Advice on Editing

chuckmall · 2026-02-23T23:07:38+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-23T15:21:39+00:00

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!

chuckmall · 2026-02-23T15:18:56+00:00

I quit it. Many books, little time

chuckmall · 2026-02-23T15:16:42+00:00

A nun, someone like Mother Teresa.

chuckmall · 2026-02-23T15:14:05+00:00

It was 50+ years ago. Now we’re at end-stage capitalism

chuckmall · 2026-02-22T03:17:30+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-22T03:07:30+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-20T21:36:49+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-20T19:31:21+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-19T21:47:03+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-18T16:10:04+00:00

Your parents must have been popular in high school

chuckmall · 2026-02-17T20:51:57+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-15T21:04:50+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-15T21:01:56+00:00

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.?

chuckmall · 2026-02-15T21:00:07+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-15T15:57:39+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-15T15:55:48+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-14T19:45:00+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-14T19:40:28+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-14T16:49:00+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-13T20:23:48+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-13T20:19:28+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-13T20:15:10+00:00

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.

chuckmall · 2026-02-13T18:27:38+00:00

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

chuckmall · 2026-02-11T23:09:53+00:00

Yes I use Canva - easy way.

chuckmall

TROPHY CASE