NY Times bestselling author Amy Bloom said, "Nonfiction is both easier and harder to write than fiction. It’s easier because the facts are already laid out before you, and there is already a narrative arc. What makes it harder is that you are not free to use your imagination and creativity to fill in any missing gaps within the story." With that in mind, I’ve decided to share some dos and don'ts of writing nonfiction that I picked up over the years as a nonfiction writer and editor. Hopefully, these will make your journey a little easier. FAQ: Can you give me some basic tips for writing nonfiction? I've put together a list of what to keep in mind when writing your nonfiction book and what to avoid. Let's start with what you should do. DO: Know your audience: Before you start writing, identify your target audience and tailor your writing style and tone to their needs and interests. Do your research: Conduct thorough research to ensure your writing is accurate, credible, and well-informed. Create an outline: Put together a detailed outline before you start writing to organise your thoughts and ideas. Be concise and clear: Use simple, clear language and avoid overusing jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers. Use anecdotes, real-life examples, and case studies: Use anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate your points and make your writing more engaging. Incorporate brief case studies to provide deeper exploration of specific examples. Include visuals: Enhance the effectiveness of your content by including relevant visuals, such as graphs, charts, or infographics. Visuals clarify complex information and make your content more engaging for your readers. Edit and revise: Take the time to edit and revise your work, and seek feedback from others to improve your writing. Use proper citation: Cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism and maintain credibility. Don't: Plagiarise: Plagiarism is unethical and can damage your reputation as a writer. Always cite your sources and give credit where it’s due. Overcomplicate: Avoid using overly complex language or concepts that could confuse or alienate your readers. Assume everyone knows the jargon: Explain or clearly define the industry terminology you use. Make unsupported claims: Ensure that your claims are supported by evidence and facts, and avoid making unsupported claims. Use overly emotional language: While it's important to connect with your readers, avoid using overly emotional language that may come across as manipulative or insincere. Ignore your audience's needs: Always keep your audience in mind and tailor your writing to their needs and interests. Rush the process: Take time to research and plan your work to ensure that it's the best it can be. Skip the editing stage — invest in a good editor. One last tip before I go — a piece of great advice from William Zinsser that I often share with my authors: Every successful piece of nonfiction should leave the reader with one provocative thought that he or she didn’t have before. Not two thoughts, or five – just one. So decide what single point you want to leave in the reader’s mind. As a book-writing coach and editor, I will help you craft your nonfiction book from the start, ensuring it is structurally sound and conveys your message in the voice and style you intend. To pin or download: Dos and Don'ts of writing nonfiction

Did you know that your choice of pronouns in writing can make a significant difference in how you connect with your reader? For instance, using "we" in writing implies inclusivity, while using "you" makes readers feel you are talking directly to them. Using the first person ("I") to begin LinkedIn posts or blog articles has become more popular recently. Is it because people love stories, and "I" implies a personal story? First-person pronoun - We, I. Second-person pronoun - You. The Role and Power of Pronouns in Content Writing These three simple words, "I," "we," and "you," play an important role in shaping the tone of your content and strengthening your connection with your readers. With this in mind, I often emphasize the importance of selecting the right pronouns when mentoring new and aspiring writers. This article will examine how selecting the correct pronoun can enhance your writing and engage readers more effectively. The Power of "We" in Writing When we use the pronoun "we," it implies inclusivity and unity. Using the pronoun "we" in writing creates a sense of community and shared purpose. It brings your readers into a collective experience, making them feel part of a group with common goals or challenges. We can achieve more when we work together. Many brands and companies use "we" to emphasize teamwork and collaboration. This suggests that the organization and the reader are working together towards a solution. We all know how challenging it can be to stay motivated during long projects. Collaborating and supporting each other helps keep the momentum going. The Power of "You" in Writing "You" addresses the reader directly, making them feel more involved. It makes the content feel relevant and tailored to the individual. You deserve access to high-quality education. Our platform offers a variety of courses to help you achieve your learning goals. Using "you" in calls to action is highly effective; it speaks directly to the reader's needs and desires. You have the power to change your narrative. "You" in writing is action-oriented as it tells the reader what to do next. You can improve your writing by following these simple steps. Start by outlining your ideas clearly. The Power of "I" in Writing "I" creates a personal connection with your readers. Using "I" allows you, as the writer, to share personal experiences and insights, making your content more relatable and trustworthy. I faced this challenge, and here's what I learned from the experience. People love stories, don't they? And the pronoun "I" naturally fits into storytelling. When we, as writers, share personal stories, our readers can relate to them and more easily feel connected to our content. I remember the first time I struggled with writer's block. It was frustrating, but I found a few techniques that helped push me through. Social media users, too, are discovering that sharing real-life experiences creates an emotional connection with their readers. There is an increasing trend towards personal storytelling in content writing, especially on platforms like LinkedIn and company blogs. Personal anecdotes and insights often lead to higher engagement because they evoke emotions and encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences. "I" is used effectively in personal anecdotes Why pronoun choice matters Choosing the right pronoun can make all the difference in how your message is received. Each pronoun serves a unique purpose and can enhance your writing in different ways: "We" cultivates a sense of unity and shared experience, perfect for team-based initiatives and collaborative projects. "You" directly engages the reader, making the content feel personal and action-oriented. "I" brings authenticity and reliability, sharing personal stories, building trust, and credibility. Here's an example of a motivational social media post using "we": We all face challenges, but it's how we overcome them that defines us. Let's keep pushing forward together. Do you see how the use of "we" creates a sense of 'we're all in this together'? When to use each pronoun While it's important to understand the power of the three pronouns, you should also know when to use each to get the best effect. Use "we" when aiming to build a sense of community or partnership for team-based initiatives, collaborative projects, or company-wide messages We worked with Kaely to transform her business strategy. Together, we increased her revenue by 50%. (Case study success story) Use "You" when you want to directly address the reader and make the content feel relevant to them in guides, how-to articles, and calls to action (CTAs) So, you want to be a ghostwriter? This guide covers everything you need to know about … Use "I" when sharing personal stories, insights, or experiences for blog posts, LinkedIn articles, and any content where you want to establish a personal connection with the reader I used to struggle with networking, but I've found some strategies that really work. Here's what I've learned. 3 Practical tips for using power pronouns When drafting your content, consider the following tips to use pronouns effectively: Clarify your purpose – determine what you want to achieve with your content. Are you building a community (we), giving direct advice (you), or sharing a personal story (I)? Know your audience – ensure you have a clear understanding of who you are writing for and what will resonate with them. Choose carefully – different pronouns evoke different responses. Choose carefully, but don't be afraid to use a combination of pronouns in longer pieces to vary the tone. This helps to keep readers engaged. The pronoun you select will depend on your goals and the message you want to convey. Using them prudently can enhance your content and help you connect with your audience in different ways. Final Word By strategically using pronouns, you can elevate your writing and create content that resonates deeply with your audience. Whether you're writing a blog post, an email, or a LinkedIn article, give some thought to which pronouns you will use and why. The pronouns you choose can significantly impact the tone of your content and the connection you build with your readers. Whether you're cultivating a sense of community with "we," engaging directly with "you," or sharing a personal story with "I," your choice of pronouns can enhance your writing and make your message more powerful. As a writing coach, I'm here to help you understand these types of nuances and to improve your writing skills. Reach out if you need personalized guidance or tips on how to make your writing more impactful. Happy Writing Shamila Note: This article talks about using first-person pronouns (I, we, you) in content writing. In most academic writing, one of the first rules is to avoid first-person pronoun usage. It is considered not formal or objective enough, although in some instances, academic writers do use "I."

I often get asked this question by people who are thinking of sharing their stories but are unsure which genre to use. Let's break down the differences between these three genres of Life Writing. What do they have in common? Even though memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies fall under the nonfiction umbrella, each is a distinct genre of literature. All three are based on the truth and require some research, but they differ slightly in focus and execution. How do they differ? Biography About the life history of a person Written by someone else about the subject of the book Usually written from a third-person perspective Entails much research and fact-checking Autobiography Usually focuses on a person’s entire life, presenting a broad view Goes from birth and progresses chronologically to the author’s current age It’s usually written by a famous person about themselves (first-person point of view) Tends to be more objective and factual than a memoir Memoir A personal account that focuses on a snippet of a person’s life, a particular era, memory, theme, or event It can begin anywhere and can move back and forth in time Can be written by anyone (famous or unknown), in the first-person Provides a more subjective perspective than an autobiography, adopting an intimate and introspective style. Examples of memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies Biography Autobiography Memoir Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson The Story of My Life by Helen Keller The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kasen Related FAQ: Can a ghostwriter write my autobiography or memoir? Answer: Yes, you can hire a ghostwriter to write your autobiography or memoir. In fact, many celebrities, politicians, and business leaders work with ghostwriters to create their autobiographies. Examples: Autobiographies written by ghostwriters: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” written by Alex Haley, and “My Mission in Life by Eva Peron,” written by Manuel Panella de Silva Memoirs written by ghostwriters: “Prince Harry – Spare,” written by J. R. Moehringer, and “Miley Cyrus – Miles to Go,” Written by Hilary Liftin Related FAQ: Can my story make a good memoir? According to a memoir writing expert that I know, it's not just celebrities whose stories are worth reading about. Memoirs from ordinary people have seen a boom in recent years. Learn how and why your story can make a good memoir in Ezinne's article.

3 Steps to Help You Choose the Right Topic for Your Book Choose a specific topic – narrow it down. Define your audience – i.e., your reader. Write about what you know and love. Before you even begin to gather your ideas and put together your book outline, carefully consider what you want to say, who you want to say it to, and why you want to share it. Having the answers to these three questions will guide you in choosing the best topic for your book. Your "What", Your "Who", and Your "Why" 1. Your Topic Must Be Specific (What) Don’t choose a topic that is too broad. One book cannot cover everything. Zoom in. For example, instead of choosing a broad topic like How to Train Your Pug, be more specific and narrow it down to something like How to Train Your Pug to Write Your LinkedIn Posts. Note: Don’t confuse the topic with the book title. That comes later. (Although sometimes it can be the same thing.) Your book topic answers the question, “What is this book about?” It covers the subject of the book, whereas the title is the name given to the book. Do Nothing is the title of the book in the image below. These two words don’t tell us what the book is about. However, the subtitle hints at what is covered in the book — its subject and the topic. Find an excellent summary of 'Do Nothing' -->The Therapeutic Bookshelf (FB) 2. Define Your Audience (Who) A broad topic might not reach the audience you want to address. Determine who you believe would benefit from your solutions. Who will benefit from reading your book? Now write to that one type of person. This will help you focus and stay on track with your purpose, making your book more effective. For the Pug book, your audience will be pug owners who don’t have time to write their own LinkedIn posts. (The market is huge – tap into it now before someone else beats you to it.) Your audience - pug owners who write their own LinkedIn posts 3. Your Knowledge (Why) Choose a topic centered around what you know and what you are passionate about. And keep your purpose in mind. Why do you want to write this book? Passion – training my pet pug to do things for me. Writing content for LinkedIn. Purpose – I want to share my passion and expertise with other pug owners who struggle to keep up with writing LinkedIn posts. Given the demand, I am confident that my ROI will be substantial. Teaching my pug to share our passion. Got Topic. What’s Next? Now that you have an idea for your topic, let’s chat about how you can start your book-writing journey and why coffee, or a straitjacket, is an essential ingredient. I am passionate about helping professionals write their first book. This includes coaching you from the first word through the entire writing process, publication, and even beyond. Are you ready to start your book-writing journey? Not sure where to start? Let’s have a chat. Your first consultation includes a complimentary book outline and chapter template. Final Thoughts Writing a self-help book can be a rewarding journey. It allows you to share your knowledge and connect with others. Remember, the key is to choose a topic that resonates with you and your audience. Shamila Iyer Author coach and book editor If I'm not reading, writing, walking, or learning how to pickle nuts, you can find me on LinkedIn.

AI has changed the way we approach editing. AI editing tools can check your work for grammar and spelling errors, and even suggest stylistic tweaks in seconds. For busy authors and other professionals, that's a tempting offer. Who wouldn't want a "personal editor" available at 2 am without complaint? There's no denying the technology is impressive, but here's what I think: AI can assist, but it can't replace the insight of a human editor. And if you've ever worked with a good editor, you already know why. In this article, I delve into why I think a human editor still has a place in the world of AI "editing." AI Editing versus Human Editing What AI Does Well We're living in an age where AI is taking on tasks once thought impossible. Writing, editing, generating ideas — it's all just a click away. For busy writers, this feels like a lifeline. AI editing tools can save you tons of time when used effectively. They are great little assistants and can spot surface-level issues most people would rather not waste time on. They can rephrase your sentences, tidy up grammar, offer synonyms at lightning speed, and suggest alternative structures. AI is brilliant at the mechanical side of editing. It's like having a spellcheck system on steroids. And admittedly, it is consistently more accurate than the human eye at picking up typos and spelling errors. So, you ask, what can't it do? What you need to keep in mind is that editing is not just the mechanics. It's more than that. It involves collaboration, understanding, intuition, and empathy. What Only Human Editors Bring Where AI falters is where insight begins. Skilled editors don't just see words. We see intention, audience, and context. A human editor doesn't just clean up your text. We connect the dots you can't always see, so your words connect with your reader. For example, AI might suggest changing "I stumbled through the door, heart pounding" to "I entered the room quickly." Grammatically, both are correct. But stylistically? One conveys panic and vulnerability, while the other is bland and lifeless. Only a human editor knows which one truly serves the author's intent. Yes, AI can spot redundancies and flag passive voice, but it doesn't know the why behind your writing. It doesn't know your reader. It doesn't see the invisible thread connecting your story to the person who most needs to read it. What AI can't do From a busy author's perspective, there's no denying AI is impressive. AI tools are fast and efficient. And while it's true that AI can provide you with feedback, the problem is that all AI feedback is generic. "A human editor or coach does not merely apply a mass of generic rules to your text to standardize it. A good editor asks what the individual writer is trying to do in their unique text and judges the feedback according to that overriding parameter." (James McCreet. FB Post. TWF. 2026) AI operates on patterns and predictions. It doesn't understand the deeper meaning of a sentence, the subtle undertone of a paragraph, or the emotional weight behind a story. It can't tell when a piece of writing is technically correct but emotionally flat. That is where human insight, honed by lived experience and backed by empathy, comes into play. AI can't understand the nuance of your voice. It doesn't know when your tone wobbles slightly out of alignment with your message. It can't recognize when your "clever" line isn't serving your reader or sense the emotional undercurrent of your story. AI cannot push back when your message gets muddled. AI can't tell if your anecdote builds trust with readers or if a paragraph undercuts your credibility. A human can. AI editing tools can point out passive voice, but they can't sense when passive voice actually strengthens the impact of a sentence. For example, "The door was opened" creates more suspense and mystery than "Tommy opened the door". The reader wants more than perfect grammar. When I'm editing, I'm not only scanning for grammar errors or misplaced commas, I'm also listening for rhythm, tone, and intention. Does the sentence land the way the author meant it to? Does the chapter flow with the right pacing? Does the argument build logically, or does it falter in the middle? These are questions an algorithm can't resolve with empathy or lived experience. AI can't lean in and ask, "What are you really trying to say here?" It doesn't pause to consider whether a paragraph is pulling weight, or if a chapter might breathe more easily if shifted around. That's the role of an editor. An editor is not just a fixer of commas or a polisher of prose, but a partner who can read beneath the words. An editor notices patterns you don't, nudges you towards clarity, and sometimes asks the uncomfortable but necessary questions: Do you need this section at all? Is this really your voice, or are you slipping into something that feels borrowed? We collaborate with the individual writer, asking questions, drawing out clarity, and sometimes pushing back in ways that help the work grow stronger. This partnership builds trust and makes the writer feel valued and understood. Protecting the author's voice One of the most important roles of an editor is to protect and amplify the writer's unique voice. A good editor's job isn't just to polish — it's to preserve. And one of the most important things we preserve is the author's voice. Every author has a rhythm, a cadence, a way of expressing ideas that makes their work recognizably theirs. AI often pushes writing toward a generic "middle ground" (technically correct, but flat), stripped of personality. Good editing doesn't erase an author's voice; it amplifies it. A human editor knows how to refine a manuscript while keeping the writer's voice intact, ensuring it remains authentic, consistent, and distinct. Think of it this way: if you hand a bunch of authors the same prompt, what do you think will happen? Here are some screenshots I took of the replies to a prompt Andy Oakes gave to writers in the Facebook group, The Writers Forum. Have a look at the replies; what do you notice? The same prompt elicited various styles of expression. The Prompt: Write a story about a serial killer in just ten words. AI, for all its efficiency, if left unchecked, can sand away the quirks, the edges, the distinctive voice that makes a writer stand out. The individuality — the humor, rhythm, word choice, and subtle quirks — is the author. Good editors don't overwrite the author's style. Instead, they help refine it. A human editor knows when to step back and say: "This may not be perfect grammar, but it's your style, and that's what makes it powerful." AI cannot hear your voice. A human editor can see you in your writing. They catch not only what you put on the page, but also what you left unsaid. The quirks, the cadence, the subtle choices that reflect who the writer is. So yes, AI can assist, but it cannot replace the insight of a human editor. Simply because insight is human. The value of insight Insight is about seeing the gap between what's written and what's understood. It's knowing when to nudge a sentence into sharper focus, when to cut a paragraph that muddies the flow, and when to suggest a different approach altogether. That kind of intervention doesn't come from a predictive text model. It comes from a trained eye, honed by experience, and rooted in empathy for both the writer and the reader. Human editors don't just clean up words; we tune in to intention. We look for meaning, flow, rhythm. We see where you've overexplained or where you've held back too much. And yes, we sometimes ask you hard questions (guilty 🙋🏽‍♀️). But these are the questions that force you to clarify what you really mean. Human Editors make sure the author's voice remains intact. A good editor doesn't just fix mistakes – we listen to the writing. What is the author trying to say? Does the structure serve the message? Is the tone consistent with the writer's intent? Will the reader feel what the writer wants them to feel? These are questions no algorithm can answer. At its heart, editing is about people. It's about one human being helping another bring their ideas into the world in the clearest, strongest, and truest way possible. That process requires empathy, intuition, and sometimes even a bit of tough love (I like to joke that I have a whip long enough to reach my clients anywhere in the world). Empathy, intuition, tough love — can a machine generate these qualities? Conclusion: AI Editor or Human Editor? Why not both? They both have different strengths and quirks. AI has its place. It is an excellent assistant if used correctly. A tireless pair of second eyes. But, while AI is a powerful writing assistant, I don't think it can do the deeper work. It can't understand nuance, intention, or the messy human side of communication. It cannot replace the insight a human editor brings. Use AI for the drudge work — the endless typos, the quick rephrasing suggestions — but let human editors do what they do best: add depth, clarity, and connection. AI can assist, but a human editor makes writing live. AI Editors vs Human Editors: Both have strengths and weaknesses, but together they can bring out the best in your writing. Shamila Iyer Content Solutionist Non-Fiction Editor Author & Book Coach Back in the day, when I first heard about AI Editing tools, I started to worry, "Will my job as an editor soon become obsolete?" "Can these tools replace developmental and line editing?" It was only once I had received a few manuscripts to edit after writers had put them through editing tools such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway, that I realised, "Nope, my job is still safe."

Finishing a manuscript draft is exciting; you've finally put your ideas down on paper. But for many writers, that feeling of accomplishment quickly meets a new challenge: what comes next? One of the most common issues I see, as an editor and manuscript evaluator, is that authors start editing without knowing what kind of editing their manuscript actually needs. They start correcting sentences when the real issue is structure. Or they polish paragraphs that may not belong in the book at all. Editing works in layers. If you start at the wrong layer, you can spend hours fixing things that will eventually need to be cut or moved anyway. I know from my own experience as an author that diagnosing one's own manuscript isn't always easy. Writers are often too close to the material to see structural problems or gaps in explanations. And sometimes they start editing too early at the sentence level. The four layers of editing: structural first, then developmental, then line, and finally copy edits. When editors review a manuscript, we usually think in terms of identifying which layer of the writing needs the most attention. Sometimes the structure needs rethinking, or the ideas themselves need further development. And sometimes the manuscript is ready structurally but needs careful line work and polishing to shine. In manuscript evaluations, this kind of diagnostic review is often the first step, seeing what is working, what isn't, and where revision will make the biggest difference. Diagnosing a Nonfiction Manuscript: Levels of Editing When I review a manuscript, I usually look at it in four broad levels: structural editing developmental editing line editing copy editing Not every manuscript needs all four stages in equal measure, but understanding the difference helps you focus on the areas that will make the biggest improvement. In this article, I outline the four common levels of editing. I'll also share a checklist you can use to self-assess your work and an example of how a developmental edit transformed an author's manuscript by tightening argument arcs and reorganizing chapters. This guidance will help you understand the right next step for your project and improve your writing process. Understanding the Four Levels of Editing Editing is not a one-size-fits-all. Each level targets a different aspect of your manuscript's health. Some manuscripts need big-picture restructuring. Others need help developing ideas more clearly. Some only need sentence-level polishing. Being able to recognise the difference can save you a great deal of time and frustration. Structural Edits: The Foundation of Your Manuscript Structural edits focus on the big picture. They look at the overall framework of your book or article. This includes the order of chapters, pacing, and whether the structure supports your main message or story. Questions editors ask at this level include: Does the manuscript have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are chapters arranged logically to build understanding or suspense? Is the pacing consistent, or do some sections feel rushed while others drag? Are there any major gaps in the content or sections repeating themselves? Does the structure guide the reader through your ideas or story effectively? If you answer "no" to several of these, your manuscript likely needs a structural edit. I occasionally see manuscripts where the author has clearly spent hours polishing the writing, but the chapters themselves are still in the wrong order. When that happens, the sentences may read beautifully, but the reader is still left wondering why the book feels difficult to follow. Structure quietly shapes the reader's experience. When it works well, readers move through the material almost effortlessly. When it doesn't, the book can feel confusing or uneven, even if the writing itself is strong. Developmental Edits: Strengthening Your Ideas Once the structure is working, the next layer is developmental editing. Here, the attention shifts to how well the ideas themselves are developed within the structure. Developmental edits focus on clarity, coherence, and depth of argument or story. The questions become more specific: Are the key ideas clearly stated and supported? Does each chapter contribute meaningfully to the overall argument or message? Do ideas build logically from one section to the next? Are transitions between topics clear and natural? Is there enough evidence, examples, or detail to support the points? A manuscript that needs developmental editing usually contains good material, but the ideas may feel scattered, repetitive, or partially developed. Interestingly, the problem I see most often in nonfiction manuscripts isn't overexplaining ideas. It's underexplaining them. The author understands the concept perfectly, but the reader is encountering it for the first time. Without clear explanations and relatable examples, the reader is left trying to fill in the gaps. Anecdotes, case studies, and practical examples often solve this problem. They give the reader something concrete to connect with and help translate abstract ideas into something easier to grasp. Readers rarely object to a good example. What they struggle with is being expected to make the conceptual leap on their own. Line Edits: Improving the Flow of the Writing Line editing sits between developmental editing and copy editing. At this stage, the structure is working, and the ideas are clear. The focus now shifts to how the writing reads at paragraph and sentence level. Line editing looks at issues such as: sentence rhythm and readability wordiness or unnecessary repetition awkward phrasing clarity of expression consistency of tone and voice This is where writing becomes tighter and more engaging. Ideas that were technically correct may still feel heavy or overly complicated. Line editing helps simplify and sharpen the language so the reader can move through the text more easily. Copy Edits: The Final Polish Copy editing happens much later in the process. This is the stage many people think of when they hear the word "editing," but it should only happen after the bigger issues are resolved. Copy edits focus on improving a manuscript's clarity and flow by focusing on language, style, and consistency, including: Consistent use of tense, voice, and point of view Grammar, spelling, and punctuation Modest fact-checking and cultural context Word choice that fits your tone and audience If your manuscript reads well but has minor errors or awkward phrasing, copy editing is the next step. Good editing starts with diagnosis. Before fixing sentences, you need to understand how the manuscript is working as a whole. A Simple Checklist to Diagnose Your Manuscript's Needs If you are unsure which level of editing your manuscript needs, use this checklist to identify the level it requires most urgently. Answer honestly and note where you struggle. Question Yes No Unsure Does the manuscript have a clear overall structure? Are chapters or sections arranged logically? Is the pacing consistent throughout? Are the main ideas clearly explained and developed? Do transitions between sections feel natural? Is there enough explanation or evidence to support your points? Are sentences clear and easy to understand? Is the manuscript mostly free of grammar and spelling errors? Is the tone consistent and appropriate for your intended audience? How to interpret your answers: Mostly "No"/"Unsure" in the first three questions: focus on structural editing. Mostly "No"/"Unsure" in the middle three questions: focus on developmental editing. Mostly "No"/"Unsure" in the last three questions: focus on line or copy editing. How a Developmental Edit Elevated a Manuscript To illustrate the impact of a developmental edit, here's an example from my editorial work. An author submitted a nonfiction manuscript exploring the psychology of decision-making. The author had done substantial research, and the draft had interesting ideas, but felt scattered and repetitive. Chapters jumped between topics without clear connections, and the argument lacked a strong throughline. What I did: Mapped out the existing chapters to identify overlapping content and gaps. Reorganized chapters to follow a logical progression from theory to application. Helped the author tighten each chapter's focus by cutting redundant sections. Suggested clearer transitions to guide readers through complex ideas. Encouraged adding specific examples and case studies to support key points. The result: The revised manuscript had a clear, compelling argument that built smoothly from one chapter to the next. Readers could follow the author's reasoning easily, and the added examples made the content more engaging. The author reported feeling more confident about submitting the manuscript to publishers. This example shows how a developmental edit can transform a manuscript by focusing on clarity, coherence, and depth — not just fixing sentences. The real value of development editing is that it strengthens the thinking behind the manuscript. Note: Many times, an editor might offer a structural edit in tandem with a developmental edit. They both look at the big picture. Next Steps for Your Manuscript Once you identify the editing level your manuscript needs, take these steps: For structural edits, consider working with an editor who specializes in big-picture feedback or use outlining tools to reorganize your work. For developmental edits, focus on strengthening your argument and ideas. Ask trusted readers for feedback on clarity and flow. For copy edits, use grammar tools and proofread carefully, or hire a professional copy editor to polish your writing. Remember, editing is a process. You might need more than one type of edit before your manuscript is ready. Start with the level that addresses your biggest challenges. When to Seek a Manuscript Diagnosis from a Professional Sometimes authors are too close to their work and cannot objectively diagnose issues in their manuscripts. This is where external manuscript reviews done by a professional evaluator can be particularly helpful. A careful evaluation highlights structural issues, developmental gaps, and areas where the writing itself needs tightening, allowing the author to focus revisions more effectively. Manuscript evaluations provide you with a full report outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your draft. They also help you identify which level of edits you might need. When you're deep inside the writing, it's difficult to see the bigger picture. Final Thoughts Remember, editing is rarely a single step. Most manuscripts move through several layers of editing before they are ready. The key is to start with the stage that addresses the largest problems first. Structural issues should be resolved before developmental refinement, and developmental work should happen before sentence-level polishing. Once the foundation of the manuscript is sound, the rest of the editing process becomes far more productive. And usually much less frustrating. Shamila Iyer Comprehensive editor & manuscript evaluator

Most people agree that the best way to become a good writer is to read anything and everything you can lay your hands on. And the second-best way is to practice. Write. Write until your fingers bleed. This article focuses on the third best way to become a good writer: constructive feedback. Why get someone else to review your writing? Okay, so you read. You practiced until your fingerprints vanished. And still, you have this niggly feeling that something is not quite right with your writing.   The best way to get rid of that niggly feeling? Get someone reliable to review your writing. As a writer, I know how daunting it can be to receive criticism on your writing. You've spent countless hours pouring your heart and soul onto the page. The thought of handing your work over to someone else to critique can be discouraging. Trust me, though, getting feedback on your writing is an essential part of the writing process. By focusing on specific strengths and weaknesses and providing actionable suggestions for improvement, reviewers help writers improve their writing and become better writers. Constructive criticism and feedback improve writing skills for the future and nurture growth. Who should I ask to review my writing? Start here: Implore, bribe, or beg an experienced writer (check their credentials first) to do a free review  of your writing. If you can't find someone you trust to do it for free, then you will have to search online for an editor or writing coach who does writing reviews. The fees charged for this service will differ. Alternatively, keep an eye out for my freebies—I give them out occasionally. But you have to be quick!   Be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn ,  where I occasionally include them in my posts. If you were one of those who missed out on my freebie reviews, all is not lost.   You can still get my full review and candid feedback  to help you grow as a skilled writer. But this time, you have to pay—not too much. I've been in your shoes, so I keep my rates as low as possible. But I have to eat—those olives in my salad don't come cheap.   Client response after I reviewed her manuscript. The Review' Nitty Gritties' These are the steps you need to follow to ensure a smooth review process. 1. What you will need to send me: Two to three pieces of your non-fiction writing. It can be a blog article, a social media post, or even a chapter of your book.   2. How will you get it to me? Contact me  for details of formats and where to send your stuff. I prefer working with MS Word docs because it's easy to add feedback and comments. However, I also work with Google Docs and PDFs.   3. What you will get: 100% focused attention on your content pieces. Detailed reviews and constructive feedback , or as my friend Neela calls it, feedforward . I also throw in some edits so you can see what an editor sees when reading your writing.   Why…. Getting feedback on your writing is invaluable for identifying areas for improvement. You will also learn how to self-edit and polish up your writing skills for the future. 4. How much will it cost you? This will depend on how much you send me to review. Send me a book; it's going to cost you a lot and will take time. Send me a few short pieces of content; it will cost you much less than you think. Find your "old goat"—get that feedback Having your writing reviewed and edited by an experienced writer, editor, and writing coach is a great way to learn how to avoid certain repetitive errors, identify your writing strengths and weaknesses, and improve your writing style. Besides the old goat, who else can I ask? You can also ask your peers, colleagues, family, and friends to provide you with feedback on your writing. To ensure you get honest and useful feedback, be sure to let them know exactly what you want critiqued or provide a checklist. Aim for honest and constructive feedback, not just praise. Remember, a reviewer's goal is to help you improve your draft, not to tear you down. It is important for you to keep an open mind and be willing to consider suggestions for improvement. Feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Happy Writing Shamila Old Goat = Experienced Writer As a writing mentor and coach, I am on a mission to empower aspiring writers to get their ideas out there. I have worked with many people, from those who genuinely fear writing and posting on social media to those who simply need to polish their first drafts before publishing. Check out my services for a full breakdown of how I can help you reach your writing goals. When you are ready, book a call or send me your writing.

Writing stories that captivate and engage your audience from start to finish is essential for any writer. Using the active voice makes your writing more concise, clear, and direct. How you tell your story can make all the difference in its effectiveness. When you write in an engaging way, people will want to read what you have to say. They'll be more likely to share your content with others, look forward to your subsequent publication, and return to your blog or website repeatedly. Don't underestimate the power of the active voice in storytelling. Using an active voice helps you tell a story that sticks in people's minds and keeps them engaged. In this article, we'll explore the power of the active voice in storytelling and why you should stay away from the passive voice. What is the Active Voice? Active voice is a type of grammar that makes the subject of the sentence stand out as the one who does the action. The passive voice spotlights the receiver of the action, which is the object of the sentence. For example, “ The chef prepared a delicious five-course meal for her guests ,” with the chef serving as the subject. This is the active voice. In contrast, the sentence, “A delicious five-course meal was prepared for the guests by the chef”, is written in a passive voice because it spotlights the object delicious five-course meal. The Role of The Active Voice in Storytelling In storytelling, an active voice: makes your characters the doers of the action, adding depth and dimension to their personalities, makes your story more relatable and engaging for your audience, who can empathize with the characters and feel connected to the story, makes your writing more engaging and compelling, makes your sentences more straightforward and to the point, emphasizes the action and makes the story come alive, creates a sense of urgency and momentum, keeps the story moving forward, and creates a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the reader. Active voice in storytelling also helps to create more vivid images in the reader's mind. You paint a clear picture of what's happening in the story. Your audience can imagine the action and become invested in the story's outcome. It creates a sense of urgency, momentum, involvement, and vivid imagery, immersing your audience in the experience and allowing them to feel like active participants in the story rather than passive observers. Example 1: Emily's heart raced with fear as the sun set behind the mountains. She was lost in the wilderness, miles away from civilization, and her phone was dead. Her hiking trip had taken a dangerous turn when she wandered off the trail, and now she had no idea how to return. With each passing moment, she knew her chances of survival dwindled. Emily had to think fast and devise a plan before it was too late. She took a deep breath and started running, hoping to find a way out of the woods before nightfall. Example 2: It's easy to get caught up in the craziness of today's world and lose sight of what's essential. Spending a few minutes each day to pause, reflect, and practice mindfulness can significantly influence your mental and emotional health. This daily routine can help you become more present, grounded, and prepared to face obstacles. So put your phone down, step away from your computer, and take a few deep breaths. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. By using active verbs and focusing on the subject of the sentence, the writer can craft dynamic, engaging, and memorable stories, driving the narrative forward. This makes your audience feel like they are in the thick of the action. The Benefits of The Active Voice in Storytelling Using the active voice in your storytelling has several benefits. We’ll take a closer look at three of them: 1. Direct and Persuasive The active voice is direct and persuasive, making it easier for your audience to follow the story and understand its purpose. When your characters do the action, your audience can easily follow the story's flow, and the action becomes more compelling. 2. Evocative The active voice is evocative, allowing you to create a sense of emotion and urgency in your storytelling. You can capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged in the story's experience, allowing them to feel the characters' emotions. 3. Motivating The active voice motivates and inspires your audience to take action. When you craft a story that resonates with your audience, they are more likely to take action based on the story's message. Five Tips for Identifying Passive Voice in Writing 1. Look for forms of the verb "to be": Passive voice often uses a form of the verb "to be," such as "is," "are," "was," "were," "been," or "being." When you come across one of these words, see if the sentence focuses on the subject performing the action or the object receiving the action. 2. Check for prepositions: Passive voice may also use prepositions like "by" or "of" to indicate who performed the action. For example, "A successful fundraiser to support a local charity was organized by the students" is passive. In contrast, "The students organized a successful fundraiser to support a local charity" is active. 3. Look for a lack of clarity about who is performing the action: In passive voice, the subject or doer of the sentence may be unclear or absent. If it's not clear who is performing the action in the sentence, it may be written in passive voice. For example: "Freelancers are being scammed on Upwork." 4. Consider the tone and style of the writing: Passive voice often creates a more distant, detached tone in writing. If your writing feels less engaging or less direct, it may be because you're using passive voice. 5. Read your writing aloud: Reading your story aloud can help you identify instances of passive voice more easily. If a sentence feels awkward or unclear when spoken aloud, you may have written it in passive voice. Use Strong Verbs Strong verbs are crucial to writing in an active voice. This will help your audience to envision the scene and experience the story's action. Use strong verbs to emphasize the action in your story. Verbs that describe your characters' actions create a sense of movement and make them as specific and vivid as possible. This will help your audience visualize the scene and experience the story's action. Strong verbs such as "ran," "jumped," and "screamed" make the story come alive and add energy to your writing. Avoid using weak verbs such as "was," "is," and "were." These verbs add little to the story and can make it feel flat and uninteresting. They lack specificity and fail to convey the full range of emotions, actions, and descriptions needed to bring a story to life. Weak verbs can also create distance between the reader and the story's characters, making it harder for them to empathize and connect with the narrative. For example, let's consider the following story excerpt that uses weak verbs: Samantha was walking down the street when she saw a dog. The dog was cute and friendly. Samantha was happy to see the dog and went to pet it. While this story is grammatically correct, it feels dull and lacks depth. The weak verbs fail to convey Samantha's emotions or the dog's personality, making it hard to connect with the story. Let's rewrite the same story using stronger verbs and more descriptive language: As Samantha strolled down the street, she caught sight of a scruffy terrier wagging its tail on the sidewalk. The dog bounded up to her, its tongue lolling out in a panting grin. Samantha's heart swelled with delight as she reached to scratch behind the pup's ears. By using more specific and evocative verbs like "strolled," "caught sight," "bounded," and "swelled," the story comes alive with imagery and emotion. Readers can easily picture Samantha's actions and reactions, creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience. When drafting your stories, take the time to choose your verbs carefully and consider how they impact the overall tone and effect of the narrative. Avoid using weak verbs and opt for stronger, more descriptive ones that bring your story to life. How to Avoid Passive Voice in Storytelling Remember I mentioned earlier that there are two voices in English: the active and the passive voice. While the active voice carries your readers along, the passive voice speaks to those at the back, the detached audience. I also gave you tips for identifying the passive voice in your writing. The question now is, how do you avoid passive voice? Here are 5 easy tips to avoid passive voice: focus on using active verbs and putting the subject at the forefront, make sure your sentence structure follows the subject-verb-object format, focus on describing actions and events as they happen, avoid using "to be" verbs excessively, vary sentence length and structure to keep the story flowing smoothly. Following these techniques can help create a more engaging and active story that draws readers in and keeps them hooked. If you must use passive voice, ensure it serves a purpose and helps convey the desired tone or message. Using an active voice and being intentional with the passive voice can bring your storytelling to life and keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Here are a few examples of passive and active voice: Passive Voice: A new product was designed by the company that exceeded all expectations. Active Voice: The company designed a new product that exceeded all expectations. Passive Voice: The complex theory was explained by the professor in a way that all the students could understand. Active Voice: The professor explained the complex theory in a way that all the students could understand. Passive Voice: The world record in the 100-meter dash was broken by the athlete. Active Voice: The athlete broke the world record in the 100-meter dash. The active voice emphasizes the action and makes the story come alive, while the passive voice makes it seem dull and unengaging. Conclusion In conclusion, the use of active voice in storytelling has a remarkable impact on the effectiveness of the narrative. You should not overstate the power of the active voice, whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. It is a vital tool that every writer should use to create engaging and memorable stories that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading and encourage them to act. The active voice can help create a more immersive experience as you craft a heartwarming narrative, or a thrilling adventure, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. So, the next time you're crafting a story, remember the power of active voice and the remarkable impact it can have on the effectiveness of your narrative. Don't be afraid to take risks, experiment with your writing style, and embrace the power of the active voice to bring your stories to life! About the Author Hi, I'm Boluwatife Segun-Oluwayomi. Friends call me Tife. I am an eagle-eyed copy editor with more than a decade of experience working with authors, professionals, students, and brands to ensure their work sparkles. My love for grammar and attention to detail have become my career paths, making me a highly sought-after professional in the industry. My dedication to excellence has fostered a culture of success, training others to meet the same high standards I have set for myself.

“I’m done writing my non-fiction book; what do I do now?” If you have already had your book professionally edited, the next step is to decide how you would like to publish it. You can choose one of four publishing routes . If you still need to edit your manuscript, consider hiring an editor to help you polish it up before publishing. I think I learned most from editing, both editing myself and having someone else edit me. It's not always easy to have someone criticize your work, your baby. But if you can swallow your ego, you can really learn from the editing. ~Christopher Paolini “I’ve heard there are different types of freelance editors. How do I choose one?” What kind of editor do you need? There are four types of editing . Most editors specialize in one of the four types. For instance, I specialize in developmental editing, which includes content and structure. Developmental and line editing focus more on content, whereas copy editing and proofreading focus more on mechanical elements. Comprehensive editing (a service I sometimes offer) combines one or more of the four editing types. For example, line and copy editing. "What are the different stages of editing?" Most successful books go through four stages of editing . Developmental Editing is the first stage, followed by Line Editing, then Copy Editing, and finally Proofreading. I've put together a slide presentation that provides a detailed description of the different types and stages of editing to help you choose the right editor for your needs. The presentation includes an explanation of what a manuscript evaluation is and the functions of a manuscript reviewer. "Will an editor change my voice?" Many new writers fear editing will strip them bare. Good editing doesn’t erase your voice . It helps it land.   When I coach authors or clean up content, I’m not just fixing structure and grammar. I’m making sure your  message  shows up. That your thoughts aren’t just shared, but shaped.   And that, your voice shines through. If you would like to learn more about which type of editing best suits you, feel free to contact me. I specialize in book editing, articles, and website content. An editor who is a mentor, advisor, and psychiatrist. Don't kid yourself—a good editor will make your book better.   ~Guy Kawasaki

Trending genres In 2025, book trends are shifting towards AI-assisted writing, self-publishing, niche subgenres, and genre blending. Digital formats, such as audiobooks, continue to grow in popularity. Globally, there is a growing demand for diverse stories and voices. What does this mean for aspiring authors? Keeping track of changes in the book writing, marketing, and publishing industries will help you make crucial decisions about your book. Read on to find out what the current book trends are and how they affect you.   An overview of key book trends to watch out for in the next few years   1. The status of self-publishing  is improving and gaining more recognition. As a result, the self-publishing market is booming , with a 17% annual growth rate as opposed to 1% growth in traditional publishing. 2. Earnings have increased substantially for creators on platforms like Amazon KDP. This is largely due to the growing popularity of e-books  and the ability to reach global audiences. 3. Trending text-driven book genres  are romance, young adult, fantasy, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, religious and inspirational, self-help, and memoirs. Young Adult (YA) and LGBTQIA+ books continue to gain popularity. 4. Genre blending , where authors combine different genres, such as sci-fi and mystery, is also attracting attention. Genres such as magical realism, which blend realistic elements with fantasy or the supernatural, are rising in popularity. Other examples of genre blending to look out for include dramady (drama + comedy), romantic suspense, and literary horror. 5. The need for greater diversity in the book industry  is being recognized. Publishers are joining the movement to support diverse voices , diversify their workforces, and provide more opportunities for underrepresented creators. Diverse stories resonate with readers, and books that reflect global diversity  are becoming increasingly popular. 6. Children's books  have traditionally enjoyed strong sales but are now expanding to include more topics on diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, mental health, and environmental awareness. Interactive formats, such as flaps, pop-up designs, sound effects, and game elements, continue to be favourites among kids and parents.   Children's books are still popular. 7. Graphic novels  remain popular, and an increasing number of photo books are being created. Their ability to engage readers visually appeals to a wider and more diverse audience. 8. There is a growing demand for short-form content , including bite-sized tips, serialized stories, zines, and flash fiction, due to "shrinking attention spans and an overabundance of content" in digital publishing. Short-form content is in demand. Other book industry trends to note   9. AI has begun to play a transformational role in writing, editing, proofreading, design, marketing, book searchability, and data analytics. How to use AI responsibly  remains one of the hottest topics in the book industry. The Authors Guild has compiled a comprehensive list of best practices  on how authors can utilize generative AI ethically. If you are an AI user, I recommend reading the article. 10. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of books are gaining traction, especially among emerging authors and creators. Authors can sell directly to their readers via personal websites, newsletters and emails, book fairs and literary festivals, or ecommerce platforms such as Shopify. DTC book-selling provides you, as the author, with the opportunity to build your own brand, earn a larger share of the revenue by cutting out the middleman, and engage directly with your readers. 11. An increasing awareness of sustainability  in the book industry is leading to the adoption of more print-on-demand services and digital formats, as well as the recycling of paper and the use of environmentally friendly packaging. The print-on-demand trend has contributed to the increase in e-book sales. Hold your horses, though; print books are still in demand and are not going to become obsolete anytime soon. 12. The use of social media for book marketing  is on the rise, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. #Booktok allows authors to connect directly with their fans. BookThreads, a subgroup within the Threads app, is useful if you're looking for niche books. 13. Online book communities  are growing and gaining more readers. These platforms foster a sense of community amongst readers as well as authors. They enable readers to share their thoughts and reading experiences. As an author, you can promote your books, build an audience, and interact directly with your readers.   The Rise and Growth of Audiobooks: A Shift in Reading Habits There has been a surge in people listening to books instead of reading them, partly due to the increased prevalence of multitasking. Although print books are still the most popular book format, there has been a significant increase in audiobook and e-book sales . Nonfiction audiobooks in genres such as self-development, business, and health and wellness are gaining traction. Audiobook Sales. Source: grandviewresearch The advent of Streaming-Books-On-Demand (SBOD) models has significantly contributed to the increase in audiobook sales. Platforms like Spotify and Audible have recently expanded their audiobook offerings. AI tools such as AI-powered translations make audiobooks more accessible in multiple languages.   What does this mean for authors? The power of social media, the rise of digital content, and the increasing popularity of self-publishing are transforming the industry. This transformation brings with it a wealth of opportunities for authors. The book publishing world continues to evolve, encompassing emerging trends and new technologies, and offering a promising future for those ready to adapt. While publishers and bookstores learn to adapt to these changes, what does all this mean for aspiring authors?   Stay informed about the evolving trends in publishing. Discover the various  publishing options  available and select the one that best suits your budget and needs. Explore and embrace emerging digital marketing trends that allow you to connect with your readers  and reach a wider audience. Ultimately, remember that quality always prevails over quantity. To stand out from the crowd, focus on the quality of your book. This is your chance to inspire and captivate your readers. Investing in a good editor or book coach  is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure your book shines in a competitive market. Happy Writing Shamila

Unpacking self-publishing costs so you can work out your budget ahead of publication. In recent years, an increasing number of authors have chosen to break free from the constraints of traditional publishing and have opted to self-publish instead. If you are one of these authors, it's important to understand the costs associated with publishing a book in 2025. Here are some services you may need to pay for:   1. Editing Costs – this will vary depending on the type of editing you require 2. Cover design costs – if you hire a graphic designer to create your book cover 3. Book design & formatting costs – for platforms like Amazon KDP 4. Marketing costs – includes services like reviews and digital ads   In this article, I break down each of the costs listed above and provide a general idea of the cost of each service (if you hire out). Book Publishing Costs in 2025 I did a little digging into the costs of the above services and compared price tags amongst the various businesses, freelancers, and publishers offering them. For this article, I decided to use Reedsy to provide a rough estimate of the costs involved. Reedsy is not a hybrid publisher, but rather a marketing platform that helps authors find and hire professionals in the book industry. According to Reedsy, publishing a book in 2025 will cost authors between $2,940 and $5,660. The exact costs will differ depending on the services you require. Side-note: Hybrid Publishers A hybrid publisher is a combination of traditional and self-publishing. The author pays a fee to the publisher, who provides editorial, design, printing, and distribution services. As the author, you will retain the rights to the book and receive royalties from book sales. Some reputable hybrid publishers I've encountered include IdeaPress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, Forbes Books, She Writes Press, Amplify, BookBaby, CreativeSpace, and Success Books. Alternatively, you can work with a traditional publisher or publish as an indie publisher. The decision of which publishing path to choose for your book is a personal one that will depend on your goals, resources, and preferences. To help you decide, I've compiled a guide, Non-Fiction Book Publishing: A Guide for First-time Authors , which breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each publishing method. Not sure? An author/book coach can help you choose your publishing route. A General Idea of What It Will Cost You to Self-publish Whether you work with a hybrid publisher or self-publish, here is a general idea of the costs. Note:  These numbers are based on actual market data, but may fluctuate depending on your chosen service provider. 1. Editing Costs Independent editors, such as myself, specialize in one of the four different types of editing  or offer comprehensive editing services . This means we provide more than one type of editing. Fees vary according to the editor's qualifications and experience, as well as the genre of the book and the number of words. Reedsy editors charge an average of $2,000 - $4,500 for an 80k-word book. This is for one round of developmental editing and copyediting. If you decide to self-edit, having another pair of eyes review your manuscript before publication is always a good idea. Hiring a proofreader to catch minor errors and typos is a worthy investment. Proofreading fees typically range from $0.01 to $0.04 per word. Hourly rates range from $20 to $50 per hour for standard proofreading services. Word count, document type, and turnaround time will influence a proofreader's rates. Tip:  Always conduct thorough research (check portfolios for experience, qualifications, & client reviews) before hiring an editor. Hiring the right person who meets your specific needs can save you money in the long run.   2. Book Cover Design Costs Choosing the right book cover is not only about aesthetics. Your book cover acts as an ad for your book. We often say, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but we do, don't we? Readers are attracted to the cover first before they read the blurb on the back. Your book cover needs to sell your book  and attract the right audience. A good cover design can cost up to $800. This will depend on your preferred style and the level of complexity. For your book to stand out, you need an attention-grabbing cover design. At the same time, your book cover should convey vital information about your book's genre, content, and tone. 3. Layout and Formatting Costs Having an attractive cover is one thing; you must also ensure your book looks good on the inside. You can do it yourself if you already know how to format for ebook or print. If not, you can hire a professional book formatter (yes, they exist) or learn how to do it yourself to save on costs. There are tons of resources online (YouTube videos, for instance) that teach you how to format your book for print and digital. If you decide to hire a pro, charges range from around $500 to $2000 for the service. This will depend on how much specialist formatting your book needs. Books with customized fonts, complex illustrations, intricate layouts, or numerous images will incur higher formatting costs. Note:  Some books, such as cookbooks or photo books, might need the services of a specialist book interior designer. The interior design of such a book can cost you anything from $250 to $750. A book with more pictures, requiring a precise layout, such as a cookbook, will cost more to format.   Software Options An alternative to hybrid publishing is to self-publish your book on platforms such as Amazon KDP. If you're publishing on KDP and not using the services of a hybrid publisher, you can save $500 by learning how to format it yourself. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides a step-by-step guide to help you format and publish your book on their platform. You can publish your book in eBook format, print copy, or both. Self-publishing platform IngramSpark also offers an excellent free guide on "how to format your book like a boss." Download it from their website. You can use MS Word to format your book if you're a Microsoft user. Remember to save it as a PDF for printing or ebook submission. Other popular software options for book formatting are Scrivener, Vellum, Atticus, and Adobe InDesign.   4. Marketing and Promotion Your book is not going to sell itself. You will need to budget for marketing campaigns. These can take the form of paid professional campaigns (around $1000 to $5000). Marketing and promoting your book should start before you even publish it. You can use a marketing company, paid ads on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, or promote the book yourself. If you decide not to hire a pro, you can plan and execute your own marketing strategy for minimal costs. Promote your book on social media platforms, consider hosting virtual book launches, attend book promotion events, and encourage family and friends to share their thoughts about your book in their social circles. Tip: When promoting your book on social media, use book-specific hashtags, such as #bookstagram, #booklover, #bookworm, #selfhelp, #memoir, #businessbook, #newbook, #booklaunch, #reading. You can also use the title of your book as a hashtag. E.g., #DemystifyingSelfpublishingCosts Other Costs These can range from manuscript evaluations/reviews to hiring Beta readers  to literary agent fees. Not all of these are incurred if you self-publish. Most traditional publishers require you to approach them via a literary agent . Beta readers and MS reviews are optional. To sell your book in stores, you will need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and a barcode. These can set you back anywhere from $25 for a barcode to $125 for an ISBN. One last thing:  If you decide to market and sell your print book independently (without using a platform like Amazon), you should also budget for postage and packaging costs.     Final Thoughts Writing your book is only one part of the journey. You must also consider publishing routes and sales. Many authors I work with begin exploring these costs as early as the writing or editing stages. Writing and publishing a book is a big investment. Knowing all the costs can help you plan and budget, saving you from financial surprises. To first-time authors, please don't rush to publish. Take the time to research all your options thoroughly. I wish you tons of success in your book-writing and publishing journey.   Shamila Iyer – Write. Edit. Coach. Empowering aspiring authors to share their perspectives with the world. Follow me on LinkedIn for more book writing and publishing tips.

In a time where AI writing tools are pervasive, freelance writers must constantly be at the top of their game. With AI on the rise, there is no chance for mediocrity in our line of work anymore. And to continue getting hired as a freelance writer, you must approach each project with a human touch and aim to write a better post than AI. Learning to write compelling blog posts isn’t only necessary for you to keep getting projects as a writer but is also important for your client's business. The efforts and content marketing strategies of your clients will most likely fail if you aren’t able to write compelling articles for their blogs. And what good are the blogs of your clients if the content doesn't inspire readers to take actions that will benefit their business? It, therefore, becomes necessary for you as a writer to learn the art of crafting great blog posts. Posts that command actions from readers to help your clients thrive in their businesses. This guide aims to provide you with best practices to plan and write blog posts that are compelling enough for readers to take favorable actions. What's in this guide? 1. Identify and Understand Your Audience 2. Defining Your Purpose 3. Crafting Captivating Headlines 4. Structuring Blog Posts for Maximum Impact 5. Enhancing On-Page SEO in Blog Posts 6. Using Storytelling to Engage Readers 7. Editing and Polishing Your Blog Posts 8. Conclusion Identify and Understand Your Audience The very first step you must take when it comes to writing a compelling blog post is to identify and understand your target audience. This is one of the fundamental rules of content marketing. And that is because every business has a unique target audience. Even businesses in the same industry tend to target different audiences; therefore, it is important not to assume the same audience for every project you work on. Especially for freelancers who have niched down to a specific industry. For instance, suppose you have two clients in the cannabis industry. Both clients can have target audiences that are entirely different from each other. This is why you need to, first of all, identify and understand the target audience of each client. Alternatively, your clients could have different products that target different audiences. Another reason for identifying your target audience is that it provides you with direction. Once you identify and understand your target audience by getting to know their interests, demographics, pain points, and so on, your tone of voice, your writing style, and your choice of words can be easily defined. Furthermore, identifying the “who” also helps you define the “why” of your blog post. Defining Your Purpose When you are able to answer the “why” question, things become more clear. Is the blog post meant to educate, inform, entertain, or persuade readers? Since your tone of writing differs depending on the purpose of the blog post, it is important to take time to define its purpose. For instance, a post meant to educate on a particular topic will have a different tone of voice and choice of words from a post meant to persuade readers to buy a product or sign up for a certain service. The latter will have a persuasive tone. Crafting Captivating Headlines You've probably heard that posts' headlines play a major role in how well they perform, and that is very true. The headline of a blog post is a call to action. It is the first CTA of any post, meaning your headline should be able to compel people who come across it to click on it and read your article. Why Are Headlines Important? Four items appear on a Google search result page for each webpage on the page. The website's title, the URL, the brief meta description that provides information about the post, and the words that are boldly written in blue. Among these four things, guess the one that is screaming, “Click me, I’m important”? It is the headline. This is what draws attention to the article and gets clicks if it is compelling enough. If the headline fails to get clicks, the article ultimately suffers. Elements of an Effective Headline What makes a headline a “show-stopper”? A headline that performs well mostly contains the following elements: Power words, Numbers or statistics, Creates curiosity, or Poses questions. Use of Power Words or Phrases Power words or phrases are words that are capable of commanding readers' attention and triggering them to take action, like clicking on a headline or an ad or sharing a post they came across with their network. Power words are believed to trigger psychological or emotional responses, which is why a single power word in your headline or CTA can increase your click-through rate. For example, adding a power word like free or cheap creates a perception of value and emphasizes affordability, which can be a great way of increasing your click-through rate. For a detailed list of SEO power words to use in your headlines, check out this article by Thimpress . Incorporating Numbers or Statistics Headlines with numbers have been proven to resonate with readers, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to use them. Numbers also tend to trigger a psychological response from readers. Numbers help to quantify your content, giving readers an insight into what to expect if they click on the headline. Numbers also spark the curiosity of readers. For instance, if a reader comes across a headline that reads “13 unique ways for driving traffic to your website”, such a headline can make a reader curious as to what those 13 ways might be, especially if they know just five ways of driving traffic to their website. Creating Curiosity Another way you can increase the click-through rate of your headlines is by creating curiosity. For instance, you can hint at a solution to a common problem or state a surprising fact that will leave readers wanting more. You can also use descriptive adjectives like “life-changing,” “mind-blowing,” “bizarre,” “unbelievable,” and so on. Posing Questions The structure of your headline can add more appeal. For instance, when you structure your headline as a question, it makes readers feel like you understand them. After all, most people type their search queries as questions. The "what," "how,” “when," and “why” being typed on Google are all opportunities for you to answer the queries of your target audience using your headlines and the content of the post. Having a question in your headline also makes the readers reflect and try to answer it even before they click to read the article. Numerous studies show headlines with questions tend to have a high click-through rate. Tools for Headline Generation If your headline doesn’t compel clicks, your content suffers, so here are five free tools that you can utilize to write better headlines. Answer the Public – free and basic to use, but great for generating headlines. One focus keyword or keyphrase can produce a bank of blog ideas and headline suggestions. Google Auto-Suggests – Google’s auto-suggestions on your focus keyword are topics that your audience is actively searching for answers to. Headline Studio by CoSchedule – Apart from their nice and user-friendly interface, they provide you with suggestions and an AI tool to make your headline stronger. Headline Analyzer by MonsterInsights – This free tool also helps you with suggestions and provides you with a list of power words and ways to improve your headlines. Sharethrough Headline Analyzer – This headline analyzer allows you to compare various versions of your headline so you can pick the one with a better score. Structuring Blog Posts for Maximum Impact Have you come across blog posts that make reading tedious? Well, I have, and guess what I do? I bolt as fast as I can. I won’t let a blog post shatter my reading spirit, not when I know I can get the same relevant information from another page that has thought of my “reading feelings” before hitting the publish button. In the same way, I leave those pages without reading all of their content, your audience will also leave and not read your article if you don’t structure it in a way that makes it easy to grasp the information in the post. The fact is that blog posts and other online content are structured differently. Unlike academic or research papers, newspapers, or books, blog posts are structured in a way that makes reading as seamless as possible. This is due to the numerous distractions available online, so you need to focus on keeping your readers' interest and avoid boring them. You can structure the post for easier reading by dividing it into three sections — the introduction, the body content, and the conclusion. Introduction Your blog post introduction should do two things — the first is to hook your readers, and the second is to establish and state the purpose of the post. While headlines are important, so is the introduction to your article. Your introduction could be the reason someone stays on your page or leaves. If they leave the page, it indicates that either your introduction didn’t intrigue them enough to read the rest of the content or that it stated a purpose different from what the headline promised. It is important for your introduction to quickly establish the post's purpose in a way that will pique readers' interest so that they want to continue reading. Body Content When it comes to the body of your blog post, you want to make it as easy as possible for your readers to read and digest the content of the post. Thanks to paragraphs, subheadings, and white spaces, you can structure the body of your content to improve scannability and readability. You can also improve the readability of your content by incorporating relevant examples, anecdotes, or case studies. Examples help you paint a clearer picture for your audience and also help break down complex ideas. You should also make sure the flow of the post isn’t interrupted by drifting away from the subject. Conclusion Conclusion, key takeaways, final thoughts — title it however you want. This part of your blog post is mostly a summary of your whole blog post. It is also the part that mostly contains your CTA or directs your readers on the next steps to take. By following these best practices for structuring your blog posts, you make them easy to read and digest for your audience. Enhancing On-Page SEO in Blog Posts Although Google’s newest algorithm prioritizes relevant content, there are still some SEO practices you need to follow for your blog posts to perform better in search results. Think of SEO as structuring your blog post for search engines just as you structure your post for your audience to be able to easily read and scan through your content for the information they need. Why On-Page SEO is Important for Blog Posts You must follow search engines' rules for your blog posts to be prominently displayed on a search engine results page. Search engines basically expect you to follow two rules. The first is to produce relevant content, and the second is to optimize your content for search engines. When you follow the rules, search engines love you for it and tend to prioritize your blog post by showing it to those who are actively searching for content like the one you have published. Hence, you must always optimize your blog posts for search engines if you want them to perform well in searches. Keyword Research and Optimization What are some other keywords and long-tail phrases related to your focus keywords? You must be able to identify such keywords so you can incorporate them into your blog post along with your focus keywords. Interestingly, there are free tools out there that you can install on your computer to give you related keywords or long-tail phrases whenever you type your focus keyword in Google. Two of these free tools are: Keyword Surfer Keywords Everywhere With any of these free Chrome extensions on your computer, you can get keyword suggestions when you type in your focus keywords on Google. Remember that the key to incorporating keywords in your post is to do it naturally. It isn’t advisable to forcefully add keywords to your post. Search engine bots can penalize you for stuffing keywords in your post just to rank high. Optimizing Meta Tags, URLs, and Image Alt Tags SEO tools like Yoast and Rank Math all highlight these elements — meta descriptions, URLs, and alt tags. These tools consider the three elements mentioned above when it comes to giving your blog post an SEO score, which means they also contribute their quota to the search rankings of posts. Although Google's algorithm might not take meta descriptions into account, they are still displayed on search results pages. They may not be a ranking factor, but they can increase your click-through rate. So make sure to add creative descriptions with your target keywords and keep it under 160 characters. Rank Math SEO tool suggests you also write a URL under 75 characters with your focus keywords and add alt texts to the images in your blog posts. Preferably, at least one of your image alt texts should also contain your focus keyword. Utilizing Internal and External Links Another important aspect of on-page SEO is links. Linking to external sources tells Google you have performed your research and are knowledgeable about the topic you are writing on. Linking from one page to another on your website gives authority to the pages being linked to. Internal linking also helps Google index new pages on a website faster. Using Storytelling to Engage Readers Storytelling doesn’t only apply to fiction writing. Non-fiction writing, such as blog posts, also uses storytelling to get readers more intrigued. After all, who doesn’t love a good story? The Power of Storytelling in Blog Posts A good story is capable of hooking your readers and getting them to read every single word of your blog post. Stories are what transform boring guides into fun, digestible bites of information. They are what make us forget our exhaustion and bury our heads in books till 3:30 a.m. Stories are powerful, and you don’t need to be one of the greatest storytellers out there to incorporate them into your blog posts. Using stories can aid in creating unique and memorable content. You can start incorporating stories into your post by using anecdotes, client or customer experiences, or even your personal experiences. Remember to use active voice when telling your story. This makes it more engaging, interesting and gives it a smooth flow. For more ideas on how to incorporate storytelling techniques into your non-fiction content, check out this post by The Writing Genie. Balancing Storytelling with Informative or Educational Aspects Remember that you need to strike a balance between your engaging story and providing informative or educational content. Your audience still needs to be able to understand the core message of your blog post. You can strike a balance between your story and your blog post by aligning the story with the main topic. That is, you need to ensure that the story is relevant to the topic and that you are using examples strategically to supplement the informative aspect of the post. Also, try to maintain clarity and coherence. Make sure your story still flows and is structured in a way that guides readers through the narrative. It should keep them engaged while they understand the core message of the post. Editing and Polishing Your Blog Posts Every first draft needs thorough editing. It is the crucial last step that cannot be ignored. If you are afraid to edit and cut off the part of your first draft that messes up the rest of your content, then you cannot expect to arrive at a great article. You must be willing to cut out all the fluff in your content, even if it reduces your word count. Editing: Best Practices Cut-out fluff words – These are words that, when cut off, the sentence still maintains its meaning. Words such as really, very, actually, that, etc. Proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors – One of the things that put most readers off is the sight of grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. This is why you need to proofread your work repeatedly to ensure it is free of such errors. You can choose to use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and Pro Writing Aid to help with grammatical corrections and spelling errors. You can also give your post to a colleague or friend to proofread to be sure you aren’t missing anything. Streamlining sentences and paragraphs for clarity and conciseness – Go through your sentences and paragraphs to verify they are short and clear. Divide sentences that are too long to read. Seeking feedback and revising as necessary – When you are done editing, submit for your client’s review and be willing to accept feedback and make changes. For 25 quick self-editing tips, check out this post . Crafting Blog Posts: Conclusion Crafting a compelling blog post begins with understanding the target audience for the post you are writing. In addition, the purpose of the post will give you better insight into the tone of voice and choice of words to use. The headline of your blog post is important and determines whether readers will click on it. However, a great blog post needs more than just a compelling headline; it also needs relevant content that has been structured for easy readability and scannability. The editing stage is the stage that polishes your content and gets it ready for your audience, and it is a stage that needs extra focus so you don’t miss anything. Keep in mind that being able to craft compelling blog posts isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes a lot of practice and experimenting with different techniques to find your unique voice and writing style. So keep writing and experimenting until you find what works for you. About the Author Hi, I’m Elfrida , a freelance content writer for hire. When it comes to my work, I am passionate about two things – crafting compelling blog posts and helping my clients rank their websites for relevant keywords with decent search volumes. When I'm not working, I enjoy taking long walks and spending time with loved ones. Connect with me on LinkedIn , where I share my experiences as a freelance content writer.