Siân Smith
Show vs tell in non-fiction and memoir
If you’ve been writing for a while or you’ve studied the writing craft then you’ve probably heard of (and are maybe sick of!) ‘show don’t...
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Siân Smith
Sep 268 min read
The CIEP conference 2024 – what I learnt as a first-timer
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) Conference is held every year during the second weekend of September. This...
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Siân Smith
Aug 195 min read
Can I get my book published in time for Christmas?
Yes, I am mentioning Christmas in August. But seeing as Christmas is a popular deadline for launching books (who doesn’t love getting a...
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Siân Smith
Jul 187 min read
8 tips for launching as a self-employed book editor or proofreader
In last month’s blog post, I shared a detailed account of how I found my first few clients as a freelance book editor. I mentioned in...
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Siân Smith
Jun 218 min read
How to find work as a freelance book editor
How I found my first 4 clients as a self-employed copyeditor and proofreader I’ve had a few editors and proofreaders in the early stages...
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Siân Smith
May 216 min read
5 ways running my own business supports my mental health
Running your own business can easily lead to burnout if you don’t take the right steps to look after your mental health (check out my...
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Siân Smith
May 67 min read
5 lessons I’ve learnt from my first presentation as a business owner
On Saturday 27 April 2024 I gave my first presentation as a business owner (in fact, probably my first presentation since being a...
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Siân Smith
Apr 235 min read
4 things you need to know about your first draft
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing my thoughts and advice on how to switch your mindset towards your first draft, so that you can...
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Siân Smith
Mar 295 min read
How my anxiety makes me a better book editor
OK, more accurately, this blog post is about how my anxiety makes me a better book editor for certain books and clients. Maybe this blog...
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Siân Smith
Feb 286 min read
What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?
When most people say something needs proofreading, they often mean editing. Proofreading is a very specific part of the publishing...
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Siân Smith
Jan 245 min read
How long does it take to edit a book?
The world of publishing can be completely overwhelming when you first enter it: from all the unique terms (‘what is copyediting?') to the...
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Rachel Ann Cullen
Dec 28, 20238 min read
Self-publishing and writing tips from author Rachel Ann Cullen
Rachel Ann Cullen has published four non-fiction books. Her first two books were published by Blink Publishing, whose featured authors...
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Siân Smith
Nov 22, 20237 min read
3 storytelling techniques to add to your memoir or self-help book
I’m sure you’re aware of the power of storytelling in your non-fiction book, especially if you’re writing a memoir. But are you telling...
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Siân Smith
Oct 25, 20234 min read
7 reasons why I love editing non-fiction
… and why you should write a non-fiction book! Up until early adulthood, I associated non-fiction with fact and textbooks, reserved...
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Siân Smith
Sep 20, 20236 min read
11 reasons why I love self-publishing
1. You don’t have to stick to one genre One of the most common reasons authors decide to self-publish is because they’ve been told (or...
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Siân Smith
Jul 19, 20236 min read
7 lessons from the first year of my book editing business
I launched my proofreading and book editing business from our local Aldi car park on 19 July 2022. By that I mean I published an...
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Siân Smith
Jun 28, 20234 min read
Why Grammarly can't replace a proofreader
Spellcheck, Grammarly, and other editing programs can be incredibly useful. Professional copyeditors and proofreaders use at least one...
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Siân Smith
May 22, 20236 min read
How to protect your mental health as a business owner
Running your own business is empowering, creative, and is meant to afford you the all-time flexibility many of us crave for family life...
163 views1 comment
Siân Smith
May 16, 20232 min read
4 books I recommend for Mental Health Week
Background reading forms a vital part of my CPD (continual professional development) and feeds into my experience as a non-fiction book...
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Siân Smith
Apr 28, 20233 min read
How much does an editor change my book?
The most common concern I hear from authors during our discovery call is the worry that an editor will change their book beyond...
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