How to Edit Your Novel by Karin Beery

Genre: Reference
Publisher: Bold Vision Books
Publication Date: November 2023

I have easily read a dozen or more writing and editing books to learn everything Karin Beery teaches in How to Edit Your Novel. She brings together so many aspects of the process in one invaluable resource.

Tackling story structure, showing vs. telling, dialogue, formatting, and so much more, it blew me away how much she packed into 202 pages without overwhelming the reader. Broken down by topic into bite-size, digestible sections, Beery’s experience both as an editor and teacher shone through.

This is one resource I wish I’d had back when I first started my writing and editing journey. Though written with beginners in mind, writers and editors at all stages can benefit. I recommend this book to:

• New writers and editors.
• Non-beginners wanting a refresher.
• Writers with limited time and funds. Seriously! Not everyone can spend the hours and money required to read dozens of books. How to Edit Your Novel allows them to cover a lot and see what their trouble areas are so they can focus their resources on those topics.

Full disclosure, I did take some editing courses with Beery, but it did not affect my review or thoughts. On the contrary, I worried about not loving it. What if I felt like it was okay but didn’t meet a need or void? I worried unnecessarily! To borrow a cliché (which you will learn about in Chapter 6), I will put my money where my mouth is and purchase a paperback copy to add to my shelf of quick-access, often-revisited writing and editing books.

Review copy provided by author. Thanks!

 

Write a Novel in Ten Minutes a Day by Katharine Grubb

Genre: Reference
Publisher: Teach Yourself
Publication Date: March 2015

The only thing Write a Novel in Ten Minutes a Day won’t do is write your novel for you. Other than that, Katharine Grubb carries her readers on a step-by-step process that covers every stop on the writing journey. This book explores every stage starting with a novel that’s little more than a dream and ending with how to find a publisher.

As I made my way through the first chapters, I thought this book would be a journal of sorts, something to complement my “real” writing and get the creative juices flowing. Little did I realize that the author was subtly getting me into the habit of writing 10 minutes a day (sometimes multiple sessions) to prepare me to eventually delve into the full-fledged novel work.

Grubb covered so many aspects that I don’t feel I can do them justice. But here is a small glimpse of some of the topics addressed: planning, finding your voice, story and plot, characters, point of view, scenes, dialogue, opening lines and hooks, writing, revising, and much, much more.

The author makes this book personal by sharing her own journey toward learning to juggle writing around a husband, kids, and homeschooling. But if you don’t fit any of those categories, don’t worry — neither do I — this book still has plenty to offer. Because, at the end of the day, everyone has a life, responsibilities, and demands on his/her time and attention. It doesn’t matter whether you are a full-time writer or balancing it in around a job, a family, etc., Write a Novel in Ten Minutes a Day is a great resource.

Needless to say, for the sake of this review, I couldn’t dedicate the time required for a book like this. However, I now intend to go back through it at a slower pace to ensure I absorb everything I possibly can from its pages.

Review copy provided by the author. Thanks!