self-publishing | The Blue Pencil

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Trigger Warnings In Fiction: A Necessary Courtesy Or Creative Constraint?

Trigger warnings in fiction are becoming more common—but are they truly helping readers, or limiting creativity?

Deborah Taylor

Oct 293 min read

Black and white photo with a man in a suit jacket writing on paper with screwed-up pieces of paper around him on the desk.

Copy Editing vs Proofreading: What Indie Authors Need to Know.

What’s the Difference Between Copy Editing and Proofreading? One of the most common questions I get from authors is: What’s the...

Deborah Taylor

Oct 73 min read

Writer’s hand jotting notes in a notebook with a pen, symbolising the creative process before professional copy editing and proofreading.

Copy Editing and Proofreading for Indie Authors: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Thinking About Hiring a Copy Editor? Find out what it is like to work with me a professional proofreader and copy editor.

Deborah Taylor

Aug 113 min read

From manuscript to marketplace: the 10 key steps in the self-publishing journey.

The Stages of Publishing: What Every Self-Publishing Author Should Know

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes before a book lands in a reader’s hands? If you're thinking of self-publishing, understanding the stages your manuscript must pass through can help you plan, budget, and avoid burnout.

Deborah Taylor

Jul 172 min read

A block of justified Lorem Ipsum text in German is shown, with two typographic issues highlighted. A vertical line of white space between words, labeled “River,” is marked with red curves and a black arrow. A vertically aligned pattern of hyphens at the end of lines, labeled “Ladder,” is marked with a red bracket and another black arrow.

10 Surprising Edits Copy Editors Make to Improve Your Writing

Discover 10 subtle but powerful edits a copy editor makes to elevate your writing—many of which you might never notice!

Deborah Taylor

Jun 93 min read

A traditional style typewriter keyboard with the word story on it.

How to Punctuate Action Beats and Dialogue Tags

Want to elevate your fiction writing? In this second part, I look at how to punctuate your dialogue tags and action beats correctly.

Deborah Taylor

Jan 73 min read

Unlock the Secrets of Action Beats and Dialogue Tags!

Want to elevate your fiction writing? Understanding the difference between dialogue tags and action beats can bring your characters to life.

Deborah Taylor

Oct 23, 20243 min read

Proofreading Know-How: Tips & Tools of the Trade

Discover the tools that professional proofreaders use to polish and correct their client's work and use them to edit your own work.

Deborah Taylor

Nov 7, 20234 min read

Stop Making Mistakes: How a Proofreader Can Improve Your Writing and Your Business

key reasons why hiring a professional proofreader is a great investment for anyone looking to take their writing to the next level

Deborah Taylor

Apr 18, 20234 min read