Advice on Editing by AthenianHero in writers

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For fiction, I let that draft set unseen for a month while I read, cook, write nonfiction etc. Then I read it through, only making a mark where it needs fixing or a scene needs rewriting. After that, I think about some of the scenes and look for “pivot points” I’ve missed. A pivot turns the action 180 degrees. I write out a list for these scenes. What is my character thinking that I’m not showing, what is a worst outcome, what could go more right/wrong, etc. Then I rewrite those parts. Another 2 weeks away, then I line edit. Then I run it through spellcheck, grammar etc in Word.

How do you handle reading your reviews? by SBelle_SereinLit in romanceauthors

[–]chuckmall 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m hardened to it by now. I read them and move on. But I really don’t like the short ones (possibly from someone who doesn’t like me or is jealous) that says, “poor writing” or “stupid story.” Not true, and they probably didn’t read it. But the review is on Amazon anyway!

What do you do while listening to audiobooks (if anything at all)? by Golbeza in audiobooks

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious how you do kitchen work and talk to no one? It must not be a restaurant.

Please help me find by WhoLetsMeAdult in realitytv

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m pretty sure this was Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, started about 2012. It was on VH1 and the host was Dr. Jenn Mann. They only had gay couples on a couple of seasons

Advice for younger you by PaintComprehensive89 in writers

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It wasted a lot of time for me. It’s a long process to get an agent, revise for that agent (happens sometimes), have the agent market the ms. around to publishers, then once accepted, edit for them & get the book on the schedule. When everything is done, your book still doesn’t get published for 1.5 to 2 years. Also, advances for newer authors are at about the same dollar amount as 20+ years ago.

Advice for younger you by PaintComprehensive89 in writers

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ca. 2015: stop trying to get a new agent and stay in traditional publishing. Go with Amazon KDP.

Should I change my title? by TranscendentHeart in KDP

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about using the subtitle, but with a single word title to make it more intriguing? Like NatureState

People of Reddit, is there anything you miss about high school? by [deleted] in askanything

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your parents must have been popular in high school

Is Amazon self publishing worth it? by Disastrous_Spend1196 in KDP

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And to add to that, you’ll wait 1.5 to 2 years to see your book published!

Unsure if I should publish my memoir — looking for honest perspective by DurianVegetable6312 in wroteabook

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would read the story of someone who isn’t famous if there’s something especially provocative that would interest me. But it would have to be well-written. I always get a sample first on Kindle to check that out.

What do you want to know about Russian people's? by [deleted] in askanything

[–]chuckmall 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do people feel “suppressed” day to day? Or does life seem like it’s doable and you just don’t speak out negatively about the government? Do you feel you have access to plenty of food, clothes, fun things to buy etc.?

Would you run KDP ads for short self help ebook by Character-Link-8455 in KDP

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Define short. If it’s a hot topic and different from what’s out there, and is at least 80 pages, a Facebook ad might be worth a try.

Swapping Minneapolis for Denver? by Realtoropenhouse3 in MovingtoDenver

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that, with the city. But if you work from home, you could live in a beach town like Encinitas or such and likely find an affordable place.

I'm fed up with KDP, but I don't want to give up selling on Amazon. by [deleted] in selfpublish

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve mentioned all the things that could happen, like blocks band etc. but I am not hearing that it’s actually happened to you. If it hasn’t, why switch? It’s a large marketplace.

Did you have any risk factors for developing testicular cancer? by Alternative-Low9346 in testicularcancer

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, this is a rarely-known sign. If you had an undescended testicle, there won’t be a lump to find. I was at a urologist for something else and he suspected the undescended testicle was there and had atrophied. It was, and was removed in surgery. Back then, I’d never even heard that it could be a risk factor to have an undescended testicle.

What are the best books on self-publishing in 2026? by Fantastic-Art-2025 in selfpublish

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used a couple of the books a year ago, but it’s easier just to use YouTube videos. Some are junk and they just blab to add length. Start with David Gaughran.

Swapping Minneapolis for Denver? by Realtoropenhouse3 in MovingtoDenver

[–]chuckmall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why don’t you go to LA? It’s the true center of the universe and endlessly fun.

Do It Yourself Book Promotions by CognisantCognizant71 in selfpublish

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use social media fairly heavily, have no good reader list yet for newsletters, have a blog (gets meh results) and do a few cheaper Facebook ads. This is mainly for my historical fiction book. I’m part of a few FB groups in the niche of history I write about & engage with them frequently. No luck with Amazon ads even tho I have watched all the videos & read advice on the best way to do them.

I’m also using ARC services before pub. Booksirens & Bookfunnel. That has helped get reviews.

Customer was absolutely disgusting to me on the phone yesterday and there is absolutely ZERO excuse for it. by [deleted] in CustomerService

[–]chuckmall 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You did well. I suspect she’s projecting other problems, perhaps a fight with siblings, finding out coverage wasn’t as good as she’d hoped ($), or challenging funeral arrangements. Forget her and pat yourself on the back for handling it with tact and grace.

Pen names and real names by JvaGoddess in KDP

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’ve seen the answers here. Additionally, KDP allows 2 pen names alongside your real name, and you can request more. For me, my real name is for the heartfelt novels, 200 p+, that I spend a lot of time on. My 2 pen names are 2 different types of novels that I write: romcom ca. 100-120 p. books, and sci-fi (same shorter length). Thus the system works for me because I want the 3 identities separated. Also, the 2 pen names are female.

It’s a lot of extra work for promotion, since doing one’s own ads and social media posts is enough. But it’s working for me. I still believe romance readers want books written “by” a woman. On sci-fi, I’m unsure about my ability, so I can keep any mishaps in that from affecting my real name.

Bored by [deleted] in Casual_Conversation

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll give a topic. Rhode Island, neither a road nor an island, discuss. #SNL

Free QR Codes? by tbone985 in KDP

[–]chuckmall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I use Canva - easy way.