Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
@jesslawrence.bsky.social
Fiction editor. Writer. Reader. Mildly interesting human.
She/Her.
jesslawrence.co.uk
She/Her.
jesslawrence.co.uk
Pinned
2024 has been a good year for editing. I've laughed, I've cried, I've sat at my desk for far, far too long, but it was all in service of fantastic stories!
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
And if you're interested in learning how and why I cut 10k words from an already published novel I wrote about that in a blog post of my own. 👇😁
Revised, Renewed, And Rereleased – How And Why I Changed An Already Published Novel
It’s not normal to change an already published novel, not normal at all. Tolkien did it with The Hobbit. After he decided to make Bilbo’s ring the Ring Of Power he had to go back and ch…
keithwdickinson.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
And if you're interested in learning how and why I cut 10k words from an already published novel I wrote about that in a blog post of my own. 👇😁
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
A post from my editor @jesslawrence.bsky.social on how to know your book is done.
My first book I cut 10,000 words out of it AFTER I had published the first version. That was crazy.
The last book I wrote was done at 45k words. Then at 57k words. The finally at 62k words. Done is a relative concept
My first book I cut 10,000 words out of it AFTER I had published the first version. That was crazy.
The last book I wrote was done at 45k words. Then at 57k words. The finally at 62k words. Done is a relative concept
How do I know when my book is ready?
How do you convince yourself your book is ready in a world where there's no such think as 'perfect'?
www.jesslawrence.co.uk
May 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
A post from my editor @jesslawrence.bsky.social on how to know your book is done.
My first book I cut 10,000 words out of it AFTER I had published the first version. That was crazy.
The last book I wrote was done at 45k words. Then at 57k words. The finally at 62k words. Done is a relative concept
My first book I cut 10,000 words out of it AFTER I had published the first version. That was crazy.
The last book I wrote was done at 45k words. Then at 57k words. The finally at 62k words. Done is a relative concept
I've hit the point with this WIP revision where I just want to read the story, but I don't want to have to write the story first. Like, can't I just have a completed draft already?
February 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
I've hit the point with this WIP revision where I just want to read the story, but I don't want to have to write the story first. Like, can't I just have a completed draft already?
The WIP I'm revising started as a chill project after querying another book. Well, it grew legs and now I want to share it with everyone, hence the revision. 3 chapters in, I love this story and these characters.
I call it Chaos Child (v. apt) but this annoying gremlin of a WIP has my whole heart ❤️🔥
I call it Chaos Child (v. apt) but this annoying gremlin of a WIP has my whole heart ❤️🔥
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The WIP I'm revising started as a chill project after querying another book. Well, it grew legs and now I want to share it with everyone, hence the revision. 3 chapters in, I love this story and these characters.
I call it Chaos Child (v. apt) but this annoying gremlin of a WIP has my whole heart ❤️🔥
I call it Chaos Child (v. apt) but this annoying gremlin of a WIP has my whole heart ❤️🔥
I just got today's Wordle on my first guess. Nothing can stop me now. I am invincible 🙌
December 30, 2024 at 9:46 AM
I just got today's Wordle on my first guess. Nothing can stop me now. I am invincible 🙌
2024 has been a good year for editing. I've laughed, I've cried, I've sat at my desk for far, far too long, but it was all in service of fantastic stories!
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
December 19, 2024 at 11:10 AM
2024 has been a good year for editing. I've laughed, I've cried, I've sat at my desk for far, far too long, but it was all in service of fantastic stories!
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
Thank you so much to every author who has trusted me with their words this year - it's been a pleasure 🧡
I'm rereading an old WIP ahead of revising it and I just came across this note Past Jess left for me where a chapter ends abruptly 😭
December 14, 2024 at 9:05 PM
I'm rereading an old WIP ahead of revising it and I just came across this note Past Jess left for me where a chapter ends abruptly 😭
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
I have a #CosyFantasy that is currently a finalist for Book Blogger Novel Of The Year called Glunda The Veg Witch that people might like. 😊
mybook.to/glunda 🥕🧙♀️
mybook.to/glunda 🥕🧙♀️
Glunda The Veg Witch
Read it now
mybook.to
December 13, 2024 at 6:57 AM
I have a #CosyFantasy that is currently a finalist for Book Blogger Novel Of The Year called Glunda The Veg Witch that people might like. 😊
mybook.to/glunda 🥕🧙♀️
mybook.to/glunda 🥕🧙♀️
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
Never, ever put off buying book one of something because book two isn't out. That's a good way to ensure book two is dropped by the publisher. Sure, a couple of big noisy boys have let you down. Most of us can, do, and are burning to in fact finish what we started, given half a chance.
December 7, 2024 at 11:35 AM
Never, ever put off buying book one of something because book two isn't out. That's a good way to ensure book two is dropped by the publisher. Sure, a couple of big noisy boys have let you down. Most of us can, do, and are burning to in fact finish what we started, given half a chance.
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
✨this december, love thyself✨
7th
I know meditation and mindfulness have many cringe and walk away.
"what's the point of just sitting and breathing? I've never been enlightened."
Nop, it's not the point either.
Let's just take a quick look at the breathing aspect
⬇️🧵
1/6
7th
I know meditation and mindfulness have many cringe and walk away.
"what's the point of just sitting and breathing? I've never been enlightened."
Nop, it's not the point either.
Let's just take a quick look at the breathing aspect
⬇️🧵
1/6
✨this december, love thy self✨
1st & 2nd
Sit tall and comfortably
roll your shoulders back
rest your hands in your lap
relax your jaw
Take a deep breath all the way to your belly
slowly release it
Repeat 5 times, eyes closed
feel your feet on the ground
your chest rising and falling
#mindfulness
1st & 2nd
Sit tall and comfortably
roll your shoulders back
rest your hands in your lap
relax your jaw
Take a deep breath all the way to your belly
slowly release it
Repeat 5 times, eyes closed
feel your feet on the ground
your chest rising and falling
#mindfulness
December 7, 2024 at 5:11 PM
✨this december, love thyself✨
7th
I know meditation and mindfulness have many cringe and walk away.
"what's the point of just sitting and breathing? I've never been enlightened."
Nop, it's not the point either.
Let's just take a quick look at the breathing aspect
⬇️🧵
1/6
7th
I know meditation and mindfulness have many cringe and walk away.
"what's the point of just sitting and breathing? I've never been enlightened."
Nop, it's not the point either.
Let's just take a quick look at the breathing aspect
⬇️🧵
1/6
Reposted by Jess Lawrence | copy-editor
Bless you for this. Short story collections are special. Often harder to write than novels too.
If you want one for free check out my steampunk shorts collection, The Hammersmyth Tales. 😊
mybook.to/hammersmyth2
If you want one for free check out my steampunk shorts collection, The Hammersmyth Tales. 😊
mybook.to/hammersmyth2
I just can't stop buying short story collections on the spot, even if I never find the time to read them. There's something about short story collections. That a chocolate box feeling that a novel doesn't give me. And if they have a good thematic thoughtline, you just can't keep me away.
December 5, 2024 at 2:33 PM
Bless you for this. Short story collections are special. Often harder to write than novels too.
If you want one for free check out my steampunk shorts collection, The Hammersmyth Tales. 😊
mybook.to/hammersmyth2
If you want one for free check out my steampunk shorts collection, The Hammersmyth Tales. 😊
mybook.to/hammersmyth2
To add to this, my services also make for great gifts for the writer in your life (including yourself 🧡)
And I even have cute little gift cards mocked up, so... 👀
And I even have cute little gift cards mocked up, so... 👀
I've got a few editing slots open for January and February – developmental editing, copy-editing, query packs, or my brand new Editorial Consultations!
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Services | Book Editor | Jess Lawrence
Developmental editing, editorial reports, copy-editing and query editing for fiction writers.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 2:48 PM
To add to this, my services also make for great gifts for the writer in your life (including yourself 🧡)
And I even have cute little gift cards mocked up, so... 👀
And I even have cute little gift cards mocked up, so... 👀
I've got a few editing slots open for January and February – developmental editing, copy-editing, query packs, or my brand new Editorial Consultations!
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Services | Book Editor | Jess Lawrence
Developmental editing, editorial reports, copy-editing and query editing for fiction writers.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 2:39 PM
I've got a few editing slots open for January and February – developmental editing, copy-editing, query packs, or my brand new Editorial Consultations!
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Anyone who reaches out before the end of the year can lock in my current rates before I give them a little bump.
www.jesslawrence.co.uk/services
Happy to share the recent launch of a client novel - 'Huw is Missing' by Martin Whitbread. If you're looking for a gripping mystery with an older protagonist, this is a great read!
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNFZF6DG
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNFZF6DG
www.amazon.co.uk
December 2, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Happy to share the recent launch of a client novel - 'Huw is Missing' by Martin Whitbread. If you're looking for a gripping mystery with an older protagonist, this is a great read!
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNFZF6DG
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNFZF6DG
So is there a guidebook for new(ish) BlueSky users? I'd like to hang out here more often but I'm not sure of the ropes...
November 12, 2024 at 10:36 AM
So is there a guidebook for new(ish) BlueSky users? I'd like to hang out here more often but I'm not sure of the ropes...
I can't do polls on here (can I?), but I'm curious to know:
Writers and readers, if a book is split into Parts, do you prefer the chapter numbers to keep counting up, or to restart at Chapter 1 for each Part?
Writers and readers, if a book is split into Parts, do you prefer the chapter numbers to keep counting up, or to restart at Chapter 1 for each Part?
October 12, 2023 at 11:41 AM
I can't do polls on here (can I?), but I'm curious to know:
Writers and readers, if a book is split into Parts, do you prefer the chapter numbers to keep counting up, or to restart at Chapter 1 for each Part?
Writers and readers, if a book is split into Parts, do you prefer the chapter numbers to keep counting up, or to restart at Chapter 1 for each Part?
I've come to the library to write, for a change of scenery, and I'm already up 1300 words 🙌
October 11, 2023 at 2:32 PM
I've come to the library to write, for a change of scenery, and I'm already up 1300 words 🙌
Finished! The chapter has been rehashed and it's now actually kind of good (for this draft at least). Plus I've set myself up nicely to pick the words back up tomorrow ☺️
Okay, I have the whole day to write.
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
September 23, 2023 at 8:50 PM
Finished! The chapter has been rehashed and it's now actually kind of good (for this draft at least). Plus I've set myself up nicely to pick the words back up tomorrow ☺️
Okay, I have the whole day to write.
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
September 23, 2023 at 10:27 AM
Okay, I have the whole day to write.
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
I have a chapter that needs completely rehashing.
If you catch me loitering around here before I've made progress, shame me! Don't let me procrastinate, please!
Am I procrastinating from writing, or does my brain really and truly just need a rest?
September 20, 2023 at 7:05 PM
Am I procrastinating from writing, or does my brain really and truly just need a rest?
Escalator handrail at Waterloo station is feeling a little needy 🤭
September 12, 2023 at 9:36 AM
Escalator handrail at Waterloo station is feeling a little needy 🤭
This WIP just hit 50k and is still going strong 🙌
September 10, 2023 at 9:39 PM
This WIP just hit 50k and is still going strong 🙌
I've recently signed two new authors up to work with, and they share the same names as the two protagonists in my current WIP. And they're not terribly common names.
If I get an enquiry from an Abernathy now... 👀
If I get an enquiry from an Abernathy now... 👀
August 31, 2023 at 11:12 AM
I've recently signed two new authors up to work with, and they share the same names as the two protagonists in my current WIP. And they're not terribly common names.
If I get an enquiry from an Abernathy now... 👀
If I get an enquiry from an Abernathy now... 👀
When your smoke alarm decides to do its low-battery warning at 4:30am, leaving you wide awake, what else can you do but get up and write 3000 words of a new story idea that came to you?
Sidenote, the story is not smoke alarm related 😆
Sidenote, the story is not smoke alarm related 😆
August 29, 2023 at 6:47 AM
When your smoke alarm decides to do its low-battery warning at 4:30am, leaving you wide awake, what else can you do but get up and write 3000 words of a new story idea that came to you?
Sidenote, the story is not smoke alarm related 😆
Sidenote, the story is not smoke alarm related 😆
I've been itching to reach 40k on the WIP this weekend. I was tinkering away at a chapter and I happened to look down to see I'm on exactly 40,000 words. I love when that happens ☺️
August 27, 2023 at 7:49 PM
I've been itching to reach 40k on the WIP this weekend. I was tinkering away at a chapter and I happened to look down to see I'm on exactly 40,000 words. I love when that happens ☺️