Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • Editing, How-to

    How to respond to structural edits

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    No matter how experienced you are, receiving feedback on a fiction manuscript can be a lot. Here are my tips on how to respond to structural edits.

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  • Author interviews

    Rose Monroe is raising the stakes with her Mafia romance series

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    Rose Monroe in a white shirt with the collar pulled up to hide her lower face. She has blonde hair and dark eyes.

    The former magazine writer and stylist brings her experience in the glamorous world of fashion and publishing to her high-stakes, high-heat romance series.

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  • How-to, Writing

    Breaking up is hard to do

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    What you need to know about writing a romance with no third-act breakup.

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  • Author interviews

    Diane Hester is reshaping the past with fiction

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    The Fortress of Us cover showing the interior of an old timber barn

    An unsettling childhood experience inspired the South Australian author’s latest suspense novel, which explores found family, neurodivergence and the lasting impact of trauma.

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  • Editing, How-to, Writing

    How to make your dialogue shine

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    Give your fictional conversations a glow-up with these tips.

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  • Editing, Writing

    Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling

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    Two women sit on a couch with a pile of books and papers between them.

    A lack of trust can erode your story in subtle ways. Here’s how it tends to show up and how to show your reader you trust them to keep up.

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Hi there!
Hi there!

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

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

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

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