Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
@karenmckellar.bsky.social
I help indie authors untangle plots & strengthen structure & character. Five years in business and a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Opening chapters edit, full edit, MS Critique at www.indiecateditorial.com
I also write myself!
Opening chapters edit, full edit, MS Critique at www.indiecateditorial.com
I also write myself!
Pinned
Developmental edit or manuscript critique? - IndieCat Editorial
Developmental edit or manuscript critique? Sometimes it's hard to decide which is best for your needs as a writer. Check out pros and cons.
indiecateditorial.com
#WritingCommunity
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
I'm also wondering if there will be fake authors created, with names, fictional bios, AI-generated avatar pics, and social media accounts run by AI bots. I mean, who knows where this could end?
Came across Sam Altman claiming they've developed a creative writing AI model. He posted a metafictional example. I wasn't impressed, but he says they'll be launching the model at some point. I wonder how much the book market will be drowning in this stuff.
March 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I'm also wondering if there will be fake authors created, with names, fictional bios, AI-generated avatar pics, and social media accounts run by AI bots. I mean, who knows where this could end?
Came across Sam Altman claiming they've developed a creative writing AI model. He posted a metafictional example. I wasn't impressed, but he says they'll be launching the model at some point. I wonder how much the book market will be drowning in this stuff.
March 12, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Came across Sam Altman claiming they've developed a creative writing AI model. He posted a metafictional example. I wasn't impressed, but he says they'll be launching the model at some point. I wonder how much the book market will be drowning in this stuff.
#WritingCommunity
Your first 10,000 words developmentally edited and back to you within a week! Adult SF/F/H, historical, literary, and thriller. Extensive report and margin comments. More info at the link.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/op...
Your first 10,000 words developmentally edited and back to you within a week! Adult SF/F/H, historical, literary, and thriller. Extensive report and margin comments. More info at the link.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/op...
March 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
#WritingCommunity
Your first 10,000 words developmentally edited and back to you within a week! Adult SF/F/H, historical, literary, and thriller. Extensive report and margin comments. More info at the link.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/op...
Your first 10,000 words developmentally edited and back to you within a week! Adult SF/F/H, historical, literary, and thriller. Extensive report and margin comments. More info at the link.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/op...
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
March 11, 2025 at 7:50 AM
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#WritingCommunity
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Developmental edit or manuscript critique? - IndieCat Editorial
Developmental edit or manuscript critique? Sometimes it's hard to decide which is best for your needs as a writer. Check out pros and cons.
indiecateditorial.com
December 12, 2024 at 7:36 AM
#WritingCommunity
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
What's the difference between a manuscript critique and a developmental edit?
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#WritingCommunity
The story spine is a storytelling structure attributed to Pixar or to writer/director Brian McDonald.
The eight-step structure is a great road map for storytelling and one worth keeping in your back pocket. Here is how it breaks down:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
The story spine is a storytelling structure attributed to Pixar or to writer/director Brian McDonald.
The eight-step structure is a great road map for storytelling and one worth keeping in your back pocket. Here is how it breaks down:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 11, 2025 at 8:40 AM
#WritingCommunity
The story spine is a storytelling structure attributed to Pixar or to writer/director Brian McDonald.
The eight-step structure is a great road map for storytelling and one worth keeping in your back pocket. Here is how it breaks down:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
The story spine is a storytelling structure attributed to Pixar or to writer/director Brian McDonald.
The eight-step structure is a great road map for storytelling and one worth keeping in your back pocket. Here is how it breaks down:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Looking forward to warmer days in the garden. It looks lovely this morning, but it's not unusual for it to start with clear blue skies and then cloud over.
Painting by J.W. Waterhouse.
Painting by J.W. Waterhouse.
March 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Looking forward to warmer days in the garden. It looks lovely this morning, but it's not unusual for it to start with clear blue skies and then cloud over.
Painting by J.W. Waterhouse.
Painting by J.W. Waterhouse.
March 11, 2025 at 8:17 AM
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing a historical novel? This post digs into various ways to research, whether it be location or social customs, etc.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing a historical novel? This post digs into various ways to research, whether it be location or social customs, etc.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 11, 2025 at 8:16 AM
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing a historical novel? This post digs into various ways to research, whether it be location or social customs, etc.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing a historical novel? This post digs into various ways to research, whether it be location or social customs, etc.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
March 11, 2025 at 7:50 AM
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
These are books from two of the series I've worked on as a developmental editor. The first is by Hamish Hudson, a thriller writer. The second is by S.A. Thomas, a romance author.
Looking for a developmental edit or a manuscript critique? indiecateditorial.com
#amediting #writingcommunity Just woke up to an email from a client. I was supposed to be working on her manuscript already. But she's delayed and won't be able to deliver until May. So I have immediate openings in my developmental editing schedule. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
March 10, 2025 at 11:46 AM
#amediting #writingcommunity Just woke up to an email from a client. I was supposed to be working on her manuscript already. But she's delayed and won't be able to deliver until May. So I have immediate openings in my developmental editing schedule. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Exploring Brokeback Mountain - IndieCat Editorial
Exploring Brokeback Mountain, Annie's Proulx's award-winning story, from its conception to publication. The themes, location, and prose style.
indiecateditorial.com
March 3, 2025 at 11:22 AM
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#WritingCommunity
In this post I examine the history and development of the Gothic novel, and look at the common tropes and ingredients found in this fiction. Great for those working on Gothic short stories or novels!
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
In this post I examine the history and development of the Gothic novel, and look at the common tropes and ingredients found in this fiction. Great for those working on Gothic short stories or novels!
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
February 24, 2025 at 4:17 PM
#WritingCommunity
In this post I examine the history and development of the Gothic novel, and look at the common tropes and ingredients found in this fiction. Great for those working on Gothic short stories or novels!
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
In this post I examine the history and development of the Gothic novel, and look at the common tropes and ingredients found in this fiction. Great for those working on Gothic short stories or novels!
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#WritingCommunity
🧵 When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
1/
🧵 When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
1/
a black and white photo of a woman with tears running down her face
ALT: a black and white photo of a woman with tears running down her face
media.tenor.com
March 6, 2025 at 11:26 AM
#WritingCommunity
🧵 When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
1/
🧵 When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
1/
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 4, 2025 at 5:06 PM
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Reacting to Trimalchio, the first draft of The Great Gatsby, editor Maxwell Perkins pointed out that “Gatsby is somewhat vague. The reader’s eyes can never quite focus upon him, his outlines are dim.”
1/
Reacting to Trimalchio, the first draft of The Great Gatsby, editor Maxwell Perkins pointed out that “Gatsby is somewhat vague. The reader’s eyes can never quite focus upon him, his outlines are dim.”
1/
a close up of a man 's face with the words mintredd written below it
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the words mintredd written below it
media.tenor.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:48 AM
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Reacting to Trimalchio, the first draft of The Great Gatsby, editor Maxwell Perkins pointed out that “Gatsby is somewhat vague. The reader’s eyes can never quite focus upon him, his outlines are dim.”
1/
Reacting to Trimalchio, the first draft of The Great Gatsby, editor Maxwell Perkins pointed out that “Gatsby is somewhat vague. The reader’s eyes can never quite focus upon him, his outlines are dim.”
1/
#WritingCommunity
When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
a black and white photo of a woman with tears running down her face
ALT: a black and white photo of a woman with tears running down her face
media.tenor.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
#WritingCommunity
When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
When Daphne du Maurier was writing Rebecca, she was stationed abroad with her husband and felt isolated and out of place. She fantasized about Menabilly in Cornwall, the house that would inspire Manderley. Her experience abroad fed into her narrator's isolation in Rebecca.
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
This post looks at editor Maxwell Perkins and the developmental editing advice he gave to Fitzgerald after reading an early draft of The Great Gatsby.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
This post looks at editor Maxwell Perkins and the developmental editing advice he gave to Fitzgerald after reading an early draft of The Great Gatsby.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
a poster for the movie the gatsby is shown
ALT: a poster for the movie the gatsby is shown
media.tenor.com
March 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
#WritingCommunity #BookSky
This post looks at editor Maxwell Perkins and the developmental editing advice he gave to Fitzgerald after reading an early draft of The Great Gatsby.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
This post looks at editor Maxwell Perkins and the developmental editing advice he gave to Fitzgerald after reading an early draft of The Great Gatsby.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Article on the development of Anne Rice’s first published novel, including the developmental advice she received from her editor. This advice caused her to radically alter parts of her novel, turning it into a classic of the vampire & Gothic genres.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
two men in costume are standing next to each other in a room
ALT: two men in costume are standing next to each other in a room
media.tenor.com
March 4, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Article on the development of Anne Rice’s first published novel, including the developmental advice she received from her editor. This advice caused her to radically alter parts of her novel, turning it into a classic of the vampire & Gothic genres.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Reposted by Karen McKellar | Editor/Writer
#WritingCommunity #HistFic
Are you writing a historical novel? Is the location not only distant in time, but maybe in place too? In this post, I address how to research historical locations using historical travel guides, old maps, and more.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing a historical novel? Is the location not only distant in time, but maybe in place too? In this post, I address how to research historical locations using historical travel guides, old maps, and more.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Researching historical locations for your novel - IndieCat Editorial
A developmental editor examines researching historical locations for your novel, including travel guides, photographic records, and more.
indiecateditorial.com
March 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
#WritingCommunity #HistFic
Are you writing a historical novel? Is the location not only distant in time, but maybe in place too? In this post, I address how to research historical locations using historical travel guides, old maps, and more.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing a historical novel? Is the location not only distant in time, but maybe in place too? In this post, I address how to research historical locations using historical travel guides, old maps, and more.
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#WritingCommunity
“Nowhere in this great continent of ours can be found a more desirable residence than Black River Falls…”
Never mind all the weird crimes and occurrences going on there in the nineteenth century! Welcome to Wisconsin Death Trip:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
“Nowhere in this great continent of ours can be found a more desirable residence than Black River Falls…”
Never mind all the weird crimes and occurrences going on there in the nineteenth century! Welcome to Wisconsin Death Trip:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Weird inspirations: Wisconsin Death Trip - IndieCat Editorial
Weird inspirations: Wisconsin Death Trip. An exploration of the cult documentary film and the book that inspired it.
indiecateditorial.com
March 4, 2025 at 5:18 PM
#WritingCommunity
“Nowhere in this great continent of ours can be found a more desirable residence than Black River Falls…”
Never mind all the weird crimes and occurrences going on there in the nineteenth century! Welcome to Wisconsin Death Trip:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
“Nowhere in this great continent of ours can be found a more desirable residence than Black River Falls…”
Never mind all the weird crimes and occurrences going on there in the nineteenth century! Welcome to Wisconsin Death Trip:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 4, 2025 at 5:06 PM
#WritingCommunity
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Are you writing your memoir? This post tackles some of the issues associated with memoir as a genre, including truth versus memory, emotional vulnerability, fear of judgement and more. Link below:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
March 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Image below from Ann Radcliffe's 1794 Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. She was hugely influential in the 1790s. In the post below, I dig into the history of Gothic fiction & examine its common tropes:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Exploring Brokeback Mountain - IndieCat Editorial
Exploring Brokeback Mountain, Annie's Proulx's award-winning story, from its conception to publication. The themes, location, and prose style.
indiecateditorial.com
March 3, 2025 at 11:22 AM
#BookSky #WritingCommunity
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...
Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain is a story that explores the social and historical context of its two main characters, Ennis and Jack. It was inspired by an older man Proulx once saw in a bar. It got her wondering... More here:
indiecateditorial.com/index.php/20...