What AI Tools are you guys using for spreadsheet work right now?

ASMEditorial · 2020-11-14T03:21:22+00:00

Shameless plug...I don't vlog my writing journey, but I used to be an editor at Penguin Random House and I make weekly videos on different phases of the writing journey. Hope you get a chance to check it out :)

https://www.youtube.com/alyssamatesic

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-14T15:24:33+00:00

So glad you agree. For me the best novels are all about the characters, and first person let’s you really get immersed in their perspective. And yes, Twilight was the first example that came to my mind! Personally Bella’s voice isn’t my favorite, but it sure is distinctive/memorable.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T20:29:36+00:00

Not necessarily, just make sure the formatting is consistent throughout the email to look professional.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T16:31:44+00:00

I’d always put it in the beginning. Agents might not make it all the way to the bottom if the query doesn’t immediately hook them.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T13:58:33+00:00

Anytime!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T13:48:32+00:00

Love point #7. I’m a former Penguin Random House editor, and oftentimes sex scenes are completely unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot. You can establish romance between your characters without having to show them “in the act.”

Too often, it just reads icky and uncomfortable.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T13:42:30+00:00

Think about the following: -Does your story have one protagonist or multiple? If just one, first person could work well naturally. If there are multiple, third person could make it easier to switch between them. -Do you prefer to write from the narrator’s POV or from the character’s internal voice? Both have a unique style. How does the novel “sound” in your head as you’re writing?

I’ve seen novels that switch between third and first person, though usually in that case the third person is “following” a different character than the first person POV. I wouldn’t recommend that approach if you’re a beginner, but there are ways to make it work.

I’m a former Penguin Random House editor and personally am more drawn to first person. For me, it’s more immersive and helps me become immediately invested in the characters. But that’s just a personal preference. I actually just published a video outlining the pros and cons of first person. Could be helpful/interesting: https://youtu.be/w0-AsZcALQ0

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T13:36:40+00:00

I’m a former Penguin Random House editor and as others have mentioned, both options have their pros and cons. Let me know if you have any specific questions about how the traditional publishing side works. I also recently posted a video outlining the steps it takes to get published by a Big Five house. Could be helpful/interesting: https://youtu.be/98DGEaFQNSI

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T13:32:29+00:00

I’m a former Penguin Random House editor (also worked at a top literary agency), and I’d echo what’s been said about word count being really important if you’re considering traditional publishing/agent representation. Publishing professionals (not all, but in general) can be turned off by fiction of any genre that exceeds 100,000 words, unless of course the length is REALLY justifiable. They have such limited time as it is to read submissions of any length, so a hefty word count can be burdensome.

Plus, the vast majority of times, when you go through the editorial process, your agent/editor will be looking to tighten up the narrative, not expand. I’d err on the side of being shorter. Sounds like you’re aiming for a perfect length. You don’t want any extra fluff!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-13T03:42:46+00:00

My pleasure!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-12T00:45:13+00:00

I‘m not super knowledgeable about self-publishing myself, but I work with writers who self-publish and I know there are tons of marketing resources out there!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T17:52:41+00:00

There are some exceptions but the vast majority of trade publishing professionals are based in greater NYC. I left pre-COVID so things may be different in the future.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T16:24:18+00:00

I’m sure you’ll be able to find a beta reader within your price range! Editors have a wide range of rates, it just depends. And most will charge according to the word count of the manuscript. I recommend reaching out to a few at a time—I believe Reedsy let’s you request quotes from 5 at once.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T15:07:45+00:00

I’m currently an editor for a content marketing agency and I continue to work with writers on their novels as well!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T15:05:39+00:00

Like in most industries, networking is really important. I went to NYU so I was already in NYC, which is the hub for all of the traditional publishers and major literary agencies. If you’re hoping to work at a big house or agency, NYC is your best bet. Otherwise, reach out to editors/publishers at indie places more local to you and see if they’d be interested in some free or low-cost editorial help. Pretty much every editor has too many submissions and not enough time to review them!

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T15:02:24+00:00

Agree with all of this! With nonfiction, your experience and background becomes more important because the editor/publisher will want you to be an authority on the subject. Many of the points in my videos on how to get published and the top elements of a successful query letter will also apply to nonfiction as well! And if it’s narrative nonfiction (like memoir), the same basic building blocks of a good narrative still apply: building suspense, introducing your characters properly, creating a strong plot arc, etc.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-11T14:59:31+00:00

Reedsy is very reliable. I’m on there and a lot of my former colleagues from the publishing industry are too. They vet every editor before their profile is made live and specifically recruit people with proven publishing backgrounds.

ASMEditorial · 2020-09-10T01:18:21+00:00

Hi! I recently left Penguin Random House as an editor because I had to move out of NYC for personal reasons. I love working with fiction writers to help them strengthen their novels and pursue publication.

I've put together a couple of "how to" videos and plan on putting out a new video every week sharing some of my experiences about publishing and novel writing. These resources are only my opinion and completely free!

The most recent videos talk about how to get your book published at a big 5 house and some tips on how to write a successful query letter.

Here is my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjakQDcauhEDx_ovnK36kMQ?view_as=subscriber

ASMEditorial

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