AI replace editors and writers
Book Editing

Will AI Replace Editors and Writers?

Like almost everything, the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both good and bad. AI and machine learning is already replacing pesky jobs — like auditing a huge news site — yet it could also threaten the livelihoods of editors, journalists, and content writers. In 2019, we all didn’t believe jobs would disappear. Now, in 2024, we see that content writers are becoming editors of generated chats in a forced vocational transition.  AI programs can scan a newspaper’s back issues and by learning the style, it can write feasible news articles from releases. Some places, like Sports Illustrated, have gotten into trouble by not marking that articles were written by artificial means.  The Washington Post has a robot reporting program called Heliograf. However, The Post is using their system to not replace journalists, but to assist them and make their…
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What is Redrafting

What is Redrafting and Why does it Matter?

So, you’ve pumped out the first draft of your nonfiction or creative nonfiction book. Sweat, tears and research done. Now what? Well, this where the real work begins. Lee Kofman calls this redrafting work ‘layering’, as different edit rounds build towards the final masterpiece. With my book coaching program, I do the fun work of looking at structure and voice, and prompting the writer to fill in all the things that a reader won’t know about. If they’re telling a story which ends suddenly and I feel dissatisfied, I know the writer needs to add more detail and thoughts. Kofman also says, “It is imperative to take off the blinkers … and turn searingly honest about the quality of our work”. (You can read her writer’s blog at LeeKofman.com.au). After all, it is only through years of writing, comparative reading,…
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how do I write a book - a guide
Book Writing

How Do I Write a Book? Your Book Writing Helper

This question underlies everything I do when creating books: how do I write a book that resonates with my market? Always think about a potential market first. Also, consider the barriers and pitfalls that may stop you. (To help you, this 1,800 word guide is written by me, Jennifer, an author, book coach and editor). Table of Contents for this Book Writing Guide How long should it take to write a book? How to come up with a good topic for a book? How to write a book when you have Dyslexia or ADHD How long should I spend editing before hiring an editor? What editing step comes after Structure? Proofreading How to write a book with help More info about the Book Creation course   What not to do when writing a book The first thing is not to…
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Understanding editors terminology

Understanding the Editor’s Terminology

Do you ever get the feeling people aren’t quite getting you? Recently I thought while editing my videos that people may not understand me and my editors’ terminology. So here I’m going to explain the editorial terms I often say, some Jenacisms… and touch on what platform and branding is about. When I speak about typesetting, I don’t mean physically setting the type, but it is a word to mean ‘formatting and layout of a book’, and these have rules. Designing the book means use of creativity and choosing two typefaces that complement each other and create a mood for the book. When I speak about InDesign, I don’t mean designing in something, I mean the page layout program from Adobe. I am a fan, even though it is a very intense program. Artwork is not the design, it is…
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Book Editing

Good Editing Advice is Powerful

  Hi, I’m Jennifer Lancaster, an editor and writing coach (Australia) for professionals who want to create their own book. Some of my clients have said really nice things about working with me, even after all their struggles of trying to get the right editor and getting the wrong point of view and advice, and several other incidents. Eve said: “Your editing is exactly what I needed in all the many areas that I did not know enough. I am so very grateful to have found you. I know the book will be much improved as a result.” That’s what I’m looking to do in my business… meet and exceed authors’ needs, when they want to write a book from the heart. Whether it’s a psychology book, a self -help, wellness, health, or yoga book, some with personal stories, I…
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australian editors are better

Why are Australian Editors Better than Those Overseas?

Reason Why 1: Best Practices Because editing involves reviewing and correcting material before publication, it is important to keep up an editor’s knowledge in many areas. Sometimes the author’s reputation rests on the skills and experience of the editor. In Australia, book editors often belong to an editor society or the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd Australia). They have sometimes done a Graduate Certificate in editing and professional publishing or, like myself, gotten the experience through document editing and writing completed over many decades. This is in addition to formal learning through courses. While editors in other countries may have their own set of best practices and education, it is harder to verify these before you hire one.  In addition, there is a difficulty in finding a book editor who can modify some of their rules for your country’s particular…
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