I started my freelance editing business, Rascon Revisions, in 2015. I offer developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and critiques for self-publishing and querying authors. My goal is to strengthen your writing while respecting your unique voice.
Michelle's Missive: Updates through June 8th, 2023
Hi, Reader,
It's been a minute, aye?
I have a lot to share with you today.
In March, I finished up a couple of projects, then took some time off, as I usually do. When I came back, I received my #RevPit submissions (over 100!), and hunkered down to go through them all. Of those I received, ten made it to my shortlist, including my winner.
In April, I worked on my winner's developmental edit, a line edit, and so many critiques, plus feedback for RevPit participants (which I am still working on!). Remember, if you participated (even if you didn't sub to me and even if you want it for a different story than the one you submitted), you can get a discounted first impression critique from me for only $28. The critique includes actionable feedback on your query letter, synopsis, and first five pages. The deal expires this Friday (tomorrow)!
In May, I completed two line edits, two copy edits, and a million more critiques. The kid's school year also ended, so now I don't have to drive to school anymore, which frees up my mornings, and I'm ecstatic. I battled multiple bouts of sickness in April and May. It's still not clear exactly what was going on, but it hasn't come back, so I'm looking forward to a fun summer. So far, it's been fabulous.
This month, I'm looking forward to the WriteHive Annual Conference. I'm running a query letter critique group on Friday. On Saturday, I'm running a 1st-page critique group, and I'll answer questions about my presentation, How to Self-Edit Like a Developmental Editor. I'm announcing something special I've been working on this year at the end of that presentation and offering something special for WriteHive participants, so be sure to join me this Friday and Saturday!
New releases...
Pocket Ponders: Musings for Your Travels
On writing...
Prologues usually do an excellent job of either introducing a main character's voice and building a connection or providing a main character's backstory. They can also clearly show the reader that the story is set in a certain time or is meant for a certain age or genre. But prologues can also bait the reader because the reader thinks they will continue the journey with the narrator in the prologue, and then they get to chapter one to discover it's a completely different story.
If the prologue is a flashforward, sometimes that can make the reader impatient because they are waiting to get back to that part in the story, so for the rest of the story, the reader could lose interest because all they want is to continue reading from the opening. But the true story doesn't start there, so it causes a disconnect when the reader is introduced to a different time in the main character's story, or worse, a different character.
Choose your prologue wisely. Oftentimes, they are unnecessary, and the backstory, connection, and world-building can be moved to other areas in the story to inform the reader.
Critiques...
Stay tuned for my epic summer sale, starting June 19th!
#RevPit...
The showcase for #RevPit 2023 goes live on Monday, June 12th!
Thank you for taking the time to read this email! I look forward to connecting with you soon.
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Copyright © 2023 Michelle Rascon
Who am I? It's okay if you don't remember me. These days, we're inundated with emails, right? My name is Michelle (she/her). I own and operate Rascon Revisions, an editorial services business.
I'd love to help you with your writing and publishing goals, whether you're just starting out, have been querying for a while, or plan to self-publish. My marketing strategy is super intentional, so please update your preferences to curate which emails you receive from me, that way you only get what you want when you want it. But if you don't want me popping in your inbox anymore, that's totally okay. You can unsubscribe now and resubscribe anytime. I'll probably notice, but I'll try not to get caught up in my feelings about it.
Rascon Revisions, Fiction Editing
Hi! I'm Michelle Rascon (she/her).
I started my freelance editing business, Rascon Revisions, in 2015. I offer developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and critiques for self-publishing and querying authors. My goal is to strengthen your writing while respecting your unique voice.
Hi, Reader, Well, the response to last month's announcement was fantastic! Thanks so much for your support. I'm happy to confirm that I plan to have Self-Edit Like a Developmental Editor: The Workbook available by the end of the year. 💃🏼 The goal is to give you techniques to edit your fiction novel the way a developmental editor would without the cost. Interested? Click here or click the button below to get added to my list of people to notify when the workbook is available. Yes! I'm...
Hi, Reader, July flew by, right? June was a blur. The WriteHive Annual Conference was fantastic. I'm so glad I participated. The authors I've worked with since were absolute gems, and I loved helping them with their stories. I made a pretty big announcement during the conference, and now that I've got a rough draft and a new presentation coming out for #RevPit First Readers, it's time to let you in on it. Are you ready? I'm nervous. Mostly because I've never done anything like this before, so...
You've been working on your book for too long, and your progress is waning because you're stuck. You need brainstorming help and actionable feedback to reignite your passion and finally finish the story. Does this sound like you, Reader? I have just the solution! Introducing a new service to help you finish your story: Write with Me! Write with Me is a new coaching program designed to help you finally finish your story, fifty pages at a time, by providing actionable feedback and answers to...