When writing a novel’s final chapters, make sure you provide a decent degree of resolution and closure, even if you’re also leaving some threads unresolved to set up for a sequel. Without sufficient closure, a book will likely feel incomplete.

Editor’s tip of the day: When crafting an antagonist, avoid writing a villain who is evil simply for evil’s sake. This is rarely effective and risks making your character read as one-dimensional or a caricature.

Fantasy novels can be quiet. You don’t have to center a story on epic worldbuilding and relentless action for the book to capture readers' hearts.

An aspect of traditional publishing most newcomers don’t realize is just how long it takes to publish a book. Once an author signs a contract for their work, it often takes 18-24 months for that book to hit shelves!

One of the best ways a writer can improve their craft is to learn to take critical feedback from beta readers, critique partners, and/or a professional editor (like yours truly!). The writers best positioned to succeed are those willing--and eager--to revise their manuscript before calling it final.

If you're writing a novel, remember you don’t have to limit character arcs to your protagonist. The more depth and dimension you give your secondary characters, the more they will leap off the page and cement themselves in readers’ brains. This is particularly important for love interests.

When your novel is on submission with publishers, the best way to cope with anxiety is to start writing a new book.

Heads up, SFF writers: Within the fantasy genre, there is generally more flexibility re: slower pacing in Adult than there is in YA. If you’re writing a character-driven novel, consider aging it up to Adult.

Editor’s tip of the day: The protagonist is a reader’s entry point into the novel; they provide the lens through which outsiders experience the story you want to tell. The more you can make your audience sympathize with or feel endeared to a protag, the more invested in your ms they will be.

Fiction writers: When drafting chapter one of your novel, don’t jump into backstory immediately. Remain in the present action for at least 2-3 paragraphs first. Readers must have a chance to become grounded in the story and immersed in the POV's headspace before they can absorb background context.

Querying writers: Once you identify your dream literary agents, don’t submit to all of them upfront. Submit to some, but reserve others for a second round of querying. This way, if agents in your first round provide feedback on your ms, you can revise your book before it hits a dream agent’s desk.

Intro time! I’m Elayne, a fiction editor and SFF specialist with 10+ years’ experience editing Adult and YA across genres.

My editorial superpower? I’m also a published author.

As both an editor AND a writer, I’ve worked in publishing on both sides of the desk and know the industry inside and out.