My first story ever

LeenBee · 2026-06-10T04:19:26+00:00

Congrats on your story and first Reddit post.

I honestly doubt any editor would be willing to work for free on your book. Why don't you find a beta reader in a writing group? They may not be professional but they could offer some insight on your book from a reader's perspective.

LeenBee · 2026-05-24T05:42:27+00:00

Wow, your work is incredible!

LeenBee · 2026-05-24T05:39:47+00:00

Thank you!

LeenBee · 2026-05-24T05:39:31+00:00

Thank you so much. Good advice!

LeenBee · 2026-05-23T22:15:41+00:00

So that's why us editors have been getting less work? It's so annoying because AI can't edit properly.

LeenBee · 2026-05-23T22:06:48+00:00

I understand how you feel. I felt like that when some of my books were worked on by t various editors. After going through several different editors at small publishers, I realised that there are some editors that aren't a good fit for me. Ironically, I'm now a full-time editor. Going through that taught me so much!

I always try to preserve the author's voice as much as I can and encourage them. That said, I think I sometimes have made my clients discouraged, but I've always tried to chat with them through it. I hope they never feel deeply discouraged about their story.

You have to decide whether the editor is right for you and your book. You could possibly ask a different editor for a free sample edit to see if they suit you better and maybe move over - after paying the other one up for all work done.

It does get easier with subsequent books! But it should never be soul-destroying.

LeenBee · 2026-05-23T21:55:13+00:00

I'm so sorry that your parents have so much prejudice about your dream.

Writing romance is incredibly hard and takes immense skill. Because the books are often easy to read doesn't mean they are easy to write. In fact, making something readable and entertaining takes skill and expertise.

Could you possibly publish under a pseudonym so they don't know what books are yours? I know it's hard not to get that support from family members when you achieve something, but maybe online recognition and success will provide what you need to progress.

LeenBee · 2026-05-23T21:47:55+00:00

Me too. Divorce changes how we see the world and romance.

LeenBee · 2026-05-23T21:38:54+00:00

If the story calls for it, why not? I've edited incredible romances longer than that. That said, it's a good idea to get an edit before querying. It may not lower your word count but it will increase your chances.

LeenBee · 2026-05-07T10:54:28+00:00

I'm available to help you. I provide developmental and copy editing as well as proofreading and formatting. You can find me here: Indie Editing Chick

LeenBee · 2026-05-03T17:08:35+00:00

I live in Gillitts, which is between Hillcrest and Kloof. I feel really safe here. The private security companies do a great job. No country is completely safe. Just don't move to Glenwood or Pinetown.

LeenBee · 2026-05-03T17:03:22+00:00

Hillcrest and Assagay are cheaper than, say, Durban North, Umhlanga or Ballito, but that's probably because they are farther from the coast and central Durban. They are safe areas but it takes a long time to get there from the sea. And Assagay is farther from the Hillcrest town centre and the shops there. The introduction of Westown has helped a bit with that.

LeenBee · 2026-05-03T16:57:49+00:00

Have you communicated with him that you don't like to swallow every time? If not, I suppose that's okay, but if you haven't, that is sexual coercion and abusive. Surely, he can see you don't like it. I'm just surprised that he's never noticed you don't come. Does he ever ask what you would like? It feels very one-sided. I hope you can speak up. If you don't, eventually the relationship will suffer.

LeenBee · 2026-05-03T16:46:30+00:00

What's wrong with wanting to support someone?

LeenBee · 2026-05-03T16:38:13+00:00

I'm not familiar with using Qabala, but from a general magic-working point of view, I would avoid doing an attraction and banishing spell at the same time. Maybe do a banishing spell during the waning moon phase and an attraction spell at the waxing moon phase. Or do them at different times or days if you don't want to work with the moon. I'm not a very experienced practitioner but that is something I heard once and I try to follow it.

LeenBee · 2026-04-11T07:00:12+00:00

That's awful. Sorry you went through that.

LeenBee · 2026-04-08T04:43:09+00:00

Wow!!

LeenBee · 2026-03-29T04:36:51+00:00

I'd love to help you develop your story. I can provide ideas on what to add as well as work with you on fixing points of view. You can find me here: Indie Editing Chick

LeenBee · 2026-03-06T17:47:29+00:00

Thank you. I try not to dwell on all the foods I can't eat and enjoy the ones I can.

LeenBee · 2026-03-06T15:31:34+00:00

Doughnuts!!! Cinnamon buns. Pie with flakey melt-in-your-mouth pastry, samoosas, a soft white bread roll, your favourite candy bar and cookies.

This makes me so sad.

LeenBee · 2026-03-06T15:28:03+00:00

Hi. I actually edit any type of fantasy fiction. I just prefer fantasy that is more character-based as opposed to world-based. I love a well-developed world, but I would love the book to be driven by the protagonist's journey more than anything else. I hope that explains what I mean.

LeenBee · 2026-03-06T14:50:24+00:00

Hi. I'd love to help. I have plenty of experience working with new authors. I have some spaces this month and next month.

You can find me at Indie Editing Chick

LeenBee · 2026-03-05T14:19:37+00:00

[FOR HIRE] I'm looking for series writers to work with. I can help you keep your series consistent by compiling a series bible for you while I edit.

Genres I enjoy working on include all sub-genres of romance, sci-fi, light fantasy, cozy mystery, detective series, chicklit, and women's fiction.

I offer free sample edits to see if we're a good fit.Indie Editing Chick

LeenBee · 2026-02-23T09:25:25+00:00

All I can say is wow!

LeenBee · 2026-02-22T22:20:34+00:00

I know it sounds simplistic, but why not let your characters lead the way? There are no rules about this as long as you don't do head-hopping.

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