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  • Self-Editing

    The 5 Lessons My Beta Readers Taught Me

    • June 16, 2020
    • 2 Comments
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Hello, writers! Hannah here. This week, author and editor Lewis Jorstad of The Novel Smithy is sharing his beta reader experience with us. These lessons are fantastic, and I hope they help you as you begin to self-edit! You can learn more about Lewis at the end of this post. Just a few months ago…

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  • Publishing Tips

    Indie Publishing Roadmap: Designing Your Book’s Cover

    • May 26, 2020
    • 0 comments
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Hi, writer! Welcome back to the Indie Publishing Roadmap series. This week’s topic is all about cover design decisions you’ll need to make for your novel. But I’m an editor and writer, not a cover designer. So, I reached out to the team at MoorBooks Design and asked them a few questions to get you…

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  • Publishing Tips

    Indie Publishing Roadmap: What to Consider Before Formatting Your Book

    • May 19, 2020
    • 0 comments
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Hi, writer! Welcome back to the Indie Publishing Roadmap series. This week’s topic is all about formatting decisions you’ll need to make for your novel. But I’m no formatter, so I’ve asked my friend and colleague Ines to write this post! More information about Ines’s work and where you can find her will be at…

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  • Publishing Tips

    Indie Publishing Roadmap: Why You Need to Identify Your Ideal Reader

    • May 14, 2020
    • 0 comments
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Welcome back to the Indie Publishing Roadmap series. If you haven’t read the first post about indie publishing, be sure to check that out. Getting your book from the first draft to publication is time consuming. And when you spend all of this time writing and editing, getting your novel just how you want it,…

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  • Publishing Tips

    Indie Publishing Roadmap: Why You Should Self-Edit AND Hire a Professional Editor

    • May 6, 2020
    • 0 comments
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Hi, writer! Welcome back to the Indie Publishing Roadmap series. If you haven’t read the first post about indie publishing, be sure to check that out. This week, we’re talking about editing your novel for self-publication. We’ll tackle both self-editing and hiring a professional, including why you need to do both. What is editing? Editing…

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  • Publishing Tips

    Indie Publishing Roadmap: Choosing the Indie Path

    • April 30, 2020
    • 1 Comment
    • by Hannah Bauman

    Hi, writer! Welcome to the Indie Publishing Roadmap series. This new collection of blog posts is going to highlight what you need to consider on your indie publishing journey.  Topics will include, but will not be limited to: Choosing the Indie path Editing and formatting basics Identifying your ideal reader Pre-publication tasks Today, we’re talking…

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About Me
About Me

I'm Hannah, an editor, author, and writing coach. I love helping writers like you polish their stories, enhance their craft, and chase their publishing dreams.

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“If there's a book that you want to read, but it “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." 📖 I know this infamous Toni Morrison quote is posted often, but it’s one of my favorite quotes about writing. 💜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It goes back to one crucial truth about writing: you have to be your story’s biggest fan and advocate. Readers won’t be excited about your story if you aren’t. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But if you write that book you’ve always wanted to read, the characters you’ve always wanted to meet, well, don’t you think that will give you some measure of excitement? It’s important to understand market trends and expectations as an author, sure, but it’s also crucial to write what you love and the story you believe in. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To everyone who isn’t sure if their manuscript idea is ‘good enough’ or the right project, ask yourself: is it a book you’d want to read? If so, keep pursuing it. If not, set it aside and let it marinate until you can envision the changes needed to make it a book you’d want to read. It will come with time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you have a favorite quote about writing? ° ° ° #DreamingJanuary #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #aspiringindieauthors #amdrafting #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #authorchallenge #writerchallenge #writingsprints #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #writinganovel #writingquote
Hi, friends! It’s been a while since I showed my Hi, friends! It’s been a while since I showed my actual face around here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m Hannah (she/her), an editor, writer, and coach. I’m a fan of fantasy books but love to read & edit many things. Some fun facts about me: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I’m an INFJ. 📚 I love my coffee, but Barry’s Irish Gold blend is my favorite tea and an acceptable alternative! 📚 The only nuts I’m not allergic to are peanuts and almonds. I’m also allergic to kiwis, bananas, and coconut. 🤷 📚 I have two feline editorial assistants, Iggy (tabby) and Riker (black). 📚 I’ve been playing World of Warcraft since I was in middle school. 🤫 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Those are fun facts, but who am I as an editor? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I got my BA in English & poli sci, and I completed my graduate certificate in editing & publishing. 📚 I’ve been editing professionally for about a decade, and I started freelancing full-time in 2017. 📚 I believe editors can be kind AND constructive. That doesn’t make me a “yes man,” but it does mean I understand how vulnerable this process can be. I’m on your team, and I want to see you succeed in publishing while having a positive editorial experience. 📚 I love helping authors through various stages of editing and publishing. I offer story and language edits, and I walk through the self-publishing process with authors. I’m not the right editor for every project, but I might be for you! If I sound like the kind of editor you’d like to work with, head over to the link in my bio to fill out the contact form. Let’s chat about your project with a free 15-minute consultation. Consultations are always free, and there’s no obligation to book a project. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ QOTD: What have you been reading lately? I recently wrapped up the first two books in the Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. All I can say is...wow! 🤭 ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #nanowrimo #nanowrimo2020 #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #amdrafting #indiepub
Mindset is half the battle in writing. In anything Mindset is half the battle in writing. In anything, really. And cultivating a strong mindset and helpful habits can help you work toward more of your writing goals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In 2021, let’s let go of perfectionism. Let’s strive for excellence and doing our best. If you’re someone who can never settle on just one or two ideas for writing, harness that abundant creativity to figure out ways to combine your ideas & focus your effort. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instead of stressing over creating the most unimaginable plot twist, focus on planting subtle clues the most discerning readers can hunt for in your story 🕵️‍♀️🗝️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And most importantly, focus on being the writer YOU want to be. Let go of what others are doing and what people on the internet say you should do. If their advice serves you and helps you toward your goal, great! If it doesn’t, that advice wasn’t meant for you. That’s okay. :) (That even includes this post 😉) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's also okay to cross between these columns! ✌️ The creative process is not black and white. But when you realize you’re focusing on unhelpful things and habits that don’t serve you, come back to this list (or one you make for yourself!) and try to reframe your focus. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s one thing you want to focus on more in 2021? 🤔 I'd like to spend some time re-aligning my plotting process to something that better fits my needs. ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #authorchallenge #writerchallenge #writingsprints #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #writinganovel
The other day, I saw a TikTok of a gorgeous kitche The other day, I saw a TikTok of a gorgeous kitchen: sage green cabinets, marble countertops, and a beautiful light fixture. It was clean and beautiful. Then, the camera panned behind the counter to reveal dirty dishes and a ton of household items on the floor, all out of sight for the original shot. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It was a good reminder that behind-the-scenes shots are necessary. We all know social media is a bit staged, but it’s also so easy to forget that fact! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Between the Lines Editorial. We moved into our new home in October, and though I’ve upgraded my desk and bookshelves, my office is far from ‘done.’ My printer is sitting on a small plastic tub. I need curtains to filter out the afternoon glare. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There’s usually a coffee cup or water glass, my CMOS, my planner, a notebook, and one of the editorial assistants on my desk. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And beyond the surface, my brain feels that way some days, too. I love being a freelancer, but it comes with its own challenges. Why don’t I have the same number of clients each month? Why was I booked out for six months last summer, but now I’m only booked out six weeks? Why didn’t that IG post get more likes? Did I remember to file my quarterly taxes on time? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Working from home is a huge privilege (especially now), though it’s not always ‘aesthetic’ like you see from influencers and other online profiles. And being an entrepreneur with my little company is *so* freeing, but it still comes with challenges and bits I find stressful (see: filing taxes 😅). Those clickbait titles & promises about being your own boss don’t tell the whole story. It’s the good with the bad, the fun with the stressful, just like everything else in life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ QOTD: How does the behind-the-scenes of your author life differ from what you might post on Instagram or share in your newsletter? ° ° ° #DreamingJanuary #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #authormindset #amdrafting #amwriting #writinganovel #writersofig #copyeditor #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #developmentaleditor
If I could give my younger writer self advice, it If I could give my younger writer self advice, it would be to stop chasing perfection. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was a perfectionist for a long time. Deep down, I still am, but I’m learning to let go of that unhelpful and unhealthy obsession. I think that will be a lifelong effort. After all, what is perfect? Who defines perfection? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Maybe you think that’s ironic coming from an editor, but editors know this truth. Perfection simply does not exist. Quality does. Effort does. But not perfection. Why? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 First, language is evolving & somewhat subjective. I've seen many debates in online editor groups or my editing workshops back in grad school. Where should that comma go? Does changing this word change the sentence too much? Is this plot point explored enough or too much? Some things are ‘rules,’ but rules are still bent & broken in writing. 📚 Second, you & your production team are human. Typos happen to *everyone* no matter how many proofreaders look over something. To err is to be human. Most readers will forgive a typo or two. Fix them if you find them, but don’t panic. 📚 Third, reader opinions are subjective. To some, Harry Potter is still a major inspo. To others (including me), not so much. Some readers love a love triangle trope, and others hate them. Write the story you love and find the right readers, but don’t expect a seemingly ‘perfect’ book to please everyone. It simply won’t happen. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for excellence in publishing. You should! Put in the work and be proud of what you write. You want to be proud of the book you produce. But perfection? It doesn’t exist. Focus on doing your best and putting out the best version of your book that you can.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ QOTD: Do you feel like your book has to be perfect? Are you a recovering perfectionist like me? How do you overcome these feelings as an author? ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingpro #fantasywriter #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #writinganovel
My morning routine is one of my favorite parts of My morning routine is one of my favorite parts of being a freelance editor. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ New things can be fun, but there’s nothing quite like a little morning ritual to set the tone for the day ahead. After over three years as a full-time freelance editor, here’s how my morning routine looks: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐱 Wake up, give the cats a snack, and wash up ☕ Make my morning coffee--hot or iced? 📺 Watch the news for 20-30 minutes (been watching non-stop since yesterday afternoon 😳) ✍️ Head into my office and plan my day in my Panda Planner 📧 Spend 20-30 minutes answering emails, then start editing! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s nothing glamorous, but this calm routine gets me ready for my work day. I keep fairly traditional working hours--usually 8-5 or 9-5--and take breaks as needed. I think that’s one thing I never expected about being my own boss: how calm mornings could be. And it’s one thing I’m so grateful for right now when everything else in the world is up in the air. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And if you’re struggling with sitting your butt in your chair to write, consider starting a writing routine or ritual. I know there’s a romantic notion of writing when inspiration strikes, but sometimes a calm system you can count on is what you need. My writing ritual involves Barry’s Irish Gold blend tea, choosing from one of two specific playlists, and completing writing sprints. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What does your morning routine look like? What about your writing routine? ° ° ° ° #DreamingJanuary #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #nanowrimo #nanowrimo2020 #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #authorchallenge #writerchallenge #writingsprints #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #writinganovel
Let’s talk about money 🤔 Being transparent ab Let’s talk about money 🤔 Being transparent about the cost of self-publishing--both money and time--is important. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This post is about the average cost I see as a professional. Actual costs will vary by project size, services, currency, etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Most self-publishing authors spend $1,000 to 5,000 USD per book for a cover, edits, etc. Investing tens of thousands into your book doesn’t make it successful, but trying to DIY everything can make your book look amateur and result in lost time. Here’s how I would prioritize my spending if I were an author on a budget: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 Invest: book cover. Covers do matter, so find something that suits your genre and taste. Don’t DIY this unless you have the skills. Pre-made covers could be budget-friendly! 📚 Invest: edits, edits, edits. Even if your cover is eye-catching, your story must hold readers’ attention. If you can’t invest in multiple rounds of edits, prioritize story-level edits & copyediting. Readers will forgive a few typos but not gaping plot holes or hard-to-understand grammar. Some editors offer payment plans. Editing will be your biggest production cost. 📚 Ideal to invest: formatting. If your budget doesn’t cover formatting, find templates and do your best to keep it simple. Learn as much as you can if you need (or want) to DIY this step. 📚 Important eventually: marketing. Even a small budget for Amazon or FB ads can be useful. More marketing can come a little later, too. Do what you can for free, especially when you’re starting out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One great thing about self-publishing is that you can update your books. So if you can’t invest in your cover or formatting early on, once you do get some ROI, you can release a new edition with an updated aesthetic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Is that $1k to $5k range more than you thought? What are some of your favorite self-pub budget tips? ° ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #selfpublished #indiepub #writercommunity #writersofig #authorsofig #writersconnection #authorpreneurship #authorpreneur
Hi, friends. Welcome to 2021! With a hard year beh Hi, friends. Welcome to 2021! With a hard year behind us and a hopeful--but likely challenging--year ahead, let’s all take a moment to breathe and appreciate where we are in this moment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know we’re all relieved that 2020 is over but also worried about this new year and the challenges of the pandemic. I know many of you had big plans for 2020--I certainly did--that went down the drain. Instead of focusing just on big goals or milestones, let’s break down our experiences and expectations in a different way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here are five things I’ve been pondering as a business owner, an author, and a human: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 What am I grateful for from 2020? Big or small--no wrong answer. 📚 What lessons did I learn (or relearn) last year? How can I take them into 2021 and make necessary tweaks to my writing, my biz, etc.? 📚 What’s one thing I can pursue in 2021 to create happiness in my life? 📚 What tools and skills helped me through 2020? How can I draw on them this year for continued support, growth, and success? 📚 What’s one thing I’d like to work toward in 2021? What are three small steps I can take toward that goal? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I invite you to ponder, journal, or discuss these questions in whatever medium helps you process your ideas and thoughts. And remember, there are no wrong answers here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One lesson I relearned in 2020 was that even the best laid plans are out of my control. I’ve spent a lot of the last ten months realigning my expectations and letting go of ‘plans,’ and I want to keep applying that to 2021. Plans are helpful, but we have to make peace with the fact that life sometimes has other plans! I also relearned that resting is sometimes the most productive thing we can do. Be kind to yourself, your brain, and your body. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let’s start the new year on a high note, though! QOTD: What’s one thing--big or small--that you’re grateful for today? ° ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #nanowrimo #nanowrimo2020 #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips
Hey writers! Are you nearing the end of your self- Hey writers! Are you nearing the end of your self-editing and looking toward your next steps? I’m booking editing for February 2021 and beyond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How can I help you? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 Critiques: A critique is perfect if you want big picture, professional feedback. 📚 Story-level editing: Let’s hammer out the structural parts of your story, including plot, character development, worldbuilding, & more. 📚 Language-level editing: I’ll smooth your language, correct grammar and typos, and help you add those final touches to your prose. 📚 Ignite Your Novel sessions: These budget-friendly mini critiques look at your first 5k words and include 30 minutes of coaching time. 📚 Self-publishing coaching: We’ll work together to get your book files uploaded, keywords and categories chosen, and even brainstorm some pre-launch activities. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I especially love working on sci-fi, fantasy, YA, women's fic, & romance novels. 😉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Click the link in my bio to fill out the inquiry form. Since this is a holiday week, free consultations will begin in January. All of my editing spots are booked on a first come, first served basis and subject to availability. ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingmentor #publishingpro #fantasywriter #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #nanowrimo #nanowrimo2020 #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #writingsprints #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #writinganovel #storyteller #instawrimo #amrevising #amediting
✨Happy Holidays✨ Whether you’re celebrating ✨Happy Holidays✨ Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday this month or not, I hope you’re finding and making joy in this difficult year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ll be out of office starting today, December 22, and will be returning on December 28. If you send me an email or DM while I’m away, I’ll get back to you ASAP. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and happy new year! 🤗 ° ° ° ° #indiesareworthit #indiepublishing #bookeditor #developmentaleditor #writingcoach #publishingmentor #fantasywriter #instawrimo #amwritingfantasy #aspiringauthor #authorslife #indiepub #writersofig #storyteller #amrevising #writeeveryday #indieauthorlife #writerstips #writingtipsandtricks #writingmindset #authormindset #writingsprints #writeyourbook #finishyourbook #writinganovel #selfpub #indieauthorsbeseen
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