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Ellen Brock

Professional Freelance Novel Editor

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Category: Ask the Editor

Ask the Editor: How do I Know if My Beta Reader is Giving Good Advice?

April 10, 20155 Comments

14779520072_914171dbb7_oToday’s question is an important one for anyone using beta readers or critique groups:

I have a beta reader for my novel. She has had some good things to say, but I don’t agree with some of the changes she suggested. Should I trust that she is right? How do I know if her advice is good?

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Ask the Editor: How do I make the first novel in a series stand alone?

March 30, 201511 Comments

14779520072_914171dbb7_oWelcome to my newest blog series: Ask the Editor! Today I am going to start with one of the most common questions I get in my inbox:

I know the first novel in a series is supposed to “stand alone,” but what exactly does this mean? Do I have to tie up all the loose ends? Won’t ending on a cliffhanger get readers to buy the next book?

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