Be Your Own Editor: A Writer's Guide to Perfect Prose [Paperback]

Sigrid Macdonald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 2010 | ISBN-10: 145159612X | ISBN-13: 978-1451596120

Are you uncertain when to use affect or effect? Loath or loathe? Compliment or complement? Do you struggle with character development, establishing realistic dialogue and composing articles, proposals or manuscripts? Be Your Own Editor by Sigrid Macdonald offers a crash course in grammar basics, starting with punctuation and proper use of the dreaded apostrophe. It suggests ways to identify frequently misused words; to devise strong characters and background settings in fiction; and to structure nonfiction. Nowadays, we're all writers - we write blogs, essays and business proposals. Professional authors write short stories, newspaper articles and manuscripts. If your writing is good, but you question your grammar and organizational skills, this informative, reader-friendly manual is for you.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sigrid Macdonald is a copy editor, a book coach, and a freelance writer. Originally from New Jersey, Macdonald currently resides in Nepean, Ontario. She's written three full-length books including Getting Hip, D'Amour Road and Be Your Own Editor. Her articles have appeared in Canada's largest newspaper, The Globe and Mail; The Women's Freedom Network Newsletter in Washington, D.C.; the American magazine Justice Denied; and the Toastmaster, a publication of Toastmasters International which is read in 80 countries. Sigrid edits fiction, non-fiction, short stories, websites and biographies, and helps people who feel stuck with their writing. She believes that a muse is someone who isn't afraid to make mistakes because more is learned from failure than success.

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (January 20, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 145159612X
• ISBN-13: 978-1451596120
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,420,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real tips, June 3, 2011

By 

meik1 (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be Your Own Editor (Kindle Edition)

Finally, a book with real tips. This up to date guide is great for writers, (especially those who self publish) and anyone who wants to improve their editing skills. It has up to date advice about different types of writing - fantasy, dialogue, essay, blog... The grammar tips are right on target. The author's sense of humor is evident throughout this book, which makes this an informative AND entertaining read. A must read for all writers!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informitive, June 4, 2011

By 

Kim Manuel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be Your Own Editor (Kindle Edition)

A must have book for writers. I got more out of this book than I did my text books in college. Good grammer examples that drive the point home.

Good advice for amateur writers on how to write.

I would recommend this book

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Advice, February 11, 2011

By 

Carol "Carol" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be Your Own Editor (Kindle Edition)

This is the perfect book for people who are seeking advice on self-editing.

I found it very helpful indeed. I highly recommend it.