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Fix Your Damn Book!: A Self-Editing Guide for Authors: How to Painlessly Self-Edit Your Novels & Stories
Have you finished a novel manuscript? Wondering what to do next?
Fix Your Damn Book! is a self-help manual for writers who have finished a manuscript – a novel, novella, short story, or serial – and who want to self-edit their work to a professional standard and get it on the market.
In this instructional and occasionally hilarious book, James Osiris Baldwin – an author and editor with over 8 years of experience as a freelance and staff editor – explains his technique for painlessly and successfully polishing your manuscript to a perfect glow.
Fix Your Damn Book! will:
• Introduce you to the seven essential components of successful editing;
• Help you get in the right headspace to edit your own work;
• Teach you to objectively diagnose problems in your manuscript;
• Walk you through the secrets of developmental editing and line editing;
• Teach you hacks for sharpening your story, character, and dialogue;
• Guide you through copy-editing and grammar, including a copy-editing essentials checklist;
• Give you guidelines on recruiting and making the most out of your first readers;
• Cover proofreading and publishing.
You will also find a special section on writing and editing query letters, advice on developing characters and stories, a list of the best software to help you write and edit, and much more!
If you want to write faster, edit stronger, master the craft of storytelling, and ensure your book is something to be proud of before you put it on the market, Fix Your Damn Book! is the how-to book for you.
Fix Your Damn Book! is a self-help manual for writers who have finished a manuscript – a novel, novella, short story, or serial – and who want to self-edit their work to a professional standard and get it on the market.
In this instructional and occasionally hilarious book, James Osiris Baldwin – an author and editor with over 8 years of experience as a freelance and staff editor – explains his technique for painlessly and successfully polishing your manuscript to a perfect glow.
Fix Your Damn Book! will:
• Introduce you to the seven essential components of successful editing;
• Help you get in the right headspace to edit your own work;
• Teach you to objectively diagnose problems in your manuscript;
• Walk you through the secrets of developmental editing and line editing;
• Teach you hacks for sharpening your story, character, and dialogue;
• Guide you through copy-editing and grammar, including a copy-editing essentials checklist;
• Give you guidelines on recruiting and making the most out of your first readers;
• Cover proofreading and publishing.
You will also find a special section on writing and editing query letters, advice on developing characters and stories, a list of the best software to help you write and edit, and much more!
If you want to write faster, edit stronger, master the craft of storytelling, and ensure your book is something to be proud of before you put it on the market, Fix Your Damn Book! is the how-to book for you.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2016
82 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
James Osiris Baldwin
26 books265 followersDragon Award-nominated author James Osiris Baldwin is a transgender man from Australia who writes gritty LGBT-inclusive, dark fantasy and science fiction. He was the former Contributing Editor for the Australian Journal of Dementia Care and has also worked for Alzheimer's Australia.
He currently lives in Seattle with his lovely wife, a precocious flame-point Siamese cat, and far too many rats. His obsession with the Occult is matched only by his preoccupation with motorcycles.
He currently lives in Seattle with his lovely wife, a precocious flame-point Siamese cat, and far too many rats. His obsession with the Occult is matched only by his preoccupation with motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2023
3,5 🌟
Der er rigtig meget brugbar lærdom i denne bog, men den var også tung at komme igennem. Jeg er dog glad for, at jeg holdt ud.
En særlig ros for et af de sidste kapitler, der har en lang liste over forældede faldgruber man kan snuble over, når man har stærke kvinder i hovedrollen eller som bikarakterer.
Der er rigtig meget brugbar lærdom i denne bog, men den var også tung at komme igennem. Jeg er dog glad for, at jeg holdt ud.
En særlig ros for et af de sidste kapitler, der har en lang liste over forældede faldgruber man kan snuble over, når man har stærke kvinder i hovedrollen eller som bikarakterer.
February 10, 2018
Good advice on plotting and worldbuilding. I particularly liked the advice about revision, including how to format your manuscript and how to approach dealing with your first readers. Taught this old dog some new tricks. However, the white-knighty section full of rules about how to write female characters irritated me quite a bit. I'd like to believe that women aren't children that will implode if they read something that doesn't fit in the narrow confines of what some (Marxist) groups have determined to be empowering that month. Write whatever the fuck you want and let others vote with their wallet.
July 10, 2019
Just Brilliant!
I learned so much from this book. James is awesome and he has a no holds barred approach to his editing philosophy. I appreciate all of the filthy language, it made me smile. Thanks mate!
I learned so much from this book. James is awesome and he has a no holds barred approach to his editing philosophy. I appreciate all of the filthy language, it made me smile. Thanks mate!
May 22, 2016
"Bad writer! No biscuit!"
We all make mistakes when we write. The editing process is all about fixing those mistakes. But where do you start? Do you start with fixing those pesky commas and tense issues or do you fix plot holes first? What about beta readers? What do they do and how do you find a good one? If you've ever asked any of those questions, this is a book you'll want in your library.
Indie writers will find almost every section of this book useful, even if they don't plan on self-editing. Baldwin takes you through common mistakes and provides suggestions on how to avoid them. Best of all, he examines common pitfalls and bad advice that is constantly repeated by amateur writers and editors everywhere and then goes a step further, explaining why what "they say" may not be so correct after all. Passive voice is a daunting mystery to a lot of authors. This book has the best examples I've seen concerning what it is and why it may or may not be something you want to avoid (or even adopt in the right circumstances).
There aren't many guides for self-editors out on the market today. Most books on how to write or how to edit are dry or else the author comes off as a bit of a know-it-all. Not so here. Baldwin takes a very down to Earth and humorous approach, resorting at one point to comparing editing to speaking in your Samuel L. Jackson voice. The pace is quick and entertaining, since the book functions both as an interactive guide (I know I'll be referencing some of the suggested activities) and a pep talk all in one.
If you're an editor, author, or just someone interested in the editing process or indie publishing as a whole, you need this book. Mr. Baldwin knows his stuff.
We all make mistakes when we write. The editing process is all about fixing those mistakes. But where do you start? Do you start with fixing those pesky commas and tense issues or do you fix plot holes first? What about beta readers? What do they do and how do you find a good one? If you've ever asked any of those questions, this is a book you'll want in your library.
Indie writers will find almost every section of this book useful, even if they don't plan on self-editing. Baldwin takes you through common mistakes and provides suggestions on how to avoid them. Best of all, he examines common pitfalls and bad advice that is constantly repeated by amateur writers and editors everywhere and then goes a step further, explaining why what "they say" may not be so correct after all. Passive voice is a daunting mystery to a lot of authors. This book has the best examples I've seen concerning what it is and why it may or may not be something you want to avoid (or even adopt in the right circumstances).
There aren't many guides for self-editors out on the market today. Most books on how to write or how to edit are dry or else the author comes off as a bit of a know-it-all. Not so here. Baldwin takes a very down to Earth and humorous approach, resorting at one point to comparing editing to speaking in your Samuel L. Jackson voice. The pace is quick and entertaining, since the book functions both as an interactive guide (I know I'll be referencing some of the suggested activities) and a pep talk all in one.
If you're an editor, author, or just someone interested in the editing process or indie publishing as a whole, you need this book. Mr. Baldwin knows his stuff.
February 4, 2021
I like to think that I’ve read a lot of editing/ writing craft books, maybe not as many as professional writers, but enough to know “the good ones” - that hard-to-find mix of quick easy writing, actionable steps to help your writing journey and enough ‘ah-ha’ moments to keep you reading - and this is a good one.
Like most writers, editing is not my favorite thing to do. I usually just re-write the whole manuscript over (and over, and over again) rather than editing, but even I know there is going to come a day when I need to stop rewriting and get to editing. And that day, I think, has come. I’m quite happy with my current manuscript and according to the “experts” the next step is editing.
Enter this book. Most editing books tend to concentrate on one type of editing - Developmental, Line, Copy, and Proof - but Mr Baldwin covers all four in a way that actually seems manageable; He sets aside small assignments or chunks for each type of editing to apply to your manuscript. It might seem like a lot at first, so I advise reading through it first and then going back, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll not only save yourself a headache but you might even find your manuscript getting better.
If you don’t know where to start, or can only buy one editing book, make it this one. I originally read this on Kindle Unlimited, but liked it so much I purchased the hard copy. It’s that good.
Like most writers, editing is not my favorite thing to do. I usually just re-write the whole manuscript over (and over, and over again) rather than editing, but even I know there is going to come a day when I need to stop rewriting and get to editing. And that day, I think, has come. I’m quite happy with my current manuscript and according to the “experts” the next step is editing.
Enter this book. Most editing books tend to concentrate on one type of editing - Developmental, Line, Copy, and Proof - but Mr Baldwin covers all four in a way that actually seems manageable; He sets aside small assignments or chunks for each type of editing to apply to your manuscript. It might seem like a lot at first, so I advise reading through it first and then going back, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll not only save yourself a headache but you might even find your manuscript getting better.
If you don’t know where to start, or can only buy one editing book, make it this one. I originally read this on Kindle Unlimited, but liked it so much I purchased the hard copy. It’s that good.
August 22, 2016
I think this is an exceptional book on the process of editing and self-editing (and I'm an editor myself). Very interesting book, very easy to read and follow, and I learnt a few things myself.
May 8, 2022
The writer Jorge Louis Borges is famous for saying words to the effect that a novel is a piece of writing that has something wrong with it. I've always agreed with the sentiment, but the more novels I write, the more I tend to agree with it.
"Fix Your Damn Book!" is a fairly straightforward book on how to identify and fix your novel's problems. Its audience is mostly the self-publishing/micropress/indie author, but that doesn't mean it doesn't contain hard-won insight that can be used by anyone.
The book's greatest asset is its tone—pitched somewhere between the tough love of Steve Pressfield on the one hand, and the puffery that's great at building self-esteem but not improving the writer on the other. James Osiris Baldwin (what a name!) offers indispensable advice on how to break up the daunting process of editing a novel into a discrete set of chunks that make the task much easier. The section on locating "beta readers," and cultivating a circle of friends and fellow-travelers who can offer helpful, specific advice, is also another one of the book's strengths.
The more granular, line by line editing recommendations are all sound, but are honestly covered better, in deeper and more entertaining fashion in "Getting the Words Right" and "Sin and Syntax." Also, the author's bias against Stephen King wears here and there (and I say that as someone who doesn't put much stock in King's post-1980s output). That said, though, this is a valuable addition to any writer's arsenal, and could definitely be a gamechanger or even life changer for someone just starting out. Recommended.
"Fix Your Damn Book!" is a fairly straightforward book on how to identify and fix your novel's problems. Its audience is mostly the self-publishing/micropress/indie author, but that doesn't mean it doesn't contain hard-won insight that can be used by anyone.
The book's greatest asset is its tone—pitched somewhere between the tough love of Steve Pressfield on the one hand, and the puffery that's great at building self-esteem but not improving the writer on the other. James Osiris Baldwin (what a name!) offers indispensable advice on how to break up the daunting process of editing a novel into a discrete set of chunks that make the task much easier. The section on locating "beta readers," and cultivating a circle of friends and fellow-travelers who can offer helpful, specific advice, is also another one of the book's strengths.
The more granular, line by line editing recommendations are all sound, but are honestly covered better, in deeper and more entertaining fashion in "Getting the Words Right" and "Sin and Syntax." Also, the author's bias against Stephen King wears here and there (and I say that as someone who doesn't put much stock in King's post-1980s output). That said, though, this is a valuable addition to any writer's arsenal, and could definitely be a gamechanger or even life changer for someone just starting out. Recommended.
March 31, 2023
An interesting and useful book on how to self-edit your manuscript, either before submitting to an agent or before self-publishing. It contains useful advice on how to tackle it, the various types of editing - and it was especially interesting to see the definition of line editing as opposed to copy editing since a lot of editors online seem to blur the lines or use those terms interchangeably - and also some good advice on certain things to work on in the manuscript. It was great to see a section that spells out what passive tense really is - it is not the verb 'to be' as so many people insist on internet forums.
I read through it but can see it will be a useful workbook to have alongside and work through in stages when tackling an edit after the first draft is complete, as you need to chunk up the book as advised and follow the steps indicated. The appendices include useful references. I wasn't put off by the swearing and the author makes it clear that, as an Australian, there will be certain swearing but it might not be to everyone's taste. The only issue I had with the book is that the illustrations were too small to be able to distinguish anything on my Kindle and being published in 2016 it might need some updating. I would rate this at four stars overall.
I read through it but can see it will be a useful workbook to have alongside and work through in stages when tackling an edit after the first draft is complete, as you need to chunk up the book as advised and follow the steps indicated. The appendices include useful references. I wasn't put off by the swearing and the author makes it clear that, as an Australian, there will be certain swearing but it might not be to everyone's taste. The only issue I had with the book is that the illustrations were too small to be able to distinguish anything on my Kindle and being published in 2016 it might need some updating. I would rate this at four stars overall.
February 5, 2020
Bloody brilliant! If you are looking for a non-fiction read that isn't stuffy or boring, is injected with a healthy dose of humour, and will tell you everything you need to know about self-editing to a great standard, buy this book. If you are a writer and you don't own this yet, you are missing a trick. I've already recommended this one to my writing buddies!
May 16, 2017
If you are a new novelist like me and have no idea where to start when it comes to editing, start here! I am a very logical and structured person, and this book breaks down the editing process step by step and tells you exactly what to look for and where to look. It is mt editing companion.
January 7, 2019
Full of great advice
I wish I would have read this book before I published my first book five years ago. I found the advice in here solid and will be putting it in to practice asap as I begin to fix my damn book!
I wish I would have read this book before I published my first book five years ago. I found the advice in here solid and will be putting it in to practice asap as I begin to fix my damn book!
April 3, 2019
Good guidelines
In a fun, and entertaining voice, the author guides you through the weary process of editing with detailed examples. It makes you want to plunge into work immediately.
In a fun, and entertaining voice, the author guides you through the weary process of editing with detailed examples. It makes you want to plunge into work immediately.
December 1, 2019
Very informative and self edited well. Good for anyone writing for the first time or new to the world of self publishing.
May 1, 2020
Very useful!
March 7, 2021
If you are an aspiring writer you NEED THIS BOOK! I owe so much to this author for his tips and tricks in this guide. But a copy! You won't be sorry.
October 2, 2016
So damn good
I downloaded this from Kindle Unlimited - I say this because I can guarantee it will remain a permanent fixture and never be one I'll return. There's one thing I know for certain and that is ... This is a major resource I will be checking out again and again. James writes in a very informal manner, which I like, and he covers EVERYTHING you need to knows about editing. I don't have an English degree and my only qualification is an 'O' level in it that I took in 1979. We never covered stuff like split infinitives, past participles ... the list goes on. But, James makes them easy to understand and most, if not all, the rules I instinctively understand anyway after being a lifelong reader. It is a very thorough read, not at all wishy washy and I'd recommend it if you're someone like me - driven to write and want to do your absolute best.
I downloaded this from Kindle Unlimited - I say this because I can guarantee it will remain a permanent fixture and never be one I'll return. There's one thing I know for certain and that is ... This is a major resource I will be checking out again and again. James writes in a very informal manner, which I like, and he covers EVERYTHING you need to knows about editing. I don't have an English degree and my only qualification is an 'O' level in it that I took in 1979. We never covered stuff like split infinitives, past participles ... the list goes on. But, James makes them easy to understand and most, if not all, the rules I instinctively understand anyway after being a lifelong reader. It is a very thorough read, not at all wishy washy and I'd recommend it if you're someone like me - driven to write and want to do your absolute best.
June 17, 2016
I highly recommend this book for anyone in the process of completing or editing a manuscript. The book provides helpful insight to all of the ins and outs of editing. I found it to be very helpful and entertaining. I highly recommend it.
October 6, 2016
Absolutely critical book to add to your library if you're a writer.
March 24, 2018
Incredibly useful, thorough book on self-editing.
September 18, 2020
Great book that actually goes in depth on the editing process! Easy to read and follow and contains many concrete steps to take.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews