I edit writing. Which means I need one fairly important thing from you before I can do my job: Words. Actual words. On a page. This is apparently controversial. Because writers will do absolutely anything to avoid writing a bad first draft. Research another source? Absolutely. Change the title six times? Naturally. Spend twenty minutes deciding whether the first sentence should say however or but? Critical work. Meanwhile, the document contains 173 words and has been open for

There are a few reasons that writers often hesitate to write emotion. For one, it limits the reader’s ability to project their own emotions onto the character’s experience. Another reason is that many writers fear thoughts and circumstances that bring about feelings of hate, shame, guilt, terror, deep sadness, and dread. And a third reason is that many writers do not want to cross the line from emotional expression into melodrama. There is a common confusion that strong emoti

“Good characters are why most people read, I think.” -Joe Bunting, best-selling American writer What is a character arc? A character arc is different from a story arc, which is the framework of a story. A character arc is a series of events that build that character. Through these events, readers glimpse the character’s inner battles and witness the growth those challenges inspire. The character goes through a journey—physical, emotional, or spiritual—and grows through it. Wh

As a lesbian, sapphic stories hold a special place in my heart. I want to read stories that represent my experiences as a woman who loves other women. It is important for these experiences to be depicted with authenticity. When I say authenticity, I don’t mean perfection or rigid representation. I mean stories that resonate with emotional truth and feature characters that are realistic and believable. Sapphic romance has evolved. Readers now crave layered, lived-in portrayals

Understanding the Role of a Beta Reader As a beta reader, my role is crucial. I provide insights that help authors refine their stories. This process is essential for creating a book that resonates with its audience. My feedback focuses on emotional connections, character development, and plot coherence. Mistake 1: Inconsistent Characterization When characters act outside of their established traits, this raises red flags in readers. Why? Readers need to believe in the charac

Continuity is vital in most narratives, but it holds particular significance in love stories. Readers expect that details from one scene carry over to the next. This consistency allows for a seamless flow of events that often goes unnoticed. However, sudden changes—like a character's eye color or an unexpected shift in the love interest's location—can disrupt the reader's experience. Such hiccups can harm the believability of the love story. What is Continuity in a Romance No

Whether I’m proofreading a novel between a heterosexual couple or beta reading a manuscript that features women loving women, I’m always looking for emotional immersion in romantic scenes. I love those moments when I’m so caught up in the story that I lose all sense of what’s going on around me—all that matters is the passion the character is experiencing. That I’m experiencing along right with the character. But then there are those times when suddenly a typo comes along and

Authentic Representation of Queer Characters Are the sapphic characters written with depth and individuality? Do they have their own goals and motivations, their own backstories and families? It’s essential to flesh them out with believable traits while avoiding harmful stereotypes or tropes that feel dated. Representation should go beyond just sexual orientation, encompassing aspects like race, disability, or neurodivergence. Does the story feel like it’s written for queer r

What is Conflict? Merriam-Webster defines conflict as clash, competition, or mutual interference of opposing or incompatible forces or...

Archetypes are templates or prototypes that can be used to design a character. They can be used as a base from which to build a...

One of the most vital elements of any romantasy story is its setting. Fantasy readers crave worlds that are rich, immersive, and full of...

What is an ARC Reader? ARC stands for Advanced Review Copy, and ARC readers are unpaid contributors who affect the reputation of a book. ARC readers receive a copy of the book via e-book format, and that copy is edited, formatted, and proofread. Simply put, the book is ready for public consumption. The ARC reader then writes a review and posts it publicly to review sites and blogs. ARC readers deliver their feedback publicly. How Does a Beta Reader Differ From an ARC Reader?