Not sure what is reasonable to pay a freelance book editor? The Editorial Freelancer's Association has a chart with median rates using data they've collected from over 1000 members: www.the-efa.org/rates/. #Writing #Editing 1/3

If you would like to thank me for creating these comp-finder databases (they are a lot of work!), share with your writer friends so they get used and/or buy some of the books from the Bookshop links inside.

I've started watching Silo. Not a unique premise by any means, but very well executed so far! I'm concerned this is one of those shows where the answers are going to be way less interesting than the questions, but we shall see.

These are the books from my TBR I am most excited about. If you've read them, what did you think? Which should I read first? #Reading #TBR #SciFi #Fantasy

Looking for examples of successful query letters? Here's one for NOPHEK GLOSS (adult sci-fi) by Essa Hansen: ellenbrockediting.com/examples-of-... #Writing #Querying

How many books on my recommended fantasy list have you read? #Reading #Fantasy

If you love reading sci-fi/fantasy books and listening to podcasts, you should check out The Worldbuilder's Tavern. We're a hoot. www.worldbuilderstavern.com #SciFi #Fantasy #Reading #Podcast #Worldbuilding

Mila loves her new catio. #Caturday

"It was a cold October morning, and Alex Evans was doing fine, really. Absolutely fine." —Struan Murray, DRAGONBORN A kid who's secretly a dragon! Sounds fun. #FirstLineFriday #TBR #Fantasy #MiddleGrade

Libraries are the level best

I read WHAT MOVES THE DEAD by T. Kingfisher for The Worldbuilder's Tavern podcast this month! How did I feel about it and what can writers learn from it? Check out the episode: www.worldbuilderstavern.com/e/413-what-m... Next month, we read BINTI by Nnedi Okorafor. #Podcast #Worldbuilding #Horror

Publishing is being plagued by scammers. Check out this article by Victoria Strauss on how to spot them.

"Why can't I find X book title in your comp-finder database?" I've had this question pop up about my databases (www.aealexander.com/comp-finder-...). The purpose of these is to help you find effective comps for your query letter, so not every book published ever is going to appear in them. 1/3

There are various types of editing, and if you do them out of order, you'll waste a lot of your own time. It should go: Developmental editing -> Line editing -> Copy editing -> Proofreading Perfecting a sentence isn't that useful if said sentence is going to be deleted #Writing #Editing 1/2

Just nappin' on a chair.

Finally got to watch PROJECT HAIL MARY. It was fun! They did a great job with Rocky's appearance and voice. I don't know if I would have liked the movie as much if I hadn't read the book first, though.

Looking for examples of successful query letters? Here's one for GEARBREAKERS (YA sci-fi) by Zoe Hana Mikuta: zoehanamikuta.com/2019/07/12/t... #Querying #Writing

Self-editing is a valuable skill to have, but there’s a point where you can’t see the forest for the trees anymore, and hiring a professional editor will bring your manuscript to the next level. #Writing #Editing #WritingTips

My TBR is at 122 books. I doubt it will ever go down, because as much as I read, I consistently add to it. 😂 #Reading #TBR

My editing fees are going up next year, so if you are planning to book me for an edit, do it now to nab my current pricing! #Editing

We built a spaceship!

She's comfortable, right?

"Forty years ago, I began keeping a list of annoyances that came with being a Hunter of Artemis." —Jim C. Hines, SLAYERS OF OLD I love the idea of three former chosen ones in retirement. Looking forward to reading this. #FirstLineFriday #TBR #Fantasy

One of the most fun things about writing #fantasy is the worldbuilding, and one of the most difficult things is deciding how and when to convey that information. Divulge too much, and you run the risk of overwhelming readers; not enough, and the world won't feel lived in. #Writing #Editing 1/2

What's your favourite book you've read so far this year?

Loved this book, and it was fun to discuss on The Worldbuilder's Tavern podcast. www.worldbuilderstavern.com/e/45-voyage-... #Fantasy #Reading #Writing

Finished! #StardewValley #CrossStitch

My favourite novel that uses second-POV is THE INCANDESCENT by Emily Tesh. It does it so well. If you use second-POV in your writing, go read it for inspiration. #Writing #WritingTips

If your pet does this and you DON'T say, "Aww, big yawn," do you even like animals?

Questions to ask when revising a horror novel: #5 - Are you focusing enough on your character development so that readers care about what happens to them? #Writing #Editing #Horror

Looking for examples of successful query letters? Here's one for JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW (middle grade sci-fi) by Nathan Bransford: nathanbransford.com/blog/2011/05... #Writing #Querying

Fourth person is weird and fascinating. www.aealexander.com/blog/fourth-... #Writing #WritingTips #POV

Questions to ask when revising a horror novel: #4 - Is tension and an increasing sense of isolation rising? #Writing #Editing #Horror

Sometimes, you've just gotta play Baldur's Gate 3 for the tenth time.

I try not to feel ashamed when I have grammar errors or typos in my social posts, because even editors need editors. 😄 #Editing

Questions to ask when revising a horror novel: #3 - Are your characters (and readers) feeling dread? #Writing #Editing #Horror

If you're looking to hire an editor, make sure you understand the the deliverables for. Some editors define services a little differently. If you're curious about my services, here's a quick rundown: - Manuscript Critique: you get an edit letter that evaluates 1/3

Questions to ask when revising a horror novel: #2 - Is your protagonist's greatest fear being triggered? #Writing #Editing #Horror

"L'ore's first sin was to be born in the dark of night when the gods were asleep." —Marvellous Michael Anson, FIRSTBORN OF THE SUN I love that I'm seeing more Yoruba-inspired fantasy. This sounds epic, and look at that glorious cover. #FirstLineFriday #TBR #Fantasy

Questions to ask when revising a horror novel: #1 - Are enough bad things happening to your characters? Sometimes, it's tempting to be too nice to them. But horror generally requires giving them a bad, bad time. Don't go easy on them! #Writing #Editing #Horror

This may be helpful for you writers considering working with an editor! #Writing #Editing

My editorial assistant demands regular snuggles.

Questions to ask when revising a sci-fi novel: #5 - Are your cultures, creatures, or other worldbuilding elements developed enough so that the setting feels lived-in? #Writing #Editing #SciFi

Motivation connects readers to your story’s protagonist. Why do they want what they want? What is driving them?

Questions to ask when revising a sci-fi novel: #4 - If there are aliens, is it clear how they differ from other beings? Are they more than just purple-skinned humans? #Writing #Editing #SciFi

Romancing Morrigan in #DragonAge is like... Leliana: Are you sure this is a good idea? Wynne: This is a bad idea. Morrigan: This won't end well, you know. Me:

Looking for examples of successful query letters? Here's one for THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES (adult fantasy) by Julie Leong: www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/co... #Writing #Querying

How do you know they will be right for you and your story? And what are the red flags you should be on the lookout for? #Writing #Editing #WritingTips #Publishing

Questions to ask when revising a sci-fi novel: #3 - Are the rules of the science and world consistent? #Writing #Editing #SciFi

How do you write an engaging first line? First of all, don't sweat this, especially not during a first draft. Your first line only has to accomplish one thing: make your readers curious to go on to the next line. Here are a few tips on how to do that: 1/5 #Writing