Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • How-to

    How to use dashes: a guide for authors

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    Get a handle on how to use en and em dashes in fiction and non-fiction books.

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  • How-to

    How to use hyphens correctly

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    Confused about how to use hyphens in sentences? Here’s my guide to hyphens, with plenty of tips and examples to help you out.

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  • Author interviews

    Christina Gustavson has a sixth sense

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    Christina Gustavson

    The Swedish crime novelist shares how her career in forensic psychiatry shapes her writing and offers tips for aspiring crime writers.

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  • Editing, How-to

    5 ways to improve your manuscript

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    Good news: these tips don’t involve any writing!

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  • Editing

    What is an author-sensitive editorial approach?

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    My editing values are all about making sure your work is valued and you feel comfortable throughout the editing process.

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  • Author interviews

    Samantha L. Valentine is writing it like it is

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    This romance author is passionate about real diversity in fiction.

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Hi there!
Hi there!

I'm Penny, a writer and editor. On this blog I share writing tips, editing advice and interviews with authors to get you inspired. Read more

 
Recent Posts
  • How to respond to structural edits
  • Rose Monroe is raising the stakes with her Mafia romance series
  • Breaking up is hard to do
  • Diane Hester is reshaping the past with fiction
  • How to make your dialogue shine
Categories
  • Author interviews
  • Editing
  • How-to
  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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You guys, there are a concerning number of breaths You guys, there are a concerning number of breaths being held unconsciously in the fictional realm… 😬 Seriously though, if you find yourself resorting to the same old tired phrases and descriptions in your writing, here are some tips to help you freshen things up. And if you’re keen for more easy tricks to polish your manuscript, DM me and I’ll send you my free DIY Editing Cheat Sheet 🙃 #editing #writersofig
There’s no arguing with hair-up-messy-bun mode 👊 A There’s no arguing with hair-up-messy-bun mode 👊 Authors, if you’re looking for this kind of attention on your manuscript, drop me a DM. 
#editing #lockedin
Ever wished you could pick up the phone to an edit Ever wished you could pick up the phone to an editor for advice, feedback or a pep talk? You guys… I’m right here. Link in bio to book a Storyboard Session with me where you can ask me anything about your story and share a 5000 word sample for targeted feedback. ☎️ PS these are just a few of the things you might want to ask but the sky is the limit! #editing #amwriting
Authors, if you’re tinkering with your manuscript Authors, if you’re tinkering with your manuscript while it’s being edited, you might be losing out. Why? Because your editor can’t edit what’s not there. Not only do you miss out on the opportunity for a refreshing brain break, you immediately devalue the edit you’ve paid for by making some of it null and void, and if you update the plot, characters or copy you might find that your editor’s feedback confusing and harder to implement within the context of the new material you’ve added 🫠🫠🫠  My advice? If you have a bright idea while your manuscript is off with the editor, jot it down in a notebook or document and see if it still works to implement alongside your editor’s feedback. And before you book an editor, consider if you’re really ready for feedback. If your brain is still whirring with bright ideas, you might have another draft or two to go!  If you’re not sure where to start with editing, head to my website or shoot me a DM and I’ll send you a handy checklist to help you figure it out 🥰 #editing

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