Writing Techniques

How to Write a Flashback in Your Novel

How to write a flashback into your novel

Flashbacks are a powerful storytelling tool that, when used effectively, can deepen character development, reveal crucial backstory, and enhance the emotional resonance of your novel. However, misusing flashbacks can disrupt narrative flow and confuse readers. This comprehensive guide will explore the art of writing compelling flashbacks, offering practical tips and insights to help you integrate …

Edit Your Book

How to Line Edit Your Own Novel: A Comprehensive Guide

How to edit your own novel

Line editing your novel is one of the most essential and creative stages in the writing process. It’s the moment where your storytelling moves beyond the structural and developmental work and dives into refining your language, style, and clarity. A strong line edit can transform an average manuscript into a polished, publishable piece of fiction. …

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Book Editing: How to Transform Your Draft

Edit Your Book

Writing a book is a major achievement, but finishing the manuscript is only half the battle. The next crucial phase is editing. Learning how to edit your own book can help you transform your rough draft into a polished, professional final product – whether you’re planning to self-publish or submit to an agent. This step-by-step …

Manuscript Assessments

What is a Manuscript Assessment and Do I Need One?

What is a manuscript appraisal - The Writing Consultancy

A manuscript assessment, also known as a manuscript appraisal, structural report or manuscript critique, is a report with, in our case, accompanying annotated notes on your manuscript. When should I have a manuscript assessment? The manuscript assessment is usually done in the early stages of the editing process and once the book is finished. You …

Prologues Writing Techniques

Everything you need to know about writing a prologue for your book

writing a prologue for your book

The opening of your novel is key in engaging your reader. Writing a prologue for your novel can be very risky – it is a double-edged sword; if not used properly it will be a weight around the neck of your story, used correctly on the other hand and it becomes a very effective literary …

Characterisation Writing Techniques

Quick Writing Tips: The Essentials of Character Backstory + worksheets

Edit Your Book

Read on for the essentials of the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of character backstory. Download our printable worksheets and join in on our character backstory building mini challenge. What is character backstory? Character backstory is a history of the events – particularly those relating to character development – that precede the narrative of the novel. …