Articles for Freelancers

Closing the Sale Starts Before You Meet the Author—Part 2

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips , ,

Closing the Sale Starts Before You Meet the Author—Part 2

By Dori Harrell

doriharrellnov2016

Closing the sale depends on more than delivering a dynamite sample edit—it begins with forming a relationship with an author before he or she even contacts the editor. An editor forms that early relationship by ensuring his or her online presence reflects editorial professionalism, choosing a tone when communicating with authors, and developing strategies for responding to inquiries (see the full blog post, “Closing the Sale Starts Before You Meet the Author,” which outlines these strategies).

To improve your chances of closing the sale on your initial communication with an author, I recommend engaging the author about his or her project, showcasing your skill and passion, and asking questions that promote dialogue. Here are a couple of sample scenarios:

1. Author’s initial e-mail (for a genre you’ve edited):

Hi, Editor. I’m in need of a content editor for my historical Christian fiction novel. My novel is nearly complete and will be about 80K words, and it’s taken me several years to write. I’m hoping to work with an editor with experience in this genre. Would you be willing to take a look at my manuscript to see if you could help me? I’ve attached my first fifty pages, and here’s a brief blurb. I’m planning to publish independently, and this is my first novel.

Sample response (engage the author, showcase your skill and passion, and ask questions):

Hi, Author. Thank you for your interest in my services—I genuinely appreciate it! And congratulations on nearly finishing your novel. That’s an amazing accomplishment.

I’ve edited several Christian historical novels (and I edit for many authors in the Christian Indie Authors Facebook group), so it’s a genre I’m familiar with. I work with debut indie authors regularly, and I enjoy helping them make their stories read as well as, if not better than, traditionally published novels. I’ve recently edited [these three historical novels already published].

Thank you for including the back-cover blurb—it’s definitely intriguing. Nice job on that.

I’d love to hear more about your publishing timeline and your goals for this book. Is it a stand-alone novel or part of a series?

Thanks for also attaching the first fifty pages. I’d be happy to provide a sample edit. I’ll choose a few pages and edit those so that you can get a feel for my style. And I’d be happy to preview the entire manuscript so that I can best determine how I might be able to help you.

I’m looking forward to chatting with you further about your project.

2. Author’s initial e-mail (for a genre you’re interested in taking on but haven’t edited yet):

Hi, Editor. I’ve written a middle grade novel and saw on your website that you work with middle grade authors. I’d like a content edit, and I’m planning to publish traditionally. Would you be willing to provide a sample edit? Do you have published books in this genre that I could preview? I’m planning to publish traditionally and am seeking an agent.

Sample response (engage the author, showcase your skill and passion, and ask questions—but this time, also talk about what you read):

Hi, Author. Thank you for your interest in my services—I genuinely appreciate it.

I would love to hear more about your book. Do you have a blurb you could send me? And is this a stand-alone book, or will it be part of a series?

I’m an avid reader of middle grade novels and just finished [these three MG books], and I’m an experienced content editor and copyeditor. I recently started reaching out to middle grade authors because I’m hoping to build a middle grade portfolio, and I signed another MG author for a project later this year. In addition, I’ve recently edited [these young adult titles].

I frequently help authors with their query letters to agents, and I include that service as part of my content editing package.

I checked out your website—nicely done, by the way. I’m intrigued by your writing style and what I’ve read about your books so far. I’d love to chat a little more about your project, and I’d be happy to provide you with a sample edit.…

Thank you again for contacting me.

I recommend gearing your responses to your editorial tone. It’s vital to tailor each response to an author’s needs and to highlight how your skills can help an author, while engaging the writer in a dialogue about his or her project and goals. Developing an effective approach to responding to inquiries will encourage authors to be sold on you as their editor before you even deliver the sample edits.

doriharrellDori Harrell owns Breakout Editing and edits full time. As an editor, she releases more than twenty-five books annually. Her client list includes indie authors, best-selling writers, and publishers. She also serves as a senior editor for a major editing agency. An award-winning writer, she’s published more than a thousand articles.

Why Freelancers Need Each Other

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips ,

karinbeerynov2016

By Karin Beery

karinbeerynov2016

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to new freelance writers and editors is to join a professional network. It may seem counterproductive—a group of people all doing the same job and competing for the same clients. If that’s your mindset—competition—then a professional organization might not work for you. If, however, you want to improve your skills, get and give job leads, and develop long-lasting relationships, then keep reading.

The idea of working for yourself while working from home sounds wonderful—no set hours, no dress code, no commute. For a while it’s wonderful, but even if you’re an introvert (and especially if you’re an extrovert!), it eventually reveals its true nature: isolation. Sure, working from the local coffee shop or library can alleviate some of that solitude, but it doesn’t change the nature of your career choice. So how do you find balance?

Professional organizations. Here’s why:

  1. Education. Most organizations offer classes, books, or conferences with discounts for members. The classes often cover a wide array of topics that you may not find at your community college. Best of all, these classes are usually taught by industry professionals—you’re learning directly from your peers, not from people who learned how to teach a subject.
  2. Job Leads. You may not believe it, but joining a group of other editors can actually help you get editing gigs. How? Not every editor is qualified to edit every type of book. I specialize in fiction, not technical writing. When people contact me about editing genres I’m not familiar with, I don’t take the jobs and hope for the best; I refer them to my professional network. Similarly, when editors are too busy to take jobs, they often provide the lead to other editors in the group. It’s not about taking jobs from each other; it’s about helping each other.
  3. Support. When you work for yourself, you don’t have managers to encourage and challenge you. There’s no company Christmas party. It’s just you and your work station—until you join a group of like-minded professionals. Then it’s you and a group of people just like you who not only offer support but also sincerely understand your frustrations and victories. You don’t just listen to each other, you understand each other.

You can do it alone, but you don’t have to. If you’re frustrated by your isolation (or dreading its inevitable arrival), do some research. Find your people and get connected.

KarinBeery2 color-200wide

Owner of Write Now Editing and Copywriting Services, Karin Beery specializes in fiction and professional business copy. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the American Christian Writers Association. A Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network member, she is the Substantive Editing for Fiction instructor for the PEN Institute. Karin is represented by literary agent Steve Hutson at Word Wise Media. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com.

Co-authors Need to Remain Low-Key

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips , ,

Co-authors Need to Remain Low-Key

By Ken Walker

kenwalkeroct2016

Several years ago, since the lead author and I couldn’t afford to hire a high-powered publicist, I assisted with contacting radio and television talk shows and newspapers in an attempt to generate more attention for our book.

Amid this process, a business contact asked if we would be interested in recording a spot for a radio program in another state that aired every Saturday. He also asked if I wanted to participate. Eager for any opportunity, I replied, “Yes.”

That day, I learned what it’s like to be the proverbial fifth wheel. For most of the time, the host interviewed the author. When he came to me near the end of the show, I felt that my comments had a “me too” quality.

In a new way, that experience showed me that a co-author or ghostwriter (the difference is, when your name appears on the cover, you’re a co-author) needs to remain in the background.

There is really only one person that matters for a book. Unless your name is in the top position on the cover, you’re not that person. While this may sound kind of basic, prior to my awkward radio experience I didn’t appreciate the significance of assuming a position out of the spotlight.

I realize there are best-selling author tandems (Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend come to mind). However, unless you’re in a high-profile sort of position, you shouldn’t seek the kind of recognition that “authors” receive.

The difference that will make is appreciating the value of a support role, which is what being a co-author or ghostwriter is all about. When you expect to stay out of the limelight at the start of a project, you won’t get wounded if you fail to receive the acclaim that you feel is deserved for helping a book come to life.

When the author of the first book I wrote that was released by a national publisher appeared on a national TV talk show, he didn’t mention my name. When he apologized for the oversight a couple of days later, I told him that was all right. Secretly, I was upset he didn’t mention it.

Fast forward to 2016. I’ve been working all year on a book that is close to proposal stage. It’s the kind of ground-breaking material that I think has great potential, although I recognize that getting any kind of royalty contract in the brave new digital world is an uphill battle.

However, even if it does get published and does well, I will be content to keep a low profile. Of course, if you’re familiar with the publishing process, you know there are dozens of people along the way—editors, cover designers, proofreaders, and others—whose name will never be “known.” Any book is a team effort. A co-author should find gratification from being part of the team.

———-
Read more posts by Ken Walker on ghostwriting and co-authoring:
Ghostwriting Compensation: Don’t Just Work for Royalties
Reasons to Be a Ghostwriter

Walker11-10_200wide

Experienced. Award-winning. Skilled. For years, Ken Walker has been shaping stories—thousands of them—for books and articles in various venues. He uses his writing and editing talent now to help edit and refine authors’ material, as well as coaching bloggers and other writers on how they can improve their material. In recent years Ken has co-authored or edited more than a dozen health-oriented books. This specialty began with co-authoring Winning the Food Fight, a book that emerged from Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, an Emmy-Award-winning mini-series on ABC.

Passive vs. Active Verbs, Part Two

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips , ,

kathyideoct2016

By Kathy Ide

kathyideoct2016

In Passive and Active Verbs, Part One, we encouraged the use of active verbs over passive verbs. Here, we will list five exceptions.

In nonfiction, there are a few acceptable reasons to use passive verbs:

  1. To emphasize the action rather than the subject.
    Example: Jim’s bioengineering proposal was approved by the committee.

  2. To keep the subject and focus consistent throughout a passage.
    Example: The astrobiology department presented a controversial proposal to the committee. After long debate, the proposal was endorsed by …

  3. To be tactful by not naming the subject.
    Example: The e-mail message was misinterpreted.

  4. To describe a condition in which the subject is unknown or irrelevant to the sentence.
    Example: Every year, many people are diagnosed with Environmental Illness.

  5. To create an authoritative tone.
    Example: Visitors are not allowed after 9:00 p.m.

Even in fiction, the occasional use of a passive verb is acceptable. But do a search of your manuscript for is, was, are, were, be, been, would, could, has, had, and have, and wherever you find one of those words, see if there’s a way you can show what’s happening instead of just telling about it.

__________________

kathyinblue

Kathy Ide is a published author/ghostwriter, editor/mentor, and writers’ conference speaker. Her latest books are Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love, the first in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. Kathy is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.comwww.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.comwww.ChristianEditor.com). To find out more, visit www.KathyIde.com.

It is an infringement of copyright law to reproduce this publication, in part or in whole, without the express permission of the author. To request permission, please e-mail Kathy@KathyIde.com.

Finding Potential Clients on Twitter

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips , ,

Finding Potential Clients on Twitter

By Ralene Burke

raleneburkeoct2016

Twitter is a valuable resource and a veritable ocean of opportunities for editors of all sorts. Whether an editor specializes in fiction or nonfiction, or works with authors or companies, there are potential clients for everyone on Twitter. The trick is learning how to find them.

So, let’s start with how to set yourself up so they find you.

How They Find You

Here is my current Twitter bio:

I wield a freelance editor’s sword & a fantasy author’s pen | Marketing Dir. For @RealmMakers | Homeschooler | Believer | BELLANOK: raleneburke.com/my-books/

  1. Fill out your bio section completely. Let people know you are an editor and even share what you specialize in. Make sure your bio is keyword rich so when people will search for editors, they’ll find your profile in the list.
  2. On the same note, leave space in your bio to share one or two personal things that will help people connect with you. While Twitter is more business-focused than Facebook, people still want to feel they relate with you on a more personal level.
  3. Note anything that might make you stand out from other editors.
  4. Consider your ideal client. When tweeting, choose your wording by what will catch the eye of your potential client. Retweet or share articles that are of interest to them. Provide value.
  5. Use the hashtags your client will be following. If you’re aiming for romance writers, use #romance or #romanticsuspense or #RWA. You might have to do a little research to see what hashtags your clients use. Also, try not to use more than two hashtags in one tweet.

How You Find Them

Sometimes, you need to take the initiative and put yourself out there. The more you jump in, help out, and provide value, the more people will follow you.

  1. Be helpful. Once you have hashtags picked out, you can click or search the hashtag and see all the latest tweets—who is using them and what they are saying. I have started many relationships—several that turned into clients—just by answering questions that pop up on the #amwriting hashtag.
  2. Become friends with other editors. If you share their content and make an effort to form a relationship, then the chance of them reciprocating increases. I am not at all encouraging you to forge false friendships for the purpose of getting them to share your content. I’m just saying it’s typically a natural consequence of forming real relationships.
  3. Find a few authors and or influencers in your target market to follow. Chances are the bigger names already have editors, but there is still a lot of information you can garner from them as well as finding potential clients in their circles.
  4. Follow publishing houses and such. Sometimes they put out job openings in their tweets!

These tips will help you to grow your Twitter platform as well as help you find potential clients. The more you provide value by way of information, encouragement, networking, etc., the more people will look to you. The more they look to you, the better chance you have of turning that relationship into a client.

raleneburkeheadshot150wide

Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to make it SHINE! She has worked for a variety of groups/companies, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, and as an editor for a number of freelance clients. Her first novel, Bellanok, is being published as a 4-part serial.

She is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website.

Freelance Work: When to Say No

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips

Freelance Work: When to Say No

By Karin Beery

karinbeeryoct2016

More business translates into more money, so it seems logical that freelance editors should take as much work as possible, right?

Maybe not.

Perhaps a better statement would be that more of the right business translates into more money, because not every job is going to be the right job for you. It’s tempting to take every job that comes your way, but it’s not always a good idea. Research has shown that people who enjoy their work but make less money actually save more money than those people who make more money but dislike their jobs. That makes selectivity a reasonable trait for any freelancer.

Here are a few times when it may be a good idea to pass on an editing gig.

  1. It’s not your genre. It can be tempting to say yes to a fiction editing job (especially if you need the money), but if you’ve never studied fiction, pass on the job. The same is true if you’re a fiction editor who has the chance to edit a nonfiction book or doctoral thesis. Each genre includes its own specific rules and guidelines—if you aren’t familiar with them all, you’re doing a disservice to your client.
  2. You don’t have time. Don’t accept a job you don’t have time to complete. It’s easy to think you can squeeze one more job into your schedule, but don’t look at your calendar through rose-colored glasses. Be honest about what you can do so you don’t end up rushing through a job just to meet a deadline. Each client deserves your best effort.
  3. You’re not interested. Working through a rough manuscript can be tedious. It can also be time consuming, even more so if you’re not interested in the topic or genre. That’s when your work becomes a burden, and if your work is a burden, it’s tempting to rush through the job just to be done with it.
  4. It’s all about the money. It’s never a good idea to let money be your only motivator, especially as a Christian editor. Don’t let a fear of finances push you into accepting a job that’s not a right fit for you. Not only will it end up being a struggle for you (see Numbers 1 and 3), but your emphasis ends up on getting the paycheck, not performing a quality edit.

Just because you work for yourself doesn’t mean you have to take every job that comes your way. Know your limits and set boundaries for which kinds of jobs you’ll accept and when. You—and your clients—will appreciate it.

KarinBeery2 color-200wide

Owner of Write Now Editing and Copywriting Services, Karin Beery specializes in fiction and professional business copy. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the American Christian Writers Association. A Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network member, she is the Substantive Editing for Fiction instructor for the PEN Institute. Karin is represented by literary agent Steve Hutson at Word Wise Media. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com.

The Role of a Support System in the Life of a Professional

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips ,

The Role of a Support System in the Life of a Professional

By Rachel E. Newman

rachelnewmansep2016

What do you think of when you hear the word professional? Does it conjure the image of a self-made man or woman? Someone who has it all together and never falls short of his or her goals? If this is the image you have in mind, you may have trouble seeing yourself as a professional. You might have problems charging the rate of a professional. And you may have issues displaying professionalism.

Professionals are people, too.

And yes, we expect professionals to conform to the ethical standards of our industry, exhibit a courteous and conscientious attitude, and generally conduct themselves in a businesslike manner. But these traits don’t show up on their own. You can’t give what you don’t have. And you can’t get it without having others in your life.

My pastor recently preached a message about community. He said, after all his years of studying God’s Word and walking with the Lord, he’s realized that community isn’t just part of a church, the church is community. People who try to do life on their own, just them and Jesus, are not living life as part of the church. You can get to heaven with just you and Jesus, but you’re going to have a whole lot more trouble getting there. God intended us to live in community. And this is just as true in our professional lives as it is in our personal lives.

Within the support of a community, we find strength, comfort, knowledge, accountability, and even discipline. Freelancing isn’t an easy endeavor. We can’t always clock out at the end of the day and leave our work at work. Sometimes the business end of what we do can seem overwhelming, and we might be tempted to take shortcuts. It’s during those times we can turn to our support system. We can learn new things and better ways to handle our affairs. With knowledge comes confidence. We can gain courage and wisdom from those who have been where we are. With courage comes boldness to do what must be done. And we can give generously to those who are in need. With giving comes blessing and fulfillment.

A professional is not someone who has arrived on their own. Instead, he or she is someone who is journeying alongside a host of others who hold them up. If you haven’t found your professional community yet, I’d like to invite you to join The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. This body of online community bolsters itself with grace and sharpens itself like iron on iron. It’s been an essential companion in the journey of this professional. And once a year, we get a chance to meet in person and turn those digital hugs into physical hugs at PENCON, the only professional conference for editors in the Christian market.

When you feel like you’re falling short and you’re tempted to treat your business like a hobby just because it’s so difficult, look in the mirror and remind yourself that all professionals face this moment. And then go find them and be a support for each other.

Pleasant penning,

Rachel Newman
Freelance Editor and Indexer
Certified Paralegal
www.RevisionsbyRachel.com.
Editor@RevisionsbyRachel.com

rachelnewmanprofile2-200wide

Rachel E. Newman holds a BS degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. She is a Gold Member of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, serves as a judge for the Excellence in Editing Award sponsored by the Christian Editor Connection, and has served as a faculty member for PENCON, the only convention for editors in the Christian market. Rachel enjoys, among other things, dates with her husband, swing dancing, reading, teaching, discussing important issues, watching Star Trek, sewing, cooking, Pilates, horseback riding, water sports, playing guitar, and snow skiing.

The PEN Institute

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips , , , ,

The PEN Institute

By Christi McGuire

peninst422wide

The PEN Institute, a new entity of the parent company, Christian Editor Network LLC, has launched! It is an online educational institute for Christian editors to encourage and equip them along their editing journeys. The online courses were a part of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, which began in 2004 when founder Kathy Ide had a vision to create a community for Christian editors. All of the courses were taught by PEN members and conducted via Google groups. Over the last twelve years, the number of courses and students has increased so much that education developed into its own entity, The PEN Institute.

The PEN Institute courses offer instruction in topics such as editing, grammar, business, and publishing. Currently, all courses are offered as Group Instruction. Soon we will offer three options for most courses: Lesson Pack (instant download without instructor feedback), Group Instruction (scheduled throughout the year and taught via forums), and Individual Mentoring (one-on-one learning with the instructor).

These courses are now open for registration on our website:

More courses will be scheduled soon. Some features of the website are still in development. The website will be updated continuously with information and new features. Check back often!

We are always open to ideas about what kind of courses you would like to see offered in the future. If you have suggestions, please e-mail Director@PENinstitute.com.

Members of The Christian PEN will continue receiving discounts for all courses. To register for a course, all students must create a profile before adding a course to your shopping cart. On the website, click on Login, then Register, then follow the instructions to create your profile.

Visit the site and take a look around. Check out the team of Instructors, FAQs, Courses, and more.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christi McGuire, the Director of The PEN Institute, at Director@PENinstitute.com.

Christi-Pics-Final-0006_350wide

Christi McGuire, freelance editor, writer, and consultant, has been in the Christian publishing industry for over fifteen years. Formerly an editor at LifeWay Christian Resources, Christi has published over one hundred magazine articles, dozens of children’s devotionals, and ten years of VBS curriculum. She is also the coordinator for the Christian Editor Connection, an organization that matches authors with professional editors. Currently, her primary focus is partnering with authors in the creative process to polish their manuscripts and book proposals and help them navigate the path to publishing. Visit her website at www.ChristiMcGuire.com.

How the Hospitality Industry Prepared Me for Freelance Work

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips ,

How the Hospitality Industry Prepared Me for Freelance Work

By Karin Beery

KarinBeerySep2016

I grew up in a tourist town, so my first job was at the local mini golf course. I spent my first twelve years working in the hospitality industry. Cleaning hotel rooms, serving food, and coordinating weddings may not have a lot in common with writing and editing, but the lessons I learned in the hospitality industry more than prepared me for freelance work.

  1. Smile. Not many people responded kindly to me when I served their food with a frown. A smile, however, goes a long way. I’ve never met many of my freelance clients, but I smile when I talk to them on the phone. It puts everyone at ease and starts the conversation the right way.
  2. Listen. The worst event planners are the ones who don’t listen because they’re so concerned with what they can do that they’re not paying attention to what their customers need. Don’t be so focused on telling your clients what services you offer that you miss what services they need. Let them talk, then respond.
  3. Know your limits. It wasn’t uncommon for people to ask to bring their own booze into a birthday party or family reunion, but the law didn’t allow it. It didn’t matter how I felt about the situation; there was nothing I could do. The same is true when you freelance. There is only so much you can do—you can’t add extra hours to your day or become an expert in an unknown field overnight. If you can’t do it, that’s okay. Better to turn down a job than finish it a week late.
  4. Be honest. If you don’t know the answer, say so. When hotel guests would ask me about room rates and availability, I didn’t guess and hope I was right. I told them I didn’t know—then I promised to find the answer and let them know. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing something; there’s no way you can know everything about your industry. Being honest will reveal your character, while also showing that you’re willing to do some research and get some answers to help your clients.
  5. Remember you can’t please everyone. If you work long enough, you’ll encounter the unhappy client—the person who complains about everything, even if you give him exactly what he wanted. Nothing’s good enough. It’s happened every place I’ve ever worked, and it’s happened in my freelance career. Just do your best, let him be crabby, and move on to your next client. (Read more about it here.)
  6. Communicate. Whether you’re selling pizza or editing a book, make sure your services, prices, and any changes are well communicated. It will save everyone a headache later.
    Professional courtesy works regardless of your industry. Learn them, practice them, and apply them, and you’ll provide a great experience for your clients.

KarinBeery2 color-200wideOwner of Write Now Editing and Copywriting Services, Karin Beery specializes in fiction and professional business copy. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the American Christian Writers Association. A Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network member, she is the Substantive Editing for Fiction instructor for the PEN Institute. Karin is represented by literary agent Steve Hutson at Word Wise Media. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com.

Passive vs. Active Verbs, Part One

Articles for Freelancers, PEN Tips ,

Passive vs. Active Verbs, Part One

By Kathy Ide

KathyIdeSep2016

Wherever possible, your clients should strive to use strong, precise verbs rather than weak, vague verbs. Instead of saying, “They were going,” write, “They went.” Or better yet, show how they went. “They jogged,” “They raced,” “They ambled,” for example. A single descriptive action verb is almost always better than a weak passive verb. 

Here are some examples:

Passive: It is believed by Sue that a curfew must be placed on her son, Matthew.
Active: Sue believes that she must place a curfew on her son, Matthew.

Passive: It was earlier demonstrated that Matthew could be intimidated by too much freedom.
Active: Friday’s party showed Sue that too much freedom could intimidate Matthew.

Passive verbs often indicate that a subject exists, or that something happens to the subject. Active verbs describe something a subject does.

Passive: Andrew had dark, curly hair and a bushy beard.
Active: Andrew ran his fingers through his dark, curly hair and stroked his bushy beard.

Passive: Two cups of coffee were on the table.
Active: Joe picked up two cups of coffee from the table.

__________________

kathyinblue

Kathy Ide is a published author/ghostwriter, editor/mentor, and writers’ conference speaker. Her latest books are Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love, the first in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. Kathy is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.comwww.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.comwww.ChristianEditor.com). To find out more, visit www.KathyIde.com.

It is an infringement of copyright law to reproduce this publication, in part or in whole, without the express permission of the author. To request permission, please e-mail Kathy@KathyIde.com.

«< 2 3 4 5 6 >»

 

Receive every blog article in your inbox.