. - [Manuscript Critique Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/manuscript-critique/) - Our manuscript critique services provide craft-focused, industry-savvy feedback on concept, story, and writing from experienced editors for books of all genres. - [Self-Publishing Support](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/self-publishing-support/) - Our self-publishing support services provide expert editing, promotional copywriting, and strategic guidance to authors publishing on any platform - [Copy Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/line-copy-editing/copy-editing/) - Copy EditingCorrection plus edits for clarity, flow, and conformity to style OverviewWhat To ExpectMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview Copy editing usually follows an editor’s thorough line edit and the author’s final revision. By the time a manuscript reaches copy editing, the content should be solid, with no macro issues (e.g., plot discrepancies, time line issues, - [Proofreading](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/line-copy-editing/proofreading/) - Expert proofreading by seasoned professionals. Catch errors in spelling, grammar, and layout before publication. Request a quote from The Editorial Department. - [Line Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/line-copy-editing/line-editing/) - Line EditingA high-level polishing edit to bring out the best in your narrative voice OverviewWhat To ExpectMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview Line editing is hands-on editing of manuscript text, best suited for after all major conceptual writing and revising work is complete and before a final pass for error correction. Line editing can be done - [Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/) - From first draft to final proof, The Editorial Department offers expert book editing, coaching, ghostwriting, and publishing support to authors of all genres. - [Line Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/line-copy-editing/) - Enhance your writing with line and copy editing from The Editorial Department. Improve clarity, grammar, and style while maintaining your unique voice. - [Spotlight on Revision Support Options](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/spotlight-on-revision-support-options/) - Revision doesn’t have to be a solo journey. The Editorial Department offers flexible, personalized support after your manuscript evaluation—from editorial guidance and author coaching to revision planning, book doctoring, and ghostwriting. - [Manuscript Evaluation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/manuscript-critique/manuscript-evaluation-2/) - A manuscript evaluation provides clear, candid, constructive written feedback on your manuscript and suggestions to maximize the odds of successful publication. - [Manuscript Annotation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/developmental-editing-services/manuscript-annotation/) - Our manuscript annotation service guides author revision via editorial memo, in-manuscript comments, and follow-up with your editor by phone or videochat. - [Book Doctor Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/book-doctor-services/) - Discover how professional book doctoring services can transform your manuscript. Our editors provide hands-on revision while honoring your unique voice and vision. - [Shannon Barefield](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/shannon-barefield/) - Developmental and line editor for children's and YA fiction with 20+ years of experience. Former editorial director at Carolrhoda Books. Collaborative, author-focused approach. - [Ross Browne](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/ross-browne-2/) - Editor and author coach with 35+ years in publishing. Leads editorial operations at the industry's oldest freelance editorial firm, specializing in manuscript development and author mentorship. - [Client Showcase](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/publishing-successes-2/) - A showcase of novels and narrative nonfiction titles successfully published with help from our editors, ghostwriters, and publishing support specialists. - [Developmental Outline Package](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/developmental-outline-package/) - Editorial support, feedback, and development assistance in planning first drafts, revisions, prequels, and sequels--suitable for stories of any genre. - [Collaboration & Ghostwriting Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/ghostwriting-collaboration/) - Professional book planning, author collaboration, and ghostwriting services for book proposals, novels, and nonfiction manuscripts. - [Book Proposals](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/traditional/book-proposals/) - Need a compelling nonfiction book proposal to win over agents and publishers? The Editorial Department offers expert evaluation, development, editing, and ghostwriting services—guided by professionals with real publishing experience. - [Gregory Collins](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/gregory-collins/) - Author, editor, and screenwriter for hire specializing in literary fiction, mainstream fiction, and narrative nonfiction. - [John Robert Marlow](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/john-robert-marlow-2/) - Author, editor, and screenwriter specializing in a wide range of writing, editing, and publishing support services for most genres of commercial fiction. - [Logline, Query Letter, Pitch, and Synopsis Writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/traditional/query-synopsis-ghostwriting/) - Professional ghostwriting services for query letters, synopses, loglines, and pitches. Get expertly crafted submission materials to help your book stand out with agents and publishers. - [Sean Fletcher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/sean-fletcher/) - Editor and manuscript consultant for hire specializing in fantasy, science fiction, YA fiction, and middle-grade fiction. - [Book Proposal Consultation Intake Form](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/book-proposal-consultation-intake-form/) - Book Proposal Consultation Intake Form X/TwitterThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your name First Last Email Book title/subtitle (if known)Word count (if known)Category*NonfictionFictionGenre*Project status*Please tell us what you’ve written so far (if anything--no worries if not) and where you are in the process. (Check all that apply.) Just an idea at - [Find Your Editor](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/find-your-editor/) - Tell us about your project and goals, and we’ll match you with the right editor from our team of 18 specialists in fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. - [Book Proposal Whitepaper and Consult Inquiry](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/book-proposal-whitepaper-and-consult-inquiry/) - Get our free guide to writing a winning nonfiction book proposal—plus a complimentary consultation to help you pitch your book to agents and publishers with confidence - [Shannon Roberts](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/shannon-roberts/) - Editor specializing in critique, developmental editing, line editing, and ghostwriting for fiction (YA and adult) and narrative nonfiction. - [Karinya Funsett-Topping](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/karinya-funsett-topping/) - Editor specializing in manuscript critique, developmental editing, and traditional publishing support for romance, contemporary women’s fiction, magic realism, and creative nonfiction. - [Marcia Ford](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/marcia-ford-2/) - Author, editor, and ghostwriter whose specialties include critique, developmental editing, and line editing for CBA books, memoirs, and secular fiction. - [Meet Our Staff](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/) - Meet our experienced team of professional editors, ghostwriters, screenplay adaptation consultants, writing coaches, and publishing support specialists. - [Lindsay Guzzardo](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/lindsay-guzzardo/) - Editor with big-5 acquisitions experience specializing in critique and developmental editing of romance, contemporary women’s fiction, and historical fiction. - [Peter Gelfan](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/peter-gelfan-2/) - Author, editor, and story consultant specializing in historical fiction, mystery/suspense, speculative fiction, and literary fiction. - [Renni Browne](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/renni-browne-2/) - Founder of The Editorial Department and Coauthor of Self Editing for Fiction Writers with ver 50 years’ of experience editing books. - [Charles Kingsley](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/charles-kingsley/) - Author, screenwriter, and story consultant specializing in adaptations and ghostwriting work for novels, screenplays, and narrative nonfiction - [Traditional Publishing Readiness Assessment](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/manuscript-critique/traditional-publishing-readiness-assessment/) - Get expert feedback from seasoned editors with real in-house experience at major publishers and literary agencies. See how ready your novel is for traditional publishing. - [Traditional Publishing Readiness Assessment Submission Form](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/publishing-readiness-assessment-submission-form/) - Traditional Publishing Readiness Assessment Submission Form The purpose of this form is to gather information and insights from you that will help us better understand your vision for your book and your sense of the market for it as we consider your manuscript. Please be candid and thorough in your responses, and don’t worry - [Literary Agents and Publishers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/literary-agents-and-publishers/) - A list of literary agents and publishers our clients have found homes with after working with our editors and traditional publishing support specialists. - [Adaptation Consultation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/screenplay-adaptations/personal-consultation/) - Get expert, affordable feedback on adapting your book or story for film. Learn what works, what’s involved, and how to develop or pitch a screenplay. - [Self-Publishing Primer and Consultation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/self-publishing-support/self-publishing-primer-and-consultation-package/) - Expert, highly personalized education and guidance on the best practices of publishing (and marketing) your own book, quickly and affordably. - [Free Introductory Consultation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/free-introductory-consultation/) - No cost. No obligation. Just professional feedback on your writing and help with your publishing objectives from a company with 45 years of experience helping good manuscripts become great books. - [Consultation Questionnaire](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/consultation-questionnaire/) - Thanks so much for your interest in our free introductory consultation. Naturally, we have some questions for you, which we’ll consider as we read a sample of your manuscript and prepare for our meeting. Please feel free to provide as much or as little info as you think will be useful to us in getting - [Julian Delfino](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/julian-delfino/) - Editor and manuscript consultant specializing in fantasy, science fiction, YA fiction, literary fiction, and mainstream fiction. - [Pamela Bobowicz](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/pamela-bobowicz/) - Editor with 20 years of Big 5 publishing experience specializing in mystery, YA fiction, middle-grade fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction for children and parents. - [Whitney Bak](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/whitney-bak/) - Editor and collaborative writer specializing in women's fiction, romance, YA fiction, middle-grade fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. - [Amanda Bauch](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/amanda-bauch/) - Editor, author, and writing coach specializing in historical fiction, women's fiction, science, medicine, self-help, memoir, and autobiography. - [Spotlight on Editing for Romance Novels](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/romance/) - Unlock the secrets to crafting a captivating romance! Whether sweet or spicy, traditional or self-published, our editors can guide you to success. - [Notable Reviews](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/notable-reviews/) - A collection of some of the most favorable reviews of books we edited from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. - [Screenplay Collaboration and Ghostwriting](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/screenplay-adaptations/screenplay-collaboration-ghostwriting/) - Professional writing, ghostwriting, and screenplay adaptation services for original screenplays, novels of any genre, and narrative nonfiction. - [Feedback And Suggestion Box](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/suggestion-box/) - [Self-Publishing Questionnaire](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/self-publishing-questionnaire/) - Self-Publishing Support Questionnaire Thanks for your interest in our self-publishing support services. Please use this form to tell us about your book, publication plans, and needs. We’ll review this and be back in touch promptly to discuss how we can help. EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name First Last Email* - [Coaching Line Edit](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/author-coaching/coaching-line-edit/) - Coaching Line EditLine editing with in-depth coaching notes to teach self-editing skills OverviewWhat To ExpectMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview The coaching line edit is a two-pronged service that provides a high-level stylistic edit of the manuscript sample with in-text comments to explain the craft and technique behind the editorial changes. This not only provides you - [Editor Contact & Inquiry Form](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editor-contact-inquiry-form/) - Editor Contact & Inquiry FormUse this form to contact any of our editors or inquire about availability. (For a directory of our editors’ backgrounds, interests, and specialties please click here.) PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your name*Email* Editor you’d like to contactShannon BarefieldWhitney BakAmanda BauchPamela BobowiczRoss BrowneGregory CollinsJulian DelfinoSean FletcherMarcia - [Jocelyn Bailey](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/jocelyn-bailey/) - Jocelyn Bailey is an experienced editor specializing in historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and women's fiction. - [Client Services](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/client-services/) - “Exceptional service” isn't just a catchphrase here at The Editorial Department. It’s a concept that has meaning and substance, which we have worked hard to refine and deliver on for 44 years and counting. - [Client Testimonials](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/client-testimonials/) - Real testimonials from real authors on the experience of working with The Editorial Department and the help provided on their writing and publishing journeys. - [Author Coaching](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/author-coaching/) - Experienced editors providing coaching, guidance, and craft education on fiction and narrative nonfiction techniques based on a manuscript already in progress. - [Flap / Back Cover Copy, Book Blurb, and Logline Writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/self-publishing-support/flap-copy-book-blurb-logline-writing/) - Professional promotional copywriting to help authors and publishers of fiction and nonfiction attract readers and drive sales. - [Robert Blake Whitehill](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/robert-blake-whitehill/) - Action series author, television writer, screenplay editor, and adaptation consultant. Specializes in the adaptation of fiction and story-based nonfiction. - [Doug Wagner](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/doug-wagner/) - Author, editor, collaborator, and ghostwriter specializing in developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing for most genres of fiction and nonfiction. - [Diane Stockwell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/diane-stockwell/) - Editor and literary agent with Big 5 acquisitions experience specializing in line editing and traditional publishing support for nonfiction and some fiction. - [Brian Preston](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/brian-preston-2/) - UK bestselling author and editor specializing in critique and developmental editing for new age, humor, travel, and journalistic nonfiction. - [Julie Miller](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/julie-miller-2/) - Editor specializing in developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing for fiction, nonfiction, essays, academic texts, and scholarly works. - [Whitepaper Request](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/whitepaper-request/) - Thanks for your interest in our whitepapers. Please tell us which topic(s) are of interest and we'll e-mail you promptly. - [Self Editing for Fiction Writers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/self-editing-for-fiction-writers/) - Learn the art of self-editing from Editorial Department founder Renni Browne in a book listed in the LA Times as one of six indispensable books for writers. - [Self-Editing Primer](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/author-coaching/self-editing-primer/) - An in-depth tutorial on how to self-edit your own work based on your own manuscript. Provided by an editor trained by Renni Browne and includes sample editing. - [Manuscript Consultation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/developmental-editing-services/manuscript-consultation/) - Our manuscript consultation service gives authors access to ongoing feedback, revision guidance, and discussion with their editor(s) on an hourly basis. - [Introductory Critique](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/manuscript-critique/introductory-critique/) - Our introductory critique service provides fast, affordable written feedback on the opening pages of your manuscript plus follow-up with your editor by phone. - [Sample Request](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/sample-request/) - Thanks for your interest in reviewing sample work from The Editorial Department. Please tell us how to reach you and what you'd like to see, and we'll e-mail it to you promptly. - [Creating Captivating Fiction ](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/creating-captivating-fiction/) - Creating Captivating Fiction A practical guide to exceptional writing and storytelling for novelists of all genres Sign up below to subscribe to our 9-part whitepaper series on writing and perfecting your novel, direct from our editors to your inbox. (Delivered weekly. And we will never sell or share your contact information.) First Name* Last Name* - [Form confirmation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/form-confirmation/) - Your form data has been successfully submitted. Thank you for your interest. Important! If you don’t hear back from us promptly–within one business day at most, please contact Ross Browne at (520) 546-9992 or email him at rsb@editorialdepartment.com. Blog | Facebook | Twitter - [The Editor Over Your Shoulder](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/the-editor-over-your-shoulder/) - The Editor Over Your ShoulderAfter 53 years editing books, teaching writing and editing, and helping hundreds of authors launch successful careers, our founder Renni Browne has made the decision to retire. It’s our pleasure to share some of the guidance, feedback, and encouragement she provided to our authors over the years in her own words. - [Meet Our Screenwriters and Screenplay Editors](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/meet-our-screenplay-staff/) - Meet Our Screenwriters and Screenplay EditorsWorking with The Editorial Department gives you access to a dedicated team of professional screenwriters ready to assist with a wide range of screenplay and adaptation services. From critique, editing and pitch writing to full-blown adaptations and ghostwrites (features and screen series), we’ve got you covered. Our screenplay services division - [Payment Policies & Turnaround Times](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/payment-policies-turnaround-times/) - Billing Polices & Payment Methods All invoices are sent electronically upon client approval of written quote or estimate. For payment we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, personal and bank checks, and money orders. (Also PayPal as a last resort.) Letters of agreement are available upon request. How Different Services Are Billed Manuscript Evaluations, Critiques, - [Film Adaptations](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/book-to-screen-adaptations/) - Losing Isaiah Based on the novel by Seth Margolis The natural and adoptive mothers of a young boy are involved in a bitter, controversial custody battle. Jessica Lange (Actor), Halle Berry (Actor), Stephen Gyllenhaal (Director) Read more at IMDB Down Will Come Baby Based on the novel by Gloria Murphy Leah Garr wants to move from Phoenix to take a - [Contact us](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/contact-us/) - Contact UsThe Editorial Department, LLC 8476 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 202 Tucson AZ 85710 (520) 546-9992 Attn: Ross Browne – Director of Author Services Available by appointment Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please note that Arizona does not observe daylight-saving time. Send us a message InstagramThis field is - [B2B Preliminary Service Inquiry Form For Publishing Professionals](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/b2b-editorial-inquiry/) - B2B Editing & Ghostwriting Services Inquiry Form For Publishing ProfessionalsThis form is solely for the use of publishing partners in need of a trusted resource for ghostwriting, developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. The Editorial Department can work with your authors directly or work behind the scenes in coordination with your in-house project - [Adaptation Evaluation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/screenplay-adaptations/adaptation-evaluation/) - Adaptation EvaluationA candid, industry-savvy evaluation of book or manuscript film crossover potential OverviewPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview For book authors considering screen adaptation, TED’s Los Angeles-based Director of Development John Robert Marlow will read your manuscript and follow up with a one-hour phone consultation to discuss the cinematic merits of your story, characters, dialogue, structure, pacing, and - [Adaptation Outline](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/screenplay-adaptations/adaptation-outline/) - Adaptation OutlineOne-on-one help with a scene-by-scene outline to chart your adaptation’s course before the writing begins OverviewPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview For those planning to write some or all of the adaptation themselves, TED’s Director of Development John Robert Marlow can help plan the story’s structure and sequence with a detailed outline of the screenplay before the writing begins. - [Client News](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/client-news-notification/) - Client News PortalIf you’re a client of TED, you can use this form to notify us of any publication news, author event news, or updates about your work you’d like us to know about. (And/or share with our clients, friends, and followers. ) Please don’t hesitate to include pertinent details about dates, times, website urls, - [FAQ](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq/) - Frequently Asked QuestionsAll1. Working with TEDWhat can I expect if I send you my work to request a quote for services?Ross Browne2025-02-13T18:30:47+00:00What can I expect if I send you my work to request a quote for services?First, we’ll gather some information about your project, target audience, publishing goals, and any questions you may have about - [Jonathan Balcombe](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/jonathan-balcombe/) - Jonathan BalcombeNew York Times bestselling author and editor whose specialties include developmental editing, line editing, and book proposal development for a wide range of nonfiction subjects. Jonathan Balcombe is a biologist with a PhD in ethology (animal behavior). He has published over 60 refereed journal articles and book chapters, ranging from turtle nesting behavior to - [Beta Reading Questionnaire](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/beta-read-questionnaire/) - Beta Reading QuestionnaireHurling Words Into Darkness, by Peter Gelfan - [Upload](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/upload/) - [Updates](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/updates/) - [Request A Quote](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/request-a-quote/) - Request A Quote FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Thanks for your interest in working with The Editorial Department. We'll need just a little bit of information about your project to provide a no-cost/no-obligation quote for any services that may be of interest. The information you provide here will be personally - [Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/privacy-policy-terms-of-use/) - Privacy Policy & Terms of UseGeneral Privacy Policy The Editorial Department, LLC is committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe online experience for all of our clients and prospective clients. We will not release, trade, sell, or share private contact information with anyone, ever. All hard-copy materials submitted to us will be considered - [Editorial Deliverables Confirmation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editorial-deliverables-confirmation/) - Success Thanks for your file(s) and feedback on the status of this project. Your documents have been submitted for QC. If everything is in order, you’ll be cc’ed on delivery to the client. If there are any issues or concerns, Ross will be in touch ASAP. - [Editor Contact Confirmation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/editor-contact-confirmation/) - Thank you for your message! You’ll hear back from us shortly. - [Confidentiality Agreements](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/confidentiality-agreements/) - Confidentiality AgreementsWe are happy to provide a standard NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) upon request. Please contact the Tucson office prior to manuscript or screenplay submission, or use the form below. 6.NDA Request CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your name*Email PhoneAddress Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / - [Burroway #4](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/burroway-4/) - “Specific, definite, concrete, particular details—these are the life of fiction.” Janet Burroway - [Betsy Tice White](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/staff/betsy-tice-white/) - Betsy Tice WhiteSpecializes in manuscript critique, developmental editing, line editing, and book collaboration Betsy Tice White has worked in some area of publications all her adult life. She moved on from her start at McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology to freelance editing (U of VA, U of Miami, U of NC, and John F. - [Query Letter Consultation & Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/query-letter-consultation-editing/) - Query Letter Consultation & EditingIn-depth feedback, guidance, and editing for query letters, synopses, and other pitch documentation OverviewWhat To ExpectMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview The Editorial Department has several editors on staff who are very familiar with art of of pitching novels, book proposals, and nonfiction works to literary agents and publishers. We offer a wide - [Task Memo](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/services-2-2/author-coaching/task-memo/) - Task MemoIn-depth lessons on specific topics of writing craft, based on your work-in-progress or completed manuscript OverviewWhat To ExpectMeet Our SpecialistsPricingTurnaround TimeGetting StartedOverview The content of these memos varies greatly, depending on the nature and scope of the issues being addressed. Common topics for novelists include (but aren’t limited to) plot architecture and development, characterization, ## FAQs - [8. How long should a nonfiction book proposal be?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/how-long-should-a-nonfiction-book-proposal-be/) - Most nonfiction book proposals range from 20 to 50 pages, depending on the complexity of the project. This typically includes: An overview of the book concept An author bio Market analysis and comparable titles Author platform information (if relevant) Chapter summaries One to two sample chapters Clarity and focus matter more than length. - [7. Can I write the book first instead of a proposal?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/can-i-write-the-book-first-instead-of-a-proposal/) - You can, and many authors do, often simply because they are unaware of the benefits of developing a book proposal first. While it is not always the most strategic approach, it can certainly work. That said, book proposals are excellent planning tools, and in most cases we recommend developing your proposal before writing the full - [6. What do literary agents look for in a book proposal?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-do-literary-agents-look-for-in-a-book-proposal/) - At a basic level, literary agents are generally looking for three core elements: A compelling and original book idea with clear audience potential A well-qualified author who can write clearly and engagingly A clearly defined target readership Strong writing and narrative voice also matter, particularly in narrative nonfiction. This is why most proposals include one - [5. Can I submit a book proposal without an agent?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/can-i-submit-a-book-proposal-without-an-agent/) - Yes, but typically only to smaller publishers, university presses, or specialty imprints. Most major trade publishers do not accept unsolicited book proposals without a literary agent Some smaller presses and university presses will consider unagented submissions If your goal is a Big Five publishing deal, securing an agent is usually the necessary first step. - [4. Do memoirs need a book proposal?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/do-memoirs-need-a-book-proposal/) - Often, yes. While memoirs can sometimes be submitted as completed manuscripts, many literary agents and publishers still prefer a book proposal—especially if the author is not well known. A proposal allows them to quickly understand the scope of the story, the intended audience, and the book’s market positioning, including comparable titles and promotional potential. In - [3. What are the most common reasons book proposals get rejected?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-are-the-most-common-reasons-book-proposals-get-rejected/) - Some of the most common reasons include: An unclear or overly broad target audience A weak or unoriginal concept Lack of market awareness (poor or outdated comp titles) Insufficient author platform or reach Repetitive or unfocused proposal content A subject that is unlikely to attract enough readers to support commercial viability Lackluster writing and/or lack - [2. Do I need a book proposal to get published?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-book-proposal-to-get-published/) - If you are writing nonfiction and pursuing traditional publishing, the answer is usually yes. Not all agents require a book proposal, but it is generally the most effective way to present your work, whether or not the manuscript is complete. Most literary agents and publishers prefer a book proposal because it allows them to quickly - [1. What is a book proposal?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-is-a-book-proposal/) - A book proposal is essentially a sales document used to pitch a nonfiction book (or book idea) to literary agents or publishers. It is a structured distillation of the project that typically includes an overview, target audience and market analysis, an author bio, comparable titles, chapter summaries, and one or two sample chapters. Unlike fiction, - [What happens if my manuscript isn't any good?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/happens-manuscript-isnt-good/) - For 45 years, we've built our reputation on honest feedback—even when it's difficult to hear. We believe candor serves writers best, so we'll always tell you the truth about your manuscript's potential. If we think further work with us won't benefit you, we'll say so. If your publishing goals don't align with your manuscript's current - [What can I expect if I send you my work to request a quote for services?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-can-i-expect-if-i-send-you-my-work-to-request-a-quote-for-services/) - First, we’ll gather some information about your project, target audience, publishing goals, and any questions you may have about working with us. Next, our Client Services Director, Ross Browne, will review this information and a portion of your manuscript to assess its readiness and suitability for our process and inform an editor and service recommendation. - [I'd like to submit a manuscript. What are your submission and formatting guidelines?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/id-like-to-submit-a-manuscript-or-screenplay-what-are-your-submission-guidelines/) - Formatting Double line-spacing 12-point font size Courier, Times New Roman, or Arial font First line of each paragraph indented, with no linespaces between paragraphs Default margin settings, or a minimum of 1.25" Page numbers included, particularly for book-length works .doc, .docx, .rtf file format. (PDF will work in some cases too, as a last resort.) - [What is the total cost likely to run for having a manuscript edited to completion?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-is-the-total-cost-likely-to-run-for-having-a-manuscript-edited-to-completion/) - We can say what individual services cost, but it’s impossible to generalize sight unseen about what combination of services will be needed for your particular manuscript or screenplay. Some projects may be only a draft away from completion; others may have even more potential but need considerably more work. One function of our Manuscript Critique - [On avoiding over-explanation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-avoiding-over-explanation/) - You have a lot of hard work ahead of you. The biggest task may be getting rid of what shouldn’t be in the novel. At the top of that list would be explanations to the reader, which come in the form of interior monologue, dialogue, and narration. And very often, what’s being explained is already - [Why you shouldn't explain emotions to readers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/why-you-shouldnt-explain-emotions-to-readers/) - A word about explaining emotions to the reader. Showing them is so much better. People love to pick up on the codes from the signals we all put out—we spend many of our waking hours doing it—and in literature it’s one of your strongest forms of reader participation. So the less you explain things to - [On what literary agents and publishers want from a first novel](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-what-agents-and-publishers-want-from-a-first-novel/) - Although I thoroughly enjoyed your novel, I’m going to begin by setting you straight about its weaknesses, because so much of what I have to say is in the context of today’s ruthless and often dismal marketplace for debut fiction. That marketplace does exist. Publishers have to bring out first novels or they’ll never have - [On the problem with cartoonish action hero battle scenes](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-the-problem-with-cartoonish-action-hero-battle-scenes/) - Your battles are vividly described with details that put the reader on the scene. But these are cartoon battles, never credible because the level of violence dealt to Cramer is often greater than any human could survive. A middle-aged man who gets thrown with enormous force into wall after wall, or slammed against a marble - [On what makes a memoir truly satisfying](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-what-makes-a-memoir-truly-satisfying/) - As I said, a good memoir reads like fiction, with the author in the role of the protagonist. Not that it should be a series of dramatic scenes with the plot of the author’s life, but the events need to be recounted dramatically, and the author—the hero—is necessarily an invention, a character. This book seems - [On scene versus narrative summary](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-scene-versus-narrative-summary/) - Your novel has a lot going for it: a wonderfully rendered rich tapestry of a setting most readers will find fascinating, a dysfunctional but loving family with conflicting aspirations at the center of which is a young man who keeps sacrificing his happiness to fulfill what he sees as his family responsibilities. You have a - [On narrative summary](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-narrative-summary/) - Part of the problem is your approach to the story, which is heavily weighted in favor of narrative summary. Very often you summarize character attributes, scenes, dialogue, events, all sorts of developments. Narrative summary has its place and makes a fine showcase for that wonderful voice of yours, but readers need to hear characters speak, - [On making a well imagined villain more believable and frightening](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-making-a-well-imagined-villain-more-believable-and-frightening/) - The situation in the opening scene of this terrorist thriller could hardly be more tense, but the execution could have a much sharper impact. Your terrorist, however convincing his credentials, might as well hang a sign around his neck saying: I’m a fanatical terrorist! I belong to Al Qaeda! He fits the stereotype perfectly, and - [On character autonomy](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-character-autonomy/) - Every serious fiction writer tries to create rounded, fully dimensional characters who take up space when they enter a room—characters the reader will care about. Most fiction writers call on memories of friends and strangers, as well as imagination, in selecting the combination of faults and failings that best serve the plot, then assign them - [On the importance of convincing motivation for a character's choices](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-the-importance-of-convincing-motivation-for-a-characters-choices/) - The first thing I want to say, because I'm going to come down hard on you in one area, is that you are a superb writer with a strong plot and a really interesting heroine. So what's the problem? Motive. Why on earth does Alice, as you've characterized her, hang out with Preston? Get into - [On writing a bookworthy sleuth](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-writing-a-bookworthy-sleuth/) - Since the story’s success hangs, in part, on the protagonist, let’s talk about yours. Bailey has a mysterious past (which I’ll talk about more in a second), and she’s got a trauma she’s working to overcome (an arc). She has a solid foundation—as well as a great deal of unrealized potential. She is a big - [On overwriting](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-overwriting/) - So you’re a talented writer. Excellent!. You’re also an overwriter. Not good! You overwrite because you don’t realize how effective something you’ve just written is--and so you add to it, puff it up, emphasize it, repeat it in different words, draw it out, etc. Overwriting undermines the effectiveness of what could otherwise be a really - [On dialogue](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-dialogue/) - Never, ever explain your dialogue. If it doesn’t convey what you want, rewrite it. Paragraph whenever a character starts speaking unless just a very few words precede the dialogue (He looked up.) Don’t bury your excellent dialogue—set it off. Paragraphing for dialogue also makes a dialogue scene look more inviting, thanks to the white space - [On engaging readers’ imaginations](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-engaging-readers-imaginations/) - People love to pick up on the codes from the signals we all put out, and in fiction it’s one of your strongest forms of reader participation. So the less you explain things to your readers, especially characters’ emotions, the more intense their involvement. There will be times when an explanation will be unavoidable or - [On the importance of dazzling dialogue](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-the-importance-of-dazzling-dialogue/) - You probably have a pretty good idea of what mastering dialogue could do for your writing. If you write short stories or novels, you want your characters to captivate and convince the reader. Those characters come to life—or fail to—when they speak. Crisp, revealing dialogue that fits naturally into the mouth of its speaker is - [On pace of character development](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-pace-of-character-development/) - The process of creating interesting and memorable characters whose fate readers can develop a stake in is just that: a process, not an event. You want readers to get to know your characters the way they get to know people in real life—a little at a time. So in the first five pages, writers should - [On a common misstep in a novel's first chapter](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-a-common-misstep-in-a-novels-first-chapter/) - The most common mistake we find writers making, albeit with the best of intentions, is to open their novels with some kind of information—exposition—rather than with a scene, something that happens. (Or by pulling the reader’s attention from an opening scene to explain it in some fashion.) This is often deliberate, the idea being that - [On faith in a coming of age novel](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/on-faith-in-a-coming-of-age-novel/) - The motor for this novel is Gina’s desire for God, yearning for intimacy with God, and longing for a sign. Yet this wonderfully forthright, up-front, articulate character who in her first breath as a character is praying doesn’t seem to have any clear notion of what kind of sign from God she wants, or what - [What kind of writer is The Editorial Department best positioned to help?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/what-kind-of-writer-is-the-editorial-department-best-position-to-help/) - While many of our editing and consultation services were originally developed with the experienced writer and the effort to publish traditionally in mind, we also welcome the opportunity to work with authors who are new to their craft, who want to self publish to a very high standard of quality, or who need help bringing - [What is is the difference between developmental editing and line or copy editing?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/difference-developmental-editing-line-copy-editing/) - Developmental editing is typically focused on the content, premise, structure, and story of a manuscript rather than its wording. There is a good deal of editorial feedback given, but it is usually more conceptual in nature and focused on helping you first identify the best goals and priorities to maximize a work’s potential and then - [What topics are covered by a manuscript critique?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/topics-covered-manuscript-critique/) - Overall literary and commercial potential with attention to any relevant points of craft. For fiction this includes plotting, structure, pacing, characterization, dialogue, writing style, mechanics, grammar, and punctuation. For nonfiction key considerations include content, organization, structure, clarity, flow, suitability for intended readership, writing style, mechanics, grammar, and punctuation. - [How do you assign editors and can I pick my own?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/how-do-you-assign-editors-and-can-i-pick-my-own/) - We take the process of manuscript assignment seriously at TED. We have a diverse staff of editors with a wide range of tastes, specialties, and areas of expertise. While there's no surefire way to know we have a good author/editor match until we get into the process, there are several considerations that influence the assignment - [How long does it take to get my feedback?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-my-feedback/) - This varies based on manuscript length, the editor you're working with, and the service you're engaging. Most manuscripts ranging between 55,000 and 110,00 words require between 3-6 weeks for evaluative feedback or editing. More information is available on our Payment Policies & Turnaround Times page. Rush service is available for an additional fee in some - [Why should I consider picking you guys to edit my work over another company offering the same services?](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq-items/why-should-i-consider-picking-you-guys-to-edit-my-work-over-another-company-offering-the-same-services/) - Our Roots We were founded by one of the most experienced, and highly thought of book editors working in publishing today. Renni Browne has been in publishing for over 50 years now, and her experience with and passion for helping writers--both as a senior acquisitions editor for several major houses and as an independent editor--has ## Testimonials - [James Baldwin # 1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/james-baldwin-1/) - "If you are going to be a writer there is nothing I can say to stop you; if you’re not going to be a writer nothing I can say will help you. What you really need at the beginning is somebody to let you know that the effort is real." James Baldwin - [Katie Sweeting](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/katie-sweeting/) - Diane Stockwell took her time to read my novel Remnant, and provided invaluable advice and guidance on how to make it a better novel. I found her evaluation, both the critical and complimentary aspects, very helpful and I believe as I revise Remnant it will emerge as a stronger and more readable book! Katie Sweeting - [Brett Valette](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/brett-valette/) - "One hour of consultation with John Marlow kicked my novel's climax from a great ending to a killer ending! He was able to help me ratchet up the suspense, create some additional unique, memorable scenes, and bring a couple of my characters to vibrant life." Brett Valette, Ph.D. Superior, CO - [R.E. McDermott](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/r-e-bob-mcdermott-author-of-deadly-straits-and-other-titles/) - "I think most of Peter Gelfan's input was spot on and will greatly assist me in improving the manuscript. It will, I now realize, be more of a deconstruct/reconstruct effort than a polish, but based on Peter's insights I think I have a good handle on how to proceed. Money well spent." R.E. McDermott Author - [Tony Bertauski](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/tony-bertauski/) - "I never would've developed as a fiction writer without the Editorial Department. The advice is invaluable, the insight brilliant, and the people exceptional. And, thankfully, their services are affordable. Go ahead, check around." Tony Bertauski Author of The Discovery of Socket Greeny and other titles - [Charlie Knudsen](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/charlie-knudsen/) - "Peter Gelfan is just the right fit for me. I get the feeling he really understands what I'm trying to do and he has the expertise and sensitivity to help me do it. I'm so glad I'm not alone in all this." Charlie Knudsen Shizuoka, Japan - [Charlene Dietz](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/charlene-dietz/) - "Sometimes this writing process is a bit lonely. We're sticking our necks out and have no idea if we're the only ones that care what we've written. The Editorial Department changes this for me. I've come to think of TED as my easily accessible writing family. Like a good family, TED tells me what works, - [Holland Kane](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/holland-kane/) - "I'm happy to be your client and grateful for your many services that have exceeded my already high expectations." Holland Kane Author of Winter Reeds and other titles - [Christopher Buecheler](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/christopher-buecheler/) - "This is the third time I've engaged The Editorial Department and the third time I've been more than satisfied. Your editors are friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. They give thoughtful and valuable feedback and make strong suggestions to help improve the manuscript. I'm very pleased with the work Shannon Roberts did." Christopher Buecheler - [Marni Mann](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/marni-mann/) - "Your level of service exceeded my expectations. Ross Browne patiently answered my questions, concerns and made this experience pleasant and fulfilling. My editor's evaluation was honest, hopeful and her direction brought my writing to a whole new level. I appreciate everything TED has done for me and I'm grateful for all your help!" Marni Mann - [John Faubion](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-faubion/) - "I followed about 90% of my editor's recommendations. Then I submitted to three editors. One (a S&S imprint) has offered a contract. I credit the improvement in the quality of my manuscript to the work I received from TED. I plan to do the same thing with the next book." John Faubion Author of Friend - [Valerie L. Rice](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/valerie-l-rice/) - "I appreciate Peter Gelfan's expertise as an editor. He keeps me focused and his editorial skills exceeded my expectations. So glad I explored using an editor on this journey." Valerie L. Rice Lansing, MI - [Chevy Stevens](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/3926/) - "Renni Browne is tough but in a good way. She's also supportive, complimentary, encouraging, and funny as heck. When she tells you something is falling flat, she means it, and when she tells you she loves something, she means it. And when I say Renni has been a wonderful editor, mentor, support-system, cheerleader, coach, and - [Mary Maddox](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mary-maddox/) - "Peter Gelfan's guidance on story development has been a revelation for me. It has saved me a year -- probably more -- of wasting time on ideas that don't work. He has given me a new perspective on writing novels. Worth the money? Without a doubt." Mary Maddox Author of Daemon Seer and other titles - [Bishop O'Connell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/3912/) - "In the time since I've been working with TED I've grown so much as a writer. It's like taking a writing class where you're the only student. I also learned how to take criticism as well, a very important skill for a writer to have." Bishop O'Connell Author of The Stolen and other titles - [Bud Kenny](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/bud-kenny/) - "I now know why so many authors in their acknowledgments say, "This book would not be what it is if not for such and such editor." Peter Gelfan is one of those editors" Bud Kenny Author of Footloose in America - [Benjamin Kane Ethridge](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/benjamin-kane-ethridge/) - "Engaging and easy to implement suggestions and changes. I'm very pleased with the results." Benjamin Kane Ethridge Author of Black & Orange - [Ben Matthews](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/ben-matthews/) - "What I see now is that y'all taught me how to write my novel. And I do mean my novel. No one tried to change my story but simply pointed out ways to make the writing better. Two years ago, one editor said he wasn't sure if The Pursuit of Justice would ever be a - [Chris Little](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/chris-little/) - "My introduction to Shannon Roberts was through a manuscript evaluation. Her comments, ideas, and humor had me taking a machete to the pages and coming back for a re-read report. She is meticulous, honest, and insanely talented." Chris Little Author of The Darkness of Shadows - [Mike Merrell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mike-merrell/) - "John Marlow has by far given me the most constructive feedback on my three novels and one screenplay. Others -- including some professionals -- only gave me some pats on the back and made a few comments that had nowhere near the substance needed. John sees things that I am still working on grasping. No one - [D. Robert Pease](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/d-robert-pease/) - "To the folks at The Editorial Department, Renni Browne and Shannon Roberts, this book is light years ahead of where it was before I started working with you. I give you my utmost thanks." D. Robert Pease Author of Noah Zarc series and other titles - [John Middleton](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-middleton/) - "I've been very pleased. I feel that the quality of my writing has increased tremendously." John Middleton Author of Jem: Lessons in Living - [Nicholas Chiarkas](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/nicholas-chiarkas/) - "I have received the report and am very pleased both with the invaluable advice and gentle way it was presented." Nicholas Chiarkas Author of Weepers - [Norm Ollestad](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/norm-ollestad/) - "Both Jen Howard & Doug Wagner were very insightful, and their notes were clear and concise. " Norman Ollestad Author of Crazy for the Storm (a New York Times bestseller) and other titles - [Rich Silvers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/3993/) - “Renni Browne's comments are clear and straightforward. They not only help improve a particular scene, but help make me a better writer while maintaining the essence of the story I'm trying to relate. " Rich Silvers Author of Have You Seen Her? and Don't Remember - [Scott Pratt](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/scott-pratt-author-of-an-innocent-client-and-in-good-faith-johnson-city-tn/) - "I feel lucky. I feel humbled. But most of all, I feel grateful. I'm grateful to everyone at the Editorial Department, and especially grateful to Renni Browne. Without them, my dream would not have come true." Scott Pratt Author of An Innocent Client and other titles - [Scott Reardon](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/scott-reardon/) - "The care you took with this shows on every page. Your edits were wonderful, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate them. You not only removed the filler so the rest shines, but also improved the best stuff as well." Scott Reardon Author of The Prometheus Man and other titles - [Sheila Lowe](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/sheila-lowe/) - "Several years ago Ross Browne critiqued my manuscript, Poison Pen, which was the first really helpful input I'd had. Ross' comments helped me understand and implement important changes that needed to be made throughout the book. Bottom line, Poison Pen soon received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. As a result, Penguin has purchased the - [Corinne Weber](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/sondra-weber/) - "Where the Monster Weights began as a 120k wordy manuscript full of grammatical missteps and irrelevant diversions. Enter TED. The team drove through two content edits and one line edit to create a razor-sharp storyline. If you're looking for a great editorial house, the search is over when you find TED." Corinne Weber Author of Where - [Stephen Foehr](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/stephen-foehr/) - "Karinya Funsett-Topping has been prompt and thorough with trustworthy professional guidance. I felt this team looked after me and my work, rather than just doing another business deal." Stephen Foehr Author of Water War and other titles - [Steven Knope, MD](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/steven-knope-md/) - "I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experiences with the professionals at the Editorial Department. They helped me write my second book, from initial concept to manuscript completion, in less than two months." Steven Knope, MD, Author of Concierge Medicine - [Taylor Brown](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/taylor-brown/) - "I have been very happy in my experience with the Editorial Department thus far. For a young writer such as myself, the commentary goes beyond the piece in question to serve as a sort of education in and of itself." Taylor Brown Author of In The Season of Blood & Gold and other titles - [Laura Fitzgerald](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/laura-fitzgerald/) - "I've partnered with The Editorial Department on my last three novels because I know my books are far better as a result. We writers aren't the best judge of our own work, so it's incredibly helpful to receive their professional feedback and support." Laura Fitzgerald National Bestselling Author of Veil of Roses and other titles - [John H. Cunningham](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-cunningham/) - "I have worked with The Editorial Department for many years, which has included everything from plot development, character development, and line editing. TED was not the first group I worked with for these services, but they will be the last. Great, highly qualified and collaborative people who have made a positive difference in my writing." - [Kathleen O'Donnell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/kathleen-odonnell/) - "Where do I start? They care about the writer. Renni is my editor and she is tough but right almost always. She's also complimentary so it isn't just constant critique. I highly recommend them. Ross is wonderful to work with as well. He is quick to respond and always ready to help. I'd never use - [Jason Reinhardt](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jason-reinhardt/) - "My experience with The Editorial Department has been outstanding! Their customer service and enthusiasm is wonderful, and my editor a pleasure to work with." Jason Reinhardt Tucson, AZ - [Yveta Germano](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/yveta-germano/) - "I really like working with The Editorial Department--not only because the editing work is excellent and professional but also because the staff is extremely helpful and always make me feel welcome." Yveta Germano Alpharetta, GA - [Virginia Locastro](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/virginia-locastro/) - "I was impressed by the length and extent of my editor's evaluation and her suggestions for improvement." Virginia Locastro Bethesda, MD - [Bobbie Cole](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/bobbie-cole/) - "I learned more about good writing from my editor's annotations and feedback than from any post-grad course I've done. I hate to think what I might have put out there without her great advice." Bobbie Cole New Brunswick, Canada - [John S. Palmer](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-s-palmer/) - "My editor helped me add humor and clarity to my writing. This, in addition to her superb editing, organizational skills and constant encouragement makes her a first-class editor." John S. Palmer Washington, DC - [Dave Erickson](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/dave-erickson/) - "John Marlow's critique far surpassed my expectations. He pointed out problems that I probably never would have seen on my own due to my familiarity with the material. I had no idea he would be so thorough. Very professionally done." Dave Erickson Iowa City, IA - [Shuna Meade](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/shuna-meade/) - "Shannon Roberts' comments gave me an objective overview of the problems areas within my manuscript. The suggestions offered were insightful and evidence that she had read the manuscript and carefully considered the areas that needed work. I know the manuscript will be stronger as a result." Shuna Meade Dartmouth, Devon, UK - [Lora Williams](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lora-williams/) - "Karinya Funsett gave me valuable advice on everything from character development to plot issues that were confusing, and all things in between. It was by far the most valuable service I've done for my novel. " Lora Williams Kingsport, TN - [Lloyd Holm](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lloyd-holm/) - "My editor was exceedingly helpful, insightful, encouraging, and most important, always available. My experience was a very positive one." Lloyd Holm Washington, IA - [Mark Ziebart](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mark-ziebart/) - "I've learned more about fiction writing working with Renni Browne, Ross Browne, and Shannon Roberts than I did completing my graduate writing program. Their insights regarding my manuscript were invaluable." Mark Ziebart Boulder, CO - [Carla Rehse](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/carla-rehse/) - "My experience has been wonderful. My evaluation helped point out the good and the bad in my book. This helped me focus on the specific issues needed, instead of floundering endlessly on revisions. I have recommended TED to my writing friends and will continue to do so." Carla Rehse Copperas Cove, TX - [Bonnie Kogos](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/bonnie-kogos/) - "Renni Browne's comments, her grace and ability to correct and teach at the same time, have advanced my writing skills. She is a joy!" Bonnie Kogos New York, NY - [Rick Becker and Ann Brandvig](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/rick-becker-and-ann-brandvig/) - "We received superb advice from Peter Gelfan. He nailed the book's structural problems and gave us the tools to fix them." Rick Becker and Ann Brandvig Portland, OR - [Jim Adam](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jim-adam/) - "Shannon Roberts was wonderful to work with. Very demanding but also totally professional and tactful in her feedback." Jim Adam Huntersville, NC - [Paula Fletchall-Bryner](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/paula-fletchall-bryner/) - "I was extremely pleased with both the thoroughness and honesty of the evaluation of my manuscript. John Marlow is a great help, and quite clearly knows what he is talking about. I got the help and input I needed to take my project to the next level. Thank you all!" Paula Fletchall-Bryner Anchorage, AK - [Sharon Spencer Shlesinger](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/sharon-spencer-shlesinger/) - “Renni Browne's comments were a learning experience, invaluable to my writing journey.” Sharon Spencer Shlesinger Thousand Oaks, CA - [Phillip Adam](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/phillip-adam/) - "TED was very helpful and wonderful to work with and I learned a great deal from Shannon Roberts and Doug Wagner." Phillip Adam Green Bay, WI - [John Robbins](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-robbins/) - “Shannon Roberts' evaluation of my manuscript was, at the same time, the most enlightening and most excruciating experience I've ever had. Though difficult at first, I've managed to implement most of the changes and the manuscript is indescribably better as a result. " John Robbins Mesa, Arizona - [Louise Vimmerstedt](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/louise-vimmerstedt/) - "Peter Gelfan brought a fresh perspective into the picture, along with a great sense of humor, a ton of patience, and many brilliant ideas. Writing a book is a protracted and sometimes intimidating process, but having The Editorial Department to fall back on makes the going much easier." Louise Vimmerstedt Tucson, AZ - [Manju Soni](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/manju-soni/) - "I loved working with TED. Everyone I was in contact with was very professional. I had a tight timeline and the review, re-read, as well as the copy editing by Doug Wagner, were all within my timeline. I really appreciated this. Thanks." Manju Soni Mystic, CT - [Pamela Roberts](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/pamela-roberts/) - "TED's evaluation of The Darkness at Dawn was spot on. Identified both the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to move forward with clearly defined objectives for my next draft. " Pamela Roberts Lee Alamogordo, NM - [Jacqueline Gum](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jacqueline-gum/) - "Renni Browne has an hysterical sense of humor and she gets it. She gets the pain of a writer trying to find the words, changes everything for the better with one red line and though tough in her critique sometimes, does so with a true desire to develop something good into something great.” Jacqueline Gum - [Mags Storey](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mags-storey/) - "I am completely blown away by the feedback from Renni Browne and Shannon Roberts. That kind of clear and concise feedback is absolutely invaluable, and I can see now why so many published authors continue to work with TED after succeeding." Mags Storey Newmarket, ONT - [S.E. Floyd](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/s-e-floyd/) - "I had several 'ah ha!' moments when Renni Browne or Shannon Roberts pinpointed weak areas in the plot - and offered solutions. Both editors had ideas about how to add depth to main characters and spice up the conflict. The annotation was incredibly thorough." S.E. Floyd Temple Terrace, FL - [Jay Price](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jay-price-imperial-beach-ca/) - "Shannon Roberts helped educate me in novel writing and because she took the time to really understand and evaluate my work, she was able to lift much of the writer's block off my shoulders. This gave me the motivation to press forward, take my lumps, and learn from my mistakes. Shannon Roberts is invaluable and - [Mimi Jones Hedwig](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mimi-jones-hedwig/) - "You're providing a very useful service to writers in search of that increasingly elusive commodity: a detailed and knowledgeable critique of a book's strengths and weaknesses. I was very pleased with my manuscript evaluation. I found your prices to be fair in terms of the services delivered and the professionals providing them." Mimi Jones Hedwig - [Debra Adair](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/debra-adair-scottsdale-az/) - "I was very impressed with The Editorial Department. Karinya Funsett-Topping's Manuscript Evaluation was detailed, informative, and very helpful. I was impressed with the amount of feedback and have put it to good use." Debra Adair Scottsdale, AZ - [Chris Leibig](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/chris-leibig/) - "I basically learned how to write a novel from Peter Gelfan. Peter has helped me with all facets of editing, including plot development, on four novels over the last ten years. Three have been published." Chris Leibig Author of Almost Mortal and other titles - [Andrew Quinn](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/3903/) - "I've been writing for ten years to marginal avail. But with assistance from TED my skills have accelerated. I could not have taken my novel to where it is now headed without you. Feedback is direct but encouraging, at times painful, worth every penny." Andrew Quinn Author of Waterfall Dance - [Auburn McCanta](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/3905/) - "I am more than impressed with the professionalism and encouragement I've received from each member of your staff, from first contact on. I cannot imagine working with anyone else from now on." Auburn McCanta Author of All The Dancing Birds - [John Logsdon](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/john-logsdon/) - "Working with Shannon Roberts was great. The annotation was beyond what I was expecting and it totally helped me to fix a lot of issues I have been having with my writing." John Logsdon Willow Spring, NC - [Patricia Patterson](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/patricia-patterson/) - "All the staff at The Editorial Department answered questions in a prompt and gracious manner. My editor gave me feedback and asked questions regarding my novel which gave me a greater vision of the storyline." Patricia Patterson Atlanta, GA - [Mary Jane Overall](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/marvin-amazon/) - "I have been extremely pleased with the services that the Editorial Department has provided me. My editor's critique and guidance for my ongoing struggle with my novel has been invaluable as I forge ahead with this project. The office staff has been particularly supportive. Tucson is so very lucky to have access to such a - [A Faithful Son](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/a-faithful-son/) - "Garvin's debut is nothing less than stunning... Mimicking a memoir and following in the flavor of Harper Lee’s inimitable novels—To Kill a Mockingbird and its sequel Go Set a Watchman—Garvin, like Harper, has created a colorful cast amid chaotic and enlightening eras." San Francisco Book Review - [Cafe Antoinette](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/cafe-antoinette/) - "Never had I read a novel in which I found myself both rooting for and against the protagonist at the same time. Gina Angelone's Luci Ames may not have lived wisely but she did live boldly so that the reader cannot help but get caught up in the whirlpool of her life." Ken Rotcop, Award-winning - [The Weight of A Piano](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-weight-of-a-piano/) - “Immense, intense and imaginative...The Weight of a Piano is about memory and identity...Cander is a smart, deft storyteller [and] understands how something as beloved as a piano can actually be a burden.” New York Times Book Review - [Daughter of Destiny](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/daughter-of-destiny/) - "Daughter of Destiny is an entertaining and well-structured novel...The fate of Nicole Evelina's Guinevere is worth tracing through the rest of the series." IndieReader - [Daughter of Destiny](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/daughter-of-destiny-2/) - "Wonderfully gripping. A stunning first novel." Wishing Shelf Book Awards - [Mistress of Legend](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mistress-of-ledgend/) - "Full of riveting action and surrealistic scenes of ancient lore...Deftly crafted and highly recommended historical fiction!" Historical Novel Society - [Madame Presidentess](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/madame-presidentess/) - "A well-plotted and revealing look into the life of the first woman to run for president, and a book that stays with you." Historical Novel Society - [Aunt Sookie & Me](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/aunt-sookie-me/) - "Aunt Sookie & Me is a heady and hilarious mixture of hard-won wisdom and Southern saltiness...the tale deals with some weighty issues including sexual identity and domestic violence, but Garvin's compassion and light touch make this a highly entertaining and enjoyable novel." Publishers Weekly - [Winter Reeds](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/winter-reeds/) - "Kane spins a fascinating web of discoveries and intrigue, and the surprises don't stop until the very end." Kirkus - [Naked DJ](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/naked-dj/) - “Grabs you on the first page and keeps the intrigue high. A rockin’ radio riot that reveals everything.” Paul Shaffer - [Death Logs In](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/death-logs-in/) - Simon expertly manages the storylines in this captivating novel which help maintain an impressive pace. Kirkus - [A Beer Drinker's Guide to Enjoying Fine Wine](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/a-beer-drinkers-guide-to-enjoying-fine-wine/) - "Cheers to this spirited, perceptive guide." Kirkus (Starred Review) - [A Beer Drinker's Guide to Enjoying Fine Wine](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/a-beer-drinkers-guide-to-enjoying-fine-wine-2/) - "This book is fun to read and fun to use. I will certainly be keeping this and referring to it often." San Francisco Book Review - [Still Missing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/still-missing/) - "This debut novel has the power to shock and awe with its explosively frightening premise about a woman who is kidnapped by a stranger and held against her will for more than a year…This is one scary novel with a new twist on the classic kidnap and conspiracy story. Still Missing by Vancouver Island native - [1492](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/1492/) - "Captivating, extraordinarily vivid first novel... Frohlich, an attorney, spent eight years researching his book and brings remarkable realism to his chilling depiction of the fanaticism fueling the Inquisition... This is a convincing, detailed re-creation of the Old World on the brink of discovery." Publishers Weekly - [1492](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/1492-2/) - "A rollicking, readable, and fascinating story... For a grand, sweeping tale of the history of Spain at the end of the 15th century, 1492 is hard to beat." St. Louis Post Dispatch - [The Shakespeare Mask](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-sheakspeare-mask/) - "A truly impressive novel in which close attention has been paid to historical detail. An inherently fascinating and entertaining read from beginning to end." Midwest Book Review - [Shylock's Daughter](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/shylocks-daughter/) - "An amazing tour de force." Cosmopolitan Magazine - [Wounds of the Dead](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/wounds-of-the-dead/) - "A wonderfully creepy fable with real literary depth." Kirkus - [Rabbit Heart](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/rabbit-heart/) - "Fascinating Victorian paranormal police procedural romance. Kirkus - [Angel](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/angel/) - "A winsome debut...Kingsley's eloquent prose breathes life into Angel's trials and tribulations." Kirkus - [The Other Side of Him](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-other-side-of-him/) - "This is an accomplished first novel. ... infused with authenticity ... A touching and sometimes chilling survivor's tale." Kirkus - [The Gods of Howl Mountain](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-gods-of-howl-mounatin/) - "Powerful...explosive...Brown's lyrical prose invokes a verdant landscape whose rich past is woven into its roots and people; their dependence on the land and respect for its great mysteries are palpable. This tale of loyalty and retribution will linger with readers." Publishers Weekly - [The Trial of Conner Padget](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-trial-of-conner-padget/) - "The story continually captivates ... a subdued but enthralling examination of life in and outside a courtroom." Kirkus - [The Trial of Connor Padget](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-trial-of-conner-padget-2/) - "A highly absorbing novel that is, while conventional on the surface, is highly unconventional at its depths.The central character's meditations on the law, religion, and military service are as central to the novel as is the plot." Chanticleer - [Looking For Atlanta](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/looking-for-atlanta-2/) - "The characters in this story are well drawn, and the plot is superbly crafted and uplifting." Library Journal - [Looking For Atlanta](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/looking-for-atlanta/) - "The story's emotional impact is consistently strong, as Margaret's first-person account mingles self-denial, compassion, wit and pain to show a woman attempting to come to terms with a life that is much tougher than anyone told her it would be." Publishers Weekly - [The Fourth Procedure](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-fourth-procedure/) - "Pottinger handily proves the adage that politics makes strange bedfellows, adding ironic twists that skewer long-accepted assumptions." Publishers Weekly - [The Color of Fear : Once Upon A Zombie](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-color-of-fear-once-upon-a-zombie-2/) - "Memorable cameos and characters...a fun mashup." Publishers Weekly - [The Color of Fear : Once Upon A Zombie](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-color-of-fear-once-upon-a-zombie/) - "A fast, fun read that’s undeniably cool…powered by a fast-paced action-pack narrative…this story will surely delight readers of all ages…features our beloved characters in a decidedly darker tone." Kirkus - [Newscatcher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/newscatcher/) - "The story of John Palmer takes the reader behind the scenes with telling anecdotes and instructive insights. His dream came true and now he’s shared it with all of us." Tom Brokaw - [1812](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/1812/) - "This is, in essence, a patriotic pageant, but it's one crammed with color and captivating characters, and a good bet to follow in Dream West's footsteps as a TV miniseries." Publishers Weekly - [The Prometheus Man](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-prometheus-man/) - "A debut thriller that succeeds . . . Many high-octane action scenes Reardon executes with skill." Kirkus - [Murder Takes Time](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/murder-takes-time/) - "The narrative heat and layered characterization rarely drag, making for an engaging read. A nuanced debut that upends genre stereotypes and readers' expectations." Kirkus - [Untimed](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/untimed-2/) - "The sense of adventure, chemistry between Charlie and Yvaine, and roller coaster plot are sure to appeal to a wide range of readers." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) - [Untimed](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/untimed/) - "A masterful storyteller, Gavin builds a solid plot with believable characters." Kirkus - [The Darkening Dream](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-darkening-dream/) - "Gorgeously creepy, strangely humorous, and sincerely terrifying." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) - [The Darkening Dream](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-darkening-dream-2/) - "Wonderfully twisted sense of humor." Kirkus - [Darkroom](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/darkroom/) - "A whip-smart, buoyant protagonist guides this moody, character-driven tale." Kirkus - [Darkroom](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/darkroom-2/) - "One of the year's best crime thrillers. Mary Maddox just may be the dark princess of suspense we've all been waiting for." Best Thrillers - [Siding Star](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/siding-star/) - "An enjoyable novel of spiritual mystery and adventure--well plotted, intelligent and deeply moving." Kirkus - [Peacekeeper](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/peacekeeper/) - "Part mystery, part religious debate, this old-fashioned, well-written novel is wholly entertaining." Kirkus - [Rubbing Stones](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/rubbing-stones/) - "A great read with Silver Screen potential, Rubbing Stones is earmarked to become a favorite!" Pacific Book Review - [Where I'm Bound](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/where-im-bound-2/) - "A complex, passionate portrait of an African American patriot." BookList - [Where I'm Bound](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/where-im-bound/) - "This is a powerful novel about a soldier fighting in a war that would determine his personal destiny and that of a young nation." Publishers Weekly - [That Night](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/that-night-2/) - "Intense and disturbing - a terrific psychological thriller." Lee Child - [That Night](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/that-night/) - "A thriller that will grip you from page one." Harlen Coben - [Death Never Sleeps](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/death-never-sleeps/) - "A fine technological thriller that only gets better as it goes along." Kirkus - [Maroon Rising](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/maroon-rising/) - "Breezy, winsome, and endlessly diverting." Kirkus - [Free Fall to Black](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/free-fall-to-black/) - "A lively thriller with plenty of unexpected developments." Kirkus - [An Innocent Client](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/an-innocent-client/) - "Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable, especially the strong Southern women who fight their male-dominated culture from behind a facade of vulnerability. Readers will eagerly anticipate Dillard's further adventures." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) - [Opposites Attack](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/opposites-attack/) - "A fun tale and a nice testament to Maeder's versatility." Miami Herald - [The Geneva Decision](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-geneva-decision/) - "A fine thriller with intriguing locations, intricate plot twists and a complex heroine." Kirkus - [The Fallen Gatekeepers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/the-fallen-gatekeepr/) - "Action fans won't be disappointed." Kirkus - [Madame Presidentess](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/madame-presidentess-2/) - "A fascinating story of meteoric rise from rags to riches, from subservience to achievement - based on a true story. A highly entertaining and informative read." Chanticleer - [Silver Goodbye](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/silver-goodbye/) - "A fresh, snappy, and exhilarating adventure with a recurring hero." Kirkus - [Self Editing for Fiction Writers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/self-editing-for-fiction-writers/) - "A superb tutorial for anyone wanting to learn from pros how to polish fiction writing with panache." Library Journal - [The Gods of Howl Mountain](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/in-the-season-of-blood-gold/) - "A literary achievement: a complex, character-driven story that's powerful in concept and execution." Kirkus - [David Mamet #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/6745/) - "Look at the scene and ask yourself 'is it dramatic? Is it essential? Does it advance the plot?' Answer truthfully. If the answer is "no" write it again or throw it out. ' David Mamet - [William Strunk # 1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/william-strunk-1/) - "The surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definite and concrete." William Strunk - [Lee Child # 1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lee-child-1/) - "One basic rule that applies is: it’s not the writer who decides whether a character is cool; the reader makes that decision. If a writer tries to force things—or lead the witness, as it were—the result is an embarrassing failure." Lee Child - [Virginia Woolf # 2](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/virginia-woolf-2/) - "The writer must get into touch with his reader by putting before him something which he recognizes, which therefore stimulates his imagination, and makes him willing to cooperate in the far more difficult business of intimacy. And it is of the highest importance that this common meeting-place should be reached easily, almost instinctively, in the - [Virginia Woolf #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/virginia-woolf-1/) - "The 'proper stuff of fiction’ does not exist; everything is the proper stuff of fiction, every feeling, every thought; every quality of brain and spirit is drawn upon, no perception comes amiss." Virginia Woolf - [James #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/james-1/) - “We learn to write by writing, not by just facing an empty page and dreaming of the wonderful success we are going to have.” PD James - [Burroway#6](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway6/) - “‘Almost all good stories are sad because it is the human struggle that engages us readers and listeners the most’ (from Robert Morgan)–and here I am, always looking for the happy ending.” Janet Burroway - [Perkins #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/perkins-1/) - “Don’t ever defer to my judgment...for a writer of any account must speak solely for himself.” Maxwell Perkins, Editor - [Burroway # 2](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-2/) - “The mystique and the false glamour of the writing profession grow partly out of a mistaken belief that people who can express profound ideas and emotions have ideas and emotions more profound than the rest of us. It isn't so. The ability to express is a special gift with a special craft to support it - [le Carre #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/le-carre-1/) - “It’s a principle of mine to come into the story as late as possible, and to tell it as fast as you can. The later you join the story, the more quickly you draw the audience into the middle.” John le Carre - [Hawkins #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/hawkins-1/) - “I’m a writer – I sit in a room by myself making things up. That is where I’m happiest.” Paula Hawkins - [Grisham #2](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/grisham-2/) - "Write at least one page every day, without fail. If you’re trying to write a book, and you’re not writing at least one page a day, then the book is not going to get written." John Grisham - [Grisham #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/grisham-1/) - "When I started all this, my motives were pure, I was not driven by greed or money. I had a story." John Grisham - [Ludlum #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/ludlum-1/) - “It’s the hardest thing in the world to write the second book. The first one was easy. We’ve all got a story to tell. But writing the second book, that’s the difference between a professional and not a professional.” Robert Ludlum - [Hiaasen #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/hiaasen-1/) - "Writing is one of the loneliest and most solitary jobs you could have, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. To be able to create from nothing a story that makes people laugh — or even just think — is a talent that nobody should waste." Carl Hiaasen - [Morrison #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/morrison-1/) - “I am not very bright or very witty or very inventive after the sun goes down.” Toni Morrison - [Block #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/block-1/) - "You can learn a lot, but you can't learn talent." Lawrence Block - [Eisenhemer #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/eisenhemer-1/) - “A query letter is really a sales letter without the hype.” It should show that you have our market in mind, indicate the kind of color and life you can bring to your subject, and represent your best writing efforts.” Lisel Eisenhemer, Editor - [Appelbaum #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/appelbaum-1/) - “If you imagine, all the while while you’re copy-editing, that your manuscript is the work of a slipshod and possibly feeble-minded soul, you’ll find it easy to adopt the most effective copy-editing attitude: suspicion. Go slow and question everything." Judith Appelbaum - [Nowell #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/nowell-1/) - “In publishing, a novel by an unknown writer is a difficult thing to sell. The only thing more difficult is a novel by a writer who had some slight success and then, through failure to produce, has become a has-been.” Elizabeth Nowell, Literary Agent - [Sullivan #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/sullivan-1/) - “Slaying dragons, melting witches, and banishing demons is all fun and games until someone loses a sidekick—then it’s personal. The bad guy isn’t just the “bad guy” anymore, he’s the BAD GUY!” Michael J. Sullivan - [Joy #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/joy-1/) - “Anyone who says writing is easy isn't doing it right.” Amy Joy - [Aurelius #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/aurelius-1/) - “The blazing fire makes flames and brightness out of everything thrown into it.” Marcus Aurelius - [Spillane #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/spillane-1/) - “Nobody reads a book to get to the middle.” Mickey Spillane - [Banks #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/banks-1/) - “The trouble with writing fiction is that it has to make sense, whereas real life doesn't.” Iain M. Banks - [Schopenhauer #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/schopenhauer-1/) - “The business of the novelist is not to relate great events, but to make small ones interesting.” Arthur Schopenhauer - [Cronwell #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/cronwell-1/) - “Don't tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass.” Bernard Cornwell - [Connelly #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/connelly-1/) - “You know what I did after I wrote my first novel? I shut up and wrote twenty-three more." Michael Connelly - [Martin #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/martin-1/) - “I think there are two types of writers, the architects and the gardeners. The architects plan everything ahead of time, like an architect building a house. They know how many rooms are going to be in the house, what kind of roof they're going to have, where the wires are going to run, what kind - [Lewis #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lewis-1/) - “Child, to say the very thing you really mean, the whole of it, nothing more or less or other than what you really mean; that's the whole art and joy of words.” C.S. Lewis - [Neruda #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/neruda-1/) - “While I'm writing, I'm far away; and when I come back, I've gone.” Pablo Neruda - [King #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/king-1/) - “A little talent is a good thing to have if you want to be a writer. But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.” Stephen King - [RDB #11](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/rdb-11/) - “One of the joys of reading comes when a writer takes you through some little back alley of life that you never knew existed.” Renni Browne - [Burroway #5](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-5/) - “Any discipline or indulgence that actually helps nudge you into a position facing the page is acceptable.” Janet Burroway - [Gardner #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/gardner-1/) - “…almost every occurrence of such phrases as ‘she noticed’ and ‘she saw’ [should] be suppressed in favor of direct presentation of the thing seen.” John Gardner - [Burroway #7](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-7/) - “Like fiction itself, human dialogue attempts to marry logic to emotion.” Janet Burroway - [Hills #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/hills-1/) - “…coherence in the world [an author] creates is constituted of two concepts he holds, which may be in conflict: one is his world view, his sense of the way the world is; and the other is his sense of morality, the way the world ought to be.” Rust Hills - [Burroway #8](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-8/) - “The idea that is proposed, supposed, or speculated about in a fiction may be simple, and idealistic, like the notion in Cinderella that the good and beautiful will triumph. Or it may be profound and unprovable, like the theme in Oedipus Rex that man cannot escape his destiny but may be ennobled in the attempt. - [Burroway #3](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-3/) - “A ‘story’ is a series of events recorded in their chronological order. A ‘plot’ is a series of events deliberately arranged so as to reveal their dramatic, thematic, and emotional significance.” Janet Burroway - [Burroway #1](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/burroway-1/) - “Don't dread. Do.” Janet Burroway - [Brian Hawkison, Amazon.com](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/brian-hawkison-amazon-com/) - I would have to say that this book should be a must for all aspiring authors. Even, dare I say, to many established authors who make many of the mistakes that this book talks about. - [Gary Fisketjon, Vice President and Senior Editor, Alfred A. Knopf](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/gary-fisketjon-vice-president-senior-editor-alfred-knopf/) - The only practical guide to the craft of writing that is both inspiring and essential. - [Lawrence Block, bestselling mystery author and author of Telling Lies for Fun and Profit](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lawrence-block-bestselling-mystery-author-author-telling-lies-fun-profit/) - Specific, pertinent, entertaining advice from two real pros. I recommend it highly. - [Sol Stein, author of Stein on Writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/sol-stein-author-stein-writing/) - My students–including the published novelists–ought to read Self-Editing for Fiction Writers once a year, the Show and Tell chapter even more often. - [Los Angeles Times](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/los-angeles-times/) - An entire book on improving what you’ve written is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, which comes from professional editors who know their stuff. - [Library Journal](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/library-journal/) - A superb tutorial for anyone wanting to learn from pros how to polish fiction writing with panache. - [Kathleen Tremblay](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/kathleen-tremblay/) - “I've had nothing but positive experiences with The Editorial Department. They go above and beyond to give prompt, friendly service. And Shannon Roberts' comments on my manuscript are always insightful and spot on. I would recommend them without hesitation!” Kathleen Tremblay Los Angeles, CA - [Charles Elkins](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/charles-elkins/) - "I've looked for someone to help me for years and finally found The Editorial Department. They truly care about writers trying to make it in this market. I'm satisfied with the work of The Editorial Department." Charles Elkins Albuquerque, NM - [Cynthia Anderson](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/cynthia-anderson/) - "The staff at The Editorial Department is first-rate. In my dealings with them I’ve found them to be prompt, professional, and extremely good at what they do. The work is innovative and creative. The company is well run too. Every time I called, someone actually answered the phone and either provided assistance or put me - [Jane Howatt](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jane-howatt/) - "I've digested Renni Browne and Shannon Roberts' notes, comments, suggestions and encouragement and can honestly say I've never been more fired up about a rewrite. Their insights, thoughtful analyses and gentle techniques for steering me past my thousand squishy sentences have given me the tools and ideas I need to put the final polish on - [Mark Davis](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mark-davis/) - "I recommend this service to any writer who wants a balanced, constructive appraisal of his or her work." Mark Davis Columbus, OH - [Mike Lusk](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/mike-lusk/) - "I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help bring out the best in my manuscript. They gave me great value for the money." Mike Lusk Geneva, IL - [Millie Richmond](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/millie-richmond/) - "I was delighted with the detailed comments about my manuscript and welcomed the straightforward suggestions of what worked and what needed to be strengthened. Overall, it was a valuable learning experience that veered me down paths I wouldn't have thought of on my own." Millie Richmond Sebring, FL - [Robin Merrill](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/robin-merrill/) - "I feel the comments and annotations were helpful and even more important, instructive. It's like a personalized download of college-level critique focused on my work, my writing skills and techniques. Awesome." Robin Merrill Mesa, AZ - [Tommy Black](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/tommy-black/) - "Excellent input, great communication. Felt personally connected to each person I spoke with. I especially enjoyed the honest feedback and the way the criticisms were given. I have become a better writer as a result of my interaction with Betsy White and the rest of the Editorial Department." Tommy Black Midway, GA - [Barbara Ledingham](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/barbara-ledingham/) - "I was pleased with the prompt responses, professionalism, knowledge of craft, and caring I experienced. It really did feel like you guys were allies. Working with Shannon Roberts has been wonderful. She gets it. She can be tough and I don't always want to hear what she has to say, but as it sinks in - [Jeff Bolinger](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/jeff-bolinger/) - "Excellent communication and professional in every sense of the word." Jeff Bolinger Hampton, Australia - [Lee Libro](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lee-libro/) - "A very helpful set of services and exceptionally talented staff. My critique and evaluation were delivered to me in a timely manner. The quality of commentary was very helpful and critiques were articulate, allowing me to improve my manuscript." Lee Libro Lakewood Ranch, FL - [Terry Green](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/terry-green/) - "As I've come to expect from TED, the business end was flawless and smooth. I felt as though I had a partner in the work." Terry Green Sherman Oaks, CA - [Steve Little](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/steve-little/) - "Personable communication tailored to my needs. Pleasure to work with, gave excellent advice and delivered excellent feedback." Steve Little Westfield, NJ - [Melanie Reese Senn](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/melanie-reese-senn/) - "I had no idea what to expect when I sent you the manuscript, and I am SO GLAD I did. I'm ready to begin the revision, and thanks to your feedback, I know what to do. I frankly feel like I've gotten an education from this process, an invaluable one. It was far worth every - [Maria S. Sanchez](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/maria-s-sanchez/) - "Very satisfactory at all levels. The interactions with my editor have been very pleasant, and her comments and suggestions are extremely helpful, not only for revising this one manuscript, but also for acquiring a better understanding of all of the elements involved in the writing of a novel." Maria S. Sanchez San Francisco, CA - [Lorilee Lippincott](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/lorilee-lippincott/) - "I found TED through a recommendation of one of my favorite authors. I was honestly blown away with their professionalism and customer service through the entire process. Their communication, as well as the work they performed exceeded my expectations." Lorilee Lippincott Omaha, Nebraska - [Heather Denniss](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/heather-denniss/) - "I am not objective when it comes to The Editorial Department. Everyone was professional, friendly, encouraging, and gave terrific advice. I learned so much, but the lesson that will stick with me is that I put my trust in The Editorial Department in the first place." Heather Denniss Oregon, Ohio - [George Sopasakis](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/george-sopasakis/) - "I appreciated the frank criticism along with the suggestions to improve the work. It has definitely improved dramatically the end product. This input from TED has been a worthwhile investment." George Sopasakis College Station, TX - [Estela Bernal](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/estela-bernal/) - "The comments received and questions raised open up new avenues to explore and generate new ideas that would not have occurred to me otherwise. The encouragement is a real boost to my confidence and inspires me to think bigger and bolder. This service has made a tremendous difference in my development as a writer. It's - [Larry Bonner](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/larry-bonner/) - "I've employed editorial services in the past, but The Editorial Department is so far above those that they've set a new standard for me. Professional, expert and incredibly easy to work with." Larry Bonner Delray Beach, FL - [Noreene Storrie](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial/noreene-storrie/) - "I am very happy. I think I got good advice delivered with heart." Noreene Storrie New York, NY ## Categories - [The Writer’s Craft](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/the-writers-craft/) - THE WRITER’S CRAFT explores various principles, techniques, and guidelines to help authors of all genres improve writing and storytelling craft. - [The Editor’s Craft and Process](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/the-editors-craft/) - THE EDITOR’S CRAFT AND PROCESS: A behind-the-scenes look at how our editors work and what authors can expect in working with us. - [Ask an Agent](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/getting-published/ask-an-agent/) - Informal Q&A’s with literary agents on topics of interest to aspiring authors. - [Getting Published](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/getting-published/) - GETTING PUBLISHED: Articles by Editorial Department staff on finding a literary agent, getting published, being published, and the traditional marketplace in general. - [Self Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/self-publishing/) - SELF PUBLISHING: Tips, advice, and guidance for authors considering self publishing. - [Book Reviews](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/book-reviews/) - BOOK REVIEWS: Craft-focused reviews and analysis from our editorial staff on popular titles—geared toward writers. - [Recommended Reading](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/recommended/) - RECOMMENDED READING is a repository for recommendations from our editorial staff on our favorite books on writing and publishing. - [Behind The Bestsellers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/behind-the-bestsellers-2/) - BEHIND THE BESTSELLERS considers the art and craft of popular and bestselling novels–and what writers can learn from their authors. - [Going Hollywood](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/going-hollywood/) - GOING HOLLYWOOD: Insights for screenwriters and book authors interested in adaptation to feature film and streaming markets. - [Industry Insights](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/industry-insights/) - INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Insiders’ perspectives on what writers need to know about publishing in 2024 and beyond. - [The Writing Life](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/category/the-writing-life/) - THE WRITING LIFE: Perspectives, stories, and tips on the creative process of writing. ## Tags - [TED/John Marlow](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-john-marlow/) - Advice on fiction writing, screenwriting, publshing, and screenplay adaptation from author and Academy-honored screenwriter John Marlow. - [TED/ Ross Browne](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-ross-browne/) - Book reviews, writing tips, and guidance on writing, publishing, and getting published from Ross Browne, owner of publishing’s oldest freelance editorial firm. - [TED/ Peter Gelfan](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-peter-gelfan/) - Posts by author and editor Peter Gelfan, who specializes in developmental editing, line editing, and author coaching for fiction and narrative nonfiction. - [TED/ Renni Browne](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-renni-browne/) - Posts on writing and publshing by Editorial Department founder and coauthor of Self-Editing For Fiction Writers Renni Browne. - [TED/ Lindsay Guzzardo](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-linday-guzzardo/) - Posts by editor and literary agent Lindsay Guzzardo, who specializes in critique and developmental editing of contemporary women’s fiction and romance. - [POV](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/pov/) - Insights from our editors on establishing and maintaining viewpoint and handling point of view in novels and short stories. - [Mystery Writing Technique](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/mystery-writing-technique/) - Tips, insights and guidance from our editors on mystery writing and craft-focused reviews of bestselling titles in the genre. - [YA & MG Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/ya/) - Tips. guidance, and publshing perspectives from our editors who specialize in middle grade and young adult fiction. - [Characterization Technique](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/characterization/) - Tips, insights, and observations from our editorial staff about the craft of writing memorable characters in popular, mainstream, and literary fiction. - [Crime Fiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/crime-fiction/) - Perspectives, book reviews, and guidance from our editors to help authors craft riveting mysteries, suspense novels, and thrillers. - [Plotting & Pacing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/plotting-pacing/) - Reflections from our editorial staff on the art and craft of gripping plotting in fiction and how to create page-turning stories. - [Writers' Toolbox](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/writers-toolbox/) - Tips, insights, and guidance from our editorial staff for fiction and nonfiction writers of all genres. - [On Getting Published](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/getting-published/) - Perspective, guidance, and success stories to help writers of all genres break into print and successfully publish your first book. - [Handling Exposition](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/handling-exposition/) - Explores the all-important topic of writing unobtrusive exposition in fiction, how to avoid “info-dumps”, and examples of best practices in action. - [Story Structure](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/story-structure/) - Reflections on story structure in popular fiction. - [Self Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/self-publishing/) - Information, guidance, and resources from our editors for authors considering self publishing or already underway publishing your own book. - [Traditional Publishing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/traditional-publishing/) - Information, guidance, and industry insights from our editorial staff for authors seeking traditionally publication for book-length fiction and nonfiction. - [Screenplay Adaptation](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/screenplay-adaptation/) - Insights, suggestions, and guidance from our staff on how books become movies and how we can help to improve your odds of successful book to screen adaptation. - [Writing Fantasy](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/fantasy/) - Insights, tips, and writing advice from our editors on the fantasy genre. - [About Developmental Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/developmental-editing/) - Exploration of what developmental editing is and how it helps maximize quality of concept, execution, story, and pacing prior to publication. - [About Line and Copy Editing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/line-level-editing/) - Explores the intentions and best practices of line editing, copy editing, and proofreading to hone voice, correct grammar and punctuation, and polish writing. - [Finding a Literary Agent](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/finding-a-literary-agent/) - Advice, tips, and perspectives from our editors on how to improve the odds of landing the perfect literary agent for your novel or nonfiction work. - [Query Letters and Pitchcraft](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/pitchcraft/) - Tips from our editors on query letters, synopses, loglines, and what writers need to pitch manuscripts and book proposals to literary agents and publishers. - [TED/ Karinya Funsett](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-karinya-funsett/) - Posts by editor and publishing consultant Karinya Funsett, who specializes in editing and traditional publishing support for fiction and narrative nonfiction. - [TED/Sean Fletcher](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-sean-fletcher/) - Posts from author and editor Sean Fletcher, who specializes in manuscript critique, author coaching, and developmental editing for adult, MG, and YA fiction. - [TED/Whitney Bak](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-whitney-bak/) - Posts from editor, book doctor, and publishing consultant Whitney Bak, who specializes in author coaching and editing for fiction and narrative nonfiction. - [TED/ Shannon Roberts](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-shannon-roberts/) - Posts from editor Shannon Roberts, who specializes in manuscript critique, developmental editing, and line editing for adult and YA fiction. - [About Editing Nonfiction](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/nonfiction-editing/) - Explores our editors’ intentions and best practices of evaluating and editing nonfiction works of all genres. - [Sci-Fi](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/sci-fi/) - Information from our editors for writers of science fiction and speculative fiction. - [Trends](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/trends/) - Insights and perspectives from our staff on trends in publishing. - [TED/ Marcia Ford](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-marcia-ford/) - Posts by author, editor, and ghostwriter Marcia Ford, who specializes in manuscript critique, line and copy editing, and book collaboration. - [TED/Gregory Collins](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/ted-gregory-collins/) - [How The Pros Do It](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/pros/) - Expert insights, tips, and professional advice on writing and publishing from our editorial staff based on bestselling novels in numerous genres. - [YA & MG FictionHow The Pros Do It](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/ya-mg-fictionhow-the-pros-do-it/) - [ghostwriting](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/ghostwriting/) - [collaboration](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/collaboration/) - [TED/ Charles Kingsley](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/by-charles-kingsley/) - Posts by author and screenwriter Charles Kingsley, who specializes in story planning and ghostwriting books and screenplays. - [book proposals](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/book-proposals/) - [critique](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/critique/) - [query and synopsis writing](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/query-and-synopsis-writing/) - [Outlining](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/tag/outlining/) ## FAQ Categories - [1. Working with TED](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq_category/working-with-ted/) - [Renni's Words of Wisdom](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq_category/renni-wisdom/) - [Book Proposal FAQs](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/faq_category/book-proposal-faqs/) - Frequently Asked Questions About Book Proposals ## Testimonial Categories - [Editorial](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/editorial/) - [RDB](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/rdb/) - [Betsy White](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/betsy-white/) - [Karinya Funsett-Topping](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/karinya-funsett-topping/) - [Peter Gelfan](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/peter-gelfan/) - [Doug Wagner](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/doug-wagner/) - [Jane Ryder](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/jane-ryder/) - [Ross Browne](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/ross-browne/) - [Shannon Roberts](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/shannon-roberts/) - [John Marlow](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/john-marlow/) - [Fiction Writers](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/fiction-writers/) - [Writing Quotes](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/writing-quotes/) - [Rave Reviews](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/rave-reviews/) - Rave Reviews of TED clients’ books. - [Published](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/published/) - [Diane Stockwell](http://www.editorialdepartment.com/testimonial-category/diane-stockwell/)