Articles written by Gary Smailes

How To Write A Short Story

Gary Smailes - Updated: Feb 12, 2021.

In this article, you’ll discover what constitutes a good short story, you’ll learn one technique you can use to create a readable story, and you’ll also find out what one very famous writer has to say about the art of writing short stories.

How To Develop A Writing Habit For Your Next Book

Gary Smailes - Updated: Feb 05, 2021.

How to Develop a Writing Habit for your next book

In this article, you will learn about famous authors and their habits, what science has to say about developing a habit and what you can do to create your writing habit.

8 Proven Ways To Be More Creative And Improve Your Writing (With Scientific Evidence)

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jan 28, 2021.

8 proven ways to be more creative and improve your writing (with scientific evidence)

In this article, you’ll discover proven ways to be more creative; you’ll learn how to ensure you are creating better ideas, and you’ll find out ways to ensure that you can conjure up your most creative self each time you sit down to write.

How To Start Writing A Book

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jan 22, 2021.

If you have ever thought about writing a book, but don’t know where to start, then this article is for you. You’ll discover the three critical elements of writing; you’ll find why knowing who will read your book is essential, and you’ll learn that why ‘just starting’ is the best approach.

How Long Does It Take To Edit A Book?

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jan 14, 2021.

Knowing the time it will take for your book to be edited is an important part of the publishing process. It is often essential to be able to juggle the time taken for rewrites with booking in copyediting, proofreading, and even eBook conversion.

Developmental Editing For Non Fiction

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jan 07, 2021.

Developmental editing for non-fiction books is an essential part of the publishing process. However, finding the right editor can be challenging. In this article, you’ll discover what is required for non-fiction developmental editing, you’ll learn why each non-fiction book is different, and you’ll understand the skills needed for an editor to provide effective editing.

Manuscript Assessment Report: What You Should Expect

Gary Smailes - Updated: Nov 27, 2020.

Manuscript assessment report: what you should expect

There are several types of editorial feedback a writer can use for their books. These include developmental editing, copyediting, and even proofreading. However, one often overlooked type of editing is a manuscript assessment. Since a manuscript assessment is a less well-known type of feedback, it is not uncommon for writers to be unsure of what they will get for their money.

Is A Manuscript Assessment Worth It?

Gary Smailes - Updated: Nov 20, 2020.

Writers seeking feedback for their latest book face several editorial options, including developmental editing, copy editing, and even feedback from friends and family. In addition to these options, it is also worth considering a manuscript assessment.

Self Editing Your Book: Pre Edit Checklist

Gary Smailes - Updated: Nov 13, 2020.

Self-editing Your Book: Pre-edit Checklist

As a writer, it is essential to develop several skills. Gone are the days when completing a manuscript was enough. Instead, today writers must also be technically savvy, with the ability to market their work and edit their books.

In this article, you’ll discover why self-editing is essential; you’ll also learn why checklists can help and gain access to the checklist we use at BubbleCow when professionally editing writer’s novels.

How To Get The Most From Your Professional Book Edit: 8 Step Process

Gary Smailes - Updated: Nov 06, 2020.

How to get the most from your professional book edit: 8 Step Process

So, you’ve had your book professionally edited, and you are faced with the task of turning the feedback into something that lifts your book to the next level. This article will help you do that.

You will discover here how to get the most from your professional book edit. You’ll learn a step-by-step process that addresses all the feedback, while also applying those tracked changes and even doing major rewrites.

Developmental Editing Checklist: How To Edit Your Book Like A Pro

Gary Smailes - Updated: Oct 29, 2020.

Developmental Editing Checklist: How to Edit Your Book Like a Pro

Editing your book can be a daunting prospect. Everything is so much more than checking for typos and plot holes. It, therefore, makes sense to approach the task of self-editing with a clear outline.

This is best presented in a developmental editing checklist.

Book Editing Help: 9 Tips To Help You Edit Your Novel

Gary Smailes - Updated: Oct 22, 2020.

Book Editing Help: 9 Tips to Help You Edit Your Novel

When it comes to getting book editing help, it can be a long and complicated process. Book editing requires a writer to approach their books with a new and different mindset. In this article, you'll discover nine tips to help you better edit your book.

How Long Does A Developmental Edit Take?

Gary Smailes - Updated: Oct 16, 2020.

How long does a developmental edit take?

Developmental editing is a complex and time-consuming process designed to lift a book from its current draft to a publishable standard. It should take approximately one calendar month for an average-sized novel to be edited. However, several factors must be considered when working out the final turn around time for a developmental edit.

How To Format Dialogue In A Story [In Depth Guide For 2021]

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jul 19, 2021.

How To Format Dialogue In A Story [In-depth Guide for 2021]

Writing and formatting dialogue can be difficult for even the most experienced writer. The rules to formatting speech can often seem confusing and contradictory.

In this article, you’ll discover the best practice for formatting dialogue. You’ll learn simple rules that will allow you to writing dialogue like a pro and you’ll come away with an understanding that will allow you to write with freedom.

The Adverb Problem And Why Authors Should Care

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jul 19, 2021.

The Adverb Problem and Why Authors Should Care

In this article, I will set out to explain why so many famous authors (Stephen King being perhaps the most vocal) warn other authors against the use of adverbs. In fact, King’s hatred of adverbs is so intense that he’s been quoted as saying, “Adverbs are evil.”

Show Don’t Tell And How To Become A Better Writer

Gary Smailes - Updated: Jul 19, 2021.

Show Don’t Tell And How to Become A Better Writer

For some, show, don’t tell has become a cliché with little value, but as a professional editor, I’d insist that showing, not telling is the most powerful tool a writer can use. Utilizing this one technique will make you a better writer overnight. Afterall, clichés are clichés for a reason and there’s a strong element of wisdom behind the well-worn phrase.

How To Write Effective Dialogue In Your Novels

Gary Smailes - Updated: Oct 06, 2020.