Author: Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma

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5 Reasons Why Every Business Needs Professional Content

October 4 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses have more opportunities than ever to connect with their customers. But to truly make an impact, they need more than just a product or service. They need professional, well-crafted content.

Think of your content as the voice of your business. It’s how you communicate your value, share your expertise, and engage with your audience. Without strong content, it’s tough to build trust, attract customers, and stand out from the crowd.

Also Read: Is Blogging Dead? Separating Fact from Fiction

Let’s explore five key reasons why every business, big or small, needs professional content.

1. First Impressions Matter

When someone visits your website, blog, or social media profile for the first time, they immediately form an impression of your business. Often, your content is what they notice first. It tells them who you are, what you offer, and why they should care.

If your content is well-written, clear, and free of mistakes, it shows that your business is professional. It signals that you pay attention to detail and take your brand seriously. On the other hand, if your content is full of typos, vague, or poorly structured, it can turn people off. They may question the quality of your product or service based on the quality of your content.

Also Read: The Biggest Mistake in Business Blogging: Ignoring SEO

In short, professional content creates a positive first impression. It shows that you value professionalism and helps establish trust right from the start.

2. Professional Content Improves SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your content to rank higher in search engine results. The better your content is optimized for SEO, the more visible your business becomes to potential customers.

A professional content writer knows how to craft content that’s both valuable to readers and friendly to search engines. They understand keyword placement, meta descriptions, and how to structure content for better readability. This leads to more organic traffic to your website.

Once visitors land on your site, good content keeps them engaged. If your content answers their questions or provides useful information, they’re more likely to stay longer, explore your offerings, and ultimately make a purchase. Professional content not only attracts people to your site, but it also keeps them there.

Also Read: 5 Common Blogging Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them

3. Builds Trust and Authority

In business, trust is everything. Consumers want to work with companies they feel confident in. But how do you build that trust online, especially when you don’t have face-to-face interaction?

This is where professional content plays a big role. High-quality, well-researched content shows that you know your stuff. It gives you a platform to share your expertise and offer valuable insights to your audience. Over time, as people read and interact with your content, they start to see you as an authority in your industry.

When you consistently provide useful information, whether through blog posts, guides, or even social media updates, you build credibility. Your audience knows they can rely on you for accurate, relevant information. This trust translates into long-term relationships, loyal customers, and a stronger brand reputation.

Also Read: Foolproof Ways That SMBs Can Drive Leads & Sales with Content

4. Engages and Educates Your Audience

Today’s consumers are looking for more than just a sales pitch. They want to feel informed, educated, and understood. This is why professional content is so essential—it meets your audience where they are and offers them value beyond the sale.

Great content doesn’t just talk at your audience; it engages with them. It answers their questions, solves their problems, and sparks meaningful conversations. When people feel like they’re gaining something from your content, they’re more likely to keep coming back for more.

This engagement is key to building customer loyalty. If you consistently offer value through your content, you’ll create a connection with your audience that goes beyond a transactional relationship. And in a world where trust and relationships matter, that connection is everything.

5. Strengthens Your Brand Voice

Your brand voice is how you communicate with your audience, and it needs to be consistent across all platforms. Whether it’s your website, social media, or email marketing, your content should reflect the same tone, style, and message.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

A professional content writer helps you maintain this consistency. They ensure your brand voice is clear and aligned with your business values. Whether you want to sound friendly and approachable or formal and authoritative, professional content helps you hit the right tone every time.

Consistency in your brand voice strengthens your brand identity. It makes your business more recognizable and helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level. When people see the same quality and tone in all your communications, they know they’re interacting with a reliable and professional brand.

In conclusion, professional content is more than just words on a page. It’s a key component of your business’s success. From creating strong first impressions to building trust, authority, and engagement, quality content helps your business grow and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

So, if you’ve been neglecting your content strategy, now is the time to invest in professional content. It’s one of the most valuable assets your business can have.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How to Start Writing: A Beginner’s Guide

August 5 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is a fundamental skill that opens doors to various opportunities, whether in academics, business, or personal expression. For beginners, mastering the art of writing can seem daunting. This guide aims to provide a clear pathway to developing your writing skills, making the process less intimidating and more structured.

Also Read: How to Develop Compelling Characters: A Guide for New Writer

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into writing, it’s crucial to understand the basics:

Grammar and Punctuation

Good grammar and correct punctuation are the foundations of clear writing. Incorrect grammar can confuse readers and detract from your message. Familiarize yourself with basic rules of grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, proper use of tenses, and correct punctuation marks.

Sentence Structure

A well-structured sentence enhances readability. Aim for clarity by keeping sentences concise. Avoid overly complex sentences that can confuse readers. For example, compare:

  • Complex: Despite the fact that it was raining, the match continued, although the players were soaked.
  • Simple: The match continued despite the rain, soaking the players.

Also Read: Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

Paragraph Structure

Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, starting with a clear topic sentence. Supporting sentences should elaborate on this idea, providing examples or evidence. Conclude with a sentence that sums up the paragraph’s main point.

Developing a Writing Process

Establishing a consistent writing process can improve efficiency and quality:

Planning Your Writing

Start with brainstorming ideas. Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your writing. An outline serves as a roadmap, ensuring you cover all necessary points logically.

Drafting

Begin by writing a rough draft without worrying about perfection. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can refine and polish them later.

Also Read: Crafting Clear, Elegant Prose

Revising and Editing

Revising involves reviewing your draft for content and structure. Ensure your ideas flow logically and your arguments are well-supported. Editing focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, and style errors. Read your work aloud to catch mistakes you might overlook when reading silently.

Effective Writing Strategies

Adopting effective strategies can significantly enhance your writing:

Clarity and Simplicity

Strive for clarity by using simple language. Avoid jargon and complex words unless necessary. Clear writing ensures your message is easily understood by the reader.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Consistency in Tone and Style

Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout your piece. Whether formal or informal, consistency helps in creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Beware of common writing pitfalls such as redundancy, passive voice, and run-on sentences. Redundancy can make your writing repetitive and boring. For instance, “Each and every” can be simplified to “Each” or “Every.” Active voice makes your writing more dynamic and direct. For example:

  • Passive: The ball was thrown by John.
  • Active: John threw the ball.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Examples and Practical Tips

Here are practical tips to apply these strategies effectively:

Writing a Clear Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a preview of what’s to come. Start with a hook, such as a question, quote, or interesting fact. Follow with a brief overview of your main points.

Developing Strong Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the main point. Follow with supporting sentences that provide details, examples, or evidence. Conclude with a sentence that reinforces the paragraph’s main idea.

Crafting a Compelling Conclusion

Summarize your main points in the conclusion, reinforcing your overall message. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

Conclusion

Writing effectively requires practice and dedication. By understanding the basics, developing a structured writing process, and adopting effective strategies, you can enhance your writing skills. Remember, the key to good writing is clarity, simplicity, and consistency. Keep practicing, and over time, you’ll see significant improvement in your writing abilities.

By following these guidelines and tips, beginners can develop a strong foundation in writing, making the process more manageable and enjoyable. Happy writing!

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How to Develop Compelling Characters: A Guide for New Writer

June 5 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Creating compelling characters is essential for any story. Characters drive the plot, engage readers, and bring your narrative to life. For new writers, developing characters that resonate can be challenging. However, with the right approach, you can create memorable and believable characters.

Also Read: Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

Understand Your Characters’ Backstories

Every character has a history. This history shapes their behavior, motivations, and decisions. Start by asking yourself questions about your character’s past. Where did they grow up? What significant events shaped their lives? Understanding their backstory will help you create depth and authenticity.

Define Their Goals and Motivations

Compelling characters need clear goals. These goals drive the story forward and create conflict. Ask yourself: What does your character want? Why do they want it? How far are they willing to go to achieve it? Defining these elements will help you craft a focused and engaging narrative.

Also Read: Crafting Clear, Elegant Prose

Develop Their Personality Traits

Personality traits make your characters unique. Think about their strengths and weaknesses. Are they brave, but reckless? Kind, but naïve? Balancing positive and negative traits makes characters more relatable and complex. Avoid creating perfect characters; flaws make them human.

Show, Don’t Tell

Show your character’s traits through their actions and dialogue. Instead of saying, “John is brave,” demonstrate his bravery in a tense situation. This approach engages readers and allows them to draw their own conclusions about the character.

Also Read: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Dialogues

Use Dialogue Effectively

Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. It reveals personality, background, and emotions. Make sure each character has a distinct voice. Consider their education, culture, and experiences when crafting their dialogue. This helps make conversations more realistic and engaging.

Create Conflict and Challenges

Conflict is essential for character development. It forces characters to make difficult choices and grow. Place your characters in challenging situations that test their limits. This will reveal their true nature and make your story more dynamic.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Show Growth and Change

Characters should evolve over the course of the story. Show how they change in response to the events they experience. This growth makes them more realistic and satisfying for readers. Track their development carefully to ensure it feels natural and earned.

Use Secondary Characters Wisely

Secondary characters support your main characters and add depth to the story. Develop them with the same care as your protagonists. Ensure they have their own goals and motivations. These characters can also highlight different facets of your main character’s personality.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Avoid Stereotypes

Stereotypes can make characters feel flat and unoriginal. Strive to create diverse and nuanced characters. Give them unique backgrounds and traits that defy clichés. This will make your story more interesting and relatable.

Balance Internal and External Conflict

Internal conflict involves a character’s personal struggles. External conflict comes from outside forces. Balance both types to create a well-rounded character. Internal conflicts can add depth, while external conflicts drive the plot forward.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

Developing compelling characters takes time and effort. By understanding their backstories, defining their goals, and using effective dialogue, you can create characters that resonate with readers. Show growth, avoid stereotypes, and balance conflicts to add depth and realism. With these strategies, you can craft characters that bring your story to life.

Happy writing!

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Unconventional Editing Techniques: Thinking Outside the Red Pen

June 1 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Editing is crucial for any writer. However, traditional methods can sometimes feel tedious. That’s where unconventional techniques come in. These methods can provide fresh perspectives on your work. They also make the editing process more enjoyable. Here are some creative editing techniques you might not have tried.

Reverse Outlining

Reverse outlining is a powerful tool. Unlike traditional outlining, you start with your completed draft. First, summarize each paragraph or section in a few words. Then, examine the outline for structure and flow. This helps identify areas that need reorganization or clarification.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

Read Backward

Reading backward sounds strange, but it works. Start with the last sentence and move to the first. This method forces you to focus on individual sentences. It helps catch errors and awkward phrasing. It also prevents your brain from filling in gaps automatically.

Use Voice-to-Text Software

Voice-to-text software can be a game-changer. Read your manuscript aloud and let the software transcribe it. Listening to your words can highlight issues you might miss when reading silently. It also helps improve dialogue and narrative flow.

Also Read: Demystifying Manuscript Editing: A Comprehensive Journey

Change the Font and Format

Sometimes, a simple change can make a big difference. Change the font or format of your document. This tricks your brain into seeing the text as new. It helps spot mistakes and awkward sentences that you might overlook in the usual format.

Take a Break and Come Back

Distance can provide clarity. Take a break from your manuscript for a few days or weeks. When you return, you’ll have fresh eyes. This new perspective can help you see issues more clearly. It also makes the editing process less overwhelming.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

Use Color-Coding

Color-coding is not just for organization. Use different colors to highlight different aspects of your writing. For instance, use one color for dialogue, another for descriptions, and another for action. This visual separation helps balance elements and improve pacing.

Read Aloud to Someone Else

Reading aloud to someone else can reveal hidden problems. It forces you to engage with the text differently. The listener’s reactions can also provide valuable feedback. This method helps ensure your writing is clear and engaging.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

Physical Editing with Paper and Pen

Sometimes, going old-school can be beneficial. Print out your manuscript and edit it with a pen. The physical act of writing engages your brain differently. It can help you catch errors and improve sentence structure. Plus, it’s a good break from staring at a screen.

Role-Playing Characters

This technique is especially useful for dialogue. Act out scenes or conversations as if you’re the characters. This can help make dialogue more natural and authentic. It also helps with character development and consistency.

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

Mind Mapping for Plot Development

Mind mapping is a great tool for visual thinkers. Create a mind map of your plot and characters. This helps identify connections and plot holes. It also provides a visual overview of your story, making it easier to see the big picture.

Utilize Beta Readers Creatively

Beta readers are a valuable resource. Instead of asking for general feedback, give them specific tasks. For example, one reader focuses on plot, another on character development, and another on pacing. This targeted feedback can be more effective and insightful.

Also Read: Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

Conclusion

Unconventional editing techniques can breathe new life into your manuscript. They offer fresh perspectives and make the editing process more engaging. Try incorporating some of these methods into your next editing session. You might find they help improve your writing significantly. Happy editing!

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Should I pay for publishing my book?

May 26 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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It depends on the type of publishing you are referring to. If you are looking to publish a research paper in a scientific journal, many reputable journals have a pay to publish model, where authors pay a fee to cover the costs of publishing and distribution. This is known as open access publishing. On the other hand, if you are looking to publish a book, it is generally not necessary to pay for publication, as traditional publishers usually bear the cost and pay the author royalties on sales. However, there are also self-publishing options available where you can pay to have your book printed and distributed. It’s important to carefully research and compare your options before making a decision.

Also Read: Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

What are the different types of publishing?

 

  1. Traditional – A traditional publisher finances the publication of a book, pays the author royalties, and provides editing, design, and marketing services.
  2. Self-publishing – An author finances the publication of their own book, retains control over the creative process and distribution, and receives a larger share of the profits.
  3. Hybrid – A hybrid of traditional and self-publishing, where the author pays for some of the services, such as editing and design, but also receives support from a publishing company for distribution and marketing.
  4. E-publishing – The publication of books, magazines, or newspapers in electronic format, often for distribution on the internet.
  5. Academic – The publishing of scholarly works, such as research papers, conference proceedings, and books in a particular field of study.
  6. Open-access – A publishing model where authors pay a fee to make their work immediately available for free to anyone with internet access.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for an author depends on their specific needs and goals.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the different types of publishing:

Traditional publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The publisher takes care of editing, design, and marketing, allowing the author to focus on writing.
  2. The publisher provides credibility and recognition to the author.
  3. It often provides higher royalties to the author.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author must go through a competitive and selective process to get their work accepted by a traditional publisher.
  2. The author gives up control over the creative process and may have limited input into editing and design.
  3. It can take a long time to get published through traditional channels.

    Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Self-publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The author has complete control over the creative process and distribution of their work.
  2. The author can publish their work quickly and easily.
  3. It allows the author to keep a larger share of the profits.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author must finance the publication and marketing of their own work.
  2. Self-published books are often perceived as less credible or of lower quality than traditionally published books.
  3. The author must have the skills and knowledge to edit, design, and market their work effectively.

Hybrid publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The author has more control over the creative process than in traditional publishing, but still receives support for distribution and marketing.
  2. It provides a more personalized experience and often faster publishing times than traditional publishing.
  3. It can provide greater credibility to the author than self-publishing.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author may have to pay for some of the services, such as editing and design, which can be expensive.
  2. The author may still be giving up some control over the creative process.
  3. It may be perceived as less credible than traditional publishing.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

E-publishing:

Advantages:

  1. It allows for immediate distribution and accessibility to a global audience.
  2. E-books are often less expensive than print books.
  3. It can be more environmentally friendly than print publishing.

Disadvantages:

  1. E-books can be more difficult to read for some people, particularly older readers.
  2. E-books may not be available in all countries due to licensing restrictions.
  3. E-books may be more vulnerable to piracy than print books.

Academic publishing:

Advantages:

  1. It provides recognition and credibility in the academic community.
  2. It allows for the dissemination of new research and ideas.

Disadvantages:

  1. The process can be slow and competitive.
  2. There may be high costs associated with publishing in certain academic journals.
  3. Access to academic publications may be limited, particularly for those without access to academic libraries.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Is it worth paying to get my book published?

Whether it’s worth paying to get your book published depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Market fit: If your book is well-written and has a clear target audience, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be a good option, as it allows you to reach readers directly.
  2. Control: If you value control over the creative process and distribution of your work, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be the best choice for you.
  3. Credibility: If you are looking to establish credibility as an author, traditional publishing may be the best option, as it provides a level of validation from a reputable publisher.
  4. Cost: If you have the resources to finance the publication and marketing of your book, self-publishing or hybrid publishing can be a good option. However, if you do not have the financial resources, traditional publishing may be a better option, as the publisher bears the cost of publication.
  5. Speed: If you are looking to get your book published quickly, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be the best option, as the process is often faster than traditional publishing.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your goals, resources, and personal preferences. It’s important to carefully research and consider all your options before making a decision.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

First published here.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

May 24 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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A dialogue is the section in a story which shows us a conversation happening between two or more characters. There are two broad types of dialogues: inner and outer. The conversation that happens between two or more people is outer dialogue. Sometimes there are internal monologues where the character in the scene is talking to themselves.

Also Read: Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

Dialogues aren’t as tricky to write as they might seem. My favourite trick to share with my students is to remember that conversations like stories are part of real life. People in stories will talk exactly how people talk in real life.

Dialogues are the soul of any story. While the narration sets the ball rolling and characters spice it up, well-written dialogues take the story ahead. And not to forget, epic dialogues get quoted for years and decades.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and focus on writing epic dialogues just yet. The key to creating great work is to understand the basic and follow the rules. The creatives below about the three prerequisites of any good dialogue and must be followed every time you write a story.

Also Read: Breaking Down How To Write Dialogues In Fiction

6 Rules For Creating Great Dialogues

  • Punctuate Correctly

There is a typical manner in which dialogues are written. They are different for prose and drama, and should never be mixed. In drama, a lot of what is written is for the actor to understand and then act. In a story, every word is for your reader to read, interpret and even imagine.

All punctuation that are part of the dialogue go inside quotation marks. In prose, the flow of dialogues are in the paragraph flow and contain action tags as well. Both double and single quotation marks are used in Indian publications depending on what format the publisher follows usually. As a rule, double quotation mark is used in US English, and single quotation marks are used in UK English. In Indian books, either get used. Personally, I prefer double quotation marks as that leaves the single ones to denote aa quoted dialogue within an existing dialogue.

  • Use few(er) tags

Ending every dialogue with he said/she said ends up making the writing look cluttered and annoying the reader. If two people are talking, establish who is talking first and let the dialogue flow. Readers will also understand who is saying what based on personalities of the characters you have already established. Gestures and action tags also indicate who is talking in bigger groups. While dialogue tags are to be used where needed, as should action tags be, the idea is to use them sparingly and where needed. How does one know where these tags are needed and where they are not? By reading a lot and writing a lot. A writing instinct develops that helps your writing look smooth and experienced.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

  • Cut the fillers

In real life, one might meet a friend and do boring small talk but a story needs to stay exciting and engrossing. Characters asking, “How are you?” and getting, “I am fine, thank you. What about you?” adds nothing to the story and to be honest, bored the reader. The fact that they greeted each other can be part of the narrative or skipped completely.

  • Maintain context

Keep with the flow of the story. Conversations need to make sense to the reader based on events of the past as explained and the characters that have been built in the story. Conversations from the future need to be indicated as such either clearly or in a subtle manner like in a new chapter or section.

  • Use the setting/environment

Include the surroundings in the dialogues. There can be no abrupt dialogues as if they are excerpts from some notes. Dialogues are meant to be part of the story and either add to what is about to follow or tell the reader what might have happened in the past. Weave in the surrounding, the room/place your characters are in.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

  • Indulge readers with vital information

Dialogues are meant to not only break the monotony of the narration, but also to share with the readers important events from the plot or give a sneak peak at some character trait, perhaps. Each exchange happening between characters must share some vital information with the reader even if it’s subtle.

Every time a new person speaks, a new paragraph also begins. If one character’s dialogue is long and extends beyond one paragraph, then the closing quotation mark will be marked only once, at the end of the entire dialogue and not after every paragraph.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

First published here.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Is Blogging Dead? Separating Fact from Fiction

May 20 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the fast-evolving world of digital marketing, trends come and go. One persistent question is: Is blogging dead? With the rise of social media, video content, and podcasts, some argue that blogging has lost its relevance. However, this is far from the truth. Let’s separate fact from fiction and understand why blogging remains a powerful tool for businesses.

Also Read: Debunking the Myth: Blogging Takes Too Much Time

1. Blogging’s Continued Popularity

Contrary to the notion that this medium is outdated, blogs are still widely read and valued. Millions of people visit blogs daily for information, entertainment, and advice. Businesses that maintain active blogs see benefits such as increased website traffic and enhanced customer engagement. Blogging offers a platform for sharing detailed, in-depth content that other mediums may not support.

2. SEO Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to continue blogging is the significant SEO benefits it provides. Search engines like Google favor websites with fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating a blog helps improve your site’s search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Keywords, internal linking, and high-quality content all contribute to better visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Also Read: The Biggest Mistake in Business Blogging: Ignoring SEO

3. Establishing Authority

Blogging allows businesses to establish themselves as authorities in their industry. By consistently providing valuable insights, tips, and information, you can build trust and credibility with your audience. This positions your business as a go-to resource, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat visits.

4. Driving Engagement

Engagement is crucial in today’s digital landscape, and blogs are excellent for fostering it. Blog posts can spark conversations, invite comments, and encourage sharing on social media. They serve as a hub for interaction, allowing you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. This engagement not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also creates a sense of community around your business.

Also Read: 5 Common Blogging Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them

5. Adaptability of Content

Blogs are incredibly versatile. A single blog post can be repurposed into various formats, such as social media posts, infographics, podcasts, and videos. This adaptability extends the reach of your content and ensures that it caters to different audience preferences. By repackaging your blog content, you maximize its value and longevity.

6. Long-Term Results

Unlike social media posts that quickly fade from view, blog posts can generate traffic and leads long after they’re published. Evergreen content—posts that remain relevant over time—continues to attract visitors and provide value. This long-term impact makes blogging a worthwhile investment for sustained business growth.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

7. Debunking the Myth

The myth that blogging is dead likely stems from the misconception that newer forms of content have completely replaced it. In reality, blogging complements other digital marketing strategies. It works in tandem with social media, video marketing, and email campaigns to create a cohesive and comprehensive content strategy. Far from being obsolete, blogging enhances and supports these other efforts.

So, is blogging dead?

The evidence clearly says no. Blogging continues to offer substantial benefits, from improved SEO and increased engagement to establishing authority and delivering long-term results. By integrating blogging into your digital marketing strategy, you can harness its power to drive traffic, build relationships, and grow your business. Don’t let the myth of blogging’s demise deter you from utilizing this valuable tool. Embrace blogging as an integral part of your marketing efforts, and watch your online presence flourish.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Debunking the Myth: Blogging Takes Too Much Time

May 18 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the world of business, time is a precious commodity. With a myriad of tasks vying for our attention, the idea of adding blogging to the mix can seem daunting. However, it’s time to debunk the myth that blogging takes too much time. In reality, with the right approach and tools, blogging can be a manageable and highly rewarding endeavor. Let’s explore why the notion of blogging as a time-consuming task is a misconception and how you can make blogging work for you.

1. Efficiency is Key

Contrary to popular belief, blogging doesn’t have to be a time sink. With efficient planning and organization, you can streamline your blogging process and make the most of your time. Start by creating a content calendar to map out your blog posts in advance. This allows you to allocate time for research, writing, editing, and publishing, ensuring that each step of the process is completed efficiently and on schedule.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

2. Quality Over Quantity

Another misconception about blogging is that you need to churn out a high volume of content to be successful. However, quality trumps quantity every time. Instead of focusing on producing a large number of blog posts, prioritize creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that provides real value to your audience. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can make the most of your time and ensure that each blog post delivers maximum impact.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

3. Repurpose and Reuse

One of the most effective ways to save time on blogging is to repurpose and reuse content. Rather than starting from scratch with every blog post, look for opportunities to repurpose existing content in new and creative ways. For example, you can turn a blog post into a series of social media updates, a video tutorial, an infographic, or an email newsletter. By repurposing and reusing content, you can extend its lifespan and reach a wider audience without investing additional time and effort.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

4. Automation and Tools

Technology can be a blogger’s best friend when it comes to saving time. There are countless tools and resources available to help streamline your blogging process, from content management systems and scheduling platforms to keyword research tools and editing software. Take advantage of these tools to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and optimize your content for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

5. Delegate and Outsource

Finally, don’t be afraid to delegate or outsource certain tasks to free up your time for more important responsibilities. Whether it’s hiring a freelance writer to create blog posts on your behalf, outsourcing graphic design and editing tasks, or delegating social media management to a team member, there are plenty of options for sharing the workload and lightening your blogging burden. Remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself – sometimes, it pays to enlist the help of others.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

In conclusion, the idea that blogging takes too much time is a myth that can hold businesses back from realizing the full potential of this powerful marketing tool. By prioritizing efficiency, focusing on quality over quantity, repurposing and reusing content, leveraging automation and tools, and delegating or outsourcing tasks when necessary, you can make blogging a manageable and rewarding aspect of your business strategy. So, don’t let the myth of time-consuming blogging deter you – with the right approach, blogging can be a valuable investment of your time and resources.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Biggest Mistake in Business Blogging: Ignoring SEO

May 10 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the realm of business blogging, one glaring mistake stands out among the rest: ignoring SEO. Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short, is the powerhouse behind driving organic traffic to your website and boosting your online visibility. Yet, time and time again, businesses make the critical error of sidelining SEO in their blogging strategy. In this article, we’ll understand why neglecting SEO is the biggest blunder you can make in business blogging, and how to rectify it.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

1. SEO: The Backbone of Online Visibility

Picture your website as a hidden gem tucked away in a bustling city. Without SEO, it’s like having a treasure map but leaving it buried underground. Ignoring SEO means missing out on the opportunity to guide potential customers directly to your virtual doorstep. In today’s digital age, where Google reigns supreme as the go-to search engine, optimizing your content for SEO is non-negotiable.

2. Lost in the Digital Noise

The internet is a vast ocean of information, with billions of websites competing for attention. Without SEO, your business blog risks getting lost in this digital noise. It’s akin to shouting into a void – no matter how valuable your content may be, if it’s not optimized for search engines, it may never reach its intended audience. Ignoring SEO is like willingly consigning your blog posts to obscurity.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

3. Missed Opportunities for Growth

Every search query represents a potential opportunity for your business to connect with a new audience. By neglecting SEO, you’re effectively turning your back on these opportunities for growth. It’s akin to closing the door on potential customers who are actively seeking the products or services you offer. In today’s competitive landscape, businesses can’t afford to overlook these valuable opportunities to expand their reach and attract new customers.

4. A Waste of Valuable Resources

Creating high-quality content takes time, effort, and resources. Yet, without SEO, much of this investment goes to waste. It’s like cooking a gourmet meal but forgetting to send out invitations to your dinner party. Without SEO, your meticulously crafted blog posts may languish in obscurity, with few eyes ever laying upon them. By ignoring SEO, you’re essentially squandering the resources you’ve invested in creating valuable content.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

5. The Solution: Embrace SEO Best Practices

Fortunately, the solution to this common mistake is within reach. By embracing SEO best practices, you can unlock the full potential of your business blog and reap the rewards of increased visibility, traffic, and engagement. Start by conducting keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your target audience is searching for. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your blog posts, including in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the body of your content.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

In the fast-paced world of online business, ignoring SEO is a costly mistake. It’s like driving with a blindfold on – you may think you’re making progress, but in reality, you’re heading straight for disaster. By prioritizing SEO in your blogging strategy, you can ensure that your content gets the attention it deserves and your business thrives in the digital landscape. So, don’t let your blog become another casualty of neglect. Embrace SEO, and watch your online presence soar to new heights.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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5 Common Blogging Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them

April 27 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Blogging has become an indispensable tool for businesses to connect with their audience, establish authority, and drive traffic to their websites. However, many businesses make common mistakes that hinder the success of their blogging efforts. In this article, we’ll explore five of these mistakes and provide actionable tips on how to avoid them.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

Neglecting Your Audience

One of the most prevalent mistakes businesses make is neglecting to define their target audience. Without a clear understanding of who they’re writing for, businesses risk creating content that fails to resonate with their intended readers. To avoid this, take the time to research your target audience thoroughly. Understand their demographics, interests, pain points, and preferences. This knowledge will guide your content creation process and ensure that your blog posts are relevant and engaging to your audience.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Inconsistent Publishing

Another common mistake is inconsistency in publishing content. Some businesses start strong, posting regularly for a few weeks or months, only to taper off and eventually abandon their blog altogether. Consistency is key to building and maintaining an audience. Create a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, establish a cadence that you can realistically maintain over the long term. This consistency will help you stay top-of-mind with your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Overlooking SEO

A third mistake businesses make is ignoring search engine optimization (SEO). Many business owners underestimate the importance of optimizing their blog posts for search engines, resulting in low visibility and poor organic traffic. To avoid this mistake, familiarize yourself with basic SEO principles and incorporate them into your content creation process. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases related to your industry. Use these keywords strategically in your blog posts, including in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the body of your content. Additionally, focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of your audience. Search engines reward content that provides value to users, so prioritize quality over quantity.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit your business

Lack of Promotion

A fourth mistake businesses make is neglecting to promote their blog posts effectively. Even the best-written, most informative blog posts won’t reach their full potential if they’re not properly promoted. Many businesses make the mistake of publishing a blog post and then moving on to the next without actively promoting it to their audience. To avoid this, develop a promotion strategy for each blog post you publish. Share your posts on your social media channels, email newsletters, and any other relevant platforms where your audience hangs out. Encourage your followers to like, share, and comment on your posts to increase their reach and engagement. Additionally, consider collaborating with other businesses or influencers in your industry to cross-promote each other’s content.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

Forgetting to Measure

Finally, a fifth common mistake businesses make is neglecting to track and measure the success of their blogging efforts. Without proper analytics in place, businesses have no way of knowing whether their blog posts are achieving their desired objectives. To avoid this mistake, implement a robust analytics system to track key metrics such as website traffic, engagement, conversion rates, and ROI. Use this data to evaluate the performance of your blog posts and identify areas for improvement. Experiment with different types of content, publishing frequencies, and promotion strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. By continuously monitoring and optimizing your blogging efforts, you can ensure that your blog remains a valuable asset to your business.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

In conclusion, while blogging can be a powerful tool for businesses, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine its effectiveness. By defining your target audience, maintaining consistency in publishing content, optimizing for SEO, promoting your blog posts effectively, and tracking your performance metrics, you can maximize the impact of your blogging efforts and achieve your business objectives.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Crafting Clear, Elegant Prose

March 15 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the realm of writing, the importance of polished prose cannot be overstated. Whether crafting a novel, essay, or business proposal, the way in which ideas are presented can greatly impact their reception. Fortunately, there are techniques writers can employ to enhance their sentence structure, grammar, and overall writing style, elevating their prose to new heights.

Also Read: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Dialogues

Sentence Structure

Effective sentence structure is the foundation of polished prose. By varying sentence length and structure, writers can maintain reader interest and convey their message more effectively.

  • Embrace Variety: Avoid monotony by incorporating a mix of short, medium, and long sentences. This diversity creates a dynamic rhythm that keeps readers engaged.
  • Utilize Sentence Types: Experiment with different sentence types, including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. Each type serves a unique purpose and adds richness to your writing.
  • Pay Attention to Flow: Ensure smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs to maintain coherence and clarity. Use transitional words and phrases to guide readers from one idea to the next seamlessly.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Grammar

Grammar forms the backbone of polished prose, providing structure and clarity to written communication. By mastering grammar rules and conventions, writers can enhance the readability and professionalism of their writing.

  • Brush Up on Basics: Review fundamental grammar rules, including subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and sentence structure. Solidifying these basics is essential for producing error-free prose.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

  • Proofread Diligently: Take the time to proofread your writing carefully, checking for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Consider enlisting the help of grammar-checking tools or seeking feedback from peers.
  • Seek Clarity: Prioritize clarity in your writing by avoiding ambiguous phrasing and convoluted sentences. Aim for precision and conciseness to ensure that your message is conveyed accurately.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

Writing Style

Writing style encompasses the tone, voice, and overall aesthetic of your prose. By refining your writing style, you can create a distinctive and compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

  • Develop Your Voice: Cultivate a unique voice that reflects your personality and perspective as a writer. Authenticity fosters connection with readers and sets your writing apart from the rest.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Engage readers by using descriptive language and vivid imagery to evoke emotions and sensory experiences. Instead of simply stating facts, paint a picture with words that invites readers into the narrative.
  • Edit Ruthlessly: Be willing to revise and edit your writing ruthlessly, cutting unnecessary words and tightening phrasing. Strive for precision and economy of language to maximize impact.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Polished prose is not merely about adhering to grammatical rules or crafting technically flawless sentences. It is about communicating ideas with clarity, elegance, and impact. By honing your sentence structure, mastering grammar, and refining your writing style, you can elevate your prose to a higher standard, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impression. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace these techniques, and watch as your writing transforms into polished perfection.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Dialogues

February 13 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Crafting engaging and authentic dialogue is essential for creating compelling narratives that captivate readers. However, there are common mistakes that writers often make in dialogue construction that can detract from the effectiveness of their storytelling. By being mindful of these pitfalls, writers can enhance the quality of their dialogue and elevate their writing to new heights.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

1. Avoiding Unrealistic Speech Patterns:

Dialogue should reflect the way people naturally speak, with pauses, interruptions, and colloquialisms. Avoiding overly formal or stilted language can help make dialogue feel more authentic and relatable to readers.

2. Steering Clear of Exposition:

Dialogue should not serve as a vehicle for delivering exposition or backstory. Instead, it should focus on advancing the plot, revealing character personalities, and creating tension or conflict. Avoiding lengthy explanations or information dumps in dialogue can maintain the pacing of the story and keep readers engaged.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

3. Eliminating Overuse of Dialogue Tags:

While dialogue tags such as “said” or “asked” are necessary for clarity, using them too frequently can become distracting. Instead of relying solely on dialogue tags, use action beats and descriptive language to attribute speech, adding depth and nuance to the scene.

4. Steering Clear of On-the-Nose Dialogue:

On-the-nose dialogue occurs when characters explicitly state their thoughts, feelings, or motivations, without subtlety or subtext. Avoiding on-the-nose dialogue allows readers to infer emotions and intentions from the characters’ actions and interactions, creating a more immersive reading experience.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

5. Avoiding Monologues:

Long-winded speeches or monologues can disrupt the flow of dialogue and bore readers. Instead, strive for concise and focused dialogue that keeps the conversation moving and reveals information gradually, through natural exchanges between characters.

6. Being Mindful of Voice Consistency:

Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their personality, background, and experiences. Consistency in voice ensures that characters remain true to themselves throughout the story, enhancing believability and reader engagement.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

7. Avoiding Overly Formal Language:

Dialogue should be conversational and reflective of the characters’ personalities and relationships. Avoiding overly formal or stiff language can help maintain authenticity and make the dialogue more engaging for readers.

8. Eliminating Excessive Exposition:

Dialogue should reveal information organically, without resorting to lengthy explanations or info-dumping. Trusting readers to infer details from context and subtext can enhance the depth and complexity of the storytelling.

Also Read: Demystifying Manuscript Editing: A Comprehensive Journey

9. Being Mindful of Dialogue Length:

Long, uninterrupted blocks of dialogue can be overwhelming for readers and detract from the flow of the story. Breaking up dialogue with action beats, pauses, and shifts in focus can help maintain pacing and readability.

10. Avoiding Dialogue for Dialogue’s Sake:

Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose in advancing the plot, developing characters, or creating tension and conflict. Avoiding filler dialogue ensures that every conversation is meaningful and contributes to the overall narrative arc.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit your business

In conclusion, avoiding common mistakes in dialogue construction is essential for creating engaging and authentic storytelling. By being mindful of unrealistic speech patterns, exposition, dialogue tags, on-the-nose dialogue, monologues, voice consistency, formal language, excessive exposition, dialogue length, and dialogue for dialogue’s sake, writers can elevate the quality of their dialogue and enhance the impact of their writing.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

February 11 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Crafting authentic and impactful dialogue is a critical skill for writers, as it brings characters to life, propels the plot forward, and reveals their personalities. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips for writing dialogue that feels genuine, advances the plot, and adds depth to your story.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Creating Authentic Dialogue:

Writing authentic dialogue starts with listening to real-life conversations. Pay attention to the rhythm, tone, and cadence of speech. People often use contractions, pauses, and colloquialisms, so incorporating these elements into your dialogue will make it feel more genuine.

Additionally, each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their personality, background, and experiences. Consider factors such as age, education, and cultural background when crafting dialogue. A teenager might use slang and informal language, while an elderly professor might speak more formally.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

Advancing the Plot:

Dialogue should serve multiple purposes within the story, including advancing the plot. Each line of dialogue should move the story forward in some way, whether it’s revealing key information, introducing conflict, or foreshadowing future events. Avoid filler dialogue that doesn’t contribute to the overall narrative.

Furthermore, dialogue can be used to create tension and conflict between characters. Consider their motivations and goals in each conversation, and use dialogue to highlight their differences and conflicting agendas. This can lead to compelling and dynamic interactions that drive the plot forward.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Revealing Character Personalities:

Dialogue is an excellent tool for revealing character personalities. Show, don’t tell, by allowing characters to express themselves through their words and actions. Consider how they speak, what they choose to say (or not say), and how they interact with others. This will help readers understand their motivations, fears, and desires.

Additionally, subtext can add depth to your dialogue by allowing characters to communicate their true thoughts and feelings indirectly. Pay attention to the underlying meanings behind their words and actions, and use subtext to add layers of complexity to your characters’ interactions.

Also Read: Demystifying Manuscript Editing: A Comprehensive Journey

In conclusion, writing authentic and impactful dialogue requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of your characters and the story’s narrative. By creating authentic dialogue, advancing the plot, and revealing character personalities, you can create scenes that resonate with readers and bring your story to life. With practice and patience, you can master the art of writing dialogue and create compelling narratives that captivate and engage your audience.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Favourite Literary Couples – Sherlock & Irene #TBRChallenge

February 7 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the vast realm of literature, few couples captivate the imagination quite like Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler do mine. Their dynamic relationship, marked by mutual respect, intrigue, and intellect, elevates them to the status of an iconic literary duo. As a fervent admirer of their unique bond, I wanted to write about why Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler hold a special place in my heart.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Why Sherlock & Irene?

First and foremost, what sets Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler apart is the unconventional nature of their relationship. Unlike traditional romantic couples, their connection transcends mere romance, rooted instead in admiration and intellectual camaraderie. Holmes, known for his rationality and logic, finds himself intrigued and even challenged by Adler’s intelligence and resourcefulness. This intellectual equality forms the foundation of their bond, making it both unique and compelling.

Moreover, Irene Adler’s character defies stereotypical portrayals of women in literature. She is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who holds her own against the legendary Sherlock Holmes. In A Scandal in Bohemia, Adler’s cunning and wit allow her to outsmart Holmes, earning his respect in the process. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles, presenting Adler as a formidable counterpart to Holmes rather than a mere love interest.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and 
Relatable Personalities

The chemistry

Their interactions are characterized by a delicate balance of wit and mutual admiration. Despite their differences in approach and methodology, Holmes and Adler share a deep intellectual connection that transcends societal norms. Holmes, typically aloof and detached, displays a rare vulnerability in Adler’s presence, showcasing a more human side of his character.

One of the most memorable aspects of their relationship is Holmes’ infamous line, “To Sherlock Holmes, she is always the woman.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the depth of Holmes’ admiration for Adler. Despite encountering countless cases and individuals throughout his career, Adler remains a singular figure in Holmes’ mind, a testament to the lasting impact of their encounter.

Furthermore, their relationship is marked by a sense of mutual respect and admiration. While Holmes may initially view Adler as a mere adversary, he ultimately comes to admire her intelligence and resourcefulness. Similarly, Adler holds Holmes in high regard, recognizing his brilliance and deductive prowess. This mutual admiration forms the cornerstone of their relationship, transcending the boundaries of conventional romance.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to 
Grabbing Readers’ Attention

In addition to their intellectual connection, Holmes and Adler share a complex and nuanced emotional bond. While their relationship may lack traditional romantic gestures, there is an undeniable undercurrent of affection and respect between them. Adler’s decision to spare Holmes in A Scandal in Bohemia speaks volumes about the depth of her feelings for him, while Holmes’ efforts to protect Adler from harm demonstrate his genuine concern for her well-being.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative 
Symphony

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler stand out as one of literature’s most intriguing and captivating couples. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect, intellectual camaraderie, and a deep emotional bond that transcends traditional romance. As a fervent admirer of their unique dynamic, I am continually drawn to the complexities of their relationship and the enduring impact they have had on the literary world.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!
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Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

February 6 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the intricate dance of storytelling, characters are the heartbeat, evolving entities that breathe life into the narrative. Understanding their arcs and growth is like unlocking a secret door to a richer, more immersive story. Let’s understand character development by exploring how their arcs and growth contribute to the tapestry of a compelling narrative.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

The Essence of Character Arcs:

Character arcs are the transformative journeys characters embark upon throughout a story. They are the evolution of personalities, the highs, lows, and pivotal changes that shape them. Unraveling the essence of character arcs is pivotal in creating narratives that resonate.

Establishing Clear Beginnings:

Every character arc has a starting point. It’s the moment readers meet the character, the introduction to their world. Craft a clear beginning that sets the stage for the growth to come. Establish the status quo and hint at the possibilities that lie ahead.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Mapping the Trajectory:

Character arcs are trajectories, paths characters traverse in response to the challenges and conflicts presented. Map out this trajectory, envisioning the peaks of triumph and the valleys of despair. A well-defined map guides the narrative, ensuring the character’s growth is a deliberate and compelling journey.

Introducing Conflict as Catalyst:

Conflict is the catalyst for character growth. Introduce conflicts that challenge the character’s beliefs, motivations, and perceptions. Whether internal struggles or external obstacles, conflicts set the stage for transformative moments that propel the character forward.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

Navigating Internal Turmoil:

Characters aren’t immune to internal conflicts. Dive into their minds, exploring the doubts, fears, and conflicting emotions that brew within. Navigating internal turmoil humanizes characters, making their growth relatable and poignant.

External Challenges as Crucibles:

External challenges act as crucibles, testing the mettle of characters. Whether facing adversaries, confronting moral dilemmas, or navigating unexpected twists, these challenges forge the crucible of growth. Characters emerge changed, shaped by the fires of adversity.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit your business

Learning Through Adversity:

Character growth is a learning process. Through adversity, characters glean insights, acquire new skills, and undergo transformative realizations. It’s a dynamic learning curve that propels them toward self-discovery and personal evolution.

Embracing Redemption and Resilience:

Redemption arcs showcase characters rising from their lowest points, learning from mistakes, and seeking a path to redemption. Similarly, resilience emerges in characters who endure hardships, displaying strength in the face of adversity. These arcs resonate deeply, fostering emotional connections with readers.

Cultivating Relationships for Growth:

Characters don’t exist in isolation. Relationships contribute significantly to their growth. Cultivate dynamic connections that influence and shape characters. Whether through friendships, romances, or familial bonds, relationships are pivotal in sculpting character arcs.

Also Read: Content Marketing And What Does It Do For Your Business?

Showcasing Gradual Transformation:

Character growth is a gradual process. Avoid abrupt shifts or forced changes. Instead, showcase the evolution organically, allowing readers to witness the subtleties and nuances that define the character’s transformation.

Balancing Resolution and Open-Ended Possibilities:

As characters near the resolution of their arcs, strike a balance between closure and open-ended possibilities. Offer readers a sense of fulfillment while leaving room for contemplation. The resolution should feel earned, resonating with the journey undertaken.

Also Read: How to Use Feedback from Editors to Improve Your Writing

Epitomizing Character Evolution:

The climax of a story often epitomizes character evolution. Whether it’s a triumphant moment of self-realization or a poignant admission of vulnerability, the climax serves as a crystallization of the character’s growth.

Soliciting Reader Reflection:

Encourage readers to reflect on the characters’ journeys. Characters resonate when readers find elements of themselves in the narrative. Prompting reader reflection fosters a deeper connection with the story, solidifying the impact of character arcs.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

Conclusion:

In the grand tapestry of storytelling, character arcs and growth are the threads that embroider depth and resonance. As a storyteller, dive into the complexities of your characters, guiding them through transformative journeys that echo with authenticity. Characters that grow and evolve become enduring companions to readers, forging connections that withstand the test of time. Through deliberate crafting of character arcs, your narrative becomes a vessel of growth, a mirror reflecting the beauty of human transformation.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

February 5 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the tapestry of storytelling, characters are the vibrant threads that weave the narrative together. Well-rounded and relatable characters form the heartbeat of any compelling story. Let’s see some practical methods that  infuse depth and authenticity into your characters, ensuring they resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to 
Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Understanding the Importance:

Before delving into the methods, let’s underscore the importance of well-rounded characters. They are the conduits through which readers immerse themselves in your world. Characters with depth not only drive the plot forward but also evoke emotions, fostering a profound connection with the audience.

Draw Inspiration from Real Life:

The richest characters often have roots in reality. Draw inspiration from people you’ve encountered or observed. Observe their quirks, motivations, and the nuances that make them unique. Real-life provides a wellspring of inspiration for crafting characters with authentic traits.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative
 Symphony

Explore Character Backstories:

A character’s past shapes their present. Delve into the backstory of your characters to understand their experiences, traumas, and pivotal moments that have molded them. This exploration adds layers, giving depth to their actions and reactions throughout the narrative.

Create Flaws and Imperfections:

Perfection is not relatable. Infuse your characters with flaws and imperfections. These idiosyncrasies make them human, relatable, and endearing. Readers connect with characters who grapple with challenges, making their journey one of growth and self-discovery.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit your
 business

Establish Clear Goals and Motivations:

What drives your characters? Establish clear goals and motivations for each character. Whether it’s a quest for love, a desire for success, or a pursuit of justice, defined motivations guide their actions and provide readers with insight into their inner worlds.

Craft Dynamic Relationships:

Characters do not exist in isolation. Develop dynamic relationships between characters that mirror the complexities of human connections. Whether it’s friendships, family bonds, or romantic entanglements, these relationships contribute to the richness of your characters’ lives.

Also Read: How to Use Feedback from Editors to Improve 
Your Writing

Give Characters Agency:

Empower your characters with agency. Allow them to make decisions, face consequences, and evolve. Characters who actively shape their destinies resonate with readers, fostering a sense of investment in their journey.

Utilize Dialogue to Reveal Character:

Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. Use it to reveal personality traits, quirks, and the character’s unique voice. Authentic dialogue not only advances the plot but also provides a window into the character’s mindset.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

Showcase Internal Conflicts:

Internal conflicts add layers to characters. Explore their inner struggles, doubts, and conflicting emotions. This internal turmoil humanizes characters, making their journey a relatable exploration of the complexities of the human psyche.

Allow for Character Growth:

Characters should evolve throughout the narrative. Allow them to learn, adapt, and grow. This growth arc resonates with readers, creating a satisfying and fulfilling character transformation by the story’s conclusion.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

Solicit Beta Reader Feedback:

Before finalizing your characters, seek feedback from beta readers. External perspectives can reveal insights you might have missed. Honest feedback aids in refining character nuances and ensuring their relatability to a diverse audience.

Conclusion:

Crafting well-rounded and relatable characters is an art that demands a nuanced approach. As you breathe life into your characters, remember that they are more than words on a page; they are conduits to emotions, empathy, and lasting connections with readers. Implementing these methods ensures that your characters transcend the fictional realm, becoming companions on a journey that resonates with authenticity and depth.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

February 4 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is an art, and the first brushstroke on the canvas of a manuscript is the opening sentence. It’s the handshake, the introduction, and the invitation for readers to step into your world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the intricacies of crafting openings that not only capture attention but also set the tone for an immersive reading experience.

Understanding the Significance:

The opening sentence is your literary storefront. Its role is to entice readers, spark curiosity, and compel them to journey further into your narrative. Understanding the significance of this initial connection is the first step toward mastering the art of grabbing attention.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative 
Symphony

Invoke Emotion or Intrigue:

Emotions are powerful triggers. Craft an opening that elicits an emotional response or piques curiosity. Engage readers by making them feel something or by presenting a mystery that begs unraveling. The initial connection should be visceral, stirring an immediate response.

Create Vivid Imagery:

Paint a vivid picture with words. Transport readers into your world by employing descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Let them taste, smell, hear, and see the essence of your story right from the first sentence. Immerse them in a sensory experience that lingers.

Also Read: Demystifying Manuscript Editing: A 
Comprehensive Journey

Pose a Thought-Provoking Question:

Invite readers to ponder. Pose a thought-provoking question that resonates with the themes of your narrative. This not only engages their intellect but also establishes a connection, as they instinctively seek answers within the pages of your work.

Utilize the Element of Surprise:

Surprise is a potent tool. Introduce an unexpected twist or present a scenario that defies expectations. A surprising opening jolts readers out of their comfort zones, compelling them to read on to make sense of the unexpected.

Inject Humor or Wit:

Laughter is a universal language. If fitting with your narrative, infuse humor or wit into your opening sentence. A well-timed joke or a clever turn of phrase not only grabs attention but also sets a lighthearted tone for what’s to come.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit 
your business

Establish Intriguing Characters:

Introduce captivating characters right from the start. Craft an opening that provides a glimpse into the essence of your protagonist or an intriguing figure. Readers are drawn to characters with depth and complexity, making them eager to unravel their stories.

Craft a Compelling Conflict:

Conflict is the heartbeat of storytelling. Present a conflict or dilemma in your opening sentence that hints at the challenges your characters will face. This creates an immediate hook, as readers are compelled to discover how the narrative will unfold.

Also Read: How to Use Feedback from Editors to Improve 
Your Writing

Maintain Clarity and Conciseness:

While crafting an attention-grabbing opening, maintain clarity and conciseness. Avoid unnecessary details or convoluted language. A succinct and clear opening ensures that readers are immediately drawn into the narrative without being bogged down by excessive information.

Experiment with Narrative Styles:

Challenge traditional narrative structures. Experiment with different styles, such as starting in medias res or employing a unique perspective. A distinctive narrative approach can be a refreshing departure from the ordinary, captivating readers with its novelty.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

The first sentence is not merely a literary formality; it’s the gateway to a literary journey. Crafting an opening that captivates attention requires a thoughtful blend of emotion, intrigue, and creativity. As you embark on your writing endeavors, remember that the first sentence is your opportunity to make an indelible impression. Experiment, evoke, and enthrall your readers from the very first word, setting the stage for a narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

February 3 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing a manuscript is a deeply personal endeavor, and when it’s time to bring in a manuscript editor, the collaborative process begins. Working hand in hand with an editor can be a transformative experience, but it requires understanding, open communication, and a willingness to embrace constructive feedback. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of working collaboratively with manuscript editors and effectively incorporating their invaluable feedback.

Also Read: 8 ways blogging for business can benefit your business

Understanding the Editor’s Role:

The journey commences with comprehending the editor’s role. Editors aren’t here to alter your voice; instead, they are literary companions helping to refine and elevate your work. Recognize that their insights aim to enhance, not overshadow, your narrative.

Open Communication is Key:

Establishing open lines of communication is the cornerstone of a successful collaboration. From the outset, express your intentions, concerns, and expectations. Discuss your vision for the manuscript, allowing the editor to align their approach with your creative goals.

Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business

Embrace Constructive Criticism:

Constructive criticism, though sometimes challenging to absorb, is the catalyst for improvement. Approach feedback with an open mind, viewing it as a tool to enhance your manuscript. Embracing constructive criticism propels your work to new heights.

Clarify Expectations:

Clearly outline your expectations from the editing process. Whether it’s a particular aspect of the manuscript you’re concerned about or a specific editing style you prefer, providing clear guidelines ensures that the collaboration is tailored to meet your needs.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That 
Converts

Establishing a Collaborative Timeline:

Work collaboratively on a realistic timeline for the editing process. Both you and the editor should be on the same page regarding deadlines, ensuring that the editing journey is not only thorough but also well-paced.

Responding to Editorial Suggestions:

Editors offer suggestions aimed at refining your manuscript, not imposing their ideas. When faced with editorial suggestions, evaluate them thoughtfully. Consider how these suggestions align with your vision, and if you find yourself disagreeing, articulate your perspective. A collaborative dialogue strengthens the editing process.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should 
Do

Balancing Artistic Vision and Editorial Guidance:

Maintaining a balance between your artistic vision and the guidance provided by the editor is crucial. Remember that their goal is to enhance your work while preserving your unique voice. Discuss any concerns that arise and find a harmonious equilibrium.

Revisions as a Collaborative Act:

View revisions as a collaborative act rather than a solo endeavor. The back-and-forth exchange between you and the editor refines the manuscript. Each round of revisions brings the work closer to its full potential, a shared achievement.

Also Read: Foolproof Ways That SMBs Can Drive Leads & Sales 
with Content

Celebrate Milestones:

Acknowledging milestones throughout the editing process fosters a positive collaboration. Whether it’s completing a round of edits or reaching a crucial plot development, celebrate these achievements together. It adds a human touch to the collaborative journey.

Final Review and Approval:

As the collaborative symphony nears its conclusion, engage in a final review of the edited manuscript. Address any lingering concerns and ensure that the changes align with your artistic vision. Once satisfied, give your final approval, marking the end of the collaborative editing process.

Conclusion:

The collaborative process with a manuscript editor is a dance of creativity and refinement. Navigating this journey requires clear communication, a willingness to embrace feedback, and a shared commitment to enhancing the manuscript. Ultimately, the collaborative synergy between an author and an editor transforms a raw manuscript into a polished literary masterpiece. Embrace the partnership, celebrate the milestones, and witness the magic unfold as your collaborative effort brings your vision to life.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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#ShortStory – A Father’s Legacy

February 2 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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I stared at the email on my screen, my heart racing with disbelief. It was addressed to me, but it was from my father, who had gone missing ten years ago.
The email contained a strange-looking envelope that had been addressed to me, and it included a message from my father, asking me to come to his cabin in the woods.
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was some kind of sick joke or if someone was trying to mess with me. But as I read the message again, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was real.
Also Read: Upgrade Your Writing: 10 Verbs Starting with B & 
Their Better Alternatives
I quickly packed a bag and made my way to the cabin, my mind racing with questions. What had happened to my father? Why had he been gone for so long? And why had he reached out to me now?
As I arrived at the cabin, I was greeted by the sight of an old, wooden structure that looked like it had seen better days. It was nestled deep in the woods, surrounded by towering trees and dense undergrowth.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside, my heart pounding in my chest. The cabin was dark and musty, with a thick layer of dust covering everything. I made my way to the back room, where my father had always kept his things.
As I looked around the room, my eyes fell on a small, locked box that was sitting on a shelf. I picked it up and examined it closely, trying to figure out how to open it.
Also Read: Upgrade Your Writing: 10 Verbs Starting with A & 
Their Better Alternatives
Suddenly, I heard a creaking sound, and I turned around to see a figure standing in the doorway. It was my father, looking older and more worn than I remembered.
“Hello, son,” he said, his voice raspy and weak. “I’m sorry I had to contact you like this, but I needed to see you. There’s something I need to tell you.”
I was speechless, unable to comprehend what was happening. My father had been missing for ten years, and now he was standing in front of me, looking like he had been through hell.
He gestured for me to sit down, and I obliged, my mind reeling with questions. “What happened to you, Dad? Where have you been all these years?”
My father took a deep breath and began to tell me his story. He had been working on a secret project for the government, something that involved a dangerous new technology that could change the course of history.
But things had gone wrong, and my father had found himself in the crosshairs of some powerful people who wanted to silence him. He had gone into hiding, moving from place to place, always looking over his shoulder.
Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript
He had finally found refuge in the cabin, where he had been living alone for the past ten years, always watching and waiting for the day when he could finally tell someone the truth.
As my father finished his story, I sat there in shock, trying to process everything he had just told me. It was a lot to take in, but somehow, I knew that it was all true.
We talked for hours, catching up on the years that had been lost between us. I learned about my father’s struggles and his fears, and I began to see him in a new light.
As the night wore on, my father grew weaker, his breaths coming in short gasps. I knew that he didn’t have much time left, and I wanted to make the most of the precious moments we had together.
“Dad, I have something to show you,” I said, pulling out the locked box from earlier. “I think it might be important.”
I fiddled with the lock for a few moments, and then it finally clicked open. Inside, there was a small piece of paper, with a message scrawled in my father’s handwriting.
Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?
I read the message aloud, my voice trembling with emotion. “My dear son, if you are reading this, then I am gone. But I want you to know that I love you and that I am proud of the man you have become.”
Tears streamed down my face as I continued to read. “Inside this box, you will find the key to my greatest invention. Use it wisely, my son, for it has the power to change the world. But be careful, for there are those who will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.”
My father’s words sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t believe that he had left me with something so important, something that could have such a profound impact on the world.
I looked up at my father, but he had closed his eyes, his breathing shallow and labored. I knew that he was gone, and a deep sense of loss washed over me.
But as I looked down at the box in my hands, I felt a flicker of hope. My father had left me with a legacy, something that would live on long after he was gone.
I left the cabin that night, feeling a mix of sadness and excitement. I knew that I had a great responsibility on my shoulders, but I was determined to honor my father’s legacy and use his invention for good.
As I walked through the woods, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I knew who I was and what I was meant to do.
I looked up at the stars above, feeling a connection to my father that transcended time and space. And in that moment, I knew that his spirit would always be with me, guiding me and watching over me as I forged my own path in life.
***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Demystifying Manuscript Editing: A Comprehensive Journey

February 1 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing a manuscript is a labor of love, a journey that often feels like a solitary endeavor. Yet, the magic truly happens when the manuscript undergoes the skilled hands of an editor. Manuscript editing is a multi-faceted process, encompassing various stages that collectively shape a raw manuscript into a polished work of art. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed journey through the different stages of manuscript editing, providing authors with valuable insights into each step of this transformative process.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

**1. Initial Assessment:

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, editors embark on an initial assessment of the manuscript. This involves evaluating the overall structure, plot coherence, character development, and identifying any major issues that might need attention. It’s like taking a panoramic view of the literary landscape to understand the terrain before delving into the specifics.

**2. Structural Editing:

The first concrete step involves structural editing, where the editor examines the manuscript’s big picture. This encompasses assessing the plot’s pacing, character arcs, and overall narrative flow. Editors look for consistency and coherence, ensuring that the story unfolds seamlessly. Suggestions for restructuring or reordering chapters might be proposed to enhance the overall reading experience.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

**3. Line Editing:

Once the structural foundation is solidified, it’s time for line editing. This stage involves a more meticulous examination of the prose. Editors focus on the nuances of language, checking for clarity, coherence, and style. Sentence structures are refined, and unnecessary repetitions or redundancies are addressed. Line editing is where the manuscript starts to shine on a micro level, with attention to detail making a significant impact.

**4. Copy Editing:

Copy editing is the stage where grammar and syntax take the spotlight. Editors scrutinize each sentence, correcting grammatical errors, typos, and ensuring consistency in language usage. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar are fine-tuned to bring the manuscript to a high standard of precision. It’s the stage where the manuscript begins to feel polished and ready for a discerning reader’s eyes.

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

**5. Proofreading:

The final sweep, proofreading, is akin to giving the manuscript a meticulous once-over. Editors meticulously scan for any remaining errors – be they typos, formatting issues, or lingering grammatical slip-ups. This stage is crucial to ensure that the manuscript is flawless and ready for publication. It’s the last chance to catch those elusive mistakes that may have escaped notice earlier in the process.

Navigating Collaboration:

Throughout these stages, collaboration between the author and the editor is pivotal. A successful partnership involves open communication and a shared vision for the manuscript. Authors should view the editing process not as a critique but as a collaborative effort to elevate the manuscript to its highest potential.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

Embracing Feedback:

Receiving feedback, especially during the initial stages, might be daunting for authors. However, it’s essential to embrace constructive criticism as a means of growth. Editors are allies in refining the narrative, offering valuable perspectives that can ultimately enhance the manuscript.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

Conclusion:

In the intricate dance between an author and an editor, the manuscript undergoes a transformative journey. From the panoramic assessment to the meticulous line edits and the final polish of proofreading, each stage plays a vital role in sculpting a manuscript into its best version. Authors, consider the editing process not as a hurdle but as a staircase that leads your work to new heights. Embrace the collaborative spirit, value the insights shared, and witness your manuscript evolve into a literary masterpiece. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is a manuscript that resonates with readers and stands the test of time.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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#ShortStory – A Breathe Of Fresh Air

January 29 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Lace curtains danced in the sultry summer morning breeze, an illusion of comfort. An orchestra of cicadas were already announcing the volcanic heat the day would bring, as beads of sweat rolled down my spine.

The sun climbed higher, casting a harsh glow on the small town. I sat at the worn-out kitchen table, nursing a lukewarm coffee, contemplating the monotony of the day ahead. The doorbell interrupted my thoughts, and I opened the creaky door to find my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson.

“Morning, dear. Hope I’m not disturbing you,” she greeted, her warm smile a stark contrast to the unforgiving sunlight.

“Not at all, Mrs. Thompson. What brings you by?” I replied, grateful for the interruption.

She fanned herself with a folded newspaper. “Well, I was wondering if you’d like to join us for the church picnic this weekend. It’s a good way to beat this relentless heat.”

The invitation stirred a flicker of excitement in me. “That sounds lovely, Mrs. Thompson. I could use a break from the routine.”

As she left, I found myself yearning for a change of scenery. The daily grind felt like an unending loop, and the prospect of a church picnic offered a glimmer of respite. The lace curtains fluttered in agreement, as if urging me to embrace the chance for a breath of fresh air.

The week trudged on, marked by the unrelenting heat that seemed to intensify with each passing day. On the eve of the picnic, I found myself caught in the rhythm of preparations. I reached out to Mrs. Thompson, “Is there anything I can contribute to the picnic, like a dish or something?”

Her response was swift, “Oh, dear, that would be lovely. How about you bring a fresh fruit salad? It’s always a hit.”

The morning of the picnic arrived, and I stepped into the vibrant chaos of the church grounds. Laughter echoed as families gathered, seeking refuge under the shade of ancient oak trees. The aroma of homemade dishes mingled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Mrs. Thompson welcomed me with open arms, introducing me to the congregation. “Everyone, this is our new friend from down the street. She’s brought a delicious fruit salad!”

Amidst the chatter and laughter, I found myself engaged in conversations that transcended the mundane. The simple act of sharing a meal under the dappled sunlight fostered a sense of community. As the day unfolded, I discovered stories of triumph, heartbreak, and the shared human experience that connected us all.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the gathering, I approached Mrs. Thompson. “Thank you for inviting me. Today was exactly what I needed.”

She patted my hand affectionately. “Sometimes, a break from the routine opens up new doors, dear. Life’s a series of picnics; we just need to know when to join in.”

Her words lingered in my mind as I walked back home, the lace curtains now bathed in the warm evening glow. The sultry breeze carried a newfound sense of fulfillment, a reminder that life’s beauty often lies in the simple moments shared with others.

The cicadas orchestrated their final serenade, and I entered my home with a lighter heart. The routine still awaited, but the church picnic had woven a thread of connection through the fabric of my everyday existence. As the lace curtains swayed in the cooling breeze, I realized that sometimes, a small deviation from the norm could lead to a symphony of unexpected joy.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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#ShortStory – Mia Finds Her Path

January 29 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the heart of the bustling city, Mia found herself caught in the chaotic whirlwind of life. Juggling a demanding job, familial responsibilities, and her own aspirations, she felt overwhelmed, as if life had handed her one too many plates to spin.

Each day blurred into the next, leaving Mia exhausted and questioning the path she was on. One evening, as the city lights glittered outside her window, she sat on her couch, deep in thought. The weight of her responsibilities bore down on her shoulders.

Her phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Sarah. “Long time no see! Let’s catch up this weekend,” it read. Mia sighed, realizing that even friendships had taken a backseat in her chaotic schedule.

Over coffee that weekend, Mia confided in Sarah about the struggles she faced. “I feel like I’m drowning in commitments. The job, family, social expectations… it’s like I’m on autopilot, but I don’t even know where I’m heading,” she admitted, frustration lacing her words.

Sarah listened, her gaze empathetic. “Mia, it’s okay to reassess things. You’re not a superhero. Maybe it’s time to pause, reflect, and figure out what truly matters to you.”

Mia’s mind swirled with these words as she navigated her daily routine. The realization that she was merely going through the motions without a clear sense of purpose gnawed at her. The desire for something more meaningful lingered like an unanswered question.

One evening, on her way home from work, Mia passed by an art gallery. A sudden impulse led her inside. As she roamed through the exhibits, a spark ignited within her. The vibrant strokes on the canvases seemed to mirror the vibrancy that was missing from her own life.

Intrigued, she struck up a conversation with the artist, Alex. As they talked, Mia learned about Alex’s journey of self-discovery and how art became the compass guiding him through the tumult of life. Alex’s words resonated with Mia, prompting her to reflect on her own passions buried beneath the layers of routine.

That night, Mia sat down with her thoughts. “What do I want? What brings me joy?” The questions echoed in her mind. It was a journey inward, a quest to unearth her true desires amid the cacophony of external expectations.

Days turned into weeks, and Mia gradually incorporated small changes into her life. She dedicated time to activities that fueled her soul, rediscovering forgotten hobbies and exploring new avenues. The initial resistance gave way to a sense of liberation, a feeling that she was reclaiming her life.

One evening, Mia shared her revelations with Sarah over dinner. “I’m still figuring it all out, but I’ve taken the first steps towards what feels authentic. It’s scary, but there’s a newfound excitement in the uncertainty.”

Sarah smiled, “Mia, life isn’t about juggling everything; it’s about finding the balance that brings you joy. Your journey is uniquely yours, and each step forward is a victory.”

Embracing change, Mia began to redefine her priorities. The demanding job became a means to fund her passions rather than the sole focus of her existence. Family and friends, once relegated to the sidelines, now occupied a central place in her life. Mia felt the tendrils of stress loosen their grip as she gained clarity about what truly mattered to her.

The city, once a chaotic maze, now appeared as a canvas waiting to be painted with the hues of Mia’s authentic self. In her struggle to juggle too much, she found the strength to discard what no longer served her and embrace a life where her choices reflected her true desires. The journey was ongoing, but Mia walked it with newfound purpose, no longer merely juggling plates but orchestrating a symphony of her own making.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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#ShortStory – Bonds in a Bar

January 28 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In a dimly lit corner of the cozy neighborhood bar, Jake nursed his drink, silently observing the lively atmosphere. The hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses filled the air. Across the room, a stranger caught his eye – Emily, sitting alone, sipping her cocktail.

Their eyes met, and a casual smile passed between them. Jake decided to break the ice, casually strolling over. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Emily looked up, a genuine smile lighting up her face. “Not at all. I could use some company,” she replied, gesturing to the empty chair.

As they exchanged pleasantries, there was an instant connection, a shared laughter that transcended the typical bar banter. Emily spoke about her love for hiking, and Jake shared his passion for photography. The conversation flowed effortlessly, transitioning from one topic to another.

“Have you ever been to the mountains?” Jake asked, curiosity twinkling in his eyes.

“Actually, I’m planning a trip next month,” Emily replied. “Would love some photography tips if you’re up for it.”

Jake’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely! It’s a deal.”

The evening unfolded with light-hearted banter, the air filled with the warmth of newfound friendship. They explored common interests, discovering shared love for 90s music, cheesy movies, and a penchant for spontaneous adventures.

Another round of drinks arrived, and Emily playfully teased, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we’ve known each other forever.”

Jake chuckled, “Maybe we were friends in another life.”

The platonic connection deepened as they delved into personal stories, dreams, and even swapped embarrassing childhood anecdotes. The bar became a sanctuary where two strangers found solace in shared experiences and genuine laughter.

As the night progressed, Emily remarked, “You know, this has been unexpectedly great. I came in here thinking it’d be a quiet night.”

Jake nodded, “Same here. Sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones.”

Their camaraderie continued to blossom, transcending the initial awkwardness of two strangers meeting in a crowded bar. The night wore on, and they found themselves reluctant to part ways.

“I hate to end this fantastic night, but I have an early meeting tomorrow,” Emily confessed with a regretful smile.

Jake agreed, “Yeah, responsibilities beckon. But let’s not make this a one-time thing. How about that photography session next month?”

Emily’s eyes sparkled. “You’re on!”

And with that, they exchanged contact information, promising to turn this chance encounter into a lasting connection. As they parted ways, the bar echoed with the sounds of shared laughter and the promise of future adventures between two souls who found something special in the most unexpected of places.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

 

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8 ways blogging for business can benefit your business

January 28 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the ever-evolving world of business, finding ways to connect with your audience is key to staying ahead. Blogging has emerged as a powerful tool that can bring a multitude of benefits, helping your business thrive online and fostering growth. Let’s explore eight ways blogging can make a real difference in your business strategy.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small 
Business Success

1. Getting Noticed by Search Engines

In the vast online landscape, getting your business noticed is a challenge. Blogging can help by naturally integrating relevant keywords into your content, letting search engines know your business is worth checking out. Regular, well-optimized blog posts can boost your website’s ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you when they’re actively searching for products or services like yours.

2. Building Trust and Credibility

Blogging gives your business a chance to showcase its expertise. By consistently sharing valuable and informative content, you’re telling your audience that you know your stuff. Over time, this builds trust and credibility, making your business a trusted source of information in your industry. People are more likely to engage with and choose a business they see as knowledgeable and reliable.

Also Read: 10 Ways To Repurpose Your Content

3. Creating a Community and Encouraging Interaction

Blogging is not just about talking at your audience; it’s about talking with them. Encouraging comments, shares, and discussions turns your business into a community. This engagement is priceless for building relationships, understanding your audience’s needs, and tailoring your products or services accordingly. A vibrant community can turn into brand advocates, spreading the word through conversations and social sharing.

4. Showing the Human Side of Your Brand

In the corporate world, standing out with a distinct brand personality is crucial. Blogging lets you showcase the human side of your business. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, employee stories, or anecdotes that reflect your brand’s values. Adding this personal touch creates a connection with your audience, building loyalty. A relatable brand personality resonates with consumers, making your business more memorable in a sea of options.

 

Also Read: Captivate With The Art of Storytelling in Content
 Writing

5. Attracting Leads and Encouraging Conversions

Blogging is a powerful tool for lead generation. By creating content that addresses your audience’s challenges and offers solutions, you attract potential customers. Adding calls-to-action (CTAs) within your blog posts guides visitors toward taking specific actions, like subscribing to newsletters, downloading resources, or making purchases. A well-crafted blog strategy can significantly contribute to your conversion funnel.

6. Keeping Your Audience Informed and Engaged

The business world is always changing, and your customers want to stay informed about industry trends, updates, and your latest offerings. Regular blog posts keep your audience in the loop, positioning your business as a reliable source for relevant information. This not only nurtures existing relationships but also attracts new audiences seeking insights in your domain.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing 
Impact with Limited Resources

7. A Budget-Friendly Marketing Approach

Traditional marketing channels can be costly. Blogging, on the other hand, is a cost-effective marketing strategy with a high return on investment. With a well-optimized website and a consistent blogging schedule, you can reach a global audience without breaking the bank. The longevity of blog posts ensures that your content continues working for your business over an extended period.

8. Adapting to Changing Consumer Behavior Together

Consumer behavior is evolving, and businesses need to adapt to stay relevant. Blogging allows you to align your content strategy with shifting consumer preferences. Whether it’s the rise of video content, interactive elements, or other emerging trends, a blog can serve as a flexible platform to experiment and incorporate new approaches to engage your audience effectively.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for 
Your Business Success

Your Business Journey, Made Personal

In this digital age, blogging has evolved from personal online journals to become a dynamic force in the business realm. The benefits of incorporating blogging into your business strategy are manifold – from enhancing visibility and credibility to fostering engagement and community building. As you embark on your blogging journey, remember that consistency, relevance, and authenticity are the cornerstones of a successful business blog. By leveraging the power of blogging, you not only navigate the digital landscape effectively but also position your business for sustained growth and success while making meaningful connections with your audience.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Content Marketing And What Does It Do For Your Business?

January 27 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Content marketing is a marketing strategy that involves creating and sharing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.

In content marketing, the focus is on creating and distributing content that is educational, informative, and/or entertaining, rather than promoting a specific product or service. The goal is to establish trust and credibility with the audience, and to position the business as a trusted source of information.

Also Read: How to Use Feedback from Editors to Improve Your Writing

Content For SMBs

For small and medium businesses, content marketing can be a highly effective way to establish a brand identity, connect with customers, and generate leads. By creating content that is valuable and informative to their target audience, businesses can build credibility and trust with potential customers, establish themselves as thought leaders in their field, and ultimately drive sales and revenue.

Small and medium businesses can create content in a variety of formats, including blog posts, videos, social media posts, e-books, infographics, and more. By leveraging these content formats and distributing them through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization, businesses can reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers in meaningful ways.

Content marketing can take many forms, including blog posts, videos, podcasts, social media posts, e-books, whitepapers, webinars, and more. The content should be tailored to the interests and needs of the target audience and should be distributed through channels that the audience frequents.

Content marketing is often used to build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive conversions. By providing value through their content, businesses can attract and retain a loyal audience, which can ultimately lead to increased sales and revenue.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

A content creator can help a small or medium business with written content in a number of ways:

  1. Develop a content strategy: A content creator can work with the business to develop a content strategy that aligns with their goals and objectives. This may involve identifying target audiences, determining the types of content to create, and establishing a publishing schedule.
  2. Create high-quality content: A content creator can write high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and well-researched. This can include blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, and other types of written content.
  3. Optimize content for SEO: A content creator can ensure that the content is optimized for search engines, including using relevant keywords, writing meta descriptions, and including internal and external links.
  4. Edit and proofread content: A content creator can edit and proofread the content to ensure that it is error-free, easy to read, and grammatically correct.
  5. Promote content: A content creator can help the business promote the content through social media, email marketing, and other channels to reach a wider audience.
  6. Increase brand awareness: By creating and sharing valuable content, businesses can reach out to new audiences and increase their brand awareness.

    Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

  7. Generate leads: Content marketing can be used to attract potential customers and generate leads through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization.
  8. Build credibility and trust: By providing valuable and informative content, businesses can establish themselves as experts in their field, building credibility and trust with their audience.
  9. Boost website traffic: Creating high-quality content can help improve a website’s search engine rankings, leading to increased traffic and more opportunities to engage with potential customers.
  10. Improve customer engagement: Engaging and informative content can help keep customers interested and engaged with a business, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.

By working with a content creator, a small or medium business can ensure that their written content is high-quality, optimized for search engines, and reaches a wider audience. This can help the business establish itself as a thought leader in their industry and attract new customers.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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15 Critical Self-Publishing Mistakes You Must Avoid

January 22 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Self-publishing has empowered countless authors to share their stories with the world, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we will explore 15 critical self-publishing mistakes that authors must steer clear of to ensure a successful journey into the world of independent publishing.

  1. Neglecting Professional Editing: One of the most common pitfalls is overlooking the importance of professional editing. Authors often skip this crucial step, leading to overlooked errors and a subpar final product. Invest in a skilled editor to polish your manuscript. 
    Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP
  2. Ignoring Cover Design: Don’t judge a book by its cover may be a cliché, but it holds true in the publishing world. A poorly designed cover can deter potential readers. Invest in professional cover design to make a lasting first impression.
  3. Inadequate Market Research: Failing to conduct thorough market research is a recipe for disappointment. Understand your target audience, analyze competing titles, and identify trends to position your book effectively in the market. 
    Also Read: Zen & the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration & Inner Peace through Writing
  4. Rushing the Publishing Process: Impatience can be a self-publisher’s downfall. Rushing through the publishing process may result in overlooked errors, formatting issues, and an overall unpolished product. Take the time needed to ensure quality.
  5. Underestimating the Importance of Formatting: Readability matters. Improper formatting can turn readers away. Pay attention to font styles, spacing, and overall layout to enhance the reader’s experience.
  6. Neglecting Proofreading: Even after professional editing, proofreading is crucial. Typos and grammatical errors can slip through the cracks. Conduct a meticulous proofreading before finalizing your manuscript. 
    Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer
  7. Setting Unrealistic Pricing: While it’s tempting to set a low price to attract readers, undervaluing your work can harm your credibility. Research comparable titles and set a reasonable price that reflects the quality of your book.
  8. Overlooking Metadata Optimization: Metadata plays a significant role in discoverability. Optimize your book’s metadata, including title, description, and keywords, to improve its visibility on online platforms.
  9. Neglecting Author Platform Building: Building an author platform takes time, but it’s essential for long-term success. Don’t wait until your book is published to start; engage with your audience through social media, a website, or a blog.
  10. Disregarding Copyright and Permissions: Using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues. Ensure you have the right to use any content in your book and obtain necessary permissions to avoid complications. 
    Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond
  11. Overlooking Marketing Strategies: A well-written book alone won’t guarantee success. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan, including online promotion, book signings, and outreach to book reviewers, to increase visibility.
  12. Neglecting Print Quality: If you choose to offer a print version of your book, ensure the print quality meets industry standards. Poorly printed books can result in negative reviews and damage your author reputation.
  13. Ignoring Reader Feedback: Feedback from readers is invaluable. Pay attention to reviews, engage with your audience, and use constructive criticism to improve your writing and future publications. 
    Also Read: Querying Agents: Best Practices for Writing Effective Query Letters
  14. Failing to Build an Email List: Email marketing remains a powerful tool for authors. Build an email list to connect directly with your readers, share updates, and promote new releases.
  15. Not Planning for the Long Term: Successful self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan for the long term by consistently producing quality content, staying engaged with your audience, and adapting to changes in the publishing industry. 
    Also Read: Proofreading 101: Catching Errors Before Publication

In conclusion, avoiding these critical self-publishing mistakes requires a combination of careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By steering clear of these pitfalls, authors can increase their chances of not only publishing a successful book but also building a sustainable and rewarding writing career.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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How to Use Feedback from Editors to Improve Your Writing

January 22 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Receiving feedback from editors is a crucial step in the writing process. It’s an opportunity to refine your work, enhance your skills, and ultimately create a more polished piece. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of utilizing feedback effectively, exploring key strategies to harness constructive criticism for the betterment of your writing.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Approach Feedback with an Open Mind

When you receive feedback from an editor, approach it with an open and receptive mindset. Keep in mind that the goal is to improve your work, not to criticize your abilities. Be willing to consider different perspectives and viewpoints.

Identify Patterns and Trends:

As you review the feedback, look for patterns and trends. Are there recurring comments or suggestions? Identifying these common themes can help you pinpoint specific areas of your writing that may need attention and improvement.

Prioritize and Focus on Key Issues:

Not all feedback is created equal. Prioritize the feedback based on its significance to the overall quality of your writing. Focus on addressing the key issues that will have the most substantial impact on improving your piece.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

Understand the “Why” Behind the Feedback:

Dig deeper into the feedback to understand the underlying reasons behind the suggestions. Editors may not explicitly state the reasoning behind their comments, so take the initiative to uncover the “why.” Understanding the rationale will empower you to apply the feedback more effectively.

Revise and Experiment:

Once you’ve identified the areas for improvement, start revising your work. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Use the feedback as a springboard for creativity, exploring new ways to convey your message and refine your writing style.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

Seek Clarification When Needed:

If certain feedback seems unclear or ambiguous, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your editor. A clear understanding of the feedback ensures that your revisions align with the intended improvements, creating a more collaborative and productive editing process.

Preserve Your Unique Voice:

While implementing feedback, be mindful of preserving your unique voice as a writer. Striking a balance between incorporating suggestions and maintaining your individual style ensures that the final piece remains authentically yours.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

Take Breaks During the Revision Process:

The revision process can be intense. Take breaks to step away from your work and return with fresh eyes. This will help you assess the effectiveness of your revisions objectively and make additional improvements as needed.

Use Feedback as a Learning Opportunity:

View feedback as a valuable learning opportunity. Each piece of feedback provides insights into your strengths and areas for growth. Embrace the learning process, and consider feedback not only as a means to improve a specific piece but also as a tool for developing your overall writing skills.

Share Revised Versions for Further Input:

After implementing revisions, consider sharing your revised work with the editor for additional input. This collaborative approach allows for a continued dialogue and ensures that the changes align with the editor’s expectations.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

Reflect on the Editing Process:

Take time to reflect on the entire editing process. Consider how the feedback has influenced your writing and what lessons you can carry forward to future projects. Reflection enhances your self-awareness as a writer and contributes to ongoing growth.

In conclusion, feedback from editors is a valuable asset in the journey of refining your writing skills. By approaching feedback with an open mind, prioritizing key issues, and using it as a learning opportunity, you can transform constructive criticism into a powerful tool for improvement. Embrace the editing process as a collaborative endeavor that propels your writing to new heights.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Best Practices For Self-Publishing

January 13 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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First of all, do you know what self-publishing is? Is it the same as vanity publishing or is it something different? Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book, magazine, or any other written material without the involvement of a traditional publishing house. The author takes full responsibility for the entire process, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular with the rise of digital technology and the availability of online platforms that make it easier for authors to reach a wider audience.

Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary landscape, providing authors with unprecedented control over their work. However, navigating the self-publishing journey requires a strategic approach to ensure success. In this blog post, we’ll explore best practices for self-publishing, covering essential aspects from identifying the ideal candidates to the importance of book cover design and the necessity of a reliable book distributor.

Who Is Self-Publishing Ideal For?

Self-publishing appeals to a diverse range of authors, making it an ideal choice for those who value autonomy and want a more direct connection with their readership. It is particularly suitable for:

  1. Entrepreneurial Authors: Writers with a keen entrepreneurial spirit often thrive in the self-publishing arena. The ability to control every aspect of the publishing process, from editing to marketing, aligns well with an entrepreneurial mindset.
  2. Niche Authors: If your work caters to a specific niche or target audience, self-publishing allows you to reach your readers directly without navigating the traditional publishing gatekeepers.
  3. Authors with Established Platforms: If you have an existing platform, such as a blog, social media presence, or a dedicated following, self-publishing leverages these connections, enabling you to capitalize on your established audience.

Get Your Manuscript Edited

It is highly important for self-published authors to get their manuscripts professionally edited. Editing is a crucial step in the publishing process that helps to ensure the quality and readability of a book. A professional editor can help identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as offer suggestions to improve the overall structure and flow of the story.

Additionally, a good editor can provide valuable insights and feedback on the content of the book, helping the author to refine their work and make it more compelling to readers. In self-publishing, the author takes on all responsibilities, including the quality of the final product. Therefore, investing in professional editing is a wise choice for self-published authors who want their work to be taken seriously and reach a wide audience.

Rely On Feedbacks From Critique Circles/Editors

Critique circles and editors can provide a fresh perspective on the author’s work and help identify areas for improvement. Feedback can help the author refine their writing and ensure that the book is well-received by readers.

Moreover, relying on feedback can also help authors identify any plot holes, character inconsistencies, or other issues that can detract from the overall quality of the book. By receiving feedback from multiple sources, authors can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their work and make informed decisions about how to improve it.

Overall, incorporating feedback from critique circles and editors is essential for self-published authors who want to produce high-quality work that is well-received by readers. It can help improve the writing, strengthen the story, and increase the chances of success for the book.

Also Read: Hashtags And How To Use Them On Social Media

Market Your Book From The Beginning

Marketing is an important aspect of the publishing process and can help generate buzz and interest in the book before its release. This can help to build a readership and increase the visibility of the book, making it more likely to be successful once it is published.

There are various marketing strategies that self-published authors can use, including social media, email marketing, book signings, and book fairs. It is also important for authors to establish an online presence, through a website or blog, where they can connect with readers and share updates about their work.

Additionally, self-published authors may also want to consider hiring a publicist or marketing consultant to help them promote their book. These professionals have experience and expertise in the industry and can offer valuable advice and support in the marketing process.

In conclusion, marketing is an essential step for self-published authors and can help to increase the visibility and success of their book.

Don’t Neglect Book Cover Design

Your book cover is the first impression readers have of your work. A visually appealing and professionally designed cover is crucial for attracting potential readers. Consider the following:

  • Professional Design Services: Invest in a professional book cover designer who understands the genre and can create a cover that conveys the essence of your book.
  • Consistency with Genre: Ensure your cover aligns with the expectations of your genre. A mismatch between the cover and the content can confuse readers.
  • Eye-Catching Elements: Use compelling visuals, legible fonts, and captivating colors to make your book stand out among competitors.

A Good Book Distributor Is A Must

While self-publishing provides independence, effective distribution is critical to reaching a broader audience. Partnering with a reputable book distributor ensures that your book is accessible to readers worldwide. Here’s what to consider:

  • Wide Distribution Networks: Choose a distributor with an extensive network to ensure your book reaches major retailers, both online and offline.
  • Print and Digital Options: Opt for distributors that offer both print and digital distribution. This flexibility maximizes your book’s availability.
  • Transparent Terms: Review the terms and conditions of distribution carefully. Ensure transparency in pricing, royalties, and any associated fees.

 

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader

Don’t Neglect Proofreading And Typesetting

While the writing is the heart of your book, proofreading and typesetting are the arteries that ensure a smooth and polished reading experience. Overlooking these aspects can diminish the overall quality of your work. Key considerations include:

  • Professional Editing: Enlist the services of a professional editor to catch grammatical errors, improve clarity, and refine the flow of your narrative.
  • Typesetting Matters: Proper typesetting enhances readability. Consistent font choices, appropriate spacing, and well-designed layouts contribute to a positive reading experience.
  • Multiple Proofreads: Don’t rely solely on one proofreading round. Multiple proofreading sessions, ideally by different individuals, help catch elusive errors and ensure a polished final product.

Keep Building Your Author Brand

Your author brand is an invaluable asset in the competitive world of self-publishing. A strong brand distinguishes you from other authors and fosters reader loyalty. Consider the following tips:

  • Consistent Online Presence: Maintain a consistent and professional presence on social media, author websites, and other online platforms. Consistency builds recognition.
  • Author Logo: Consider creating a logo or visual element associated with your author brand. This visual cue reinforces your brand identity.
  • Engage with Readers: Actively engage with your readership through social media, email newsletters, or author events. Building personal connections fosters a dedicated fan base.

Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch

Remain Realistic

Self-publishing is a journey filled with possibilities, but it’s essential to remain realistic about your expectations. Understand that success may not happen overnight, and building a sustainable author career takes time. Consider the following:

  • Realistic Sales Goals: Set achievable sales goals based on your genre, target audience, and marketing efforts. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, marketing strategies, and evolving reader preferences. Continuous learning enhances your adaptability in the dynamic publishing landscape.
  • Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Challenges are inevitable. Maintain resilience and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow as an author.

In conclusion, self-publishing empowers authors to bring their stories to the world on their terms. By identifying the ideal candidates, prioritizing book cover design, emphasizing proofreading and typesetting, building a strong author brand, partnering with a reliable book distributor, and maintaining realistic expectations, authors can navigate the self-publishing journey with confidence and increase their chances of success in the competitive literary market.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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5 things I would have done differently if I began freelancing in 2024

January 11 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When I started freelancing way back in 2010, I didn’t know a single freelance writer-editor and had to more or less wing it on my own. Mistakes were made and lessons were learnt. I am grateful for them all because I learnt my way through them all, however, what I cannot deny is that it took away a lot of bandwidth from me when I was trying to establish a new career.

Embarking on a freelancing journey is an exciting venture filled with opportunities for growth and independence. As I reflect on my own freelancing experience, I can’t help but ponder the things I wish I had known when I first started in 2024. Hindsight is a valuable teacher, and here are five things I would have done differently if I could turn back the clock.

Also Read: Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

1. Building a Robust Online Presence:

In the fast-paced digital landscape of 2024, a strong online presence is indispensable. Crafting a professional website and optimizing profiles on freelancing platforms from the outset sets the stage for success. Learn why a polished online image is not just a portfolio but a credibility booster in the freelancing realm.

2. Strategic Networking in the Digital Era:

Freelancing goes beyond delivering quality work; it involves building meaningful professional relationships. Explore the evolution of networking strategies in 2024, including engagement on social media, participation in online communities, and attending virtual events. Discover how a well-nurtured network can be a game-changer for freelancers.

Also Read:Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

3. Setting Clear Boundaries for Work-Life Balance:

One of the crucial lessons in freelancing is the importance of setting clear boundaries. Delve into the significance of defining working hours, establishing realistic project timelines, and communicating expectations upfront. Learn how mastering the art of saying no contributes to a healthier work-life balance and sustainable freelancing.

4. Proactive Financial Management for Freelancers:

Financial stability is a common challenge for freelancers. Uncover the essentials of financial management, including setting up a dedicated business account, meticulous expense tracking, and saving for taxes. Understand how adopting a comprehensive financial strategy empowers freelancers to navigate the uncertainties of irregular income.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

5. Embracing Continuous Learning and Upskilling:

In the dynamic world of freelancing, staying relevant is synonymous with continuous learning. Explore the importance of upskilling, staying abreast of industry trends, and adapting to technological advancements. Understand how a commitment to ongoing learning positions freelancers as versatile and sought-after professionals.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Plot Holes, Be Gone! How an Editor Can Help Fill the Gaps in Your Story

December 27 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As a writer, crafting a compelling and seamless story is a challenging endeavor. One common hurdle authors face is the presence of plot holes—those inconsistencies or gaps in the narrative that can leave readers confused or disconnected. But fear not! A manuscript editor can be your trusted ally in identifying and filling these plot holes, ensuring a cohesive and engaging story that captivates your readers from start to finish. In this blog post, we’ll explore the invaluable role of a manuscript editor in addressing plot holes and providing solutions.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

Identifying Plot Holes

Plot holes can be elusive, often escaping the author’s notice during the writing process. This is where a manuscript editor’s trained eye comes in. With their expertise, they meticulously analyze your manuscript to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the plot. They examine the story’s structure, character arcs, and cause-and-effect relationships, seeking discrepancies that may hinder the narrative flow. By pinpointing these plot holes, a manuscript editor offers invaluable insights that empower authors to strengthen their storytelling.

Analyzing Cause and Effect

One key aspect of filling plot holes is ensuring a logical cause-and-effect progression within your story. A skilled manuscript editor delves deep into your narrative, examining the connections between characters, events, and choices. They evaluate if the consequences of actions are properly established and follow a coherent pattern. By identifying weak cause-and-effect relationships, an editor helps you tighten the plot, making it more believable and immersive for your readers.

Also Read: Zen & the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration & Inner Peace through Writing

Developing Characters and Motivations

Inconsistent character motivations can often lead to plot holes. A manuscript editor helps you delve into the minds of your characters, ensuring their actions align with their personalities and motivations. They meticulously examine character arcs, seeking opportunities to deepen their development and eliminate any conflicting behaviors or unrealistic choices. Through this process, an editor ensures that your characters’ actions and decisions are authentic and contribute meaningfully to the story’s progression, bridging potential plot holes along the way.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

Bridging Narrative Gaps

When it comes to plot holes, sometimes the missing pieces lie in the gaps between scenes or chapters. A manuscript editor analyzes the transitions between story elements, ensuring a smooth and seamless narrative flow. They scrutinize the pacing, evaluating if there are any abrupt shifts or missing information that could confuse readers. By bridging these narrative gaps, an editor helps maintain the reader’s engagement, enabling them to stay immersed in your story without any jarring interruptions.

Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

Providing Solutions

A manuscript editor doesn’t just identify plot holes; they also provide practical solutions to fill them. They collaborate closely with authors, brainstorming ideas and offering suggestions that align with the story’s themes and vision. Whether it’s restructuring scenes, introducing additional backstory, or reworking character motivations, an editor works hand-in-hand with you to address plot holes effectively. Their objective viewpoint and expert storytelling knowledge can breathe new life into your manuscript, transforming it into a coherent and satisfying reading experience.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

Plot holes can undermine the impact of even the most well-crafted stories. However, with the guidance of a manuscript editor, you can confidently tackle these gaps and ensure a compelling narrative that captivates your readers. From identifying plot holes to bridging gaps and providing solutions, a manuscript editor offers invaluable support in refining your storytelling. Embrace their expertise, and together, you can create a cohesive and immersive journey that will leave readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Thorns in the Crown by Tanushree Podder | Book Review

December 16 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Part 1 of Thorns In The Crown begins in 1924-35 where we learn about our protagonists. Set in British occupied India when the freedom movement was taking shape and the political air in the country was quite wild. If historical fiction fascinates you, then you are going to sucked right into the lives of Olivia, Neel, and Peter.

Also Read: Ambapali by Tanushree Podder #BookReview

One Bengali, one British, one anglo-Indian bastard – what do they have in common in this story with the backdrop of India’s struggle for freedom and constant dissatisfaction with the British rule.

We have Neel, a young Bengali boy growing up in a family with activists and revolutionaries. We have a white girl Olivia born on the night Indians had come to hate, and her own life showed the effects as if it was cursed. And we have Peter, an anglo-Indian bastard child abandoned by his father and his family after his mother’s death. While Neel is an active revolutionary involved from a pretty young age, Olivia is a silent observer from outside being drawn to the freedom movement, and there is Peter, the outcast who was neither accepted by the Brits nor the Indians, and hated both the same.

Also Read: Body Of Work by Mansi Babbar

In Part 1 of the book, we understand the characters and watch them grown up towards their own paths in life. Part 2 is from 1936-44 when the freedom movement picked course and everybody’s lives were uprooted and changed. We also have young widow Devyani who had thrown herself to the works of the freedom movement trying to continue the job her late husband was trying to do. The narrative has us moving from Punjab to Webs Bengal and to the Andamans.

Also Read: Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction and Joy with Feminism

I am a historical fiction enthusiast and truly enjoyed this story. What was a bonus for me was to get a peak into the lives or a British child growing up in British occupied India and an anglo-Indian bastard who loses his mother, then gets converted and then tries to survive in a country that is flighting for itself, while he doesn’t relate to the oppressor or the oppressed. I also loved the character development Olivia got.

We have grown up reading about the freedom movement and all historical details are ingrained in hearts and brains of most of us. But what about common people who also took part in the struggle or chose to stay out? What was it like growing up in India of today, as an Indian, as an unloved British child, and as an abandoned anglo-Indian bastard?

Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh

In Thorns In The Crown, author Tanushree Podder weaves a beautiful story around India’s struggle for freedom taking us into lives of the youth at that time.

Buy here:

Blurb:

Indraneel, the son of a schoolteacher and brother to activists, has felt the call to revolution ever since he was a young boy. His life’s mission is clear-to free India from its oppressors.

Olivia, the daughter of a ruthless British officer, has spent most of her lonely life tucked away in cantonments. But as she comes of age, she finds herself unable to resist the pull of the people and customs of India-the only home she’s ever known.

Peter is an opportunistic Anglo-Indian orphan torn between his two selves, pledging allegiance to neither, until a chance encounter with revolutionaries changes the course of his life forever.

As the fires of revolution are lit across India, we follow these three lives along the length and breadth of the country-from Amritsar to Calcutta and onwards to Ross Island in the Andamans. Thorns in the Crown tells a story of belonging and courage against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence and the emergence of a new social order.

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Importance of Consistent Pacing in Your Manuscript

November 17 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When it comes to crafting a compelling story, the pace at which your narrative unfolds is as crucial as the plot itself. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the importance of consistent pacing in your manuscript. It’s not just about keeping readers engaged; it’s about taking them on a journey that feels just right.

Setting the Stage with Pacing

Imagine a rollercoaster that starts slow, climbs steadily, drops suddenly, and loops unpredictably. Now, envision your manuscript as that rollercoaster ride. Pacing is the rhythm of your narrative—the tempo that guides readers through the twists and turns of your story.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

Engaging Your Readers

Consistent pacing is like a steady heartbeat; it keeps your readers connected to the narrative. Too fast, and they might feel overwhelmed, missing crucial details. Too slow, and they might lose interest. Finding the right balance ensures your readers stay immersed in your world.

Creating Suspense and Anticipation

Think of pacing as the art of suspense. By controlling the speed of your narrative, you can build anticipation. A gradual increase in pace as you approach a critical moment heightens the tension, making the reader eager to turn the page and discover what happens next.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

Avoiding Reader Fatigue

Imagine running a marathon without pacing yourself—you’d likely burn out before reaching the finish line. The same principle applies to writing. Inconsistent pacing can tire your readers. By maintaining a steady rhythm, you provide them with a comfortable reading experience that keeps them hooked until the very end.

Matching Pace to Story Beats

Every story has its beats—moments of intensity, reflection, and revelation. Your pacing should align with these beats. Action scenes may call for a faster pace, while emotional or reflective moments benefit from a slower rhythm. A well-paced manuscript ensures these beats resonate effectively.

Varying Pacing for Impact

While consistency is key, there’s room for variation. Intentional shifts in pacing can emphasize certain scenes. A rapid-fire pace during a chase scene creates urgency, while a leisurely pace during a poignant moment allows for emotional connection. Mastering this variation adds depth to your storytelling.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Keeping Readers Guessing

Predictability can be the enemy of engagement. Consistent pacing doesn’t mean everything moves at the same speed. Surprises, twists, and unexpected turns inject excitement into your narrative, preventing readers from falling into a monotonous reading experience.

Enhancing Character Development

Pacing isn’t just about events; it’s about the characters too. A well-paced story allows room for character growth and transformation. Slower moments can delve into their thoughts and emotions, providing readers with a more profound understanding of the characters.

Navigating Dialogue with Pacing

Dialogue plays a crucial role in pacing. Rapid exchanges can quicken the pace during intense scenes, while slower, reflective dialogues can ease the tempo. Skillful navigation of dialogue pacing ensures your characters’ conversations contribute seamlessly to the overall rhythm.

Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

The Power of Transitions

Smooth transitions are the secret sauce to consistent pacing. Transitions guide readers from one scene to the next without causing whiplash. Whether through narrative devices, clever hooks, or well-placed chapter breaks, effective transitions maintain the flow of your story.

Conclusion: Crafting a Harmonious Journey

Consistent pacing in your manuscript is more than a technicality; it’s the heartbeat that keeps your story alive. By striking the right balance between speed and depth, you create a harmonious journey for your readers. Whether racing through thrilling scenes or savoring quiet moments, a well-paced narrative ensures your manuscript resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impact. So, embrace the art of pacing, and let your story unfold with the perfect rhythm.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Ten Crucial Editing Skills Every Writer Needs

November 16 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is just the first step; the real magic happens when you dive into the world of editing. It’s like giving your words a makeover, turning them from good to outstanding. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the essential editing skills every writer should know in simple language, so you can polish your prose and make it shine.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

1. The Art of Self-Editing

Before you hand over your masterpiece to someone else, embrace the art of self-editing. Take a step back and read your work with fresh eyes. Look for inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, or areas where your writing could be clearer. Self-editing is the foundation of refining your prose.

2. Tackling Repetition

Repetition can sneak into your writing without a warning. Keep an eye out for repeated words or ideas, as they can dull the impact of your prose. Replace repetitive words with synonyms or find new ways to express your thoughts for a more engaging read.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

3. Streamlining Sentences

Long sentences have their place, but too many can overwhelm your reader. Break them down into shorter, snappier sentences. This not only improves readability but also adds a dynamic flow to your writing. Remember, simplicity is the key.

4. Punctuation Precision

Punctuation is the unsung hero of polished prose. Master the basics: use commas for clarity, embrace periods for emphasis, and wield semicolons for sophisticated pauses. Punctuation not only organizes your thoughts but also guides your reader through the narrative.

Also Read: Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

5. Consistency is Key

Consistency ties your writing together like a well-knitted scarf. Check your tone, tense, and style. Make sure your writing flows seamlessly from start to finish. Consistency breeds coherence, making your prose a joy to read.

6. Tightening Up Word Choice

Choose your words wisely. Opt for strong, precise language that conveys your message with impact. Avoid unnecessary adjectives and adverbs that can clutter your prose. Clarity and simplicity should be your guiding principles.

7. Dialogue Dynamics

If your writing involves dialogue, pay attention to its dynamics. Ensure that each character’s voice is distinct. Trim unnecessary dialogue tags and let the conversation flow naturally. Dialogue should propel your story forward, not weigh it down.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

8. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Readers love to be immersed in a story, and showing, not just telling, is the key. Instead of stating facts, paint a vivid picture through descriptive language. Engage the senses and let your readers experience the story alongside your characters.

9. Mastering the Flow

A well-paced narrative keeps your reader hooked from the first word to the last. Vary sentence lengths to create a rhythm. Use transitions to guide your reader smoothly from one idea to the next. A flowing narrative is a pleasure to read.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

10. Seeking Feedback

Once you’ve polished your prose to the best of your abilities, it’s time to seek feedback. Share your work with writing groups, trusted friends, or mentors. Constructive criticism is invaluable for identifying blind spots and refining your writing skills.

Conclusion: Crafting Polished Prose

Editing is where your writing truly takes shape. It’s the refining process that elevates your prose from good to exceptional. Embrace the art of self-editing, tackle repetition, master punctuation, ensure consistency, and choose your words with care. These essential editing skills will transform your writing into a polished gem that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression. So, pick up that editing pen and let your words shine.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

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Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

November 15 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Punctuation is like the unsung hero of writing. It’s not just about dots and squiggles; it’s the secret sauce that makes your sentences sing. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mysteries of punctuation and explore how it can transform your writing, making it not only clear but also stylish.

Also Read: Foolproof Ways That SMBs Can Drive Leads & Sales with Content

The Power of the Period

Let’s start with the humble period. It’s like a full stop for your thoughts, giving your reader a chance to catch their breath. Short sentences are punchy and effective. They drive your point home with clarity. So, don’t shy away from periods; embrace them for that crisp, clear impact.

Commas: The Versatile Heroes

Commas are the multitaskers of punctuation. They help you avoid run-on sentences and add a natural flow to your writing. When used thoughtfully, commas can guide your reader through your ideas smoothly. Just be cautious—too many, and your writing might feel choppy.

Also Read: The Magic of Writing Rituals and Habits

The Mighty Colon and Semicolon

Colons and semicolons might seem intimidating, but they’re your allies in crafting sophisticated sentences. A colon introduces what comes next, and a semicolon links related clauses. They bring a touch of elegance to your writing, creating a rhythm that keeps your reader engaged.

Embracing the Em Dash

The em dash is like a pause button for emphasis. It adds drama to your writing—drawing attention to a point or setting off an important phrase. Use it sparingly, and your writing gains a dash of flair.

Also Read: Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

Question Marks and Exclamation Points: Handle with Care

Question marks and exclamation points add emotion to your writing. A well-placed question mark invites reflection, while an exclamation point conveys excitement. Just remember, too many can make your writing feel frantic. Use them judiciously for maximum impact.

Quotation Marks for Clarity

Quotation marks are your go-to for dialogues and direct quotes. They signal that someone is speaking, ensuring your reader knows where the voices come in. Keep them tidy and consistent for polished writing.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Parentheses: A Whisper in the Text

Parentheses are like a quiet aside in your writing. They add extra information or a subtle explanation. Just don’t let them take over—too many parentheses can make your writing feel cluttered.

Ampersands and Ellipses: Use with Caution

Ampersands (&) and ellipses (…) have their place, but tread lightly. They are great for branding and stylized writing, while ellipses can convey a trailing off or a pause. However, too much of either can be distracting.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

Proofreading for Punctuation Precision

Once you’ve sprinkled punctuation magic on your writing, take a moment to proofread. Check for consistency in your punctuation choices. Make sure each mark serves a purpose, enhancing clarity and adding a touch of style.

Conclusion: Punctuation’s Potent Spell

In the world of writing, punctuation is the magic wand that turns words into a captivating tale. It’s not just about rules; it’s about crafting a symphony of clarity and style. So, embrace the commas, befriend the semicolons, and let your writing dance with punctuation magic. Your readers will thank you for the clear, stylish journey through your words.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Foolproof Ways That SMBs Can Drive Leads & Sales with Content

November 9 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Blogging is more than just a hobby; it’s a powerful tool that small and medium businesses (SMBs) can use to boost their online presence, connect with their audience, and ultimately drive leads and sales. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of blogging for SMBs, exploring why it’s essential, how to get started, and the key strategies to make your blog a lead and sales-generating machine.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

Why Blogging Matters for SMBs

Blogging is like the heart of your online presence. It’s where your business’s personality and expertise shine. When you share valuable, informative, and engaging content on your blog, you establish yourself as an industry authority. This builds trust with your audience, which is crucial for converting visitors into customers.

Imagine you run a small coffee shop. By blogging about the art of coffee brewing, sharing the history of coffee, or offering tips on selecting the best coffee beans, you’re not just promoting your products; you’re providing value to coffee enthusiasts. This kind of content builds a loyal following and encourages people to choose your coffee shop over others.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Getting Started with Blogging

Before diving into the blogosphere, it’s essential to have a clear plan. Start by defining your target audience. Who are your ideal customers? What are their interests and pain points? Knowing this will help you create content that resonates with them.

Next, choose a user-friendly blogging platform like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace. These platforms are designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for SMBs to get started without the need for technical expertise.

Creating Engaging Content

Your blog posts should be like a cup of freshly brewed coffee – enticing and enjoyable. Here are some tips for creating engaging content:

  1. Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to publish one high-quality post per week than several mediocre ones. Well-researched, in-depth content is more likely to capture your audience’s attention.
  2. Visual Appeal: Incorporate images, infographics, and videos to make your content visually appealing. People are drawn to visual elements, so use them to your advantage.
  3. Consistency: Maintain a regular posting schedule. Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, consistency keeps your audience engaged.
  4. Solve Problems: Your blog should address your audience’s pain points. If you can provide solutions, you’ll gain their trust and loyalty.
  5. Engage with Your Audience: Encourage comments and respond to them. Foster a sense of community on your blog.Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

Promoting Your Blog

Creating great content is only part of the equation. You need to ensure people find your blog. Here are some strategies for promoting your blog effectively:

  1. SEO Optimization: Research relevant keywords and use them strategically in your content. This will help your blog appear in search engine results, attracting organic traffic.
  2. Social Media: Share your blog posts on your social media channels. Engage with your followers and encourage them to share your content.
  3. Email Marketing: Include your blog posts in your email marketing campaigns. This keeps your subscribers informed and engaged.
  4. Collaborate: Partner with influencers or complementary businesses in your niche for guest posts or collaborations. This can help you tap into new audiences.
  5. Paid Advertising: Consider using paid advertising, such as Google Ads or social media ads, to promote your blog to a broader audience.Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

Measuring Success

To gauge the effectiveness of your blogging efforts, you need to track your progress. Tools like Google Analytics can help you monitor website traffic, the popularity of your posts, and conversion rates. Pay attention to these metrics and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Blogging for SMBs isn’t just about words on a screen; it’s about building relationships, establishing authority, and driving leads and sales. By following the tips in this blog post, you can create a blog that resonates with your audience, increases your online visibility, and ultimately contributes to the growth of your small or medium business. So, don’t wait – start blogging today and watch your business flourish.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Refine, Polish, Publish: The Editor’s Impact on Self-Publishing Success

October 25 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Embarking on a self-publishing journey can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for authors. However, ensuring your manuscript is polished and ready for publication can be a daunting task. That’s where a manuscript editor comes in. As an experienced editor, I understand the importance of refining your work to achieve self-publishing success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the invaluable role of a manuscript editor in helping you polish your manuscript to its full potential, ensuring a professional and captivating final product.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

  1. Enhancing Clarity and Coherence

    Clear and coherent writing is essential for engaging readers and conveying your story effectively. A manuscript editor helps you achieve this by scrutinizing your manuscript for clarity and coherence. They identify areas of confusion, eliminate awkward phrasing, and streamline your narrative. By providing objective feedback and suggestions, an editor ensures that your ideas are presented in a concise, understandable manner, elevating the overall readability of your manuscript.

    Also Read: Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

  2. Strengthening Story Structure

    A well-crafted story structure is the backbone of a compelling narrative. A manuscript editor assesses the structure of your manuscript, examining elements such as pacing, plot progression, and character arcs. They identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies, offering valuable insights to help you refine and strengthen your story’s framework. By ensuring a solid foundation, an editor helps you create a more engaging and satisfying reading experience for your audience.

    Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

  3. Polishing Writing Mechanics

    Writing mechanics, such as grammar, punctuation, and syntax, are critical in maintaining a professional and polished manuscript. A manuscript editor meticulously reviews your work, addressing errors and inconsistencies in these areas. They help you adhere to industry standards, ensuring your manuscript is free from distracting mistakes that can hinder readers’ immersion in your story. By polishing the writing mechanics, an editor elevates the overall quality of your manuscript and enhances its professionalism.

  4. Fine-tuning Dialogue and Characterization

    Well-crafted dialogue and compelling characters are vital in immersing readers in your story. A manuscript editor offers expert guidance on refining dialogue, ensuring it sounds natural and authentic. They also assist in developing three-dimensional characters with relatable motivations and consistent behavior. By fine-tuning dialogue and characterization, an editor helps you create memorable and believable characters that resonate with readers, elevating the emotional impact of your manuscript.

    Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

  5. Collaborative Feedback and Support

    One of the invaluable benefits of working with a manuscript editor is the collaborative feedback and support they provide. An editor becomes a trusted partner in your self-publishing journey, offering constructive criticism and guidance to help you grow as a writer. They provide valuable insights, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate your strengths. This collaborative process enhances your manuscript while also boosting your confidence as an author, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the self-publishing process.

Self-publishing success is within your reach, and leveraging the expertise of a manuscript editor is a crucial step in achieving it. By enhancing clarity and coherence, strengthening story structure, polishing writing mechanics, fine-tuning dialogue and characterization, and offering collaborative feedback and support, an editor helps you refine your manuscript to its full potential. Embrace the guidance and expertise of a manuscript editor, and embark on your self-publishing journey with confidence, knowing that your work is polished and ready to captivate readers.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Magic of Writing Rituals and Habits

October 20 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is an art, a craft, and often, a labor of love. For writers, the process of creating a world out of words is both a challenge and a passion. Amidst this creative journey, many authors, whether seasoned or novice, turn to writing rituals and habits to keep their inspiration flowing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of these rituals and habits that are the backbone of a writer’s life.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

The Morning Muse: Starting the Day Right

For many authors, mornings hold a special kind of magic. They set the tone for the entire day. Some writers embrace the early hours, finding solace in the calm and quiet. The act of brewing a cup of coffee or tea marks the commencement of their writing ritual. The familiar scent of the hot beverage signals the mind that it’s time to get to work.

The Sacred Writing Space

Every writer has a sacred writing space. It might be a cozy corner in a room, a desk overlooking a garden, or a café with just the right ambiance. This is where the magic happens. The choice of this space is deeply personal, often reflecting the writer’s personality and taste.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

The Ritual of Reading

Reading is to writing what fuel is to a car. Many writers make it a point to read something inspiring or thought-provoking before they start writing. This reading ritual primes their minds, sparking new ideas and perspectives. It’s the literary equivalent of tuning an instrument before a performance.


The Power of Silence

Writers often crave silence. In this world of constant noise and distractions, the power of quietude is immeasurable. Authors may choose to meditate, practice deep breathing, or simply sit in silence for a few minutes to calm their minds before they put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard.

The Quirk Factor

Writing rituals are sometimes delightfully quirky. Some authors have particular quirks that are integral to their writing process. It could be using a specific pen, wearing a lucky charm, or playing a particular song on repeat. These quirks are the secret ingredients that make their writing unique.

The Time-Blocking Technique

Writing rituals often involve time management. The time-blocking technique is a popular habit among writers. They allocate specific blocks of time for writing and stick to these schedules rigorously. This method helps writers prioritize their craft amidst the chaos of daily life.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

The Notebook Companion

Notebooks are a writer’s constant companions. Whether it’s a small pocket-sized notebook carried everywhere or a beautifully crafted journal, writers often jot down ideas, observations, or snippets of conversation that strike them. These notes become valuable resources when they sit down to write.

The Daily Word Count Challenge

Many writers set daily word count goals. It’s not just about the quantity but also the consistency. The act of setting a target and meeting it each day becomes a habit, making the writing process more structured and productive.

The Muse Invocation

Some authors rely on invoking their muse. Before they start writing, they take a moment to connect with their inner creativity. It’s a form of prayer, a humble request for inspiration to flow. It might involve lighting a candle or saying a few words to the creative forces of the universe.

The End of Day Reflection

At the end of a writing day, reflection is a common habit. Writers often take a moment to look back on what they’ve accomplished. It’s a practice that brings closure to the day’s work and sets the stage for the next day’s creativity.

In conclusion, writing rituals and habits are the cornerstone of an author’s life. They bring order to the creative chaos and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort in the often uncertain world of writing. Every writer’s rituals are unique, like fingerprints, and they play a pivotal role in shaping the writer’s voice and style. These habits are not just about discipline; they are about tapping into the wellspring of imagination and channeling it onto the page. They are the keys to unlocking the magic of storytelling, one word at a time.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

October 17 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In today’s digital age, well-written content has become the lifeblood of successful businesses. It serves as the voice of your brand, engaging and connecting with your target audience. From websites and blogs to social media posts, quality content can make or break your business’s online presence. Let’s explore 10 compelling reasons why investing in well-crafted content is crucial for your business success.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

Enhancing Brand Visibility

Well-written content boosts your brand’s visibility in search engine results. By incorporating relevant keywords and providing valuable information, your content can attract organic traffic to your website, ensuring your business stands out in a crowded online landscape.

Establishing Credibility and Trust

When your content showcases expertise, addresses customer pain points, and offers insightful solutions, it builds trust and credibility with your audience. Clear, concise, and accurate information creates a positive impression, positioning your business as a reliable source of knowledge and expertise in your industry.

Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business

Driving Organic Traffic

Well-optimized content helps your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). By addressing the needs and queries of your target audience through keyword-rich content, you attract qualified organic traffic to your site, increasing the chances of converting visitors into customers.

Engaging and Retaining Customers

Compelling content that resonates with your audience creates meaningful connections. By understanding your customers’ pain points, aspirations, and motivations, you can craft content that engages, educates, and entertains. When customers find value in your content, they are more likely to return for more, share it with others, and even become brand advocates.

Boosting Conversion Rates

High-quality content is persuasive and can significantly impact conversion rates. By providing clear calls-to-action (CTAs), showcasing the benefits of your products or services, and addressing customer concerns, your content helps guide visitors towards making a purchase or taking a desired action, ultimately increasing your conversion rates.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business

Fostering Customer Loyalty

Consistently delivering valuable content builds a loyal customer base. When customers trust your expertise and find your content helpful, they are more likely to remain loyal to your brand. Regularly providing informative and engaging content keeps your business top-of-mind and positions you as a thought leader in your industry.

Differentiating Your Brand

Well-written content enables you to showcase your unique brand voice and personality. By delivering content that is distinct, authentic, and aligned with your brand values, you can stand out and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Differentiation through compelling content helps you build a memorable brand identity.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Land Clients When Starting As A Freelance Writer

Supporting Social Media Engagement

Strong, well-written content forms the foundation of engaging social media posts. When your content is valuable, shareable, and relevant to your target audience, it sparks conversations, encourages likes and shares, and attracts new followers. Effective content also drives traffic from social media platforms to your website, increasing your online visibility and reach.

Boosting SEO Performance

Search engine optimization (SEO) relies heavily on well-written content. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords, meta tags, and optimizing page titles, headings, and URLs, your content becomes more discoverable to search engines. Improved SEO performance leads to higher organic rankings, increased website traffic, and greater brand exposure.

Delivering Long-Term Value

Well-crafted content continues to provide value over time. Unlike paid advertising that has a limited shelf life, this remains relevant, attracting organic traffic and engagement long after its initial publication. By investing in quality content, you create a lasting asset that generates ongoing benefits for your business.

Well-written content is an essential ingredient for business success in today’s digital landscape. From enhancing brand visibility and driving organic traffic to fostering customer loyalty and boosting conversions, the impact of quality content cannot be underestimated. By consistently delivering valuable, engaging, and optimized content, you can differentiate your business, establish authority, and build lasting connections with your target audience.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Content Marketing Metrics That Drive Small Business Success

October 12 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In today’s digital age, small businesses are discovering the power of content marketing. It’s not just about creating and sharing content; it’s about achieving concrete results. To do that, you need to keep an eye on the right metrics. In this blog post, we’re going to delve into the essential content marketing metrics that matter for small business success, all explained in simple terms.

Why Metrics Matter

Before we dive into specific metrics, let’s understand why they are vital. Metrics are like your business’s health checkup. They tell you what’s working and what needs improvement. For small businesses with limited resources, it’s crucial to invest in strategies that bring tangible results. Tracking the right metrics allows you to do just that.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

1. Website Traffic

This is the foundation of your content marketing efforts. Website traffic shows how many people visit your site. When it comes to small businesses, increasing website traffic is often a primary goal. It’s the first step in getting people to notice your products or services.

2. Page Views

Page views tell you which pages on your website are getting the most attention. By understanding which content is popular, you can create more of it. If a particular blog post or product page is getting a lot of views, it’s a good sign that your audience is interested.

3. Conversion Rate

Getting people to your website is one thing, but turning them into customers is the ultimate goal. The conversion rate measures how many visitors take a desired action, like signing up for your newsletter or making a purchase. Small businesses need this metric to gauge the effectiveness of their content in driving sales.

4. Bounce Rate

When someone lands on your website and quickly leaves without exploring further, it’s called a bounce. A high bounce rate can indicate that your content or website isn’t holding visitors’ interest. Small businesses should aim for a lower bounce rate to keep people engaged.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

5. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

If you’re running email campaigns or online ads, the CTR measures how many people click on the links you provide. A high CTR suggests that your content is compelling and persuasive, driving traffic to your website and potentially converting leads into customers.

6. Social Media Engagement

For many small businesses, social media is a key part of their content marketing strategy. Metrics like likes, shares, and comments on social media posts reveal how engaging your content is. Social media engagement helps you reach a broader audience and build a loyal following.

7. Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI is the bottom line. It tells you whether your content marketing efforts are profitable. Small businesses often work with limited budgets, so knowing that your investment is paying off is critical. It’s a simple calculation: (Profit – Investment) / Investment.

8. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

This metric helps small businesses understand the long-term value of a customer. The more you can increase the CLV, the better. It involves factors like repeat purchases and customer loyalty, showing how well your content marketing is retaining customers over time.

9. Email List Growth

Building an email list is essential for small businesses. It allows you to connect with your audience directly. Measuring email list growth is crucial because it shows how effectively your content is convincing people to subscribe.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

10. Customer Feedback

Your audience’s feedback is a valuable metric. Are customers leaving positive reviews? Are they sharing their experiences? This qualitative data can provide insights into the impact of your content marketing on customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Small businesses can thrive in the digital age by harnessing the power of content marketing. To ensure success, it’s crucial to monitor the right metrics. These metrics tell you if you’re on the right track and help you make data-driven decisions. Remember, it’s not just about producing content; it’s about producing results. So, start measuring, analyzing, and optimizing your content marketing efforts today to achieve small business success.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How Quality Content Can Boost Your Website’s Search Engine Rankings

September 14 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the competitive world of online business, ranking high in search engine results is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website. One of the key factors that search engines consider is the quality of your website’s content. In this article, we’ll explore how quality content can significantly boost your website’s search engine rankings, helping you attract more visitors and grow your online presence.

Relevant and Targeted Keywords

Quality content incorporates relevant and targeted keywords that align with your audience’s search queries. By conducting thorough keyword research and seamlessly integrating them into your content, you increase the chances of search engines recognizing the relevance of your website to specific search terms. This helps improve your website’s visibility and ranking for those keywords.

Also Read: Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

Engaging and Informative Content

Search engines prioritize content that engages and provides value to users. By creating well-written, informative, and engaging content, you encourage visitors to spend more time on your website. This increased user engagement signals to search engines that your content is valuable, leading to improved search engine rankings.

Original and Unique Content

Search engines favour websites that offer original and unique content. Avoid duplicating or plagiarizing content from other sources. Instead, focus on creating fresh and valuable content that stands out from the competition. By delivering original content that provides unique insights or perspectives, you increase the likelihood of search engines recognizing your website as a credible and authoritative source.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Well-Structured and Organized Content

Organizing your content in a logical and well-structured manner makes it easier for both users and search engines to navigate. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and paragraphs to break up your content into digestible sections. This enhances readability and helps search engines understand the hierarchy and context of your content, leading to improved indexing and ranking.

Optimized Meta Tags and Descriptions

Optimizing meta tags and descriptions is crucial for improving your website’s visibility in search results. Craft unique and compelling meta titles and descriptions that accurately describe the content on each page. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. Well-optimized meta tags and descriptions not only attract users to click on your search listings but also signal to search engines the relevance and quality of your content.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business

Backlinks from High-Quality Sources

Quality content has a higher likelihood of attracting backlinks from reputable and authoritative websites. Backlinks are an important ranking factor for search engines. When other trustworthy sites link to your content, it signals to search engines that your website is a valuable resource. Building high-quality backlinks through compelling and informative content can significantly enhance your website’s search engine rankings.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

In Conclusion

Investing in quality content is key to improving your website’s search engine rankings. By incorporating relevant keywords, creating engaging and informative content, maintaining originality, organizing your content effectively, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, and attracting backlinks from reputable sources, you can enhance your website’s visibility and attract more organic traffic. Remember, delivering valuable content that meets the needs of your target audience is essential for long-term search engine success.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How Can An Editor Help You Perfect Your Opening Chapter

September 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As a writer, you know that the opening chapter of your book plays a pivotal role in capturing readers’ attention and setting the tone for the entire story. It’s your chance to make a lasting impression and compel readers to keep turning the pages. As a manuscript editor, I understand the significance of a strong opening, and I’m here to share expert advice on how to perfect your opening chapter. In this blog post, we’ll explore key elements and techniques to hook readers from page one, ensuring they embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

Also Read: Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

Grab Attention with a Compelling Opening Line

The first sentence of your book is your opportunity to make an immediate impact. As a manuscript editor, I encourage writers to craft an opening line that captivates readers and piques their curiosity. Consider an intriguing statement, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description that hooks readers right from the start. This enticing opening will create a sense of anticipation and compel readers to delve further into your story.

Establish a Strong Point of View

A clear and engaging narrative perspective sets the stage for a successful opening chapter. As a manuscript editor, I emphasize the importance of establishing a strong point of view from the outset. Whether you choose first-person, third-person, or an alternative perspective, consistency is key. Ensure your readers connect with your protagonist or narrator early on, enabling them to become emotionally invested in the unfolding events.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

Create Intrigue and Suspense

An opening chapter should introduce a sense of intrigue and suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover the secrets and conflicts within your story. As a manuscript editor, I advise authors to tease readers with hints of the broader plot, introducing a compelling problem or mystery that demands resolution. Balancing the right amount of information and withholding key details can generate curiosity and set the stage for a captivating narrative journey.

Introduce Engaging Characters

Characters play a vital role in capturing readers’ interest from the first chapter. As a manuscript editor, I encourage authors to introduce intriguing and relatable characters early on. Craft your characters with depth and complexity, revealing their goals, motivations, and conflicts within the opening pages. Allow readers to form connections and invest emotionally in the characters’ journeys, fostering a desire to accompany them through the rest of the book.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

Establish the Setting and Atmosphere

The opening chapter is an opportunity to immerse readers in the world of your story. As a manuscript editor, I emphasize the importance of vividly depicting the setting and establishing the atmosphere from the beginning. Paint a sensory-rich picture, incorporating descriptive details that evoke a strong sense of time and place. This attention to detail helps readers visualize the world you’ve created and enhances their reading experience.

In Conclusion

Perfecting your opening chapter is essential to captivate readers and compel them to embark on an unforgettable literary journey. By crafting a compelling opening line, establishing a strong point of view, creating intrigue and suspense, introducing engaging characters, and vividly depicting the setting and atmosphere, you can hook readers from page one. As a manuscript editor, I’m here to provide expert guidance and support, helping you refine your opening chapter and set the stage for a remarkable reading experience.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

August 31 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As a writer, mastering the art of crafting authentic dialogue is crucial for creating believable and engaging characters. However, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between natural-sounding conversations and moving the plot forward. Fear not! As a manuscript editor, I’m here to offer expert advice on how to create dialogue that leaps off the page and resonates with readers. In this blog post, we’ll explore valuable tips and techniques to help you infuse your dialogue with authenticity and make it an impactful tool in your storytelling arsenal.

Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

Understand Your Characters’ Voices

Authentic dialogue begins with a deep understanding of your characters. As a manuscript editor, I emphasize the importance of knowing your characters inside and out. Take the time to develop their unique voices, personalities, and backgrounds. Consider their speech patterns, vocabulary, and even regional dialects if applicable. By immersing yourself in their world, you can ensure that their dialogue is consistent, realistic, and reflective of their individuality.

Listen and Observe

One of the best ways to craft authentic dialogue is by observing and listening to real-life conversations. Pay attention to how people communicate, their choice of words, intonations, and gestures. This practice can help you capture the natural rhythm, nuances, and cadence of human speech. Take notes on interesting phrases, idioms, and expressions to inject realism into your characters’ conversations. By incorporating these authentic elements, you can enhance the believability of your dialogue.

Also Read: Zen & the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration & Inner Peace through Writing

 

Prioritize Subtext

Effective dialogue goes beyond surface-level exchanges. It thrives on subtext, the unspoken meaning beneath the words. As a manuscript editor, I encourage authors to explore subtext to add depth and complexity to their characters’ interactions. Consider what is left unsaid, the underlying emotions, hidden agendas, and conflicts. By infusing subtext into your dialogue, you create tension and intrigue, drawing readers deeper into the story and the characters’ relationships.

Show, Don’t Tell

Dialogue is an excellent opportunity to show, rather than tell, important story elements. Instead of explaining emotions or character traits outright, allow your characters’ words and actions to reveal them naturally. Let readers deduce the subtext and draw their own conclusions. This approach engages readers and encourages their active participation in the storytelling process. A manuscript editor can help you identify areas where showing through dialogue can enhance your manuscript and eliminate instances of unnecessary exposition.

Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

Keep it Concise and Purposeful

In crafting dialogue, brevity and purpose are key. Avoid lengthy speeches or excessive small talk that can bog down the pacing of your story. Every line of dialogue should serve a specific purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot, revealing character traits, or building tension. A manuscript editor can assist you in identifying unnecessary or repetitive dialogue, helping you streamline conversations and maintain a crisp pace that keeps readers engaged.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

In Conclusion

Crafting authentic dialogue is an art form that can elevate your writing and immerse readers in your story. By understanding your characters, observing real-life conversations, utilizing subtext, showing rather than telling, and keeping your dialogue purposeful and concise, you can create dynamic and compelling interactions. As a manuscript editor, I’m here to provide expert guidance and support to help you refine your dialogue and bring your characters to life. Embrace these techniques, and watch your dialogue shine on the page, forging deeper connections between your readers and your story.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Content Marketing on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources

August 31 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the world of digital marketing, content is king. However, many small businesses with limited resources often struggle to allocate sufficient funds for their content marketing efforts. The good news is that even with a tight budget, it’s still possible to maximize the impact of your content marketing strategy. In this post, we will explore five key points that reveal how small businesses can make the most of their limited resources when it comes to content marketing.

Repurposing Existing Content

One effective way to maximize impact while minimizing costs is by repurposing existing content. Instead of constantly creating new content from scratch, look for opportunities to repurpose your best-performing pieces. For example, you can turn a blog post into an infographic, transform a webinar into a video series, or compile popular articles into an e-book. By repackaging and repurposing content, you can extend its lifespan and reach a wider audience without incurring significant expenses.

Content marketing doesn’t have to break the bank; it’s about creativity, strategy, and delivering value, not just dollars.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Well-Written Content Is Vital for Your Business Success

Leveraging User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool that allows businesses to amplify their content marketing efforts without spending a fortune. Encourage your audience to create and share content related to your brand, such as testimonials, reviews, or social media posts. UGC not only enhances brand credibility and authenticity but also reduces the burden of content creation. By featuring UGC on your website, social media channels, and other marketing platforms, you can engage your audience and build a sense of community around your brand.

Also Read: The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

Focusing on Niche Targeting

Rather than trying to reach a broad audience with generic content, focus on niche targeting to make the most of your limited resources. Identify your target market’s specific pain points, interests, and preferences, and tailor your content accordingly. By understanding your niche audience, you can create highly relevant and engaging content that resonates with them on a deeper level. This targeted approach maximizes your content’s impact, increases engagement, and drives conversions, all while keeping costs in check.

For small and medium businesses, neglecting content marketing is akin to leaving money on the table – it’s a powerful tool that can level the playing field and drive success.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with complementary businesses or influencers in your industry can significantly enhance your content marketing efforts. Seek out partnerships where you can exchange content, co-create resources, or cross-promote each other’s offerings. By leveraging the reach and expertise of your partners, you can tap into new audiences and expand your brand’s visibility without a substantial financial investment. Strategic partnerships offer a win-win scenario, allowing both parties to benefit from shared resources and mutual exposure.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

Optimizing Social Media Channels

Social media platforms provide a cost-effective way to distribute and amplify your content to a wider audience. Instead of spreading your efforts thin across multiple channels, focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active. Optimize your social media profiles, create engaging posts, and use relevant hashtags to increase your content’s reach and visibility. By building a strong presence on select social media platforms, you can effectively engage your audience, foster relationships, and drive traffic to your website without breaking the bank.

Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

Conclusion

In conclusion, content marketing on a budget is not only possible but also an opportunity to be creative and strategic. By repurposing content, leveraging user-generated content, targeting niche audiences, building strategic partnerships, and optimizing social media channels, small businesses can maximize the impact of their content marketing efforts without overspending. Remember, it’s not just about the budget you have, but how resourcefully you use it to create valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How to Write a Compelling Book Proposal that Attracts Publishers

August 28 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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If you’re an aspiring author, writing a compelling book proposal is a critical step in getting your manuscript published. A book proposal is essentially a sales pitch for your book, designed to convince publishers that your work is worth investing in.

Let’s explore some tips for writing a book proposal that attracts publishers and gets your foot in the door of the publishing world.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

Research the Publishing Industry

Before you start writing your book proposal, it’s important to do your research on the publishing industry. Look for publishers that specialize in your genre and study their submission guidelines carefully. Many publishers have specific requirements for book proposals, such as length and formatting, so make sure you follow these guidelines closely. Researching the publishing industry will also help you to identify potential competition for your book and understand how your work fits into the market.

Develop Your Book Concept

The heart of your book proposal is your book concept, so it’s important to develop a clear and compelling idea for your manuscript. Start by identifying your target audience and what makes your book unique and compelling. What is the main theme of your book? Consider what the key messages you want to convey are? Have you established what makes your book different from others in the market? These are all important questions to consider when developing your book concept.

Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

Write a Strong Overview

The overview section of your book proposal is essentially a synopsis of your book. It should be brief but compelling, giving publishers a clear idea of what your book is about and why it’s worth investing in. Make sure you highlight the most important themes and messages of your book, and focus on what sets it apart from others in the market. This section should be well-written and engaging, drawing the reader in and leaving them wanting more.

Provide a Detailed Outline

In addition to the overview, you’ll also need to provide a detailed outline of your book. This should include chapter summaries, as well as any key themes and messages you want to convey in each section. The outline should be well-organized and easy to follow, giving publishers a clear sense of how your book is structured and what readers can expect to find in each chapter.

Also Read: Zen & the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration & Inner Peace through Writing

Highlight Your Credentials

Publishers want to know that you’re a credible and experienced writer, so it’s important to highlight your credentials in your book proposal. Include any previous writing credits you have, as well as any relevant education or professional experience. If you have a strong social media presence or a following in your target audience, be sure to mention this as well.

Provide Marketing and Sales Strategies

Finally, your book proposal should include a section on marketing and sales strategies. Publishers want to know that you’re invested in the success of your book and that you have a plan for promoting it to readers. This section should include ideas for book signings, speaking engagements, social media promotion, and any other marketing strategies you plan to use to promote your book.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

In conclusion, writing a compelling book proposal is an important step in getting your manuscript published. By doing your research, developing a strong book concept, and providing a detailed outline and marketing plan, you can make your book proposal stand out to publishers and increase your chances of getting your work published. With persistence, hard work, and a little bit of luck, your book proposal could be the key to launching your writing career.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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The Art of Crafting Compelling Website Copy That Converts

August 26 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When it comes to your website, the words you choose can make all the difference in turning visitors into customers. Crafting compelling website copy is an art that requires a deep understanding of your audience, persuasive storytelling, and strategic messaging. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of creating website copy that captivates your visitors and ultimately leads to conversions.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

Know Your Target Audience

Before diving into writing website copy, take the time to truly understand your target audience. Identify their needs, pain points, and desires. By knowing your audience inside out, you can tailor your messaging to resonate with them on a deeper level. Use language and tone that speaks directly to their aspirations and challenges, building an instant connection and trust.

Craft a Compelling Headline

Your headline is the first impression visitors have of your website. It needs to be attention-grabbing and instantly communicate the value you offer. Keep it concise, clear, and compelling. Highlight the unique benefit or solution your product or service provides. A well-crafted headline entices visitors to keep reading and explore further.

Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business

Create Engaging and Benefit-Focused Content

When writing website copy, focus on the benefits your product or service brings to your customers. Instead of listing features, emphasize how your offering solves their problems or improves their lives. Use engaging storytelling techniques to captivate readers and create an emotional connection. Paint a vivid picture of the positive outcomes they can expect by choosing your solution.

Use Clear and Action-Oriented Language

Guide your visitors towards taking action by using clear and actionable language. Clearly communicate what you want them to do, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you. Incorporate strong, persuasive verbs that inspire action. Keep your sentences concise and straightforward, making it easy for visitors to understand and follow through.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business

Leverage Social Proof and Testimonials

Include social proof and testimonials on your website to build trust and credibility. Showcase positive customer experiences and reviews that demonstrate the value and effectiveness of your product or service. Authentic testimonials create a sense of reliability and encourage visitors to take the desired action. Use real names and photos whenever possible to add a human touch.

Optimize for Search Engines

While crafting compelling website copy, don’t forget about search engine optimization (SEO). Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content to improve your website’s visibility in search results. However, prioritize creating valuable and engaging content for your human readers. Find the right balance between SEO optimization and user-friendly copy that resonates with your audience.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

Crafting compelling website copy that converts requires a strategic and customer-centric approach. By understanding your target audience, creating attention-grabbing headlines, focusing on benefits, using clear and action-oriented language, leveraging social proof, and optimizing for search engines, you can create persuasive website copy that engages visitors and drives conversions. Remember, effective website copywriting is an ongoing process of testing, refining, and adapting to ensure maximum impact.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

BOOK 1:1 CONSULTATION CALLS WITH ME.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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5 Things To Do After Self-Publishing Via KDP

August 25 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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So, you’ve taken the plunge and self-published your book using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Congratulations! But your work doesn’t stop there. After hitting that publish button, there are a few more crucial steps to take to make sure your book gets the attention it deserves. Let’s dive into five important things to do after self-publishing via KDP.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

Get reviews

While verified purchase reviews are important, gifting books in lieu of honest reviews are fine too. Be honest though, avoid getting reviews from close family and friends – they would obviously say nice things about your book, they love you! Reviews act like golden tickets in the world of books. They help potential readers decide if your book is worth their time. Reach out to friends, acquaintances, or even bloggers in your genre, and kindly ask them to read and review your book. Positive reviews can boost your book’s credibility and visibility, making it more appealing to new readers.

Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

Plan a Book Launch

A book launch isn’t just for big-shot authors. You can have one too! Plan a virtual or in-person event to celebrate your book’s release. It could be a live reading, a Q&A session, or a giveaway. Get creative! This launch event can generate excitement and motivate potential readers to give your book a shot.

Promote Your Book

Your book won’t magically find readers on its own. You need to spread the word! Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to create buzz. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about your accomplishment. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and engage with potential readers. Building an online presence can help your book reach a wider audience.

Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your book’s performance. KDP offers handy tools to track your sales and royalties. Use this data to learn what’s working and what’s not. If your book isn’t getting the attention you hoped for, don’t fret. You can always adjust your marketing strategies, book cover, or even the book’s description to attract more readers.

Update Your Author Profile

People want to know who the mastermind behind the book is! Update your Amazon author profile with a captivating bio and a professional photo. This personal touch can connect you with your readers on a deeper level and encourage them to explore more of your work.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

Remember, self-publishing is a journey, not just a one-time task. These post-publishing steps are like the extra toppings on a delicious pizza – they make the whole experience better and more satisfying. Stay engaged, be open to feedback, and keep honing your writing skills. Your journey as an author has just begun!

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023

***

Does the idea of a social media presence scare you? Truth is that your brand/business needs to be online but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can hire our services for assistance with this. Drop us a line and ask for the different ways we can make social media easy for you.

Drop me a line at editor@samarpita.in to begin a discussion about creating content for your website blog.  Follow me on Instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin to learn more about the content industry.

BOOK A CONSULTANCY CALL HERE.

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Power of Compelling Content: How it Boosts Small Business Growth

July 27 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In today’s digital landscape, the power of compelling content cannot be overstated. For small businesses striving to make their mark, high-quality content has become a game-changer. When done right, it can fuel growth, attract new customers, and establish a strong online presence. In this post, we will explore five key points that highlight the profound impact of compelling content on small business growth.

Also Read: Captivate With The Art of Storytelling in Content Writing

Increased Brand Visibility

Compelling content acts as a catalyst for brand visibility. By crafting engaging blog posts, informative articles, and shareable social media content, small businesses can position themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. When businesses consistently produce valuable content that resonates with their target audience, it enhances brand recognition and drives organic traffic to their websites and social media profiles.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of the target audience fosters meaningful engagement. Compelling blog posts, interactive videos, and engaging social media posts invite customers to interact, share their thoughts, and participate in discussions. By encouraging dialogue, small businesses can build a community around their brand, foster customer loyalty, and gain valuable insights for future content creation.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

Improved Search Engine Rankings

Creating high-quality content that incorporates relevant keywords and provides valuable information helps small businesses climb the ranks of search engine result pages. By consistently publishing optimized content, businesses can improve their visibility in search engine results, driving organic traffic to their websites. This increased visibility not only enhances brand awareness but also boosts the likelihood of generating leads and conversions.

Establishing Thought Leadership

Compelling content enables small businesses to establish themselves as industry thought leaders. By sharing expert insights, offering practical advice, and presenting unique perspectives, businesses can position themselves as go-to resources within their niches. This establishes trust with customers and builds credibility, setting them apart from competitors and attracting a loyal customer base.

Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business

Driving Conversions

At the heart of compelling content lies the ability to drive conversions. Whether it’s through persuasive product descriptions, captivating landing pages, or compelling calls-to-action, businesses can leverage content to guide potential customers through the sales funnel. Well-crafted content that addresses pain points, highlights benefits, and showcases social proof can significantly increase conversion rates, resulting in tangible business growth.

In conclusion, compelling content plays a pivotal role in small business growth. From increased brand visibility and enhanced customer engagement to improved search engine rankings and establishing thought leadership, the impact of quality content cannot be ignored. By investing in content creation, small businesses can effectively communicate their value proposition, attract and retain customers, and ultimately propel their growth in the competitive digital landscape.

***

Does the idea of a social media presence scare you? Truth is that your brand/business needs to be online but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can hire our services for assistance with this. Drop us a line and ask for the different ways we can make social media easy for you.

Drop me a line at editor@samarpita.in to begin a discussion about creating content for your website blog.  Follow me on Instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin to learn more about the content industry.

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

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Captivate With The Art of Storytelling in Content Writing

July 12 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the realm of content writing, storytelling is a powerful tool that can captivate and engage your audience on a deeper level. The ability to weave narratives into your content allows you to establish an emotional connection, leave a lasting impression, and inspire action. In this post, we will explore five key points that highlight the art of storytelling in content writing and how it can help you captivate your audience.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing

Creating an Emotional Connection

Storytelling has the unique ability to evoke emotions in your audience. By crafting narratives that resonate with their experiences, challenges, or aspirations, you can tap into their emotions and create a connection. Whether it’s through relatable anecdotes, personal stories, or case studies, infusing your content with emotions helps to humanize your brand and build trust, fostering a stronger bond with your audience.

Engaging the Senses

Effective storytelling goes beyond words on a page; it engages the senses to transport your audience into the narrative. Paint vivid pictures with your words, incorporating sensory details to help your readers visualize and experience the story. By appealing to their senses, you can make your content more immersive and memorable, ensuring a lasting impact.

Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business

Using Conflict and Resolution

One of the core elements of storytelling is conflict. Introduce challenges, obstacles, or dilemmas within your content to create tension and intrigue. As your story unfolds, provide a resolution or a lesson learned that resonates with your audience. This narrative structure keeps your readers engaged and eager to discover how the conflict is resolved, making your content more compelling and memorable.

Incorporating Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. Introduce relatable characters within your content to bring your narrative to life. Whether it’s a customer success story, an employee testimonial, or a fictional persona, well-developed characters add depth and authenticity to your storytelling. Your audience can relate to these characters, making the content more relatable and impactful.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business

Delivering a Clear Message

Storytelling should not only entertain but also deliver a clear message or purpose. Align your narrative with your content’s objective, whether it’s to educate, inspire, or persuade. Every story should have a takeaway or call-to-action that guides your audience toward the desired outcome. By delivering a clear message, your storytelling becomes purposeful and helps you achieve your content marketing goals.

In conclusion, the art of storytelling is a powerful technique in content writing that can captivate your audience. By creating an emotional connection, engaging the senses, using conflict and resolution, incorporating characters, and delivering a clear message, you can craft narratives that resonate deeply with your readers. Effective storytelling not only grabs attention but also leaves a lasting impact, helping you build brand loyalty, inspire action, and differentiate yourself in a crowded digital landscape. So, harness the power of storytelling and unleash its potential in your content writing to captivate your audience like never before.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Power of Feedback: How Writing Workshops Improve Your Craft

June 14 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is often seen as a solitary endeavor, with authors toiling away in their own creative worlds. However, one aspect of the writing process that should never be overlooked is the power of feedback. This is where writing workshops come into play. These collaborative environments provide authors with the opportunity to receive constructive criticism, learn from fellow writers, and ultimately improve their craft. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of feedback in writing workshops and how they can significantly enhance an author’s skills.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

The Value of Constructive Criticism

Writing workshops offer a unique space where authors can receive honest and constructive feedback on their work. This feedback is invaluable as it provides a fresh perspective and helps identify areas that may need improvement. By opening themselves up to critique, authors gain insight into how their writing is perceived by others, helping them grow as storytellers.

Learning from Fellow Writers

Writing workshops bring together a diverse group of writers, each with their own unique styles and perspectives. By participating in these workshops, authors have the opportunity to learn from their peers. Engaging in discussions, observing different writing techniques, and hearing different voices can broaden an author’s horizons and inspire new ideas. The collective knowledge and experiences of the group can be a tremendous resource for personal growth and development.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

In a writing workshop, not only do authors receive feedback, but they also gain a deeper understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. Through the eyes of fellow writers, authors can identify the aspects of their writing that shine and the areas that may need further attention. This self-awareness is crucial in honing one’s craft and allows authors to focus their efforts on areas that require improvement.

Refining the Editing Process

Writing workshops also play a vital role in the editing process. As authors receive feedback and suggestions from their peers, they gain valuable insights into how their work can be refined. This feedback helps authors identify inconsistencies, plot holes, or weak characterizations that they might have overlooked. The collaborative nature of workshops allows authors to polish their manuscripts before submitting them for publication or further revision.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Land Clients When Starting As A Freelance Writer

Building Confidence and Support

Writing can often be a solitary and lonely journey. However, writing workshops provide a supportive and nurturing environment. Authors can find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs. The encouragement and camaraderie of fellow writers in the workshop can boost an author’s confidence, helping them overcome self-doubt and continue to pursue their writing goals.

Conclusion

In the world of writing, the power of feedback should never be underestimated. Writing workshops offer a platform where authors can receive constructive criticism, learn from others, and develop their skills. Through feedback, authors gain new perspectives, identify strengths and weaknesses, refine their editing process, and build confidence. Engaging in writing workshops is a crucial step in an author’s journey toward improvement and success. So, embrace the power of feedback and take advantage of the valuable opportunities that writing workshops provide.

Also Read: A to Z of Writing and Editing – #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

Incorporating feedback from others is a crucial aspect of the writing process. Writing workshops provide authors with a supportive and collaborative environment to receive constructive criticism, learn from fellow writers, and develop their craft. By embracing feedback and engaging in workshops, authors can refine their skills, identify strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately grow as storytellers. So, don’t underestimate the power of feedback and make the most of writing workshops to enhance your writing journey.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Tips for Developing Memorable Protagonists and Antagonists

June 6 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
Crafting Compelling Characters: Tips for Developing Memorable Protagonists and Antagonists
Crafting Compelling Characters: Tips for Developing Memorable Protagonists and Antagonists
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When it comes to storytelling, one of the most crucial elements is the characters that populate your narrative. Engaging and memorable protagonists and antagonists can make or break a story. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or even a video game, creating compelling characters is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and immersing them in your world. In this blog post, we will explore some valuable tips for developing protagonists and antagonists that leave a lasting impression on your readers or viewers.

Also Read: Multiple POV Mistakes To Avoid In Your Writing

Protagonists:

Motivation and Goals 

A well-developed protagonist should have clear motivations and goals that drive their actions throughout the story. What do they want to achieve, and why is it important to them? By providing your protagonist with a strong desire or purpose, you create a compelling reason for readers or viewers to invest in their journey.

Flaws and Vulnerabilities 

Imperfections and vulnerabilities humanize your protagonist and make them relatable to the audience. Nobody is perfect, and flawed characters are often more interesting and memorable. These flaws can create internal conflicts that add depth and complexity to your protagonist’s development.

Also Read: Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

Growth and Transformation 

Allow your protagonist to evolve and grow throughout the story. The journey they undertake should challenge them, forcing them to confront their flaws and learn from their experiences. Seeing your protagonist overcome obstacles and develop as a person provides a satisfying arc for readers or viewers.

Antagonists:

Motivations and Conflicts

Just like protagonists, antagonists should have clear motivations for their actions. However, their goals may directly oppose those of the protagonist, creating conflict and tension. Explore their backstory and understand their perspective, as it will help you create a more nuanced and compelling antagonist.

Also Read: Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

Complexity and Sympathy

Avoid creating one-dimensional villains. Adding layers of complexity and a touch of sympathy to your antagonists can make them more intriguing. When readers or viewers understand their motivations, even if they don’t agree with their methods, it creates a deeper emotional connection with the story.

The Antagonist’s Role in the Protagonist’s Journey 

The antagonist’s role goes beyond being a mere obstacle for the protagonist. They should serve as a catalyst for the protagonist’s growth and transformation. The conflict between the two forces the protagonist to confront their fears, weaknesses, or doubts, ultimately leading to their development and triumph.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

In Conclusion 

Developing memorable protagonists and antagonists is crucial for crafting compelling stories. By providing clear motivations, flaws, and growth opportunities for your protagonists, you can create relatable and engaging characters that resonate with your audience. Similarly, by delving into the motivations, complexities, and role of your antagonists, you can elevate the conflict and tension in your story. Remember, the key is to create well-rounded and multi-dimensional characters that captivate your readers or viewers and keep them invested in your narrative until the very end.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

By following these tips and putting in the effort to develop your characters, you can breathe life into your story and create a lasting impact on your audience. So, grab your pen, open that blank document, and start crafting compelling characters that will take your storytelling to new heights. Happy writing!

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Ambapali by Tanushree Podder #BookReview

May 24 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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I’ll be honest about why I picked this book up. I had never heard of Ambapali and the blurb seemed interesting. I love reading about history and people from the past without putting too much thought into how much is fiction and how much actually existed. It’s evident that a lot of what is written did exist and some fiction is created around it. Did the blurb live up to the expectation it set for me?

It did, let me tell you how. Don’t know how many of you know Ambapali’s story, but bear with me here (no, I am not telling the entire story here either). Ambapali was a royal dancer in the kingdom of Vaishali and lived over 2,500 years ago. It is said that her references can be found in Jataka tales and Buddisht scriptures.

Also Read: Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction 
and Joy with Feminism

Honestly, a royal dancer many centuries ago just painted an image of an exploited woman in my head. And the image wasn’t totally wrong, yet Ambapali wasn’t a damsel in distress either. Podder begins the book with showing the readers Ambapali’s last moments in life. A once rich and famous woman wanted by powerful & rich men was dying in adverse conditions with only a bhikkhuni caring for her.

Back in her youth, at a delicate young age of 16, Ambapali found herself competing with the then raj nartaki Nishigandha at the behest of her teacher Suvarnasena. Full of inhibition, she gave her best for Suvarnasena who had put her on the stage to get back at Nishigandha who used to be her student too. Ambapali wins the competition and is announced the next raj nartaki.

Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh

Found abandoned under a mango tree by Dharma Datta and his wife, she was brought up with a lot of love by the childless couple. The king had blessed her and despite not having riches in her life, Ambapali’s life was rich with the presence of her family and friends. Suddenly she was uprooted from her life and placed away from the people she knew all her life.

Overnight Ambapali’s life changed against her wishes and despite all the fight she put up, Suvarnasena took control of her life and her finances. We hear (and know very well) how resilient women can be, and Ambali was no different despite her tender age and the protected life she had read. She finds courage and lives a remarkable life. Her end has shown in the beginning of the books keeps the reader wondering what happened for her life to end up like that. But the story isn’t simple.

Also Read: #BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das

Ambapali’s life was filled with extreme highs and lows, and Podder has put the story together in most interesting manner. It is easy to lose interest in stories set centuries ago if one cannot identify the situations or the characters. Ambapali’s story takes one through the raj nartaki’s life and also brings to life the culture and lives of people centuries ago,

If you love historical fiction, you will love Ambapali.

If you don’t care for history but love a well-written story, you will love Ambapali. Here is the blurb for you —

BLURB

Not every courtesan has gone down in the annals of history like Ambapali. She was beautiful, intelligent, talented and, as the nagarvadhu janpad kalyani-the bride of the city-she went on to wield immense power amongst the nobles. Until she renounced all worldly pleasures to embrace Buddhism.
This vivid narrative tells the story of a young woman forced to follow a path because of the machinations of powerful people. Propelled onto the cultural centerstage in the Vajji republic against her wishes, betrayed in love, disappointed by friends, Ambapali’s is yet the story of a strong woman determined to take control over her life. A remarkable, poignant novel about the dazzling glamour, daring romance, and sacrifice that marked Ambapali’s life.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Multiple POV Mistakes To Avoid In Your Writing

May 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing a novel or a story with multiple points of view (POVs) can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It allows readers to see the same story from different perspectives, bringing depth and complexity to the narrative. However, writing from multiple POVs can also lead to mistakes that can confuse and frustrate readers. In this blog post, we will discuss some common multiple POV mistakes and how to avoid them.

Also Read: Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

Mistake #1:

Switching POVs too often One of the most common multiple POV mistakes is switching between characters’ POVs too frequently. This can be disorienting for readers, who may have a hard time keeping track of who is narrating the story. To avoid this mistake, limit the number of POVs in your story and make sure each character’s perspective adds something important to the narrative. Also, try to establish a pattern for POV switches, such as switching at the beginning of a new chapter or after a major event.

Mistake #2:

Using too many similar POVs Another mistake writers make is using too many similar POVs. If all your characters have similar personalities, perspectives, and experiences, the story can become monotonous and repetitive. To avoid this, make sure your POVs are diverse and distinct. Each character should have a unique voice, worldview, and backstory that informs their perspective on the story.

Also Read: Mastering Point of View: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each Perspective

Mistake #3:

Showing the same scene from multiple POVs While it can be tempting to show the same scene from multiple POVs to give readers a fuller picture of what happened, this can also be a mistake. It can lead to redundancy and slow down the pace of the story. Instead, use POVs strategically to reveal different aspects of the story that are not apparent from a single perspective.

Mistake #4:

Head-hopping Head-hopping is when the narrative switches between characters’ POVs within the same scene or paragraph, without clear transitions or markers. This can be confusing and disorienting for readers, as it’s hard to keep track of whose thoughts and feelings we are supposed to be following. To avoid this, make sure to clearly establish the POV at the beginning of each scene or paragraph and stick to it throughout.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

Mistake #5:

Neglecting the main character’s POV In a multiple POV story, it’s easy to get carried away with secondary characters and neglect the main character’s POV. This can lead to a lack of focus and direction in the narrative. To avoid this, make sure the main character’s POV is prominent and distinct from the other characters. Their perspective should anchor the story and provide a clear through-line for readers to follow.

Multiple POVs can be a powerful tool for storytelling, but only if used wisely. To avoid common mistakes, limit the number of POVs, make sure each character’s perspective adds something unique to the narrative, use POVs strategically, avoid head-hopping, and prioritize the main character’s POV. By following these guidelines, you can create a rich and compelling multiple POV story that engages and satisfies readers.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Six Ideas To Make Your Solo Trip Exciting And Interesting!

May 2 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Traveling solo as a woman can be daunting, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Here are six ideas to make your solo trip exciting and interesting.

  1. Stay in Hostels:

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. Hostels offer affordable accommodation, communal spaces, and organized events, such as pub crawls and city tours. They’re also a safe option for solo female travelers, as they often have 24-hour security and female-only dorms.

Also Read: How Sustainable Is Sustainable Fashion Truly?

  1. Take a Local Tour at Solo Trips:

Taking a local tour is an excellent way to learn about the history and culture of the place you’re visiting. There are many different types of tours available, from walking tours to food tours to bike tours. Local tour guides can provide insider knowledge and recommendations for things to see and do.

  1. Learn a New Skill:

Traveling solo is a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Sign up for a cooking class, language course, or dance lesson. Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also come away with a new skill that you can use in the future.

  1. Volunteer At Your Solo Trip:

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community you’re visiting and meet like-minded people. There are many volunteer opportunities available, from teaching English to working on conservation projects. Volunteering also provides a unique perspective on the local culture and way of life.

Also Read: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?

  1. Attend a Festival or Event:

Attending a festival or event is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and have fun at the same time. Look up local events before you arrive, and plan your trip around them. There are many different types of events, from music festivals to cultural celebrations to sporting events.

  1. Take a Day Trip:

Taking a day trip is an excellent way to explore the surrounding area and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Research nearby towns or attractions and plan a day trip. You can take a bus, train, or even rent a car. Not only will you see more of the country, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.

In conclusion, traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. Staying in hostels, taking a local tour, learning a new skill, volunteering, attending a festival or event, and taking a day trip are just a few ways to make your solo trip exciting and interesting. The most important thing is to be open-minded, stay safe, and have fun. Traveling solo can be an incredible journey of self-discovery, so embrace the experience and make the most of it!

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Five Basic Rules You Should Follow When Travelling To Another Country

May 1 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Travelling to another country can be a life-changing experience. It provides an opportunity to explore different cultures, meet new people, and expand your horizons. However, it can also be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local customs and traditions. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are five basic rules you should follow when travelling to another country.

  1. Research the Culture and Customs:

One of the most important things to do before travelling to another country is to research the local culture and customs. This will help you understand the local traditions, norms, and etiquette, and avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas. Some of the things you should research include the local language, religion, dress code, and social customs. For example, in some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothing or show public displays of affection.

Also Read: Five Lifestyle Changes I Made To Maintain My 
Mental & Physical Strength

  1. Respect Local Laws and Regulations:

When travelling to another country, it is essential to respect the local laws and regulations. Ignorance of the law is not a defense, and violating local laws can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment or fines. Some of the things to be aware of include traffic laws, smoking regulations, alcohol laws, and drug laws. For example, in some countries, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public or smoke in certain areas.

  1. Be Open-Minded and Flexible:

Travelling to another country can be a significant culture shock, especially if you are used to your own culture and way of life. It is essential to be open-minded and flexible when experiencing new cultures and customs. Embrace the differences and try to learn from them. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, try new foods, and engage with locals. Remember, travelling is about learning and growing as a person.

Also Read: Build A Successful Blogging Career For Yourself

  1. Be Cautious and Aware of Your Surroundings:

travelling to another country can expose you to new risks and potential dangers. It is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep your valuables safe, avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of common scams and tourist traps. If you are unsure about the safety of an area, ask locals or your hotel staff for advice.

  1. Have Travel Insurance:

Having travel insurance is essential when travelling to another country. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, illnesses, or theft. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen baggage. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip and review the policy to understand what is covered.

In conclusion, travelling to another country can be an enriching and rewarding experience. However, it is essential to follow basic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Researching the local culture and customs, respecting local laws, being open-minded and flexible, being cautious and aware of your surroundings, and having travel insurance are essential steps to take when travelling to another country. By following these rules, you can make the most out of your trip and create lasting memories.

 

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Mastering the Art of Writing: Five Signs of Amateur Writing and Their Fixes

April 30 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is a craft that requires constant honing and refinement. While everyone starts as an amateur, recognizing the signs of amateur writing is crucial for growth. In this blog post, we will explore five common signs of amateur writing and provide practical solutions to overcome them, empowering you to become a masterful writer.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

Polished Plotlines

A strong plotline is the backbone of any engaging story. Amateur writers often struggle with creating compelling narratives that captivate readers from beginning to end. To fix this, consider the following:

  1. Clear Story Arc: Develop a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. Introduce conflict early on and ensure a satisfying resolution.
  2. Purposeful Pacing: Balance action, suspense, and moments of reflection. Avoid rushed scenes or unnecessary lulls by maintaining a steady rhythm.
  3. Plot Twists and Surprises: Surprise your readers with unexpected turns that keep them eagerly turning the pages.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

Riveting Characters

Amateur writing often falls short in creating memorable characters that resonate with readers. To breathe life into your characters, follow these guidelines:

  1. Deep Characterization: Craft well-rounded characters with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. Avoid stereotypes and allow for growth and change.
  2. Authentic Dialogue: Develop natural and engaging dialogue that reflects each character’s voice. Steer clear of excessive exposition and focus on showing rather than telling.
  3. Character Relationships: Explore the dynamics between your characters, creating compelling interactions and conflicts that drive the plot forward.Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Mind-Blowing Descriptions

Inexperienced writers struggle to paint vivid pictures with their words. To enhance your descriptive prowess, consider the following tips:

  1. Sensory Details: Engage readers’ senses by incorporating sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. This immersive experience will transport readers into your world.
  2. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of telling readers how a character feels or what something looks like, show it through actions, dialogue, and carefully chosen details.
  3. Evocative Language: Use rich and evocative language to create imagery and evoke emotions. Employ metaphors, similes, and powerful adjectives to add depth and impact.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

Engaging Dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool for advancing the plot and revealing character traits. Amateur writers often struggle with writing natural and captivating conversations. Improve your dialogue by considering the following:

  1. Unique Voices: Develop distinct voices for each character. Consider their backgrounds, personalities, and speech patterns to make their dialogue authentic.
  2. Subtext and Conflict: Infuse your dialogue with tension, subtext, and conflict to create compelling exchanges that reveal hidden layers of your characters.
  3. Effective Tags and Punctuation: Use dialogue tags sparingly and opt for action beats instead. Properly punctuate dialogue to ensure clarity and rhythm.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

Powerful Punctuation

Amateur writers often overlook the importance of punctuation, leading to confusion and a lack of clarity. Improve your writing’s impact by following these punctuation guidelines:

  1. Sentence Structure: Vary sentence lengths to create rhythm and maintain reader engagement. Short sentences add punch, while longer ones convey complex ideas.
  2. Comma Usage: Master the use of commas to clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and separate ideas. Avoid excessive comma splices or missing commas in compound sentences.
  3. Emphasis with Dashes and Ellipses: Employ dashes and ellipses strategically to add emphasis, create suspense, or indicate interrupted thoughts.

Also Read: Writing For Children Is No Child’s Play

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of writing requires a keen eye for recognizing the signs of amateur writing and implementing the necessary fixes. By addressing plotline issues, developing riveting characters, enhancing descriptive skills, crafting engaging dialogue, and mastering punctuation, you can elevate your writing to new heights.

Remember, writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Embrace feedback, read widely, and practice diligently. With each step, you’ll inch closer to becoming a masterful writer capable of captivating readers with your stories.

So, embrace the challenge, embark on this transformative writing adventure, and unlock your full potential as a writer. The world is waiting to be captivated by your words. Happy writing!

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Zen & the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration & Inner Peace through Writing

April 29 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing can be a form of meditation and a way to cultivate inner peace. In Zen and the Art of Writing, author Ray Bradbury explores how writing can be a spiritual practice that connects us to our inner selves and to the world around us. In this blog post, we will explore how writing can be a form of Zen practice and how it can help us find inspiration and inner peace.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

One of the key principles of Zen is mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment and observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Writing can be a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness because it requires us to focus our attention on the present moment and to be aware of our thoughts and emotions as we write.

Through writing practice, we can become more aware of our inner selves and our inner voice. We can learn to trust our intuition and to listen to our inner guidance. Writing can also help us to express our emotions and to process difficult experiences, which can be a form of self-healing and self-discovery.

Also Read: How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing Critique Group

In addition to cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness, writing can also be a form of creative expression and a way to connect with others. By sharing our writing with others, we can inspire, educate, and entertain. We can create a sense of community and connection with others who share our passions and interests.

Finding inspiration for writing can be challenging, but it can also be a form of spiritual practice. Zen teaches us to find inspiration in the present moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of everyday life. By cultivating a sense of curiosity and wonder, we can find inspiration in the world around us and in our own experiences.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

In Zen and the Art of Writing, Bradbury suggests that we should write about what we love and what inspires us. He encourages writers to follow their passions and to write from the heart. By writing about what we love, we can tap into our creative energy and connect with our deepest selves.

Writing can also be a form of surrender and letting go. Zen teaches us to let go of attachment and to accept things as they are. Writing can be a way to release our emotions and to let go of our fears and doubts. By surrendering to the writing process, we can connect with a sense of flow and ease, which can be a form of inner peace.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

In conclusion, writing can be a form of Zen practice that can help us find inspiration and inner peace. By cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and a sense of wonder, we can tap into our creative energy and connect with our deepest selves. Writing can be a way to express our emotions, to process difficult experiences, and to connect with others. It can be a form of surrender and letting go that can lead us to a sense of flow and ease. Whether we are writing for ourselves or for others, writing can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and personal transformation.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses as a Writer

April 28 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Every writer has a unique writing process. Some writers prefer to outline their ideas before starting to write, while others prefer to dive straight into the writing process. Regardless of your preferred method, it’s important to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. In this blog post, we will explore some strategies for identifying your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.

Also Read: X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

The first step in identifying your strengths and weaknesses as a writer is to reflect on your writing experience. Think about the types of writing you have done in the past, whether it’s academic writing, creative writing, or business writing. Consider the feedback you have received on your writing, both positive and negative. Ask yourself what aspects of your writing you are confident in and what areas you feel you could improve.

The second step is to analyze your writing process. Think about how you approach writing and what techniques you use. Do you prefer to write in a quiet environment or with background noise? Do you like to brainstorm ideas before starting to write, or do you prefer to write freely without a plan? By understanding your writing process, you can identify what works for you and what areas you may need to improve.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

The third step is to seek feedback from others. Sharing your writing with others and asking for feedback can be a valuable tool for identifying your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Consider sharing your work with a writing group, a friend, or a professional editor. Ask for feedback on the areas you are unsure about, such as your grammar, structure, or style. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer.

The fourth step is to identify your strengths and weaknesses in specific areas of writing. Consider the different elements of writing, such as grammar, punctuation, structure, style, and voice. Ask yourself which areas you feel confident in and which areas you struggle with. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses in specific areas, you can focus your efforts on improving your weaknesses and enhancing your strengths.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

The fifth step is to create a plan for improvement. Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, it’s important to create a plan for improvement. Set realistic goals for yourself, such as improving your grammar or expanding your vocabulary. Consider taking writing classes or workshops to improve your skills. Practice writing in different styles and genres to challenge yourself and expand your abilities.

In conclusion, identifying your strengths and weaknesses as a writer is an important part of the writing process. By reflecting on your writing experience, analyzing your writing process, seeking feedback from others, and identifying your strengths and weaknesses in specific areas, you can create a plan for improvement and enhance your writing skills. Remember that writing is a process, and improvement takes time and practice. With dedication and effort, you can become a skilled and confident writer who produces work that is engaging, impactful, and enjoyable to read.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Body Of Work by Mansi Babbar

April 27 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Body Of Work by Mansi Babbar has been presented by Ravi Subramanian and published by Harper Collins. Body of Work is about two women – Raina and Hera – one is the protagonist and the other is the antagonist. Not many books come along our way where both the leads are female and the story is written by a woman. Thumbs up on that.

Also Read: #BookReview: The CurseOf Kuldhara by Richa S Mukherjee

Raina is a film journalist and its clear to the readers that she has some sort of beef with this larger than life character Hera. She herself is stuck reporting in a beat that wasn’t her first choice, and while trying to make peace with that, she is on a mission to present to the world Hera’s web of deceit, manipulation, and treachery.

Despite having brought public humiliation (or at least, attempted to) on Hera, Raina finds herself invited at one of the star’s glittery events. She has to attend the event against her will as her boss makes it her only chance to redeem herself and her job after the last mishap she had apparently created regarding her reporting on Hera.

Also Read: Hyderabad: Book 2 of The Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

Trying to salvage her own reputation as a reporter and secretly wishing to find the truth behind the fake image Hera has created and led the world to believe, Hera arrives at the party with a colleague. The party is mostly uneventful, though she does manage to investigate a bit successfully. By some turn of events, Raina finds herself spending the night at Hera’s home and what happens after that was something she wouldn’t have imagined in her wildest dreams.

And as someone who has read the book, I will tell you, even you wouldn’t have guessed! Without getting further into the story because it is after this point that a LOT happens, and you’ll need to read the story to keep up with it, I will talk about what I liked in this book and what didn’t work for me.

Mansi Babbar knows how to write. Her command over the language, her style of writing, her narration, everything is impressive.  She has paid attention to all the characters she has included in the story and given them time to build themselves into the story.

What didn’t work for me was the story itself. It starts off slow and since one knows that it’s a thriller, one keeps imagining which path the plot will take. Its okay to be surprised and see the plot take a new path, but here, it went somewhere weird. While the climax is most unpredictable, I had to force myself to finish reading the story (it helped that the book is short). Raina’s backstory was interesting and could have been woven into the story with more power.

One might argue that I am unhappy with the story because of genre sub-type isn’t what I enjoy reading but wouldn’t a good book have made me like it anyway? I’d love to read more of Mansi’s books, but probably in some other genre.

Blurb of Body Of Work by Mansi Babbar:

If only she hadn’t been greedy for news … An ambitious young reporter, Raina is stuck in a rut, covering dull movie gossip and pointless press conferences for the magazine Glitterbug. So when she gets a whiff of a scandal about superstar Hera and her dubious dealings, Raina is feverish with excitement. This is the opportunity she needs. To get right into the story, Raina enters the lioness’s den. But what she finds concealed in the mansion are secrets beyond her imaginings. Over the course of just one night, Raina gets sucked into a dangerous world built on deceit, power and mind games. Will she survive this ordeal? Body of Work is a story about giving in to one’s darkest desires-a chilling account of the secrets we keep and the hold they have over us.

Also Read: Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction and Joy with Feminism

Buy Body Of Work by Mansi Babbar here:

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond

April 27 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Editing is a crucial step in the writing process that can make the difference between a good piece of writing and a great one. While basic editing techniques such as proofreading for spelling and grammar errors are important, there are more advanced techniques that can take your writing to the next level. In this blog post, we will explore some X-factor editing techniques that go above and beyond basic editing.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Flow of Writing

The first X-factor editing technique is to focus on the flow of your writing. Flow refers to the way your writing moves from one sentence to the next. A well-written piece of writing should have a smooth and natural flow that keeps the reader engaged. To improve the flow of your writing, read your work out loud and pay attention to how it sounds. Look for places where the sentences feel choppy or awkward and try to rewrite them to improve the flow.

Attention to Pace

Another X-factor editing technique is to pay attention to the pacing of your writing. Pacing refers to the speed at which the story or information is presented. A well-paced piece of writing will keep the reader engaged and interested throughout. To improve the pacing of your writing, look for places where the story or information is dragging or moving too quickly. Consider adding or removing details to improve the pacing and keep the reader engaged.

Also Read: Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

Focus on Sensory Details

A third X-factor editing technique is to focus on the use of sensory details in your writing. Sensory details refer to the five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Including sensory details in your writing can help to bring your words to life and create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. To improve the use of sensory details in your writing, look for places where you can add more sensory details to enhance the reader’s experience.

Focus on Figurative Language

A fourth X-factor editing technique is to focus on the use of figurative language in your writing. Figurative language refers to language that is used to create a vivid image or comparison in the reader’s mind. Examples of figurative language include similes, metaphors, and personification. Including figurative language in your writing can help to make your words more memorable and engaging. To improve the use of figurative language in your writing, look for places where you can add a simile, metaphor, or other figure of speech to enhance the reader’s experience.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

Focus on Dialogue

A fifth X-factor editing technique is to focus on the use of dialogue in your writing. Dialogue refers to the words spoken by characters in a story or conversation. Well-written dialogue can bring characters to life and create a sense of realism in your writing. To improve the use of dialogue in your writing, pay attention to the way your characters speak and make sure their words sound authentic. Consider using dialogue tags and actions to help convey the tone and mood of the conversation.

In Conclusion

Editing is an essential step in the writing process that can take your writing from good to great. Basic editing techniques such as proofreading are important, but X-factor editing techniques can help to enhance the flow, pacing, sensory details, figurative language, and dialogue in your writing. By focusing on these techniques, you can create writing that is engaging, memorable, and impactful. With practice and attention to detail, you can become a skilled and effective editor who takes your writing above and beyond.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Writing Different Genres: Understanding Different Styles of Writing

April 26 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is a skill that is essential to communication in virtually all fields and industries. However, different genres and styles of writing require different approaches and conventions. Understanding the conventions of different styles of writing is essential to effectively communicating your message to your intended audience. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of understanding different genres and styles of writing, and provide some tips for how to write effectively in each.

Also Read: Tips for Writing a Memorable Opening Scene

Understand

The first step in writing effectively in different genres and styles is to understand the conventions and expectations of each. For example, a technical report will have different conventions than a novel or a news article. In order to understand these conventions, it can be helpful to study examples of each genre and style. This will give you a sense of the tone, structure, and language that are appropriate for each.

Consider

Another important consideration is your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their expectations and needs? For example, if you are writing for a scientific audience, you will need to use technical language and explain concepts in detail. On the other hand, if you are writing for a general audience, you will need to use clear and accessible language and avoid jargon.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Creative V/S Academic Writing

One genre that requires a specific set of conventions is creative writing. Creative writing encompasses a range of styles, including poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. In creative writing, the focus is on expressing ideas and emotions through language and imagery. Some conventions of creative writing include using vivid sensory details, creating believable characters, and developing a clear narrative arc.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

In contrast, academic writing requires a more formal and structured approach. Academic writing is often used in research papers, essays, and dissertations. In academic writing, the focus is on presenting information in a clear and logical manner, using evidence to support arguments. Some conventions of academic writing include using third person point of view, avoiding personal pronouns, and citing sources correctly.

Journalistic Writing

Journalistic writing is another genre that requires specific conventions. Journalistic writing is used in news articles, feature stories, and opinion pieces. In journalistic writing, the focus is on presenting information in a clear and concise manner, while also engaging the reader. Some conventions of journalistic writing include using short, direct sentences, including quotes from sources, and using headlines to grab the reader’s attention.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

Conventions

Finally, business writing requires a specific set of conventions. Business writing is used in emails, memos, reports, and other types of business communication. In business writing, the focus is on being clear and concise, while also maintaining a professional tone. Some conventions of business writing include using short paragraphs, avoiding jargon, and using bullet points to present information clearly.

In Conclusion

Understanding the conventions of different genres and styles of writing is essential to effectively communicating your message to your intended audience. By studying examples of each genre and considering the needs of your audience, you can tailor your writing to suit the specific requirements of each situation. Whether you are writing creatively, academically, journalistically, or for business purposes, there are specific conventions and approaches that will help you to achieve your goals. With practice and attention to detail, you can become a skilled and effective writer in any genre or style.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Voice and Tone: Crafting Consistent Narratives

April 25 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When crafting narratives, it’s important to consider not just what is being said, but how it is being said. Voice and tone are two crucial elements that contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of a narrative.

Voice refers to the personality and perspective of the narrator or speaker, while tone refers to the attitude or emotional inflection behind the words. Together, these elements create a consistent and cohesive narrative that can engage, persuade, or inform an audience.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

Distinct Voice

The first step in crafting a consistent narrative is to establish a clear and distinct voice. This can be achieved by determining the persona of the narrator or speaker, such as whether they are serious, humorous, or authoritative. It’s important to consider the target audience and the message being conveyed when deciding on a voice, as the chosen persona should resonate with both.

Maintain Consistency

Once a voice has been established, it’s important to maintain consistency throughout the narrative. This can be achieved through the use of consistent language, syntax, and point of view. For example, if the narrator is using a casual, conversational voice, they should avoid using overly formal language or switching to a more formal tone mid-way through the narrative.

Also Read: Understanding the Role of an Editor in the Publishing Industry

Consider the Tone

In addition to maintaining a consistent voice, the tone of the narrative should also be carefully considered. The tone can help to convey the emotional impact of the message, whether it be serious, somber, or light-hearted. It’s important to remember that the tone should be appropriate to the content of the narrative, as using an inappropriate tone can be off-putting to the audience.

Create a Style Guide

One way to ensure consistency in both voice and tone is to create a style guide. This guide can outline the specific language, tone, and formatting guidelines to be used throughout the narrative. It can also include examples of previous content that has been successful in achieving the desired voice and tone.

Also Read: Tips for Writing a Memorable Opening Scene

Understand the Context

Another important factor in crafting a consistent narrative is understanding the context in which it will be presented. For example, a narrative designed for social media may require a more casual and conversational tone than one designed for a professional presentation. By understanding the context, the narrator can tailor their voice and tone to better connect with the audience.

Review the Narrative

Finally, it’s important to review and revise the narrative as needed to ensure that it remains consistent and effective. This may involve soliciting feedback from others, such as colleagues or focus groups, to ensure that the voice and tone are resonating with the intended audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, voice and tone are two crucial elements in crafting a consistent and effective narrative. By establishing a clear and distinct voice, maintaining consistency throughout the narrative, and tailoring the tone to the context, the narrator can engage, persuade, or inform the audience. Through careful consideration and revision, a consistent narrative can be crafted that effectively conveys the intended message.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Understanding the Role of an Editor in the Publishing Industry

April 24 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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An editor plays a critical role in the publishing industry. From manuscript to publication, an editor helps to shape a book into its best possible form. They work closely with the author to ensure that the book meets their vision and appeals to the target audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of an editor in the publishing industry in more detail.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

  1. Manuscript evaluation

The first step of the editing process is usually a manuscript evaluation. This is where the editor reads through the manuscript and provides feedback to the author. They may provide suggestions for improving the structure, pacing, or characters, and highlight any issues they see with the manuscript. This feedback is critical for the author to revise their manuscript before moving on to the next stage of editing.

  1. Developmental editing

Once the manuscript has been evaluated, the editor will work with the author on developmental editing. This involves revising the manuscript at a higher level to ensure that the story is strong, the pacing is effective, and the characters are fully developed. Developmental editing can involve significant changes to the manuscript, such as restructuring the plot or rewriting scenes.

Also Read: Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

  1. Line editing

After the manuscript has been revised at a higher level, the editor will move on to line editing. This involves reviewing the manuscript line by line, focusing on elements such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. The goal of line editing is to improve the flow of the writing and ensure that it is easy to read.

  1. Copyediting

The next stage of editing is copyediting. This involves reviewing the manuscript for errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The copyeditor also checks for consistency in style, formatting, and tone. Copyediting is critical to ensure that the manuscript is error-free and polished.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

  1. Proofreading

The final stage of editing is proofreading. This involves reviewing the manuscript for any remaining errors or typos. The proofreader also checks the formatting and layout of the book to ensure that it is ready for publication. Proofreading is the final step before the book is published, and it ensures that the book is of the highest quality possible.

  1. Working with the author

Throughout the editing process, the editor works closely with the author to ensure that the book meets their vision. They provide feedback, guidance, and suggestions for improvement, while also respecting the author’s creative vision. The editor and author work collaboratively to create a book that is the best possible version of the author’s work.

Also Read: Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal

In Conclusion

The role of an editor in the publishing industry is critical. From manuscript evaluation to proofreading, the editor helps to shape the book into its best possible form. They work closely with the author to ensure that the book meets their vision, while also appealing to the target audience. The editing process is a collaborative one, and the editor and author work together to create a book that is the best possible version of the author’s work. Without the work of editors, many books would not reach their full potential, and the publishing industry would suffer as a result.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Tips for Writing a Memorable Opening Scene

April 22 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When it comes to writing a novel, the opening scene is crucial. It’s your chance to grab your reader’s attention and hook them into your story. A memorable opening scene can make the difference between a book that gets picked up and read, and one that gets passed over. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips for writing a memorable opening scene that will keep your readers engaged.

Also Read: Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

  1. Start with action

Starting your story with action is a great way to grab your reader’s attention. Action can be anything from a car chase to a heated argument, as long as it’s interesting and attention-grabbing. This will help establish the tone of your story and get your readers invested in what’s happening.

  1. Set the scene

In addition to action, it’s important to set the scene in your opening scene. Describe the setting in a way that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they’re there. Use sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. This will help to establish the mood of the story and give the reader a sense of place.

Also Read: Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal

  1. Introduce the main character

Your opening scene should also introduce your main character. This can be done through action or description, but it’s important to give your reader a sense of who your character is and what they’re about. This will help the reader to connect with your character and become invested in their story.

  1. Create tension

Tension is what keeps your reader engaged in your story. A great way to create tension in your opening scene is to introduce a conflict or problem that your main character must face. This conflict should be something that is immediately interesting and has the potential to escalate throughout the story.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

  1. Use dialogue

Dialogue is a great way to establish character and create tension. Use dialogue in your opening scene to introduce your characters and their relationships to each other. This will help to give your readers a sense of who your characters are and what they’re about.

  1. Use foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a great way to create anticipation in your opening scene. Hint at what’s to come later in the story, without giving too much away. This will create a sense of mystery and keep your reader engaged throughout the story.

Also Read: Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

  1. Keep it short and sweet

Finally, it’s important to keep your opening scene short and sweet. You don’t want to overwhelm your reader with too much information or detail. Instead, focus on creating a scene that is interesting, attention-grabbing, and sets the tone for the rest of the story.

Conclusion

Writing a memorable opening scene is crucial to the success of your novel. By starting with action, setting the scene, introducing the main character, creating tension, using dialogue, foreshadowing, and keeping it short and sweet, you can create an opening scene that hooks your reader and keeps them engaged throughout the story. Remember, the opening scene is your chance to make a first impression on your reader, so make it count!

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc

April 22 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When it comes to writing a story, understanding the story structure is crucial. At its core, a story is a journey that takes the reader through a series of events and emotions, and the structure of that journey is what makes it engaging and satisfying. In this blog post, we’ll explore the elements of plot and narrative arc, which are the building blocks of story structure.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up a story, and it is what drives the narrative forward. A well-crafted plot will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part serving a specific purpose.

Also Read: Researching for Your Book And Finding Reliable Sources

Exposition

The beginning of a plot is the exposition, where the setting, characters, and conflict are introduced. It sets the stage for the rest of the story and establishes the foundation for the journey to come. This is where the reader is introduced to the main character, their world, and the problem that they will face.

Rising Action

The middle of the plot is where the rising action occurs. This is where the conflict intensifies and the main character is faced with a series of obstacles and challenges. The middle is also where the plot thickens and the stakes are raised, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story.

Resolution

Finally, the end of the plot is the resolution, where the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. This is where loose ends are tied up and the reader gets a sense of closure.

Also Read: Querying Agents: Best Practices for Writing Effective Query Letters

Narrative Arc 

The narrative arc is the emotional journey the reader goes on throughout the story. It makes the story resonate with the reader and creates a lasting impression. A well-crafted narrative arc will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, just like the plot.

Exposition

The beginning of the narrative arc is the exposition, where the reader is introduced to the characters and setting. This is where the reader establishes a connection with the main character and begins to empathize with them.

Also Read: Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

Challenges

The middle of the narrative arc is where the character faces their greatest challenges and experiences the most intense emotions. This is where the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling everything the character feels.

Resolution

Finally, the end of the narrative arc is the resolution, where the character achieves their goal or overcomes their obstacle. This is where the reader feels a sense of catharsis and closure.

When crafting a story, it is important to keep the plot and the narrative arc in mind. A well-crafted plot will keep the reader engaged and interested in the story, while a well-crafted narrative arc will make the story resonate emotionally with the reader.

Also Read: Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

Some More…

In addition to the plot and the narrative arc, there are several other elements of story structure that are important to consider. These include the inciting incident, which is the event that sets the plot in motion, the climax, which is the most intense point of the story, and the denouement, which is the aftermath of the climax.

It is also important to consider the pacing of the story. A story that moves too quickly can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied, while a story that moves too slowly can bore the reader. Finding the right pacing for the story is crucial to keeping the reader engaged and invested.

In Conclusion

Understanding story structure is crucial to crafting a well-crafted and engaging story. By understanding the elements of the plot and narrative arc, and considering the other elements of story structure, writers can create a story that is satisfying emotionally and intellectually. By carefully crafting each element of the story, writers can create a journey that takes the reader on an emotional and engaging journey from beginning to end.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Researching for Your Book And Finding Reliable Sources

April 20 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction book, research is an essential part of the writing process. Research helps writers to create realistic and believable worlds, characters, and stories. However, finding reliable sources and incorporating details into your writing can be challenging. In this post, we’ll explore some tips for researching and incorporating details into your writing.

Finding Reliable Sources

When researching for your book, it’s essential to find reliable sources. Here are some tips for finding and evaluating sources:

Tip #1: Start with reputable sources

Start your research with reputable sources such as academic journals, books by experts in the field, and government websites. These sources are more likely to be accurate and reliable.

Also Read: Line Editing: A Close Look at Sentence-Level Edits

Tip #2: Use multiple sources

Use multiple sources to ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of the topic you’re researching. Cross-check information between sources to ensure accuracy.

Tip #3: Evaluate sources

Evaluate the sources you use for credibility and bias. Consider the author’s credentials and affiliations, as well as the publication’s reputation.

Tip #4: Avoid unreliable sources

Avoid sources that are unreliable, such as personal blogs, forums, and social media posts. They  may contain inaccurate information or biased opinions.

Incorporating Details into Your Writing

Once you’ve found reliable sources, it’s time to incorporate details into your writing. Here are some tips for doing so:

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

Tip #1: Use sensory details

Use sensory details such as sights, sounds, smells, and textures to bring your writing to life. Sensory details help readers to visualize the scene and become fully immersed in the story.

Tip #2: Incorporate historical context

Incorporating historical context can add depth and realism to your writing. Research the time period in which your story is set and include details such as clothing, technology, and social norms.

Tip #3: Include dialogue

Dialogue can add personality and authenticity to your characters. Research the dialects and speech patterns of the time period or location in which your story is set to create realistic dialogue.

Tip #4: Be accurate

Ensure that the details you include in your writing are accurate and consistent. Double-check facts and cross-check information between sources to ensure accuracy.

Also Read: Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal

Conclusion

Researching and incorporating details into your writing can be challenging, but it’s essential for creating realistic and believable stories. Finding reliable sources and using sensory details, historical context, dialogue, and accuracy are all key to successful research and writing. Remember, the more you know about the topic you’re writing about, the more realistic and immersive your writing will be. So, take the time to research and incorporate details into your writing, and watch your stories come to life.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Querying Agents: Best Practices for Writing Effective Query Letters

April 19 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Querying agents is an essential step in the traditional publishing process. It involves sending a query letter to literary agents, who will then review the letter and decide whether or not to request a full manuscript. Writing an effective query letter is crucial for success in this process, as it is often the first impression an agent will have of your work. In this blog post, we will explore some best practices for writing effective query letters.

Also Read: Proofreading 101: Catching Errors Before Publication

Research

First and foremost, it is important to research the agents you are querying. This includes reading their submission guidelines and researching their background and experience. By tailoring your query letter to the specific agent, you can demonstrate that you have done your homework and are serious about your writing career.

Query Letter

Next, it is important to keep your query letter concise and focused. A good query letter should be no longer than one page and should include a brief synopsis of your book, a hook to grab the agent’s attention, and information about your qualifications as a writer. The hook is particularly important, as it should be compelling and unique to your story. Avoid generic statements or cliches, and focus on what makes your book stand out.

Also Read: Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

Impress With Your Writing Skill

Another important aspect of a query letter is demonstrating your writing ability. This can be achieved through the tone and voice of your letter, as well as through the synopsis of your book. Make sure that your letter is well-written and free of errors, as this can demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.

Include Relevant Information

It is also important to include information about your platform and marketing potential. This can include social media following, previous publications, or any relevant experience in your field. Agents are looking for writers who have the potential to sell books, so demonstrating your marketing potential can be a big selling point.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In addition to these best practices, there are several mistakes to avoid when writing query letters. One common mistake is sending a generic query letter to multiple agents without tailoring it to their specific interests and submission guidelines. This can demonstrate a lack of effort and research on your part, and can turn off potential agents.

Another mistake is being too long-winded or including too much detail in your query letter. Remember, agents are busy and receive a large number of submissions, so they don’t have time to read through lengthy letters. Keep your letter concise and focused on the most important aspects of your book and your qualifications as a writer.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Finally, it is important to be patient and persistent in the querying process. It can take weeks or even months to receive a response from agents, and rejection is a common part of the process. However, with persistence and hard work, you can find the right agent for your book and begin the journey to publication.

In Conclusion

Querying agents is a critical step in the traditional publishing process, and writing an effective query letter is key to success in this process. By researching agents, keeping your letter concise and focused, demonstrating your writing ability, highlighting your platform and marketing potential, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success in the querying process. With hard work, patience, and persistence, you can find the right agent for your book and achieve your publishing goals.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Proofreading 101: Catching Errors Before Publication

April 18 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Proofreading is an essential part of the writing process, as it helps to catch errors and ensure that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. Whether you are proofreading your own work or the work of others, there are several key steps you can take to catch errors before publication.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

Read Carefully

The first step in proofreading is to read the content carefully and thoroughly. This means reading each word and sentence slowly, paying close attention to details such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It can be helpful to read the content out loud, as this can help you to catch errors that you may have missed when reading silently.

Review More Than Once

Another important step is to review the content multiple times, focusing on different aspects of the writing with each pass. For example, you might read through the content once to check for spelling errors, then read through it again to check for grammar errors, and a third time to check for punctuation errors. By breaking the proofreading process into smaller, more manageable steps, you can catch more errors and ensure that the content is error-free.

Also Read: Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

Lookout For Common Errors

When proofreading, it is also important to be on the lookout for common errors that are easy to miss. For example, many writers make mistakes with homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Examples of homophones include “their” and “there,” “its” and “it’s,” and “your” and “you’re.” By being aware of these common errors, you can catch them before they make it into the final draft.

Use A Checklist

Another effective strategy for catching errors is to use a checklist. A proofreading checklist can include items such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency, and formatting. By going through the checklist systematically, you can ensure that you catch all of the errors and make sure that the content is polished and professional.

Also Read: Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

Take Breaks

It is also important to take breaks during the proofreading process. When you read the same content over and over again, it can be easy to miss errors because your brain becomes accustomed to the words and sentences. By taking breaks and coming back to the content with fresh eyes, you can catch errors that you may have missed before.

Use Tools & Resources

In addition to these strategies, there are several tools and resources that can help with proofreading. For example, spell checkers and grammar checkers can be helpful for catching simple errors. However, it is important to remember that these tools are not foolproof, and they may not catch all errors. It is still important to proofread the content carefully and thoroughly.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Finally, it can be helpful to have a second set of eyes review the content. This can be a colleague, friend, or family member who is willing to read through the content and provide feedback. A fresh perspective can often catch errors that you may have missed, and it can also provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

In conclusion, proofreading is a critical part of the writing process, as it helps to catch errors and ensure that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. By reading the content carefully and thoroughly, reviewing it multiple times, using a checklist, taking breaks, and utilizing tools and resources, you can catch errors before publication and ensure that the content is polished and professional. With practice and attention to detail, anyone can become a skilled proofreader and produce error-free content.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

April 17 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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First and foremost, it is important to understand that writer’s block is a common issue that affects writers of all levels. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of inspiration, fear of failure, and perfectionism. As an editor, it is important to be empathetic and patient with your writers as they work through their creative blocks.

Also Read: Line Editing: A Close Look at Sentence-Level Edits

Writer’s block is a frustrating phenomenon that can hit even the most experienced writers. It’s that feeling of being stuck, unable to come up with anything worthwhile to write. As an editor, it can be just as frustrating, if not more so, when your writers are struggling with writer’s block. After all, deadlines need to be met and content needs to be produced. So, what can you do to help your writers overcome writer’s block? Here are some tips:

  1. Encourage Freewriting

Freewriting is a technique where you set a timer for a specified amount of time, say 10 minutes, and write without stopping. The idea is to keep writing, even if it means writing complete nonsense. The goal is to get the writer’s creative juices flowing and to get them unstuck. As an editor, you can encourage your writers to try freewriting as a way to break through their writer’s block.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

  1. Provide Inspiration

Sometimes, all a writer needs is a little bit of inspiration. As an editor, you can provide that inspiration by sending your writers articles, videos, or other content that may spark their creativity. You can also suggest that they read books or watch movies in the same genre as the piece they’re working on to get ideas.

  1. Break It Down

One reason why writer’s block can be so paralyzing is that the writer may feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. If they’re facing a blank page and don’t know where to start, it’s easy to get stuck. As an editor, you can help by breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Encourage your writers to start with an outline or to write a rough draft of just one section of the piece. By focusing on one small part of the task at a time, the writer may find it easier to get started and make progress.

Also Read: Journaling for Writers: Using Daily Reflection to Boost Creativity

  1. Change the Environment

Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for a writer’s creativity. As an editor, you can suggest that your writers try working in a different location, such as a coffee shop or a park. The change of scenery may help them to relax and to see things from a different perspective, which can be helpful in breaking through writer’s block.

  1. Take a Break

Finally, sometimes the best thing a writer can do when facing writer’s block is to take a break. As an editor, you can encourage your writers to take some time off, whether it’s a few hours or a few days. During that time, they can do something completely unrelated to writing, such as going for a walk or practicing yoga. Taking a break can help the writer to relax and to come back to the task with a fresh perspective.

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

In conclusion, writer’s block can be a frustrating experience for both writers and editors. However, there are steps you can take to help your writers overcome this challenge. By encouraging freewriting, providing inspiration, breaking the task down into smaller chunks, changing the environment, and taking a break, you can help your writers to break through their writer’s block and to produce the content you need. So, the next time you have a writer who’s struggling, try some of these tips and see if they work. Good luck!

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Navigating Rejection: Coping with Setbacks & Overcoming Fear of Failure

April 15 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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For many aspiring authors, rejection is an unfortunate reality of the publishing industry. Whether it’s a rejection letter from a literary agent or a negative review from a book critic, rejection can be a difficult and demoralising experience. However, rejection is also an opportunity for growth and learning. By learning to cope with setbacks and overcome the fear of failure, authors can develop the resilience and perseverance needed to succeed in the publishing world.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

Coping with Rejection

The first step in coping with rejection is to acknowledge and accept it. Rejection is an inherent part of the publishing process, and it’s important not to take it personally. Remember that rejection doesn’t mean that your writing is bad or that you’ll never get published. It simply means that your work isn’t a good fit for that particular publisher, agent, or reviewer.

It’s also important to take time to process your emotions. Rejection can be painful, and it’s okay to feel disappointed, angry, or sad. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions, but don’t dwell on them. Instead, try to reframe rejection as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself what you can learn from the rejection, and how you can use that knowledge to improve your writing and your approach to publishing.

Also Read: Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

Another helpful coping mechanism is to seek support from other writers or industry professionals. Join a writing group or attend writing conferences to connect with other authors who understand the challenges of the publishing industry. Talking to others who have experienced rejection can help you feel less alone and more motivated to keep trying.

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common barrier to success in any creative field, and the publishing industry is no exception. The fear of rejection can be paralyzing, preventing authors from submitting their work or taking risks in their writing.

To overcome the fear of failure, it’s important to shift your mindset from one of perfectionism to one of growth. Accept that failure is a natural part of the creative process, and that every rejection or setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

It’s also important to set realistic goals and celebrate small successes. Instead of focusing solely on getting published, set smaller goals such as completing a certain number of pages or chapters, or receiving feedback from a trusted beta reader. Celebrate these achievements as milestones on the path to success.

Another helpful strategy is to develop a routine or habit around your writing. By setting aside a specific time each day or week for writing, you can create a sense of momentum and consistency that can help you overcome fear and self-doubt.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

Navigating rejection from publishers is a difficult but necessary part of the publishing process. By learning to cope with setbacks and overcome the fear of failure, authors can develop the resilience and perseverance needed to succeed in the industry. Remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a writer, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. Seek support from other writers, set realistic goals, and develop a consistent writing routine to help you overcome fear and achieve success.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

 

 

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Mastering Point of View: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each Perspective

April 14 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Choosing the right point of view can make all the difference in how your story is perceived by your readers. But with so many different perspectives to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your story. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each point of view to help you make an informed decision.

Also Read: Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal

First-Person POV

In the first-person POV, the story is told from the perspective of one character who is also the narrator. This POV is great for creating an intimate connection between the reader and the protagonist. It can also provide a unique insight into the narrator’s thoughts and emotions. However, it can be limiting in terms of what the reader can know and see beyond the narrator’s experience. It can also become tedious if the narrator is not likable or relatable.

Second-Person POV

The second-person POV is used less frequently, but it’s still an option for some writers. This POV is when the narrator speaks directly to the reader using “you.” It’s often used in instructional or self-help writing. It can be a powerful tool for creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and the narrator. However, it can be challenging to maintain this POV for an entire story without it becoming gimmicky or distancing the reader from the characters.

Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Third-Person POV

The third-person POV is the most common POV used in fiction. It’s told by an external narrator who is not a character in the story. There are two types of third-person POV: limited and omniscient. In the limited POV, the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character. In the omniscient POV, the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters in the story.

There are also several variations of third-person point of view, including limited and omniscient. Limited third-person point of view is when the story is told from the perspective of a single character, but using third-person pronouns instead of first-person pronouns. This can be a useful compromise between the intimacy of first-person point of view and the objectivity of third-person point of view. Omniscient third-person point of view is when the story is told from the perspective of an all-knowing narrator, who is able to see and know everything that is happening in the story. This can be a useful tool for creating complexity and depth in your writing, but it can also be difficult to execute without coming across as contrived or overbearing.

Also Read: Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

Multiple POVs

Multiple POVs are becoming more popular in modern storytelling. It’s when the story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters. This can add depth and complexity to the story. It can also provide different perspectives on the same events. However, it can be difficult to juggle multiple POVs, and if not done well, it can become confusing for the reader.

Also Read: Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Right POV

Choosing the right POV depends on the story and what you want to achieve. If you want to create a close connection between the reader and the protagonist, the first-person POV is a great choice. If you want to provide a broader perspective on the story, the third-person POV may be better.

Also Read: Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

Ultimately, the choice of point of view will depend on the needs of your story and the preferences of your readers. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each perspective and to experiment with different options to find the one that works best for you. With practice and patience, you can master the art of point of view and create stories that are both engaging and effective.

 

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Line Editing: A Close Look at Sentence-Level Edits

April 13 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Line editing, also known as sentence-level editing, is an important step in the editing process that focuses on the finer details of writing. This type of editing is done at the sentence level, and involves reviewing each sentence for clarity, conciseness, and flow. In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at line editing and how it can improve your writing.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

What is Line Editing?

Line editing is the process of reviewing each sentence in a piece of writing to ensure that it is clear, concise, and flows smoothly. This type of editing focuses on the finer details of writing, including sentence structure, word choice, punctuation, and grammar. Line editing is typically done after the larger issues, such as plot and character development, have been addressed.

Why is Line Editing Important?

Line editing is important because it can improve the overall quality of your writing. Here are some specific reasons why line editing is important:

Also Read: Journaling for Writers: Using Daily Reflection to Boost Creativity

  1. Improves Clarity: By reviewing each sentence for clarity, line editing can help to ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively.
  2. Enhances Flow: Line editing can help to ensure that your writing flows smoothly from sentence to sentence, making it more enjoyable to read.
  3. Increases Conciseness: Line editing can help to eliminate unnecessary words and phrases, making your writing more concise and to the point.
  4. Enhances Readability: By improving the clarity, flow, and conciseness of your writing, line editing can make your writing more readable and engaging for your audience.

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

Tips for Line Editing

Here are some tips to help you with your line editing:

  1. Read Your Writing Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you identify areas where your sentences are awkward or unclear.
  2. Use Active Voice: Active voice is typically more engaging and easier to read than passive voice. Look for opportunities to use active voice in your writing.
  3. Eliminate Unnecessary Words: Look for words or phrases that don’t add anything to your writing, such as “very” or “really”. Eliminating these unnecessary words can make your writing more concise and impactful.
  4. Vary Your Sentence Structure: Varying your sentence structure can help to keep your writing engaging and prevent it from becoming monotonous.
  5. Check for Punctuation and Grammar Errors: Line editing involves reviewing your writing for punctuation and grammar errors, such as comma splices or subject-verb agreement errors.

In conclusion, line editing is an important part of the editing process that can improve the overall quality of your writing. By reviewing each sentence for clarity, flow, and conciseness, you can create a piece of writing that is engaging, readable, and impactful. By reading your writing aloud, using active voice, eliminating unnecessary words, varying your sentence structure, and checking for punctuation and grammar errors, you can ensure that your writing is the best it can be.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

April 12 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As writers, we often become attached to our words and sentences. We spend hours crafting the perfect phrase, only to find that it doesn’t quite fit into our writing as a whole. It can be difficult to let go of these beloved “darlings”, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to create a stronger piece of writing. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of cutting unnecessary words and how it can improve your writing.

Also Read: In-Depth Editing: Strategies for 
Comprehensive Reviews

Why Is This Important?

When we write, we often use more words than we need to convey our message. These unnecessary words can clutter our writing and make it more difficult for readers to understand our message. By cutting these words, we can create a more streamlined and effective piece of writing. Here are some specific reasons why cutting unnecessary words is important:

  1. Improves Clarity: When we remove unnecessary words, our writing becomes clearer and easier to understand. This is especially important when writing for a wide audience.
  2. Increases Readability: A cluttered piece of writing can be difficult to read, causing readers to lose interest. By cutting unnecessary words, we can improve the overall readability of our work.
  3. Enhances Conciseness: Concise writing is more effective than long-winded writing. By cutting unnecessary words, we can create a more concise piece of writing that packs a stronger punch.
  4. Streamlines the Message: Cutting unnecessary words can help to streamline our message, allowing readers to focus on the most important points.
Also Read: Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

Tips for Cutting Unnecessary Words

Cutting unnecessary words can be a difficult task, especially when we’re attached to our writing. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Read Your Writing Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you identify areas where you’ve used too many words. When you hear your writing out loud, it’s easier to identify areas where your sentences are too long or repetitive.
  2. Identify Repetition: Look for words or phrases that are repeated throughout your writing. Consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words that convey the same meaning.
  3. Simplify Your Sentences: Break up long sentences into smaller, more manageable ones. This can help to clarify your message and make your writing more concise.
  4. Eliminate Filler Words: Look for words that don’t add any meaning to your writing, such as “really”, “very”, or “just”. These words can be eliminated without changing the overall meaning of your writing.
  5. Cut Unnecessary Adjectives: While adjectives can add color to your writing, too many can make it cluttered. Consider cutting back on unnecessary adjectives to create a more streamlined piece of writing.
Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger 
Should Do

In conclusion, this step is an important part of the writing process. By streamlining our message and creating a more concise piece of writing, we can improve the overall effectiveness of our work. While it can be difficult to let go of our beloved “darlings”, it’s necessary in order to create the strongest piece of writing possible. By reading our writing aloud, identifying repetition, simplifying our sentences, eliminating filler words, and cutting unnecessary adjectives, we can create a piece of writing that is clear, concise, and effective.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Journaling for Writers: Using Daily Reflection to Boost Creativity

April 11 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Journaling is a powerful tool that can help writers improve their craft and boost their creativity. By setting aside time each day to reflect on your writing, you can gain insights into your process, identify areas for improvement, and spark new ideas. In this blog post, we will explore how journaling can benefit writers and provide some tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.

Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business

Why Journaling is Helpful for Writers

Journaling is a form of self-reflection that can help writers develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and creative process. By writing down your thoughts and ideas, you can gain clarity and perspective on your work, and identify patterns or trends that you may not have noticed otherwise. Additionally, journaling can help you develop a consistent writing habit, which is essential for long-term success as a writer.

Here are some specific ways that journaling can benefit writers:

  1. Idea Generation: Writing down your thoughts and ideas can help you generate new concepts and themes for your writing.
  2. Reflection: Journaling allows you to reflect on your work and identify areas that need improvement, whether it’s character development, pacing, or dialogue.
  3. Brainstorming: Journaling can also be used as a brainstorming tool, where you can jot down ideas for future projects or scenes.
  4. Self-Discovery: Journaling can help you discover your writing style, preferences, and strengths, which can be invaluable as you continue to develop as a writer.

Also Read: 10 Ways To Repurpose Your Content

Tips for Journaling for Writers

If you’re interested in incorporating journaling into your daily routine, here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Set Aside Time: Find a consistent time each day to write in your journal, whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before bed. Consistency is key to developing a writing habit.
  2. Use Prompts: If you’re struggling to come up with something to write about, use prompts to get your creativity flowing. You can find prompts online, or create your own based on your current writing project.
  3. Write Freely: Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation when you’re journaling. The goal is to get your thoughts down on paper, so write freely and without judgment.
  4. Be Honest: Journaling is a private activity, so don’t be afraid to be honest and open with yourself. This can be a safe space to explore your emotions and ideas without fear of judgment.
  5. Reflect on Your Writing: Use your journal to reflect on your writing process and progress. What have you learned about your writing style? What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
  6. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things in your journaling practice, whether it’s incorporating visual elements, trying different prompts, or experimenting with different writing styles.Also Read: Promote Your Book Without Leaving Your Home!

In conclusion, journaling is a powerful tool that can help writers improve their craft and boost their creativity. By setting aside time each day to reflect on your writing, you can gain insights into your process, identify areas for improvement, and spark new ideas. By using prompts, writing freely, and being honest with yourself, you can develop a consistent habit that will benefit your writing practice for years to come.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews

April 10 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Editing is an essential part of the writing process, as it allows you to refine and improve your work. However, there are different types of editing, and each serves a specific purpose. In-depth editing, also known as comprehensive editing, is the most thorough type of editing, and it involves reviewing your work at a deep level to ensure that it is clear, well-organized, and error-free.

In-depth editing can be a challenging task, as it requires a significant investment of time and effort. However, it is also incredibly rewarding, as it can help you to produce a high-quality piece of writing that will engage and impress your audience. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies that you can use to conduct a comprehensive review of your work.

Also Read: Should you hire a professional editor to improve your manuscript?

  1. Take a Break

Before you start editing your work, it is essential to take a break from it. This will allow you to approach your writing with fresh eyes and a clear mind. You can take a break for a few hours, a day, or even a week, depending on your schedule and preferences. During this time, you can work on other projects, spend time with friends and family, or engage in activities that you enjoy.

  1. Read Your Work Aloud

One effective strategy for in-depth editing is to read your work aloud. This will help you to identify awkward or unclear sentences, grammatical errors, and other issues that might be difficult to spot when reading silently. As you read, pay attention to the flow of your writing, the pacing, and the overall tone. If you find yourself stumbling over certain phrases or struggling to understand a particular sentence, make a note of it and revise it later.

Also Read: Building A Writing Routine

  1. Review Your Structure

In-depth editing also involves reviewing the structure of your writing. This includes the organization of your ideas, the coherence of your arguments, and the logical flow of your writing. Consider whether your introduction effectively introduces your topic, whether your paragraphs are well-organized and unified, and whether your conclusion effectively summarizes your main points. You may also want to consider the use of transitions and other devices to help guide your reader through your writing.

  1. Check Your Grammar and Spelling

While in-depth editing involves more than just checking for grammar and spelling errors, these are still important aspects of the editing process. Use a spellchecker to identify any misspelled words, and review your writing for common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, and punctuation. Pay particular attention to common mistakes, such as confusing homophones (e.g., “they’re” vs. “their” vs. “there”) or using apostrophes incorrectly.

  1. Seek Feedback

Finally, it can be helpful to seek feedback from others during the in-depth editing process. This can be a trusted friend, a writing group, or a professional editor. Ask them to review your work and provide feedback on areas that need improvement. This can help you to identify blind spots in your writing and gain a fresh perspective on your work.

Also Read: Who Are Ideal Book Reviewers And How Can You Find Them?

In conclusion, in-depth editing is an essential part of the writing process, as it helps you to refine and improve your work. By taking a break, reading your work aloud, reviewing your structure, checking your grammar and spelling, and seeking feedback, you can conduct a comprehensive review of your writing and produce a high-quality piece that will engage and impress your audience.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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How to Give Effective Feedback to Writers

April 8 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is an essential skill that people use in various fields, and it’s essential to give effective feedback to writers. Feedback is a powerful tool that helps writers to grow and improve their skills. However, giving feedback is not always easy, and it requires a specific set of skills to provide constructive criticism that inspires and motivates writers to do better. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to give effective feedback to writers.

  1. Be Specific

The first step to giving effective feedback is to be specific. Rather than making vague comments, focus on particular aspects of the writer’s work. Point out specific areas where the writer needs improvement, such as grammar, sentence structure, or the use of descriptive language. By being specific, you provide the writer with clear guidance on how to improve their work.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

  1. Be Constructive

The goal of giving feedback is to help the writer improve their skills. Therefore, it’s important to be constructive in your feedback. Avoid using negative comments that may discourage the writer from continuing to write. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of their work and provide suggestions for how they can improve.

  1. Be Honest

Honesty is essential when giving feedback. Don’t sugarcoat your comments or withhold criticism for fear of hurting the writer’s feelings. Instead, be honest about what you liked and didn’t like about their work. However, it’s important to balance your feedback with positive comments that encourage the writer to continue improving.

  1. Provide Examples

Providing examples is an effective way to illustrate your feedback. If you’re pointing out an issue with the writer’s sentence structure, provide an example of how the sentence could be rephrased. This helps the writer to understand the problem and provides them with a concrete example of how to improve.

Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch

  1. Offer Suggestions

Offering suggestions is another essential aspect of giving effective feedback. Rather than just pointing out what’s wrong with the writer’s work, provide suggestions for how they can improve. For example, if you’re pointing out an issue with the writer’s character development, suggest ways they can improve by creating a more detailed backstory or adding more depth to the character’s personality.

  1. Be Timely

Timeliness is important when giving feedback. Don’t wait too long to provide feedback, as the writer may have already moved on to another project. If possible, provide feedback as soon as possible after the writer submits their work. This helps them to incorporate your feedback into their writing process and improve their skills more quickly.

  1. Focus on the Writing, Not the Writer

When giving feedback, it’s important to focus on the writing rather than the writer. Avoid making personal attacks or commenting on the writer’s abilities. Instead, focus on the specific aspects of their work that need improvement.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

In conclusion, giving effective feedback to writers requires specific skills and techniques. By being specific, constructive, honest, providing examples, offering suggestions, being timely, and focusing on the writing, you can help writers to grow and improve their skills. Remember that feedback is a powerful tool that can inspire and motivate writers to become better, and with the right approach, you can make a meaningful impact on their writing journey.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal

April 7 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Getting published can be a dream come true for aspiring writers, but it can also be a challenging and competitive process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for landing your first book deal and getting your writing out into the world.

  1. Write the best book you can

The first step to getting published is to write the best book you can. This means taking the time to develop your ideas, characters, and plot, and revising your manuscript until it’s polished and ready to be submitted to agents or publishers. It’s also essential to ensure that your writing is original, engaging, and meets the standards of the genre you’re writing in.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Land Clients When Starting As A Freelance Writer

  1. Build your platform

In today’s publishing landscape, having a platform is essential for getting noticed by agents and publishers. A platform can include a website, social media profiles, and a following of readers who are interested in your work. Building your platform takes time and effort, but it can make a significant difference in your ability to attract the attention of agents and publishers.

  1. Research agents and publishers

Researching agents and publishers is crucial to finding the right fit for your work. Look for agents and publishers who represent or publish books in your genre or subject area. Check their submission guidelines carefully, and follow them to the letter. It’s also a good idea to read books that the agent or publisher has represented or published to get a sense of their taste and style.

  1. Craft a compelling query letter

A query letter is a one-page letter that introduces you and your book to agents or publishers. It’s essential to craft a compelling query letter that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more. Your query letter should include a brief summary of your book, your bio, and any relevant credentials or writing experience.

Also Read: How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing Critique Group

  1. Be patient and persistent

Getting published can be a slow and frustrating process, and rejection is an inevitable part of the journey. It’s essential to be patient and persistent, to keep submitting your work, and to continue to improve your craft. It’s also a good idea to seek feedback from other writers, beta readers, or writing groups to help you identify areas for improvement.

  1. Consider self-publishing

Self-publishing has become a popular option for writers who want to bypass traditional publishing routes. Self-publishing allows you to retain control over your work, and it can be a faster and more straightforward way to get your writing out into the world. However, self-publishing also requires significant investment of time, money, and effort, and it can be challenging to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

  1. Attend writing conferences and workshops

Attending writing conferences and workshops is an excellent way to learn more about the publishing industry, network with other writers and publishing professionals, and hone your craft. Many writing conferences and workshops offer opportunities to pitch your book to agents or publishers or receive feedback on your work.

In conclusion, getting published can be a challenging and competitive process, but it’s not impossible. To land your first book deal, focus on writing the best book you can, building your platform, researching agents and publishers, crafting a compelling query letter, being patient and persistent, considering self-publishing, and attending writing conferences and workshops. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, you can achieve your dream of getting your writing out into the world.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Freelance Editing: How to Get Started

April 6 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Freelance editing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those who have a passion for words and a keen eye for detail. However, getting started as a freelance editor can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the field. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for getting started as a freelance editor.

  1. Build your skills

Before you can start editing professionally, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of grammar, punctuation, and style. Consider taking a course or workshop to improve your skills and knowledge. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Skillshare offer a range of courses on editing and writing. Additionally, reading widely and critically can help you develop your editing skills and identify common mistakes.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

  1. Create a portfolio

Having a portfolio is essential for showcasing your editing skills and experience to potential clients. Your portfolio can include examples of editing work you’ve done, writing samples, and testimonials from satisfied clients. You can also create a website or social media profiles to showcase your portfolio and make it easy for clients to find you.

  1. Build your network

Networking is an essential part of building a freelance editing career. Attend local writing events, join writing groups on social media, and engage with other writers and editors in your field. You never know when a connection might lead to a potential client or job opportunity.

  1. Determine your niche

As a freelance editor, you can choose to specialize in a particular niche, such as academic editing, fiction editing, or technical editing. Specializing in a niche can help you stand out from other editors and attract clients who are looking for someone with expertise in their particular field.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

  1. Set your rates

One of the most challenging aspects of starting out as a freelance editor is determining your rates. You’ll need to consider your experience, skills, and niche when setting your rates. Research the market rates for freelance editing in your area and adjust your rates accordingly. As you gain more experience and build a reputation, you can gradually increase your rates.

  1. Find clients

Finding clients is an ongoing challenge for freelance editors. Start by reaching out to your network and letting them know that you’re available for editing work. You can also join freelance job boards and online marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find potential clients. Another way to find clients is by approaching small businesses or self-published authors who may need editing services but may not know where to start.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

  1. Manage your workload

As a freelance editor, it’s essential to manage your workload effectively. Be realistic about how much work you can take on and set boundaries to avoid burnout. Use tools like time-tracking software or project management software to stay on top of your deadlines and workload.

In conclusion, freelance editing can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who have a passion for words and a keen eye for detail. To get started, focus on building your skills, creating a portfolio, networking, determining your niche, setting your rates, finding clients, and managing your workload. With persistence and dedication, you can build a successful freelance editing career that allows you to work on your own terms and make a difference in the world of writing and publishing.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

April 5 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Editing and proofreading are two essential steps in the writing process that can make or break the success of your written content. While they may seem similar, they are actually two distinct processes that serve different purposes. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between editing and proofreading and why they are both crucial for producing high-quality written content.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

Editing

Editing is the process of reviewing and revising written work to improve its content, structure, and overall quality. This stage of the writing process typically occurs after the author has completed a draft of their work. The goal of editing is to refine the piece, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and engaging. Editing involves a wide range of techniques, including:

  1. Reviewing content: An editor will review the piece for accuracy, completeness, and relevance, making sure that it aligns with the author’s intended purpose and message.
  2. Improving structure: An editor will look at the overall structure of the piece, making sure that it flows logically and that each section or chapter connects to the next.
  3. Enhancing style: An editor will look at the language used in the piece, refining word choice, sentence structure, and tone to improve its overall readability.
  4. Providing feedback: An editor will provide feedback to the author, offering suggestions for improvement and making sure that the author’s vision for the piece is realized.
Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

Proofreading

Proofreading, on the other hand, is the process of reviewing written work to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. Proofreading typically occurs after the editing stage and is the final step before publication. The goal of proofreading is to catch any remaining errors and ensure that the written work is polished and professional. Proofreading techniques include:

  1. Reviewing for spelling errors: A proofreader will review the piece for any spelling errors, including common typos and misspellings.
  2. Checking for grammatical errors: A proofreader will review the piece for grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement and punctuation mistakes.
  3. Ensuring formatting consistency: A proofreader will ensure that formatting is consistent throughout the piece, including headings, font styles, and spacing.
  4. Reviewing for punctuation errors: A proofreader will review the piece for punctuation errors, including misplaced commas, missing periods, and incorrect use of apostrophes.
  5. Identifying inconsistencies: A proofreader will review the piece for any inconsistencies, such as changes in style or tone, and make sure they are corrected.
Also Read:  Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

The Importance of Editing and Proofreading Together

While editing and proofreading are two separate processes, they are often performed together to ensure that your written content is of the highest quality possible. For example, if you only proofread your content without editing it first, you may miss major structural or organizational issues that could impact the overall effectiveness of your writing. On the other hand, if you only focus on editing and fail to proofread your content, you may overlook minor errors that could detract from the professionalism of your writing.

So, which stage is more important? The truth is, both are equally important. Editing ensures that the piece is well-structured, engaging, and aligned with the author’s vision. Proofreading, on the other hand, ensures that the piece is free from errors and presents a professional image. Skipping either stage can result in a piece that is confusing, poorly written, and full of errors.

Also Read: Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

How to Edit and Proofread Effectively?

To edit and proofread effectively, it is important to approach each process with a clear plan and specific goals in mind. Here are some tips for effective editing and proofreading:

  • Start with a thorough review of your content to identify any major issues that need to be addressed.
  • Use a checklist or style guide to ensure that your content adheres to formatting and style guidelines.
  • Focus on one aspect of editing or proofreading at a time (e.g. organization, spelling, grammar) to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
  • Take breaks between editing and proofreading sessions to give your brain a rest and approach the content with fresh eyes.
  • Consider enlisting the help of a professional editor or proofreader to provide an objective perspective and ensure that your content is polished and error-free.

In conclusion, editing and proofreading are both essential steps in the writing process that serve different purposes. While editing focuses on improving the content and overall quality of your writing, proofreading ensures that your content is error-free and polished. By approaching each process with a clear plan and specific goals in mind, you can ensure that your written content is of the highest quality possible.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks

April 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Developmental editing is a type of editing that focuses on the overall structure, content, and organization of a written piece. This type of editing is typically done in the early stages of the writing process and involves collaborating with the author to shape their ideas and bring them to fruition. If you’re a writer or editor interested in developmental editing, here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.

Also Read: Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should
 Do

  1. Understand the Author’s Vision

The first step in developmental editing is to understand the author’s vision for the piece. This means taking the time to read and analyze the work, ask questions, and collaborate with the author to clarify their intentions. By understanding the author’s vision, you can help them develop their ideas and shape the content in a way that aligns with their goals.

  1. Focus on the Big Picture

Developmental editing is all about the big picture, so it’s important to focus on the overall structure, content, and organization of the piece. Look for themes, patterns, and inconsistencies, and work with the author to develop a structure that supports their ideas and tells a cohesive story.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: 
A Guide for Writers

  1. Pay Attention to Character Development

If you’re working with fiction or creative nonfiction, it’s important to pay attention to character development. This means looking for inconsistencies in character traits, motivations, and actions, and working with the author to develop well-rounded and believable characters that drive the story forward.

  1. Consider the Audience

As a developmental editor, it’s important to consider the intended audience for the piece. This means thinking about tone, style, and language, and working with the author to develop a voice that resonates with their readers. By considering the audience, you can help the author craft a piece that is both engaging and effective.

  1. Be Collaborative

Collaboration is key in developmental editing. This means working with the author to develop their ideas, asking questions, and providing feedback that is constructive and supportive. By fostering a collaborative environment, you can help the author feel more confident and invested in the writing process.

Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch

  1. Use Examples

When working with the author to develop their ideas, it can be helpful to use examples from other works of literature or writing. This can help the author understand different approaches to storytelling and structure, and provide inspiration for their own writing.

  1. Give Specific Feedback

When giving feedback on a piece, it’s important to be specific and provide actionable suggestions. Rather than simply stating that a section needs improvement, provide specific examples and suggestions for how to improve it. This can help the author develop their skills and improve their writing in a meaningful way.

  1. Stay Flexible

Finally, it’s important to stay flexible when working on developmental editing. This means being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to make changes as needed. By staying flexible, you can help the author develop their ideas and create a piece that is both cohesive and effective.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

In conclusion, developmental editing is an important part of the writing process that involves collaborating with the author to develop their ideas and shape the content of their piece. By understanding the author’s vision, focusing on the big picture, paying attention to character development, considering the audience, being collaborative, using examples, giving specific feedback, and staying flexible, you can help the author create a piece that is engaging, effective, and true to their vision.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For

April 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Grammar is an essential part of effective communication, whether it’s in written or spoken form. The ability to convey thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively can make a significant difference in how well you’re able to get your message across. Unfortunately, many people struggle with grammar and make common mistakes that can undermine the impact of their message. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common grammar mistakes to look out for and how to avoid them.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most common grammar mistakes is subject-verb agreement. This mistake occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence don’t match in terms of number. For example, “The team were” instead of “The team was.” To avoid this mistake, always make sure that the subject and verb match in number, whether singular or plural.

  1. Apostrophe Use

Another common mistake is the misuse of apostrophes. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or to form contractions, but they are often misused. For example, “Its” is possessive, but “it’s” is a contraction for “it is.” To avoid apostrophe misuse, make sure you understand the rules and always double-check your use of apostrophes.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

  1. Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are combined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Run-on sentences can be confusing and difficult to read. To avoid run-on sentences, make sure to separate independent clauses with proper punctuation or conjunctions.

  1. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are combined with just a comma, rather than proper punctuation or conjunctions. This mistake is similar to a run-on sentence, and it can make your writing difficult to read. To avoid comma splices, separate independent clauses with proper punctuation or conjunctions.

  1. Misuse of Pronouns

Misuse of pronouns is another common grammar mistake. Pronouns are used to replace nouns, but they must match in terms of gender and number. For example, “He” instead of “She” or “Them” instead of “Those.” To avoid this mistake, make sure to use pronouns that match the gender and number of the noun being replaced.

Also Read: Writing For Children Is No Child’s Play

  1. Confusing Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings, such as “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Confusing homophones is a common mistake that can make your writing unclear. To avoid this mistake, make sure to use the correct homophone for the intended meaning.

  1. Double Negatives

Double negatives occur when two negative words are used in the same sentence, canceling each other out and creating a positive meaning. For example, “I don’t have no money” instead of “I don’t have any money.” To avoid double negatives, use only one negative word in a sentence.

Also Read: Basic Yet Underrated Things To Remember While Writing A Manuscript

In conclusion, grammar mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your communication, whether you’re writing an email, a report, or a social media post. By understanding these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective. Remember to check your subject-verb agreement, use apostrophes correctly, avoid run-on sentences and comma splices, and use pronouns correctly. Also, pay attention to homophones, and avoid double negatives. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing with confidence and clarity.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting

April 1 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Copyediting is the process of reviewing written content to ensure that it is error-free, clear, concise, and consistent in terms of grammar, punctuation, syntax, style, tone, and formatting. Copyeditors work to improve the readability and quality of written content by correcting errors, fact-checking, reviewing formatting, collaborating with writers, and using various copyediting tools. The goal of copyediting is to ensure that written content meets the highest quality standards and is effective in communicating its intended message to its audience.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

  1. Proofreading

Proofreading is one of the most important aspects of copyediting. It involves reviewing written content for grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes. Proofreading can be done manually or through automated software tools that help to identify spelling and grammar errors. Copyeditors often use proofreading to identify errors that might have been missed during the writing and editing process.

  1. Style and Tone

Copyeditors also focus on ensuring that the style and tone of written content are consistent and appropriate for the target audience. They work to ensure that the content follows the established style guide or tone of voice guidelines, and that the language is appropriate for the intended readers. Copyeditors may work with the writer to ensure that the tone is consistent throughout the piece, and may suggest changes to wording or phrasing to improve clarity and readability.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

  1. Fact-Checking

Fact-checking is another important aspect of copyediting, particularly for non-fiction content. Copyeditors review the written content to ensure that all facts and information presented are accurate and up-to-date. They may cross-reference sources and conduct additional research to verify facts and statistics.

  1. Formatting

Copyeditors also review the formatting and layout of written content to ensure that it is consistent and visually appealing. They may make suggestions to improve the layout and design of the content, and may work with graphic designers or layout specialists to ensure that the final product is polished and professional.

  1. Collaborating with Writers

Copyeditors often collaborate with writers to ensure that their work is error-free and meets the desired quality standards. They may provide feedback on the content, suggest changes to improve readability, and work with the writer to ensure that the final product meets the requirements of the intended audience.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader

  1. Use of Copyediting Tools

Copyeditors also make use of various tools to aid in the editing process. These may include automated proofreading and grammar-checking tools, plagiarism checkers, and style guide software. Copyeditors may also use specific tools to ensure that the content is accessible to readers with disabilities, such as screen readers or color contrast checkers.

In conclusion, copyediting is an essential aspect of the publishing process that ensures that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. Copyeditors work to improve the readability and quality of written content by proofreading, focusing on style and tone, fact-checking, reviewing formatting, collaborating with writers, and using various copyediting tools. By following these basic techniques and using the right tools, copyeditors can help to ensure that written content meets the highest quality standards and is effective in communicating its intended message to its audience.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

April 1 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Social Promotion Activities Every Blogger Should Do

Blogging can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, but it takes more than just writing great content to build a successful blog. To grow your audience and increase engagement, it’s important to engage in social promotion activities regularly. Here are some social promotion activities every blogger should do.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

  1. Share your posts on social media platforms

One of the most important social promotion activities is sharing your blog posts on social media platforms. You can use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to share your blog posts and drive traffic to your website. Make sure to add catchy headlines and visuals to your posts to capture the attention of your audience.

  1. Join blogger groups on social media

Joining blogger groups on social media is another great way to promote your blog. These groups are often filled with bloggers in your niche, and you can share your posts, collaborate with other bloggers, and learn from others in the community. By engaging with other bloggers in your niche, you can build relationships and grow your audience.

Also Read: Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction and Joy with Feminism

  1. Collaborate with other bloggers

Collaborating with other bloggers is a great way to reach a new audience and gain exposure for your blog. You can collaborate on blog posts, social media campaigns, and other projects that will help you to grow your following. Look for bloggers who have a similar target audience, and reach out to them to propose a collaboration.

  1. Guest post on other blogs

Guest posting on other blogs is another effective way to reach a new audience and gain exposure for your blog. Find blogs in your niche that accept guest posts, and pitch them with a relevant topic idea. Make sure to include a link back to your blog in your author bio to drive traffic back to your website.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

  1. Participate in online communities

Participating in online communities such as forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit can help you to build relationships with other bloggers and promote your blog. Look for communities in your niche and participate in conversations, answer questions, and share your expertise. By providing value to the community, you can establish yourself as an authority in your niche and drive traffic to your website.

  1. Use email marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for promoting your blog and keeping your audience engaged. Build an email list by offering a lead magnet such as a free ebook or webinar, and send regular newsletters to your subscribers with your latest blog posts, promotions, and updates. Make sure to include social sharing buttons in your emails to encourage your subscribers to share your content with their own networks.

Also Read: Upgrade Your Writing: 10 Verbs Starting with B & Their Better Alternatives

  1. Attend events and conferences

Attending events and conferences is another great way to promote your blog and connect with other bloggers. Look for events in your niche and attend them to learn from others, network with like-minded individuals, and promote your blog. You can also speak at events to establish yourself as an authority in your niche and gain exposure for your blog.

  1. Run contests and giveaways

Contests and giveaways are a fun and effective way to promote your blog and engage your audience. You can run a social media contest where your followers can win a prize by sharing your content or using a specific hashtag. Or, you can run a giveaway where you offer a prize to one lucky subscriber on your email list. By offering a valuable prize, you can encourage your audience to engage with your content and grow your following.

In conclusion, social promotion activities are essential for every blogger who wants to grow their audience and build a successful blog. By sharing your posts on social media, collaborating with other bloggers, participating in online communities, using email marketing, attending events, and running contests and giveaways, you can promote your blog and reach a new audience. Start incorporating these social promotion activities into your blogging strategy today to take your blog to the next level.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!
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A Beginner’s Guide to Editing

March 31 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Editing is a crucial step in the writing process that helps to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. It involves reviewing your work for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors, as well as evaluating the overall structure and organization of your writing. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or simply someone who enjoys writing as a hobby, understanding the basics of editing can help you to improve the quality of your writing and make it more effective.

 

Also Read: 5 Ways To Land Clients When Starting As A Freelance Writer

 

Here is a beginner’s guide to editing that will help you get started:

  1. Take a break: Before you start editing your writing, it’s essential to take a break. This will give you some distance from your work, allowing you to approach it with fresh eyes. It’s a good idea to take a break of at least a few hours or even a day or two, depending on how long you’ve been working on your writing.
  2. Read your work aloud: Reading your writing aloud is an excellent way to catch errors and improve the flow of your writing. When you read aloud, you’ll be able to hear any awkward phrasing or mistakes that you might not notice when reading silently. You’ll also be able to get a sense of the rhythm and pacing of your writing.
    Also Read: A to Z of Writing and Editing – #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 

  3. Review the structure and organization: Once you’ve reviewed the language, it’s important to take a look at the structure and organization of your writing. Are your ideas clearly presented in a logical order? Do your paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next? Make sure that your writing is easy to follow and that your ideas are presented in a coherent and organized manner.
  4. Check for grammar and spelling errors: After reviewing the structure and organization, it’s time to check for grammar and spelling errors. Look for common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, punctuation errors, and misspelled words. Consider using a spell-checker, but be aware that it may not catch all errors, and you should always review your work manually.
    Also Read: Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript
  5. Check for consistency: In addition to grammar and spelling errors, it’s important to check for consistency in your writing. Are you using the same tense throughout your writing? Are you using consistent formatting, such as font size and spacing? Consistency is essential for creating a polished and professional piece of writing.
  6. Get feedback: Finally, it’s a good idea to get feedback from others. Ask someone you trust to read your writing and provide constructive criticism. Consider joining a writing group or hiring an editor to provide feedback on your work. Feedback can be invaluable in helping you to identify areas for improvement and to refine your writing skills.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

In conclusion, editing is an essential part of the writing process. By taking the time to review your work for grammar, spelling, and organization, you can improve the quality of your writing and make it more effective. Remember to take a break before editing, read your work aloud, review the structure and organization. Also, check for grammar and spelling errors, ensure consistency, and get feedback from others. By following these simple steps, you can become a more effective editor and improve your writing skills over time.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

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Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction and Joy with Feminism

March 31 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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There is nothing in Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction and Joy with Feminism that I haven’t experienced, or heard or seen happen to women known to me or strangers. And I know every woman reading the book will agree. Yet, I had to take breathers to collect my emotions after every couple of chapters. It is painful, makes one feel so angry and helpless, every time one is remembered how lives of women are. I consider myself extremely privileged, there are women who have had more privilege than me – yet somewhere or there every little girl has had her heart battered because of the judgements and trauma she had to face.

Also Read: The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: 
A Guide for Writers

Amrita Purkayastha’s Everyday Revolution is a thought-provoking book that delves into the significance of feminism in today’s world. Drawing from her own experiences as well as interviews with a diverse group of women from different backgrounds, ages, castes, and geographies, the author examines the need for feminism in our daily lives. We don’t talk enough about feminism and more the conversations, the better and this book manages to do it.

There are so many misconceptions about what feminism is, with women wanting to dissociate from the term for the fear of flack or because of their own conditioning. Fact is that there lacks clarity and this book does a decent job in bringing up facts from life that are real and undeniable. The book covers five main themes, namely childhood, marriage, motherhood, beauty, and work, and offers ideas to help readers navigate the challenges posed by patriarchy.

Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh

The author’s research and interviews form a strong basis for the book’s assertions. The commencement of each chapter incorporates excerpts from the interviews that are pertinent to the subject matter of the chapter.

By engaging with 100 women, the author has gathered a compilation of narratives, personal experiences, and statistics that reveal five distinct areas of a woman’s existence: childhood, marriage, motherhood, beauty, and work. The book presents a distinctive standpoint on feminism, emphasizing that despite their accomplishments and strength, women are still anticipated to be subservient and conform to societal obligations that have been enforced on them for centuries.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on 
Your Manuscript

In Everyday Revolution, the author provides her viewpoint by utilizing her experiences and research to clarify the problems, misconceptions, and issues regarding each topic. The book ends with suggestions to enable readers to consider their own experiences and enhance themselves. Furthermore, the author incorporates anecdotes of individuals who have encountered difficulties related to each theme, which enables readers to develop empathy and comprehend the problems more fully. In summary, “Everyday Revolution” is a thought-provoking and educational book that motivates readers to initiate change and bring about positive outcomes in their daily lives.

Also Read: Basic Yet Underrated Things To 
Remember While Writing A Manuscript

BLURB

What does feminism mean to us, Indian millennial women? In our unique context, with a heady mix of tradition, family, ambition and Instagram, where does ‘revolution’ fit in?
With candid, personal anecdotes, moving stories and hard data, Amrita uncovers the invisibly seeped patriarchy from the intimate corners of our minds and refreshes the need for feminism in our everyday lives. Ranging widely over psychology, history, cultural studies and research with 100 women across age, class, caste and geographies, Everyday Revolution reveals the psychologically-denting impact of our gendered society.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

Smashing the patriarchy in our modern lives might not need expensive bra-burning but newer ways of coping, healing, eye-rolling and badassery. Therefore, across five themes – childhood, marriage, motherhood, beautyand work – this book gives us thought experiments and writing prompts to do just that!
P.S. Write as you read this experiential book and follow @everyday.revolution_ on Instagram to connect with a network of women in this desi version of Bluestocking Society.

Gift this book to men who are curious to know why are women always so angry.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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The Role of an Editor in the Publishing Process: A Guide for Writers

March 30 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As writers, you may have completed your manuscript and feel it’s ready for publication. However, it’s important to understand that a manuscript can benefit greatly from the input of an experienced editor. An editor can help you identify and address areas where your manuscript may need improvement, and ultimately increase its chances of success. In this article, we’ll explore the role of an editor in the publishing process and provide you with a guide on how to work with one effectively.

Also Read: How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing Critique Group

The Importance of an Editor

An editor plays a critical role in the publishing process. They are responsible for ensuring that your manuscript is polished, free from errors, and engaging for readers. An editor can provide you with valuable feedback on your manuscript’s structure, plot, character development, and writing style. They can also help you identify areas where your manuscript may be lacking, such as pacing, tone, or clarity. By working with an editor, you can ensure that your manuscript is the best it can be before it’s published.

The Different Types of Editors

There are different types of editors, each with a unique role in the publishing process. A developmental editor focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, such as plot, character, and pacing. They may make suggestions for revisions and provide feedback on your manuscript’s structure. A copy editor, on the other hand, focuses on the details of your manuscript, such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They may also check for consistency in style and tone. A proofreader is responsible for the final review of your manuscript, checking for any errors that may have been missed in previous rounds of editing.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

Finding the Right Editor for Your Manuscript

When looking for an editor, it’s important to find someone who has experience working in your genre or field. They should also have a good understanding of your target audience and be able to provide feedback that will help you engage that audience. You may want to ask for references or samples of their work to ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to edit your manuscript effectively.

Working with an Editor

Once you’ve found the right editor, it’s important to establish a clear line of communication. Discuss your goals for your manuscript, as well as any concerns or areas of focus you want the editor to address. You may also want to establish a timeline for the editing process and agree on a set of deadlines. It’s important to remember that editing is a collaborative process, and the editor’s goal is to help you make your manuscript the best it can be.

Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch

Responding to Feedback

When you receive feedback from your editor, it’s important to approach it with an open mind. Remember that the editor’s goal is to help you improve your manuscript, and their feedback is intended to be constructive. Take the time to review the feedback carefully and consider how you can apply it to your manuscript. You may also want to discuss any areas of disagreement with the editor and come to a resolution that works for both of you.

In conclusion, an editor plays a critical role in the publishing process. By working with an editor, you can ensure that your manuscript is polished, error-free, and engaging for readers. It’s important to find the right editor for your manuscript and establish a clear line of communication throughout the editing process. Remember that editing is a collaborative process, and the editor’s feedback is intended to help you make your manuscript the best it can be.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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5 Ways To Land Clients When Starting As A Freelance Writer

March 25 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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As a freelance writer, it can be challenging to land clients when you’re just starting out. You may have a passion for writing and a lot of talent, but finding clients who are willing to pay for your services can be a daunting task. However, with some strategic planning and a few tips and tricks, you can start building a solid client base and growing your freelance business. Here are five ways to land clients when starting as a freelance writer.

  1. Identify Your Niche

One of the most important steps in building a freelance writing business is identifying your niche. This is the area of writing that you specialize in and feel most confident writing about. It could be anything from finance to fashion, technology to travel. Once you’ve identified your niche, you can start to market yourself to clients who are looking for writers with your expertise. By specializing in a particular area, you’ll stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing clients who value your unique perspective.

Also Read: Freelancing Sacrifices Nobody Talks About

  1. Build Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any freelancer. This means having a website that showcases your writing samples, testimonials from satisfied clients, and contact information. You should also consider creating profiles on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with potential clients and showcase your work. By building a strong online presence, you’ll make it easier for clients to find you and learn more about your writing services.

  1. Pitch Your Services

Another way to land clients as a freelance writer is to pitch your services directly to potential clients. This could mean sending a personalized email to a company you’d like to work with, or reaching out to publications you’d like to write for. Be sure to tailor your pitch to the specific client or publication and highlight why you’re the best writer for the job. While pitching can be time-consuming, it’s a proactive way to find clients and can lead to long-term relationships with companies and publications.

Also Read: Hashtags And How To Use Them On Social Media

  1. Network with Other Freelancers

Networking with other freelance writers can be a valuable way to land clients and learn more about the industry. Consider joining online communities like Freelancers Union, attending writing conferences and meetups, and connecting with other writers on social media. By building relationships with other freelancers, you can learn about job opportunities, get advice on pricing and contracts, and find potential clients through referrals.

  1. Offer Pro Bono Work

While it may seem counterintuitive to work for free, offering pro bono work can be a smart way to build your client base and gain exposure. Consider reaching out to non-profit organizations or startups that may not have the budget to pay for writing services but could benefit from your expertise. By offering your services for free, you’ll build goodwill and may even gain paying clients down the line.

In conclusion, landing clients as a freelance writer takes time, effort, and patience. By identifying your niche, building your online presence, pitching your services, networking with other writers, and offering pro bono work, you can start building a solid client base and growing your freelance business. With persistence and a little bit of luck, you’ll be able to build a thriving freelance writing career that allows you to do what you love while making a living.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Upgrade Your Writing: 10 Verbs Starting with B & Their Better Alternatives

March 24 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Writing is an art, and like all arts, it requires continuous improvement. Whether you are writing a novel, a blog post, or a business proposal, choosing the right words is essential to communicate your message effectively. Verbs play a crucial role in your writing because they express action and give your sentences the energy they need to convey meaning. However, not all verbs are created equal. Some are overused, vague, or lack precision. To upgrade your writing, you need to choose your verbs wisely. In this blog post, we’ll focus on ten verbs starting with B and their better alternatives.

Begin
Begin is a vague verb that doesn’t convey much information. Instead, consider using a more specific verb such as launch, initiate, or commence. These verbs provide a clearer picture of the action taking place.
Example: Instead of “She began the project,” try “She launched the project with a kickoff meeting.”

Also Read: Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript

Believe
Believe is another verb that lacks specificity. When expressing belief, consider using trust, rely, or have faith in to convey a stronger conviction.
Example: Instead of “I believe she will show up on time,” try “I trust she will arrive promptly.”

Bring
Bring is a basic verb that doesn’t offer much detail. To describe the movement of an object, consider using carry, transport, or convey.
Example: Instead of “He brought the package to my door,” try “He carried the package to my doorstep.”

Break
Break is a common verb that can be replaced with more precise alternatives. Instead of break, use shatter, smash, or crack to describe a specific type of damage.
Example: Instead of “The vase broke when it fell off the table,” try “The vase shattered into a million pieces when it hit the floor.”

Also Read: How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing Critique Group

Build
Build is a general verb that doesn’t convey much detail. Instead, use construct, erect, or assemble to describe the act of building something.
Example: Instead of “We are building a new house,” try “We are constructing a new home on the hill.”

Buy
Buy is a straightforward verb that lacks nuance. Instead of buy, use purchase, acquire, or procure to describe the act of obtaining something.
Example: Instead of “I bought a new car,” try “I acquired a new vehicle for my daily commute.”

Breakdown
Breakdown is a verb that describes a failure or malfunction. However, it’s not very descriptive. Use malfunction, collapse, or crash instead to provide a more accurate description of what happened.
Example: Instead of “The car broke down on the side of the road,” try “The car experienced a sudden malfunction and came to a halt.”

Become

Instead of using become, try using transform into, evolve into, or turn into to create a more powerful image.

Example: The caterpillar became a butterfly. Better alternative: The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

Be

Instead of using be, try using more descriptive verbs such as appear, seem, or look to make your writing more interesting.

Example: She was angry. Better alternative: She appeared to be angry.

Balance

Instead of using balance, try harmony, equilibrium. or perhaps stability or equanimity which emphasize a sense of calm and composure.

Example: Achieving harmony between work and leisure time is essential for overall well-being.

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Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Upgrade Your Writing: 10 Verbs Starting with A & Their Better Alternatives

March 20 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Verbs starting with A are plentiful in the English language, and there are always alternative options available to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. In this chapter, we will explore several common verbs that start with A and suggest some better words you can use instead.

  1. Accept: While accept is a useful verb, it can be overused in some contexts. Instead, you can consider using words like embrace, acknowledge, or admit.

Example: She embraced the new opportunity with enthusiasm.

Also Read: How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing 
Critique Group
  1. Achieve: Achieve is a great verb for expressing success, but it can sometimes feel vague. Consider using words like accomplish, attain, or succeed.

Example: She succeeded in her goal of climbing Mount Everest.

  1. Ask: Ask is a straightforward verb that is used frequently, but there are alternatives that can convey a different tone or level of politeness. Try using words like request, inquire, or demand.

Example: He requested a meeting with the CEO.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

  1. Analyze: Analyze is a verb that is commonly used in academic writing, but it can be dry and unengaging. Consider using words like examine, assess, or evaluate.

Example: The researcher evaluated the data for significant trends.

  1. Assist: While assist is a useful verb for describing help, it can sometimes feel passive. Instead, try using words like aid, support, or facilitate.

Example: The program facilitated her transition back into the workforce.

  1. Attempt: Attempt is a good verb for describing effort, but it can feel tentative or uncertain. Consider using words like try, endeavor, or strive.

Example: She endeavoured to learn a new language every year.

Also Read: Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript

  1. Admit: Admit is a versatile verb, but it can feel judgmental in some contexts. Try using words like confess, acknowledge, or declare.

Example: He acknowledged his mistake and apologized.

  1. Appreciate: Appreciate is a common verb for expressing gratitude, but it can feel overused. Try using words like value, cherish, or treasure.

Example: She treasured the memories of her childhood.

  1. Avoid: Avoid is a good verb for describing actions taken to prevent something negative, but it can feel passive. Try using words like evade, circumvent, or elude.

Example: He evaded the difficult conversation.

  1. Argue: Argue is a common verb for describing debate or disagreement, but it can feel confrontational. Try using words like discuss, debate, or deliberate.

Example: The group deliberated on the best course of action.

By choosing more precise and engaging verbs, you can make your writing more effective and interesting. Remember to choose words that fit the tone and purpose of your writing.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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How Can You Make The Most Of Your Writing Critique Group

March 18 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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A writing critique group can be an invaluable resource for writers looking to improve their craft, receive feedback, and connect with other writers. However, simply attending a critique group is not enough to reap the benefits. To make the most of your writing critique group, there are several key strategies that can help you get the most out of your experience.

Also Read: The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript
  1. Be prepared to give and receive feedback: A writing critique group is a two-way street. While you may be eager to receive feedback on your own work, it’s important to remember that other members are also looking for constructive criticism. Be prepared to read and provide feedback on the work of others in the group, as well as to receive feedback on your own writing.
  2. Set clear expectations: Before joining a writing critique group, it’s important to establish clear expectations for the group’s format, goals, and feedback process. This may include setting guidelines for the length and type of work to be shared, the frequency of meetings, and the level of feedback expected from each member. By establishing clear expectations upfront, you can ensure that the group is a good fit for your needs and that everyone is on the same page.

     

    Also Read: Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript

  3. Be open-minded: One of the biggest challenges of receiving feedback on your writing is staying open-minded and receptive to criticism. Remember that constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your work, not tear it down. Be open to suggestions and willing to make changes based on the feedback you receive.
  4. Focus on the big picture: When receiving feedback on your writing, it’s easy to get bogged down in small details and nitpicky critiques. However, it’s important to remember that the big picture is what really matters. Focus on the overall structure, plot, and character development of your work, and use feedback to help strengthen these areas.
  5. Take time to reflect: After receiving feedback on your writing, take some time to reflect on the comments you received. Consider how you can apply this feedback to your work and what changes you may need to make. It’s also important to remember that not all feedback will be useful or relevant, so take the time to evaluate each comment and decide which ones to incorporate into your writing.
  6. Build relationships with other writers: A writing critique group can also be a great opportunity to connect with other writers and build relationships in the writing community. Take the time to get to know other members of the group, share your own experiences and struggles, and offer support and encouragement to fellow writers.
  7. Set goals for yourself: Finally, it’s important to set goals for yourself and your writing as you participate in a critique group. Whether your goal is to complete a manuscript, submit your work for publication, or simply improve your craft, setting clear objectives can help you stay motivated and focused on your writing goals.

By following these strategies, you can make the most of your writing critique group and take your writing to the next level. Remember that writing is a process, and feedback is an essential part of that process. By staying open-minded, focused, and committed, you can use your critique group to become a better writer and achieve your writing goals.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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The Benefits of Working with an Editor on Your Manuscript

March 17 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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When it comes to writing a book, the benefits of the role of an editor cannot be overstated. Many successful authors credit their editors for helping them to take their writing to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of working with an editor on your manuscript and why it’s important for aspiring writers to seek professional guidance.

  1. Objective Feedback and Critique

One of the primary benefits of working with an editor is that they can provide objective feedback and critique on your work. Writing can be a solitary endeavor, and it’s easy to get lost in your own thoughts and ideas. An editor can provide an outside perspective and identify areas where your writing may be weak or need improvement. This can help you to refine your ideas and hone your craft, ultimately leading to a better final product.

Also Read: Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript

  1. Improving Your Writing Style and Voice

Another benefit of working with an editor is that they can help you to improve your writing style and voice. Many writers struggle with finding their unique voice and writing in a way that resonates with readers. An editor can work with you to develop your style and ensure that your writing is engaging and effective. They can also provide guidance on issues such as pacing, character development, and plot structure, helping you to create a well-crafted story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

  1. Catching Errors and Inconsistencies

Even the most experienced writers make mistakes, and it’s easy to miss errors and inconsistencies in your own work. An editor can help you to catch these issues before your manuscript goes to print, ensuring that your final product is polished and professional. From grammatical errors to plot holes, an editor can help you to identify and address any issues that may detract from the quality of your writing.

Also Read: Freelancing Sacrifices Nobody Talks About

  1. Access to Industry Insights and Contacts

Working with an editor can also provide you with valuable industry insights and contacts. An experienced editor will have a good understanding of the publishing landscape and can help you to navigate the complex process of getting your book published. They can also provide you with contacts and connections in the industry, which can be invaluable in helping you to get your foot in the door and make connections with publishers and agents.

  1. Increased Confidence and Motivation

Finally, working with an editor can help to boost your confidence and motivation as a writer. Many writers struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and having a professional editor in your corner can help to alleviate these feelings. With the support and guidance of an editor, you can feel more confident in your writing abilities and motivated to keep pushing forward.

Also Read: Building A Writing Routine

In conclusion, working with an editor on your manuscript can have a range of benefits for aspiring writers. From objective feedback and critique to access to industry insights and contacts, an editor can help you to take your writing to the next level and increase your chances of getting published. If you’re serious about your writing career, consider seeking out the guidance of a professional editor and see how they can help you to achieve your goals.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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A to Z of Writing and Editing – #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

March 16 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Using #BlogchatterA2Z to share the A to Z on important things in the process of writing, editing, and publishing.

  1. A Beginner’s Guide to Editing
  2. Breaking Down the Basics of Copyediting
  3. Common Grammar Mistakes to Look Out For
  4. Developmental Editing: Tips and Tricks
  5. Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?
  6. Freelance Editing: How to Get Started
  7. Getting Published: Tips and Tricks for Landing Your First Book Deal
  8. How to Give Effective Feedback to Writers
  9. In-Depth Editing: Strategies for Comprehensive Reviews
  10. Journaling for Writers: Using Daily Reflection to Boost Creativity
  11. Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words
  12. Line Editing: A Close Look at Sentence-Level Edits
  13. Mastering Point of View: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each Perspective
  14. Navigating Rejection: Coping with Setbacks and Overcoming Fear of Failure
  15. Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors
  16. Proofreading 101: Catching Errors Before Publication
  17. Querying Agents: Best Practices for Writing Effective Query Letters
  18. Researching for Your Book: Finding Reliable Sources and Incorporating Details into Your Writing
  19. Story Structure: Understanding the Elements of Plot and Narrative Arc
  20. Tips for Writing a Memorable Opening Scene
  21. Understanding the Role of an Editor in the Publishing Industry
  22. Voice and Tone: Crafting Consistent Narratives
  23. Writing for Different Genres: Understanding the Conventions of Different Styles of Writing
  24. X-Factor Editing Techniques: Going Above and Beyond
  25. Your Writing Process: Identifying Your Strengths and Weaknesses as a Writer
  26. Zen and the Art of Writing: Finding Inspiration and Inner Peace through Writing Practice
***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Ensure Consistency in Tone, Tense, and Point of View In a Manuscript

March 12 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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To ensure consistency in tone, tense, and point of view throughout your manuscript is one of the most important things you can do in your manuscript. Consistency in these areas can greatly enhance the reading experience for your audience, making your work more engaging, coherent, and enjoyable to read. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for ensuring consistency in tone, tense, and point of view throughout your manuscript.

Also Read: Freelancing Sacrifices Nobody Talks About

Tone

The tone of your writing sets the overall mood or attitude of your piece. It can be serious, humorous, formal, informal, or any other number of things. To ensure consistency in tone throughout your manuscript, start by identifying the tone you want to set for your piece. Is it a serious academic paper or a lighthearted blog post? Once you’ve identified your desired tone, make sure it remains consistent throughout your manuscript. This means paying attention to things like word choice, sentence structure, and overall writing style.

Also Read: Build A Successful Blogging Career For Yourself

Tense

Tense refers to the time frame in which the events of your writing are taking place. There are three primary tenses in English: past, present, and future. When writing in the past tense, the events of your piece have already happened. When writing in the present tense, the events are happening in real time. And when writing in the future tense, the events have yet to happen. To ensure consistency in tense throughout your manuscript, choose one tense and stick with it. If you’re writing in the past tense, don’t switch to the present or future tense midway through your piece. Doing so can be jarring for your readers and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which your story is being told. There are three primary points of view in English: first person, second person, and third person. First person point of view is when the narrator is a character within the story and uses the pronoun “I” to refer to themselves. Second person point of view is when the narrator addresses the reader directly, using the pronoun “you.” Third person point of view is when the narrator is outside the story and uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they” to refer to the characters. To ensure consistency in point of view throughout your manuscript, choose one point of view and stick with it. If you’re writing in the first person point of view, don’t switch to the second or third person point of view midway through your piece. Doing so can be confusing for your readers and disrupt the overall narrative.

In conclusion, ensuring consistency in tone, tense, and point of view throughout your manuscript is crucial to creating a compelling and coherent piece of writing. By paying attention to these elements and making conscious choices about how to use them, you can greatly enhance the reading experience for your audience. So take the time to carefully consider your tone, tense, and point of view, and make sure they remain consistent throughout your manuscript. Your readers will thank you for it.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Freelancing Sacrifices Nobody Talks About

March 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Freelancing is a way of working where an individual offers their services as an independent contractor to multiple clients, rather than being employed by a single company. This allows for more flexibility in terms of work hours and location, as well as the type of work that can be done. Freelancers are responsible for finding their own clients, managing their own finances and benefits, and setting their own schedules.

Also Read: Build A Successful Blogging Career For Yourself

The freelance life can be both rewarding and challenging. Freelancers have the ability to work on a variety of projects, choose their own clients, and set their own schedules, which can lead to a high level of job satisfaction. However, they also face the challenge of finding consistent work and managing their own finances, which can be difficult for those who are not used to managing a business.

Also Read: Building A Writing Routine
  1. Steady Income: Freelancers usually don’t have a guaranteed salary, which can make budgeting and planning for the future difficult.
  2. Benefits: Freelancers often miss out on benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans that are provided by traditional employers.
  3. Job security: Freelancers are not guaranteed work and must constantly look for new clients and projects to maintain their income.
  4. Structure and routine: Freelancers must create their own schedules, which can lead to a lack of structure and work-life balance.
  5. Professional development: Freelancers may miss out on opportunities for professional growth and development offered by traditional employers.
  6. Networking opportunities: Freelancers may miss out on the opportunities for networking and building relationships with colleagues in a traditional office setting.
Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?

Regardless of the challenges, freelancing can be a great option for people who value independence and flexibility in their work. To be successful as a freelancer, it is important to have a strong work ethic, good time-management skills, and a willingness to continuously develop and market your skills.

***

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.

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Build A Successful Blogging Career For Yourself

February 19 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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Blogging can be a fulfilling and lucrative career for those with a passion for writing and sharing their ideas, knowledge, and experiences with a wide audience. It involves creating and regularly updating a website or blog platform where you can publish articles, videos, images, and other forms of content. There are many different niches within the blogging world, ranging from fashion and lifestyle to technology and finance. As a blogger, you can monetize your platform through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and other means. Success as a blogger often depends on developing a strong following, building a personal brand, and creating high-quality content that provides value to your readers.

Also Read: The Creative Writing Process

Steps To Begin Blogging As A Career

  1. Choose your niche: Select a topic or area of interest that you are knowledgeable about and passionate about. This will help you create content that is engaging and relevant to your target audience.
  2. Set up a blog: Choose a blogging platform such as WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace, and set up your blog with a custom domain name, design, and layout.
  3. Create quality content: Start writing blog posts that provide value to your audience and establish your expertise in your chosen niche. Ensure that your content is well-researched, well-written, and visually appealing.
  4. Build an audience: Promote your blog on social media, participate in online communities related to your niche, and network with other bloggers to build a following.
  5. Monetize your blog: Consider ways to monetize your blog, such as advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and product sales.
  6. Continuously improve: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your niche, listen to your audience’s feedback, and continuously improve your blog to stay relevant and engaged with your audience.

Also Read: Breaking Down How To Write Dialogues In Fiction

Remember, success in blogging takes time, hard work, and persistence, but with dedication and a strong strategy, you can build a successful career as a blogger.

Tips To Write Blogposts That Readers Enjoy Reading

Here are some tips to write blog posts that readers enjoy reading:

  1. Write with your audience in mind: Consider what your target audience is interested in and what type of content will be most valuable to them.
  2. Use a conversational tone: Write as if you are speaking directly to your reader to make your content more relatable and engaging.
  3. Keep it simple: Use clear and concise language, and avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that may confuse your audience.
  4. Make it visually appealing: Use images, graphics, and other forms of media to break up text and make your content more engaging.
  5. Use subheadings and bullet points: Make your content easy to scan by using subheadings and bullet points to highlight key points.
  6. Tell stories: Use personal anecdotes and real-life examples to make your content more relatable and engaging.
  7. Be informative: Provide valuable information and insights that your readers can apply to their own lives or work.
  8. Be consistent: Publish blog posts on a regular schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Remember, writing blog posts that readers enjoy reading is about providing value, being relatable, and making a connection with your audience.

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Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch

February 19 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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One question I frequently get asked from new authors is, “My manuscript has been accepted by the publisher but I am clueless about how to market my book. I know it mostly depends on me, but I am hardly active on social media. I don’t know where to begin and I fear it is too late.”

A problem identified is one-third solved. You know what you want to do, and what you haven’t been doing. All that remains is doing what you need to be doing. Simple? Not so much, but you are not in as bad a place as you’d imagine.

Also Read: 10 Ways To Repurpose Your Content

Let’s break this down. Digital is here to stay and is at a peak now. All your promotions need to be here, and here is where people will pick book suggestions from, mostly. Now the thing is, for your book to be known, your name needs to be known first. Gone are the days when books sold themselves, its definitely not happening for us common souls. Readers adapt to authors they have read before, even if in blogs, or even as small as tweets.


So, embrace digital media even if it is the last thing you want to do. Trust me in this, and read on.

Start as early from the book launch as possible. It’s never too early. I have come across a lot of people who believe their book deserves the limelight and not they. Let’s not fool ourselves, you need to brand yourself as an author and its that brand which will be marketing the book. There is no other way about it. Unless you are Dan Humphrey from Gossip Girl, writing a say-it-all exposé on the who’s who of the society, or something similarly controversial. Actually, even there, Dan had to show his face and brand himself in a way. When he didn’t, his book sales had dropped, remember?

Also Read: 5 Hacks To Have A Productive Day At Your Writing 
Desk

It is a scary world out there – putting yourself and your work out there. It’s a vulnerable situation. With free internet, everyone has an opinion and you will be subjected to it. Don’t let that scare you off. You’ll know what is genuine criticism and what is not. You will also learn how much of the branding is positive, and how much is spamming or having a negative effect. It takes a while, but you will learn, I promise. Or you can just hire an expert to handhold you. I will have a separate post on the details of brand building, but in this post I’ll share things you can do broadly to create your author brand and name on the www.

Write – But, of course. And not just your book. It is easy for readers to identify with your name, if they have read you before. Blog. Pitch to publications, and write away. Get your name all over social media.

Also Read: Promote Your Book Without Leaving Your Home!

When blogging, it is okay to begin with a generic blog, but I highly recommend a dedicated domain in your name. Your website will be your electronic biodata, and will hold links to all your writings. A home for your author brand.

 


Network – Online and offline. If you live in one of the metro cities, offline meetings are particularly easy. Meet with other authors, be part of forums and interact online+offline, attend events – as guest as well as panel speaker. Mingle, online and offline. If you ask me, twitter is probably the best platform to mingle and network online, the outreach is remarkable and people can be very accepting. Women, join women tribe. Some people have been known and seen to have gained leverage through their political views on social media – if that floats your boat, get into it by all means. But focus on a positive image, not a negative one!

Related : Five Mistakes You Could Be Making While Writing 
Your Book

Tweet – This, I mention apart from networking. You cannot be online only to interact with others, right. What are your views? Talk about things you love, books you read, what you are reading, your writing process, maybe share links to something interesting you might have read, retweet interesting things tweeted by other people – find a balance in what all work for you and do that.

Share – If you have written something, be it on your blog or for publications, share them extensively (don’t spam though) on all social media platforms. Learn to use the correct hashtags, and pick out one or two which work the best. You can also use a personalised hashtag, could be just your full name or something more creative. Follow other authors who promote their own works, and observe their styles.

Take it slowly and steadily, don’t rush into it. Give it some time, and observe other authors. Learn and imbibe social media habits, and then find your own. Your presence is crucial for your author brand, so be present online.

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.





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Posted on 
Who Are Ideal Book Reviewers And How Can You Find Them?
  

  
  
  
  
    February     
    13    , 
    2023      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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There are so many book reviewers out there, and more joining in as you read this post. The great thing is that most book reviewers do put in a lot of effort and do fantastic jobs in promoting the books they read. But as is a fact, every genre isn’t for everybody, then why do authors and publishers still send out their books randomly to reviewers instead of doing a little study of who matches with what they write? Not always does more followers mean more publicity, because at the end of the day someone with 10 followers talking passionately about your book can convert all 10 followers into buyers & readers.


Also Read: Building A Writing Routine


Who is an ideal book reviewer?






















An ideal book reviewer is someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about books, and has the ability to express their thoughts and opinions in a clear and concise manner. The following characteristics are common among good book reviewers:


    

  1. Good reader: A good book reviewer should be an avid reader and have a broad understanding of various genres and literary styles.
    2. 

  2. Good writing skills: The ability to articulate thoughts and opinions in a well-written and engaging manner is essential for a book reviewer.
    3. 

  3. Objectivity: A good book reviewer should be able to approach each book objectively and not let personal biases or opinions cloud their judgment.
    4. 

  4. Attention to detail: A good book reviewer should pay close attention to the details of the book, including its plot, characters, themes, and writing style.
    5. 

  5. Critical thinking: A good book reviewer should have the ability to analyze and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a book, and provide a balanced and well-rounded review.
    6. 

  6. Knowledgeable: A good book reviewer should have a good understanding of the literary world and be knowledgeable about the author, the book’s context, and the publishing industry.
    7. 

  7. Good communication skills: A good book reviewer should be able to communicate their thoughts and opinions in a clear and concise manner that engages and informs the reader.
    8. 










 










Also Read: Should you hire a professional editor to improve 
your manuscript?


How Can Authors Find Ideal Book Reviewers?
































Here are a few ways that authors can find ideal book reviewers:


    

  1. Book review websites and blogs: Many websites and blogs are dedicated to reviewing books and offer a platform for authors to connect with potential reviewers.
    2. 

  2. Social media: Social media platforms such as Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook can be a great way for authors to connect with potential book reviewers.
    3. 

  3. Book clubs and reading groups: Joining or reaching out to book clubs and reading groups can be a great way for authors to connect with potential reviewers who are passionate about books.
    4. 

  4. Online communities: There are many online communities dedicated to book lovers, such as Reddit’s /r/books, where authors can connect with potential reviewers.
    5. 

  5. Professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Book Critics Circle or the American Society of Journalists and Authors can provide access to potential book reviewers who are professional and experienced.
    6. 

  6. Bookstores and libraries: Local bookstores and libraries can be great places to connect with potential book reviewers and get feedback on your book.
    7. 

  7. Personal networks: Asking friends, family members, and professional contacts who enjoy reading if they would be interested in reviewing your book can also be a great way to find ideal book reviewers.
    8. 



Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?


It is important to note that when reaching out to potential reviewers, authors should respect their time and preferences, and not harass or pressure them into reviewing their book. A professional and respectful approach will increase the chances of building a positive relationship with book reviewers.




































































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Posted on 
Building A Writing Routine
  

  
  
  
  
    February     
    7    , 
    2023      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Building a writing routine is important because it provides structure and discipline to the writing process, helps writers establish good writing habits, and can increase productivity and creativity.









Some key benefits of building a writing routine include:


    

  1. Consistency: Having a writing routine can help writers write regularly and consistently, which can lead to faster progress and a larger body of work.
    2. 

  2. Focus and concentration: A writing routine helps create a dedicated space and time for writing, which can help writers stay focused and avoid distractions.
    3. 

  3. Overcoming writer’s block: A routine can help writers overcome writer’s block by providing a structured approach to writing, and by helping writers establish a consistent writing habit.
    4. 

  4. Building momentum: Regular writing can help writers build momentum and create a sense of forward progress, which can be motivating and inspiring.
    5. 

  5. Time management: A writing routine can help writers manage their time more effectively, and prioritize writing as a priority.
    6. 



Also Read: Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?


In short, building a writing routine is an essential part of the writing process. It provides discipline, focus, and structure to the writing process, and can help writers produce high-quality work more efficiently and effectively.




How Can You Too Have A Feasible Writing Schedule?


    

  1. Set a goal: Start by setting a clear goal for your writing routine, such as writing a certain number of words or pages each day, or writing for a certain number of hours each week.
    2. 

  2. Find a suitable time and place: Choose a time and place that works best for you to write, and make it a priority in your schedule. Some writers prefer to write first thing in the morning. Others find that writing in the evening works best for them.
    3. 

  3. Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet place to write, turn off notifications on your devices, and eliminate other distractions.
    4. 

  4. Start small: Start with a manageable writing goal, and gradually increase it over time. Writing for just 10-15 minutes a day can be a good starting point.
    5. 

  5. Make it a habit: Stick to your writing routine, and make it a habit by writing at the same time and place every day.
    6. 

  6. Reward yourself: Reward yourself after completing your writing goal, whether it be with a treat, time with friends, or a special activity.
    7. 

  7. Be flexible: It’s okay to miss a writing session sometimes, but don’t let it discourage you. Get back to your routine as soon as possible.
    8. 



Also Read: Should you hire a professional editor to improve your manuscript?


Building a writing routine takes time and effort, but with consistency and discipline, it can become an integral part of your writing process, and help you produce high-quality work more efficiently and effectively.


***


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in


I can be followed on Instagram at @samarpita and on Twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your book, to editing your first draft, and promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Should you hire a professional editor to improve your manuscript?
  

  
  
  
  
    February     
    3    , 
    2023      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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‘To hire an editor or not?’ is a question that comes to the minds of many writers writing their first book, especially indie authors. As an editor, it is my job to reply with a resounding yes. But when I start working with a new client, it is important for me to ensure that they come in fully aware of what they are getting into and what they will get out of the process. So if anyone approaches me with still some doubts in mind, I share these ten benefits of hiring an experience manuscript editor for their draft.


Also Read: Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction


Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Editor :


    

  1. A professional editor has the experience and expertise to identify and correct grammar and punctuation errors.
    2. 

  2. They can improve the overall flow and structure of your manuscript to make it more compelling and engaging for readers.
    3. 

  3. They can provide feedback on characterization, plot, and dialogue to help you make your story more effective.
    4. 

  4. They can check your manuscript for consistency and continuity errors.
    5. 

  5. They can help you identify areas where your writing may be unclear or confusing and provide suggestions for improvement.
    6. 

  6. They can ensure your manuscript adheres to industry standards and conventions.
    7. 

  7. They can help you identify and eliminate unnecessary words or phrases, making your manuscript more concise and impactful.
    8. 

  8. They can help you refine and polish your writing style to make it more polished and professional.
    9. 

  9. They can provide guidance and support throughout the editing process, giving you the confidence and motivation you need to finish your manuscript.
    10. 

  10. They can ensure your manuscript is ready for submission to agents or publishers, increasing your chances of getting published.
    11. 



Also Read: Basic Yet Underrated Things To Remember While Writing A Manuscript


Why should indie authors get their manuscript edited by professional editors?


Indie authors should consider getting their manuscript edited by professional editors because it can help improve the overall quality and readability of the book. A professional editor can catch grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and plot holes that the author may have missed. They can also provide feedback on character development, pacing, and structure. Additionally, a professional editor can help the author prepare the manuscript for publication, which can increase the chances of it being accepted by literary agents or publishers. Overall, professional editing can be an investment in the success of an indie author’s book.


This post was first published here.


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Posted on 
Who Is A Writing Coach And How Can One Help You?
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    31    , 
    2023      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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A writing coach is a professional who provides guidance and support to writers to help them improve their writing skills, achieve their writing goals, and overcome any challenges they face in the writing process. A writing coach is not an editor or a proof reader or a ghostwriter, but some do offer these services too.


Broadly, the jobs of an editor and a writing coach might seem the same but the difference is actually quite broad. For starters, a book coach would help you before your first draft is complete.






Writing coaches work with authors to take their book to the next level while the book is being written. They help authors get the idea out of their heads to the document, and also assist in multiple manners during the process.

















Difference between a writing coach and an editor


A writing coach focuses on helping writers develop and improve their writing skills, offering guidance on style, structure, and content. An editor, on the other hand, focuses on improving the final product, checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and ensuring the writing is clear, concise, and effective. A coach helps writers grow, while an editor helps writing shine.




Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader






Few ways an author can benefit from a writing coach






    

  1. Improved writing skills and techniques
    2. 

  2. Enhanced creativity and originality
    3. 

  3. Increased motivation and accountability
    4. 

  4. Objectivity and constructive feedback
    5. 

  5. Overcoming writer’s block and creative ruts
    6. 

  6. Better time management and productivity
    7. 

  7. More effective writing processes
    8. 

  8. Achieving writing goals and reaching publishing success.
    9. 


















Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business


When should one hire a writing coach?


An author might consider hiring a writing coach when:


    

  1. Struggling with writer’s block or a lack of inspiration
    2. 

  2. Needing objective feedback and guidance on their writing
    3. 

  3. Seeking to improve their writing skills and techniques
    4. 

  4. Aiming to increase productivity and reach publishing goals
    5. 

  5. Wanting to overcome creative ruts or other challenges in the writing process
    6. 

  6. Looking for motivation and accountability in their writing journey.
    7. 





Also Read: Five Mistakes You Could Be Making While Writing Your Book




How Can I Be Your Ideal Writing Coach?




    

  • Understand your goals and needs.
    • 

  • Provide clear, actionable feedback.
    • 

  • Encourage and motivate you.
    • 

  • I stay up to date with writing techniques and trends.
    • 

  • I embrace a growth mindset and try to foster it in my clients.
    • 

  • I believe in a positive and supportive coaching relationship.
    • 





***










Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Send me an email at editor@samarpita.in  for editing, content, coaching, or social media planning.










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Posted on 
Breaking Down How To Write Dialogues In Fiction
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    7    , 
    2023      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Original post on dialogues published here.


A dialogue is the section in a story which shows us a conversation happening between two or more characters. There are two broad types of dialogues: inner and outer. The conversation that happens between two or more people is outer dialogue. Sometimes there are internal monologues where the character in the scene is talking to themselves.


Dialogues aren’t as tricky to write as they might seem. My favourite trick to share with my students is to remember that conversations like stories are part of real life. People in stories will talk exactly how people talk in real life.


Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader


Dialogues are the soul of any story. While the narration sets the ball rolling and characters spice it up, well-written dialogues take the story ahead. And not to forget, epic dialogues get quoted for years and decades.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and focus on writing epic dialogues just yet. The key to creating great work is to understand the basic and follow the rules. The creatives below about the three prerequisites of any good dialogue and must be followed every time you write a story.




6 Rules For Creating Great Dialogues


    

  • 

    Punctuate Correctly
    

    • 



There is a typical manner in which dialogues are written. They are different for prose and drama, and should never be mixed. In drama, a lot of what is written is for the actor to understand and then act. In a story, every word is for your reader to read, interpret and even imagine.


All punctuation that are part of the dialogue go inside quotation marks. In prose, the flow of dialogues are in the paragraph flow and contain action tags as well. Both double and single quotation marks are used in Indian publications depending on what format the publisher follows usually. As a rule, double quotation mark is used in US English, and single quotation marks are used in UK English. In Indian books, either get used. Personally, I prefer double quotation marks as that leaves the single ones to denote aa quoted dialogue within an existing dialogue.


Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch


    

  • 

    Use few(er) tags
    

    • 



Ending every dialogue with he said/she said ends up making the writing look cluttered and annoying the reader. If two people are talking, establish who is talking first and let the dialogue flow. Readers will also understand who is saying what based on personalities of the characters you have already established. Gestures and action tags also indicate who is talking in bigger groups. While dialogue tags are to be used where needed, as should action tags be, the idea is to use them sparingly and where needed. How does one know where these tags are needed and where they are not? By reading a lot and writing a lot. A writing instinct develops that helps your writing look smooth and experienced.


    

  • 

    Cut the fillers
    

    • 



In real life, one might meet a friend and do boring small talk but a story needs to stay exciting and engrossing. Characters asking, “How are you?” and getting, “I am fine, thank you. What about you?” adds nothing to the story and to be honest, bored the reader. The fact that they greeted each other can be part of the narrative or skipped completely.




    

  • 

    Maintain context
    

    • 



Keep with the flow of the story. Conversations need to make sense to the reader based on events of the past as explained and the characters that have been built in the story. Conversations from the future need to be indicated as such either clearly or in a subtle manner like in a new chapter or section.


Also Read: Basic Yet Underrated Things To Remember While Writing A Manuscript


    

  • 

    Use the setting/environment
    

    • 



Include the surroundings in the dialogues. There can be no abrupt dialogues as if they are excerpts from some notes. Dialogues are meant to be part of the story and either add to what is about to follow or tell the reader what might have happened in the past. Weave in the surrounding, the room/place your characters are in.


    

  • 

    Indulge readers with vital information
    

    • 



Dialogues are meant to not only break the monotony of the narration, but also to share with the readers important events from the plot or give a sneak peak at some character trait, perhaps. Each exchange happening between characters must share some vital information with the reader even if it’s subtle.




Every time a new person speaks, a new paragraph also begins. If one character’s dialogue is long and extends beyond one paragraph, then the closing quotation mark will be marked only once, at the end of the entire dialogue and not after every paragraph.


There are many more dos and donts when it comes to dialogue writing. They might seem overwhelming, but aren’t actually, once you understand what and why these rules exist. For more tips on writing, editing and social media, follow me on Instagram at @samarpita and Writersmelon at @writersmelon


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Posted on 
Hyderabad: Book 2 of The Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar
  

  
  
  
  
    November     
    20    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has written a trilogy on the partition of India and the second book in the series is Hyderabad. When India got independence, Hyderabad was still a princely state that was being ruled over by His Exalted Highness, Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi, AsafJah II.


The Nizam wanted Hyderabad to remain an independent state. He refused to enter into a signed treaty with India like other princely states across the subcontinent had done.


I don’t know about you all, but while growing up, from the time we had started to learn about partition back in school, I have always been curious about how life was back then. How did things function, how did the people responsible for the partition handle entire process, what was their thoughts etc. And in the process, I remember  I would pull up books from the library to read about those times.


Also Read: #BookReview: The CurseOf Kuldhara by Richa S Mukherjee


And in one of those sessions, I remember reading how the Nizam of Hyderabad wasn’t keen on joining India. Soon, life took over, putting reading about the partition to a stand still. I had many questions but never really got around to looking for answers. Until I found out about Manreet Sodhi Someshwar’s book Hyderabad.




When any conversation about partition comes up, Punjab and Bengal come to mind. That Hyderabad had a crucial role to play is quite an under-discussed fact. This book does a might fine job of educating whosoever might be interested.


Hyderabad, situated a little further south from the very centre of the country wanted to remain an independent state, while being surrounded by India. Bizarre, right? Not so much, if understand what all went on and the struggle that was to ensure that India became a nation as a whole. Hyderabad is set in year that began a month before we got independence, i.e. July 1947 to September 1948.


Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh


The book begins with a conversation between the Nizam and Walter Monckton, his legal advisor. Right from page one we start understanding who the Nizam was and why he didn’t want to become a part of India. Moving on, the reader is taken through 13 months of events that transpired through historical characters like the Nizam, Nehru, Patel, Mountbatten, etc and a few fictional characters.


Writing about history and making it interesting is not easy, and honestly, Manreet has managed to keep the reader’s attention glued. The book is not written in the form of a history book, and I loved how the historic as well as the fictional characters came together to tell us this story, 75 years later.


Also Read: #BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das


If like me, you too often wonder about the current socio-political situation around the country and wonder where did all this suddenly come from, reading about partition shows the mirror and tells how the undercurrent of mutual hatred has always existed.


Manreet has written a fictional tale revolving around true events involving the partition of India, and while the tale is fascinating, it is also painful. It was a difficult time for the nation. There were rampant communal riots, the horrific trains that were sent to and from both the countries,  Bapu’s assassination — the country seemed to be in a most volatile state. In between, Jinnah was trying to woo the highly whimsical Nizam, and Nehru & Patel were trying to ensure that the state of Hyderabad joined India and that peace prevailed everywhere.


Hyderabad does join India subsequently, but a price was paid. People suffered and the Nizam’s illustrious career as a ruler was pushed to oblivion, his place in history becoming small than it should have been.


As an Indian, specially in today’s political scenario, it makes more sense than before to read this trilogy. History is the reason we exist and we must know what happened in the country at crucial times like independence and partition.


BLURB:


Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, is the Nizam of Hyderabad, the largest Princely State of the Crown. It sits in the belly of newly independent India to which Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel want Hyderabad to accede. The Communists have concurrently mounted a state-wide rebellion.


But the Nizam’s family has ruled Hyderabad for 200 years. As the wealthiest man in the world, whom the British consider numero uno amongst India’s princes, he will not deal with two-penny Indian politicians! An ancient prophecy, however, hangs over the Nizam – the Asaf Jahi dynasty will last only seven generations. So, he keeps his jewel-laden trucks ready for flight even as he schemes with his army of militant Razakars.


Meanwhile, in the palace thick with intrigue, the maid Uzma must decide where her loyalties lie: with the peasantry or the Nizam. Among the Communist recruits, Jaabili finds love in unexpected quarters. Violence escalates and lawlessness mounts. Caught between a volatile Nizam and a resolute India, what price will Hyderabad pay?


 


This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.


BUY THE BOOK HERE.


***


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Posted on 
Will tokenization impact the recurring payments you make through your debit and credit cards?
  

  
  
  
  
    October     
    26    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Over the last five years, India has seen a huge rise in online purchases, first

after demonetisation and then due to the pandemic. People who were okay

with cash transactions only, slowly moved to relying on online transactions

and learning the ropes. Yet, the actual scare of data misuse remained as a

fact, and in hearts of many.


In an attempt to protect our online transactions, Government of India

has introduced TOKENIZATION. As per the latest mandate from RBI, everyone

must tokenize debit and credit cards for online transactions. While this is a

positive step towards safeguarding our data, there is expected to be some

confusion and doubt in the minds of many people. Changes are difficult to

adjust to and when it comes to online data and our finances, every bit of

caution should be practiced.


Also Read: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?


The only way I believe that one can get comfortable with online transactions and new rules in it, is by wholly understanding what the changes entail. Let’s try to do that, shall we? As per the new RBI rules, businesses and merchants cannot store our card details any more. Tokenization will instead replace all sensitive payment details with a ‘token’ unique to every card, which will be used to make the transactions.


Previously, every time we entered our card details including the number,

expiry date, code, etc the date remained with multiple businesses increasing

the risk of the data getting stolen and misused. Tokenization will mask all

these details and show only the four-digit token number that will apply to all

online purchases and transactions.


This will apply only when you make your payments through debit or credit

cards. For people who use credit and/or debit cards for their purchases, a

token will definitely make the process easier and more trustworthy. There are

also many shoppers who resort to net banking which they find more

convenient, and if one is honest, there can be a distinct shift from net banking

to use of token for online shopping as well.


Also Read: Ways Simple Life Adjustments Can Lead To A Sustainable Lifestyle


However, there can be some pitfalls going forward. For one, recurring

transactions may not happen as smoothly as they have been in the past.

Subscriptions are one example of recurring transactions and if your payment

method is your card, the payment may not happen automatically.


And if your recurring transaction is above a certain limit, you will receive a message from the bank 24 hours before to authorise it. It’s a multi-step process, one in which you will need patience as we are all used to one-click solutions.

Also, here’s hoping that the migration of existing customer mandates based

on card numbers for recurring payments is smoothly done to the token-based

ecosystem.


While bigger ecommerce platforms like Amazon have their processes in

place, smaller merchants are still not confident about their token processing

solutions for recurring payments.


While tokenization is a promising step towards security in online transactions,

stay prepared for minor glitches till the entire ecosystem is ready. Here’s

hoping that smaller merchants too can can be ready soon, making all our

online purchases simpler and more convenient.


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#BookReview: The CurseOf Kuldhara by Richa S Mukherjee
  

  
  
  
  
    August     
    28    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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BLURB:


What can possibly go wrong when fame and fortune come knocking? Plenty! We return to the charming and colourful lanes of Gwaltoli to revisit Prachand Tripathi, our favourite desi detective and owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd. While he has progressed from locating lost pets and garments to problems of gravitas, their moderate fame doesn’t impress wife and CFO Vidya Tripathi who still complains about wasted potential and the tepid life they lead. As if on cue, an unusual but promising proposal comes their way, one they simply cannot refuse. It’s an invitation to oversee a film shoot based on their lives, whisking them away to the resplendent deserts of Rajasthan. What follows is an unbelievable and spine-chilling adventure that will drag them through a morass of inexplicable events, dangerous secrets and a cursed, abandoned village that wreaks havoc on the living and dead alike.


Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh




REVIEW:


The Curse of Kuldhara is the second book go the Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd series and by now we have all warmed up to the Tripathi family and their peculiarities. First things first. Have you been to Kuldhara? I have, in broad daylight and while its eerie, its also incredibly sad to see the deserted houses. I remember climbing to the terrace of one abandoned, dilapidated house and seeing the entire village with tears in my eyes. Cannot even imagine how it must have felt for everybody to drop everything and disappear from the lives they had known forever.


Also Read: #BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das


Coming back to the story, Prachand and Vidya get an invitation to travel to Kuldhara to see and provide expert inputs in the movie that was being shot based on them. On schedule, they reached the place with Yatish and chacha Tripathi in tow. Funnnn, right? Ha, you bet! Soon eerie things start happening and leave everyone on the edge. To add to the confusion, there is a death. Or is it a murder? From there on more mysteries start unravelling and the book becomes unputdownable.


I love mysteries but I wasn’t yet sure how much I’d love mystery with comedy. Richa has done such a fine job – the comic moments are not hampering the mystery of the book which gets two thumbs ups from me. The suspense was intense and honestly, really difficult to gauge.


I also loved the sprinkling of cultures from UP and Rajasthan throughout the story. The book has many such fine nuances which don’t add directly to the story and might have been done without, but having them in the plot added to the entire reading experience.


On, and the climax? Well, I couldn’t guess it. You should read it and see if you can. I’d finished reading this book at 01:30 in the night, and the end had me a tad scared. Guess who slept with the lights in the room on?


***


Buy the book here:


                                                                 


***


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Three Things Authors Should Not Do On Social Media
  

  
  
  
  
    August     
    5    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
    Three Things Authors Should Not Do On Social Media     

    
  
  
          

         Three Things Authors Should Not Do On Social Media    
      

     

    
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Social media etiquette for authors is pretty much the same as for everybody – to be polite and not disturb others in general. For authors, there are three things which go a long way in establishing their credibility as authors people love to follow.


Of course, the first thing apart from their writing that attracts followers on social media is how much your timeline has to offer. Do you share good tips? Does your timeline share something beneficial? You will automatically start gaining followers.


The important question however  is, what can drive followers away? Every information that is to be obtained is available on the Internet but most people out there will talk about what to do, and rarely about what not to do. I have happily taken this burden on, to be the bearer of all the bad news – I will keep on educating all interested about what not to do.




Knowing what not to do clears half the path ahead and whatever remains, is the to do.


Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch


So, here are my three tips for authors on what they should be mindful of not doing. The line here is very thin and one can have the best intention yet cross it. There is no harm in reminding yourself of what you should avoid:


 


Nag people to buy their books


Of course, you will promote your book. But how much is enough and how much is too much? If someone is asking you about your wellbeing, you don’t reply with  a link to your book and ask them to buy it. If you are laughing at this suggestion, believe me, people do this. What you can do is talk about your books and share reviews of your book. Pestering ppl to buy your book might get you a few obligatory sales but is that for real? Uninterested people won’t read your book or be interested in it.


So, why bother people? Talk about your book instead and slowly yet steadily, people will develop curiosity about it. Readers of the genre will automatically be attracted to the book, and you will gain actual readers who shall review and talk about the book in question.


Also Read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business


Share fake reviews


You will see authors sharing many, many reviews of their books from the day it gets published, sometimes even of ARCs. Do not, under any circumstance, let that shake your belief. Every book is different, and every author’s branding is different. Don’t compare your book or author presence to someone else’s – they could be more established or their reviews could be manipulated.


Many a time, in a hurry to share many reviews of their own book, perhaps to establish to the world that their books is getting read and loved, authors end up sharing fake reviews.


This affects your author image badly, and doesn’t contribute to book sales in any way. Honesty and integrity are the real game changers.


Also Read: Five Mistakes You Could Be Making While Writing Your Book


Spam with their own content


I understand the need to share only specific content, but we need to know where to draw the line. If you are following someone on social media, ask yourself this – why do you follow them? That is where your reply lies. We follow people for the content we like. And one thing that doesn’t work for anybody is to not spam. Endless and mindless sharing only annoys and after a point, people will either unfollow or they will mute you. No joy in either, right? Remember not to spam and you should be good to go. Share content, rant, whine, and talk about what you love or hate, but take breaks in between.


***


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in


I can be followed on Instagram at @samarpita and on Twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your book, to editing your first draft, and promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Five Things I Learnt About Life In My 30s
  

  
  
  
  
    May     
    22    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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I’d written this a month after I’d turned 40…


I turned a year older last month and had a lot of thoughts about life running through my mind the last few days. I have a habit of assessing the past and planning for the future. Well, not the future future, but what I will do shortly. I function perfectly well if I have plans and projects, for which self-evaluation is very important. In doing all this, I recently weighed in the last 10 years of my life and how I dealt with things. I wish the first five years had been better, but in last few years, I have sort of made up for most things.


I became a published author, I got back to learning art, I picked up knitting again, I did some very brilliant work for which I am eternally grateful to life and I have tried to become a better person with self-evaluation and correction. Not the richest or the most famous, but I am trying to be a person who will have few(er) regrets towards the end of life. I might not succeed as I have planned out, but I wouldn’t be sorry that I didn’t try.


So! While there are quite a few things that my 30s have taught me, I would like to share five. I see people behaving like their life is ending when they turn 30. Little do they know that it would be just the opposite, by god’s grace. I had turned 30 without much fanfare, in fact, I had not even realised that I was turning 30. It hit a couple of years later, but I never was the one who looked at aging negatively. Every day lived is a blessing, and why not!




The 20s are spent first studying, then getting heartbroken again and again and AGAIN, trying to make it in one’s career and hopefully making it before hitting 30, trying to acquire real estate and other things, partying, nursing a hangover, nursing more heartbreaks, wondering if life will ever fall in place, finding a life partner (for those who want to) and hoping this time love is for real – more or less, spent in a struggle.


How the 30s panned out for me, isn’t how it pans out for everyone. Some have it better, some have it worse, and some just have it different. For me, the 30s were about finding myself. It was around 35 that I started searching for who the real Samarpita is, what is she like, what are her aspirations, where does she want to be in life, and what is she ready to do to get there. I also learned more about the people in my life – my mother, my husband, my friends right from kindergarten to adulthood, and both my families. I observed people and understood who is what – helped me get rid of assumptions both good and bad, and understand what they are. Of course, this is just my interpretation of them, but I am glad I tried to understand them. It helps me understand their behaviors and reactions, even the most absurd ones. And that has helped me not misunderstand then – this is so important, with fewer misunderstandings, life is so much peaceful. Now, that’s an underrated joy of life!


I want to share my five giveaways from life in the last few years. I’d love to know what the 30s have taught you!


It’s time to live your own life




Padhai kar li. Naukri bhi kar li. Shaadi karni thhi toh kar li.


Khud ki marzi ki kab karoge?




I know I am speaking from a place of privilege but hear me out. Even at a place of privilege, how many people let go of things pulling them down and do what they want to? Not many. I am not saying quit your job and follow your dreams – that’s the worst advice anyone can give you.


What I am saying is, while doing everything you have to do, find time for yourself. Learn something new, if that is where your interests lie. Travel, if that floats your boat. Give back to society. Study. The possibilities are endless. We all have that one thing we would have loved to do had adulthood not come in the way. Do it. Find time. Once a day. If that’s difficult, do it once a week – once a month. Find time for yourself and just do what the heart desires. Honestly, it’s just one life and none of us knows which day will be our last. Live it out.


Your happiness needs to be of utmost importance to you


I am a strong advocate of living for others. That’s how I am wired and have been brought up as well. To think about others before yourself. To never be selfish, to share, to do what will make them happy, to keep an eye on them.


I cannot change the person I am, neither do I want to. But while I kept looking out for others, almost nobody was looking out for me. I am not saying one needs to stop caring about others, but it’s your life so you have to look after yourself.


When you look after yourself, you stop expecting people you care for, to care back about you in the same manner that you do. It’s a win-win, honestly. You save yourself from disappointment, and you take care of yourself exactly how you like it done!


It’s cool to invest in self-development


You’ve got to be a better version of yourself and for that, if you want to go back to studying or learning something new it’s perfectly alright.


INVEST ON THERAPY. Your gym investment might fail if you cannot bring yourself to go to the gym every single day because of anxiety, depression or something even worse. Your mental health is of utmost importance and nobody should tell you otherwise. A healthy mind leads to a healthy body. Take care of your body, inwardly and outwardly.


The 30s are a good time to start taking care of the skin. HYDRATE yourself – drink water, moisturise your skin, and oil your scalp. If you are having a night out with friends, drink a couple of glasses of water between two glasses of alcohol. Make sure that your pee is not yellow, orange or any strange colour.


Beauty is only skin deep is not completely true. Your skin and hair throw true light on how you are from inside – your health. As we age, our bodies require more care. What our parents could get away with in their 30s, we cannot – have you seen the difference in our lifestyles? Right!


Marriage is a scam


Wait! Hear me out. I am pro-marriage for whoever is interested in it, and totally in support of anyone who isn’t. Marry for the right reasons and not the reasons the society, even your parents tell you.


The reason I am calling marriage a scam is because it’s not what we are made to believe it is. It isn’t a stereotype or a photocopy of every married couple’s life. The fact is that every couple does it differently and no one rule suits all. Except when it comes to cheating, abuse, violence, and such – these are bright red flags.


Until these three come in a marriage, its for you to deal with how you want to. Want an open marriage? I would have frowned a few years ago, but today I would say, go for it. Just make sure your partner is in the loop and not getting hurt. Want to be childfree? Do it. Don’t allow anyone to dare call you childless. It’s not something you have less, it’s something you opted not to have. Want to travel every six months? Do it.


We cannot deal with marriage how our parents did, and I think that’s okay. As long as nobody is getting hurt and there is complete consent involved, a marriage can be as beautiful as you want it to be. For me, it’s a Fevicol strong friendship. S and I have a partnership and over the years we have both taught each other to be better spouses than what we were when we had started. Being perfect as each other’s spouses as against being the married couple the society expects us to be has helped our marriage flourish and reach a very content phase. But, that’s us. In my 30s I have learnt how different marriages can be, and learnt to accept them as they are. To each his own, with consent, of course.


Treat your partner exactly how you want to be treated and see how harmonious your marriage can be. If you are single and happy, don’t let anyone force you into changing your status. It’s better to be single and happy, than to be married and unhappy.


Two friends are better than 20


The younger millennial have understood in their 20s itself, us older ones got to understand this in our 30s. But thank god, we did. Friends acquired all through life need not be carried all through life. As we learn and become better persons, we understand that not everyone makes that effort. That’s a negative influence on the very lives which we are trying to make better if you ask me.


Someone you went to high school with might be a bigot, another few must be sexists (that’s a definite, most friends remain sexists despite all the transformation happening around), some would be homophobes, and some would cling to their regressive political views. It doesn’t mean we drop them all like hotcakes, but those who take their opinions too far and show regressive behaviour aren’t adding to their lives. Being brought up in a regressive environment is no more a valid excuse to remain regressive. As grown-ups, it’s our responsibility to change into people others can look up to. If anyone is not investing in being better, they will only pull you back. 


Just two friends who hype you, have your best intentions in mind, and are making an example out of their own lives in even the smallest possible ways are worth two dozens of them you meet at kitty parties or weekend parties. Fairweather friends are not true friends and its perfectly legit to do away with such friendships!




I am taking my blog to the next level with 
Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa. 


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Posted on 
Hashtags And How To Use Them On Social Media
  

  
  
  
  
    May     
    2    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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What are hashtags, and why are they important? For anyone who works on social media, this is not mystery. But for those who are present on social media just because the entire world is, hashtags still remain a mystery. This is evident by how wrongly they are used.






 






A very prominent and audience-driving feature of the tech culture, the hashtag has long been added in the Oxford dictionary way back in 2010. Once just a key on the keypad of your phone, the hashtag is one of the driving forces on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Vine and Google Plus. So what does a hashtag do? It categorises. It leads users to specific content and to content of common interest. A lot of social media advertising depends on hashtags as data entered accompanied by specific words tagged with the symbol, facilitate analysts to pull up relevant data.




 


Also Read: Writing For Children Is No Child’s Play




 






Even on a smaller and individual scale, hashtags prove to be useful to users. For example, I am also a travel writer. So when I post my articles on facebook, I add relevant hashtags. Anyone else who is also interested in the same topic, can search for the hashtag and it will lead them to my article. The same goes for instagram, pinterest, google plus posts. 






 






So, what is the correct way to use hashtags?






 







 






What not to do:






 






Do not apply the hashtag before, after or in between every possible word. The purpose of hashtags is to made content discoverable, and not everything in a sentence is worth discovering, to be honest.






Hashtag is applied to (in front of), specific key words.






Excessive number of hashtags make your post or sentence look silly.






Lastly, don’t spam with hashtags.






Hashtags have no relevance in private accounts. Because, your account is private.






 






Hashtags are here to stay, because social media is not going anywhere. With a lot of shift from mainstream advertising to social media marketing that has happened for businesses of all sizes, this platform is the present as well as the future.






Also Read: Basic Yet Underrated Things To Remember While Writing A Manuscript




 






By now, the unintiated must have got a clear picture of what hashtags are and how they should be used. Youtube as well as the rest of the internet has a lot of guiding notes and videos which can help you use them correctly to promote your posts, business and cause.






 








If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.








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Posted on 
A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    27    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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A Paradox Of Dreams was my first read of any of Harshali Singh’s books.  Part three of the Havel series, A Paradox of Dream is not dependent on its predecessors and can be read independently, exactly what I have done.


The Blurb (as on Amazon)




Dreams are mystical wonderlands that can be traumatic and yet shine a light on the hidden depths of our consciousness.


Charu, the blind third daughter of the Sharma family, uses her psychic abilities to find victims as part of an SIT headed by Ravi, her lover. Back into the fold of the Haveli, Charu wakes up from a horrific dream to answer a phone call from an old friend, Prithvi Chauhan, the suave Minister of State. He asks Charu to help him locate his kidnapped younger daughter Myra, for old times’ sake.


Like a Matryoshka doll, Charu and Ravi uncover the nefarious intentions behind the polished lives of the Chauhans even as Charu battles with dreams that claw at her psyche and memories.


Review




We have Charu Sharma – the third daughter of the Sharmas who had lost her eyesight at the age of 11 due to retinal detachment. Along with the main plot of the story, we also travel through Charu’s life which is divided into two parts – before blindness and after blindness. Because Charu did live with perfect vision for some years, she was aware of things around her yet was currently living her life as a visually impaired person. The house they live in is Anwar Haveli and Charu shares a close bond with the house itself.




When Charu lost the vision in her eyes, she gained a sixth sense. She grew up to assist the police department’s special investigative team as an important team member and worked directly under the Commissioner of Police. In a Paradox of Dreams, we see Charu help solve a child’s kidnapping and open a pandora’s box about the lives of most people involved in this story along with her own past.


Also Read: #BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das


Ravi Nair is Charu’s partner in work and in personal life. They have been together since a while now, and they understand each other well to the level of knowing what their silence and mute actions also mean. They both, along with Reeti, another team member, are summoned by minister Prithvi Chauhan to find his kidnapped daughter.


Prithvi and Charu grew up together and the story hints at them being in a relationship as kids. The relationship ended when Prithvi disappeared without keeping in touch and after some time, even Charu moved on in life.


But the morning that Ravi proposes to Charu, she gets a call from Prithvi. He is a minister now and has moved to a bungalow two houses down the lane, and wants Charu and her team to solve the case without involving the police formally.


Also Read: 5 Things Every Entrepreneur Must Avoid


Prithvi’s daughter Myra had been picked up from her crib and disappeared into thin air while there were four other adults in the house. Everyone was a suspect and there were no visible clues. A lot depended on Charu’s sixth sense and power of observation to unravel the mystery and bring back the child before she came to any major harm.




Other characters in the story that we keep seeing come up are the nanny, Prithvi’s wife & mother-in-law, his guru, his cousin Manik who comes around to the house to teach his older daughter Sia, and the servants & guards. Only the family including Manik are allowed to the second floor of the house where the family resides so it was evident that it was an inside job. Everyone was a suspect, and everyone had a motive.


Nothing had prepared Charu, Ravi, and Reeti for the spine chilling revelation that resulted from their investigation. In between, Prithvi posed as a distraction, reminding Charu of the past and tried to pull her back with him, while she fought hard to not allow him to become a blind spot.


Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch


A Paradox of Dreams is not just a book about a crime investigation. It is also a class of emotions and personalities, a peep into the darkness all the characters lived with, the compromises they all had to make to just survive, and the wicked evil that resided inside some of them.


Harshali Singh is a skilled story teller and this book kept me rooted to its pages till late into the night until I could find out what had happened actually. A page-turner, the story has many subplots which keep the reader’s attention on alert so they don’t miss anything important. The characters are well-developed. What I loved most is the sensitivity with which Charu’s visual impairment is handled, and how her sixth sense and its plausibility is explained. While reading the book, I spotted a tweet by Harshali where she explained how she did this.







 




But the book: A Paradox Of Dreams


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
5 Things Every Entrepreneur Must Avoid
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    25    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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While the idea of entrepreneurship is not new anymore, being a founder still does hold a level of novelty to it. To dream of owning your own business, making a brand out of it and monetizing it, seems rosy but there are some very obvious things which if not avoided can crash your business before you can blink your eyes!


Here are five things you must be very careful about; they are small but go a long way in ensuring that your business  sustains.


    

  • Profits should not be your only focus. Yes, your business needs to churn out profits soon enough but keeping only profit as your target will only delay the process. A little investment in customer services, fancy  packaging, freebees, and specially, on marketing, would show big benefits in some time. Cutting costs in the product that you are delivering is never a great idea because once your customers are unhappy with your product, there is no way they are coming back to you.
    • 



    

  • Never ever ignore a single feedback or forget to reply. Treat customer feedback as a bible. As a customer to many other products apart from your own, I am sure you will agree that one has special fondness and loyalty for brands which listen to their buyers. Have a dedicated team or time set to attend to customer feedback, reply to them and attend to the complaints, if any.
    • 

  • Don’t try to micro-manage. Take help. It can get overwhelming if you are trying to grow the brand single-handedly. Not only that, it can take a downward slide rather than reach the heights you dreamt of. No shame in taking help, in fact it is better that you let the specialists of each department do their things and move together towards a common goal.
    • 

  • Never shy away from learning. There is no age to stop learning so never tell yourself – I know enough. You do not, because honestly, you cannot. The realms of business are ever-changing and a lot depends on trends which are evolving every single day. To take your brand up amongst the top players, never stop being a learner.
    • 

  • Don’t assume you will be successful immediately. Be prepared to face failures. Big or small, they will knock at your doorstep. And trust me, it is better to fail first and climb the ladder to success then to achieve success by fluke and then fall of the ladder when you are quite content with how things are progressing. Anything new has a teething process, so stay patient and don’t let failures disappoint you. Learn from them and turn them into chapters of your success story.
    • 



If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    21    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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I am a professional editor and a beta reader, but today I am going to talk to you about only beta reading. Self-publishing has been on a rise and for mostly the right reasons. And when you are the all-in-all in the process of your manuscript getting published, there are aspects you need to be critically careful of. Like, editing. There are various stages of editing out there and every author will have their requirements.


Self-publish or not, your storyline needs to be perfect. There cannot be loopholes in the plot, ill-defined characters, or aimless rambling that will prove to be a turn-off to your agent, publisher, and readers. Ideally, an extensive professional edit will take care of everything that needs to be, in your manuscript. However, it is a fact even I cannot deny that not everybody might have the budget for extensive editing. Beta reading helps in such cases. Getting proper direction for the story will elevate it and increase the readability of your story.


Also Read: Four Things Everyone Who Wants To Be An Author Must Do


 


Who is an alpha reader?


Alpha readers are people who are reading your manuscript while it is being written or just after it’s been completed. They read it in the stage where it hasn’t been edited, even by you. It’s the raw manuscript that they read and give you their feels. They usually are not experts in the industry, but as readers they can give you valuable feedback based on their reading experience. Alpha and beta readers are not to be confused. A beta reader reads your work after you have worked upon the feedback given by your alpha reader(s).


Who is a beta reader?


A beta reader could be a professional, or your author friend, or even your sibling who reads. While the first will charge you for the work, the services of the latter two would be free of cost. A professional will, of course, give you your money’s worth, there are no two ways about it. But what is your money’s worth?


Also Read: A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript


 A beta reader will:


* Assess your story for loopholes,


* Find all time, event, and character mismatches, and drag them out,


* Separate the wheat from the chaff, and tell you what you have done right, and what you need to get rid of, and


* Act as the floor test for your book and give you an idea of how it will work with actual readers.


What is the best way to find the best beta reader?


Two of the best ways to find a beta reader would be either to dig through your social media network or talk to your author friends. Most of my clients come to me from word of mouth. If an author recommends an editor/beta reader/proofreader they have worked with earlier, you can take their word. Connect with the person and find out what their deliverables are. If the beta reader is also an editor, check if they have any service where beta reading and editing are together. For instance, advanced editing that I provide includes extensive editing as well as a critique of the manuscript.


Also Read: The Why & How Of The Oft Dreaded Self-Editing


Working With Beta Readers


If you have hired a beta reader, there will be deliverables from your end and theirs, apart from the financial aspect.


Your deliverable:


You will be giving them the manuscript in their desired format. Usually it’s in .doc or .docx formats. What you need to remember at this point is to not  send your beta reader the first draft. The first draft should be read by nobody other than you. After you have finished writing your manuscript, step away from it. Come back to it a week later, and perform the first edit. This step is very crucial because this is where you will be noticing things you don’t want to remain in the city, make changes, even probably add something.


Your first draft has been about putting your ideas to papers. Now comes a time for you to refine the story and present the best you can at your end. Of course, it wouldn’t be properly edited yet. When your beta-reader gets your manuscript, it needs to be the version you are the happiest with.


Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Every Book Needs A Good Editor


 


Beta-reader’s deliverable:


The beta reader will read your manuscript from cover to cover and make notes while reading it. I’ll tell you what I do. While reading, I make notes at two places. One, on the document, in comment boxes. And, the other in my notebook. The former has observations that occur while reading. These are reactions, questions, etc that might arise while reading. Some of them get answered while I read ahead, while a few others remain unanswered. I delete the comment boxes I have found answers to and leave the other behind for the author to see and address.


The notes I add to my notebook are the ones I elaborate on and send back to the author. These are observations of loopholes, character development, unnecessary babbling, etc. So in short, my authors get two levels of feedbacks.


But, remember:


Don’t take the feedback personally. Firstly, you asked for it. Secondly, there might be the feedback you don’t agree with in which case, discuss it with your beta reader. It’s quite possible that what was pointed is your blind spot since you have written the story. Happens to the best of us! The very idea between getting your story critiqued by a beta reader is so that publishers and readers don’t deliver the same critique and reject your book. The criticism is of the manuscript and not you, so remember to keep your sentiments aside and take the feedback constructively.


A beta reader is there to help make your book better. Work as a team and improve the story based on the feedbacks you receive. Accepting every feedback is not a compulsion, the beta reader could be wrong sometimes. But I would strongly suggest that you consider every feedback and have conversations around what you don’t agree with.


All the best with your book! Let me know in the comments section if you have any other queries on this topic and I’ll update the reply on this post.


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitterat @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Writing For Children Is No Child’s Play
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    19    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Children are the most difficult audience to please. Their choices are simple, but they know exactly what they will like. And if they don’t like what you give them, they will not mince words or emotions just to make you feel good about your work! This applies to food, clothes, and….books! Anyone who has been enthralled with wonderful tales all through their childhood, knows now as a grownup how difficult those stories are to create.


Growing up, I have been so smitten but the books I was reading, that I knew I wanted to write stories like those when I grew up. Specially, like Enid Blyton. (Don’t tell me they were problematic. We find them problematic now, back then they were just for reading pleasure and nobody really learnt to discriminate after reading Blyton’s books, did they?)


Over the years a lot of people have asked me how do they get their children to read. It took me a while, but I soon realised that all the people asking this question, were non-readers. Well, children pick up from what they watch their elders doing. Very rarely do children whose parents don’t read, read themselves. A couple of years ago, I had written this post about Tips To Get Your Children To Read and not surprisingly, it has been read more than 30k times. If you are in a dilemma, this post might help you too.


So, if you are a non-reader, will your child never be someone who loves to read? Not necessarily. While teaching your child to read, maybe you can teach yourself too, for first. Nothing bad comes out of this habit, except of course a regular dent in your bank account but libraries can solve that problem. So, pick up something light and start reading. Here is a list of 100 BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF ALL TIME curated by Time magazine. Maybe you can pick something for your child from here. I would also like to stress on one very important thing here – despite having been a hardcore reader all my life, I want parents to remember that reading is not the only hobby a child can have. Some people don’t have the mind for reading and that is okay. If your child is sporty and outdoorsy, let them be. Please don’t force them.


I have so many memories of my childhood revolving books. My father buying me books, my uncle taking me to a book shop and buying me my first Enid Blyton, my father reading me story books when I had not even learnt to read, me raiding my mother’s childhood book stash which stood taller than me, and my mother telling me about her library visits with my grandfather every Sunday and how she would finish reading the book in the bus ride back itself and then have to wait an entire week to go to the library again.


I realise I have been a more enthusiastic reader as a child than as an adult. My analysis of this is that books written for children do more than just capture attention – they take the reader to a parallel/alternate world where the reader becomes one with the characters of the story. Now, we read them as stories, knowing they are works of fiction. Back then, despite knowing that what we are reading is made up and not true, each one of us would become one with the stories and their stories.


Now in my 40s, I hope to get down to writing for children. I have no idea what children like, I don’t live with any. I literally have no notes to consult, but something tell me that should not be an excuse I can use to run away from writing what I have wanted to all my life. I hope next year, today, I would be updating this post with information about the stories I have written for children. All the best to me 🙂


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Five Reasons Why Every Freelance Writer Should Have A Blog
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    15    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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The job profile of a freelance writer is highly ambiguous even in 2020, specially in India. The fact that almost every creative professional can be a freelancer, is also lost to many. Most believe that a freelancer is someone who writes. Well yes, mostly. But! Photographers, marketers, analysts, coders, stylists, name it and you’ll find freelancers in the category! So firstly, if you cannot write yet wish to freelance, don’t fret. Think of your day job and it will lead you to what you can freelance in. And/or, your hobby. I have coder friends who freelance as illustration artists, or medico friends who freelance as writers! We are in 2020, who said you can earn your income only from what you studied academically? Experiment, go all out, see what works for you.


However, this post is about freelancers who write. Rather, writers who are freelancers or wish to. I get asked many a times if someone who wants to establish themselves as freelance writer, should be a blogger too? My answer is always a resounding YES.


Related: A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript


Your blog is were you build your brand.  It is an indirect investment you make towards your career as a freelance writer. Your blog will be your virtual visiting card. Let me explain in five simple reasons how having an active and relevant blog will help your career as a freelancer.


1. A blog is the best way to practice writing. To be a freelance writer, your writing skills need to be top of the class. And there is no secret in the fact that good writers are good at it, because they write everyday. Practice makes one perfect and while you could write offline as well, writing online brings in accountability. Knowing that people will read it, makes us aware that out writing needs to be good, relevant and enjoyable. Additionally, your mind will remain sharp with constant inflow of ideas.


Related: A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript


2. Your blog will be read. Personally, I am strictly against creating a tribe and reading everyone’s posts and compulsory commenting but it works for a lot of people. I suggest you read who you love to and topics you enjoy loving, leave comments and a link to your blogpost you wish they’d read. That, not only increases your circle but also introduces you to bloggers out of your own territory. More people know about you. Your credibility increases i like minded bloggers and you are no more restricted to being a known name only amongst the small circle you are friends with. Share your posts periodically on relevant pages and groups. Let people read you. Let people know what you write and how. 


3. Blogging also helps a lot in self-branding. You will be the brand and your blog will create it.  I have been increasingly noticing new bloggers-cum-freelancers who want to write about a minimum of five topics which more or less includes every major topic out there. Sit back. Do you want to believe that your are a jack of all topics and master of none? I hope not! Create your niche. Restrict your blog to 1 or 2 topics and write on them. (e.g) maybe travel & breathing, or say, art & craft.


Related: How To Market Your First Book


4. Until you have a solid portfolio, your blogposts are what will work as samples of your writing. Write on the topics you want to make a career in. I always suggest that fresh samples are not written, instead prospective clients are pointed towards blogposts which might interest them.


Related: How To Earn More And Secure Your Earnings As A Freelancer?


5. And when a portfolio of blogposts has been created, you are ready to pitch to brands and agencies you would be interested to work with. In your pitches, your blog will work as what level of content you are capable of providing. This sets expectations with the clients and they too know who they are getting into a work relationship with. You blog and its subscription number could be your major tools while presenting your pitch to a potential client.


So, while blogging won’t get you freelance assignments directly, they are enablers which help you scout for assignments.


I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z




If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in
I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitterat @samarpitadotin.


 


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Posted on 
Basic Yet Underrated Things To Remember While Writing A Manuscript
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    14    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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You are bound to have a lot in your mind when writing the first draft of your manuscript. The story must be in a hurry to get typed, and you too must have a lot on mind. While typing, your first draft isn’t a time to go back and keep correcting errors. The priority at that time is to get the story from your mind to paper. Or, as it is these days, on MS Word. That brings me to the first point.


Use MS Word


Might seem extremely silly to most people reading this, but believe me when i say this, you’ll be surprised to know how this isn’t a basic for everybody. I have lost count of the number of people who have written their entire manuscript or even article/blogpost/thesis on Notepad, and then copy-pasted the entire thing to MS Word. What’s the big deal, you ask? Formatting becomes a nightmare and a lot of time is wasted correcting the document while typesetting. Please open a MS Word document and start typing your manuscript. All the best 🙂


Also read: The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business


Run a spell check


Again, a very basic piece of advice. Once you are done writing a chapter, run a spell check. You can also do this after the first draft is ready, but this step is crucial. Neither you, nor your editor should be wasting time in correcting basic spelling mistakes. A lot goes behind writing a book, and every minute counts. Spending hours correcting spellings will just tire you/your editor out.


Also read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For YourBusiness


Know the use of basic features of MS Word


MS Word is one of the most important tools you will be using during the process of writing and editing your manuscript. It is important that you are aware of how to use the program, if not at an expert level, but at least at an intermediate level! I have known people who are unfamiliar with usage of options like track changes and comment box. These two are extremely crucial and your editor will expect that you know how to use and interpret them.


Also read: What Every Entrepreneur Must Know Before Starting On Her Own


Plan your chapters


Not a compulsory step, but it doesn’t hurt to do this. Sit and create a rough outline of your story and individual chapters. It is okay if you don’t know how the story will end. Begin slowly. Write outlines of the first five chapters and see how they expand. Accordingly, write outlines of the next five chapters before you begin writing the sixth chapter. This would help you stay focused and not lose track of the plot terribly.


Also read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing




Read what you have written


This is a constant suggestion I keep giving. Once you have written your manuscript, abandon it for 5-7 days and get it out of your system. Then, come back to it with a fresh mind and read it as a reader.  Not as the author of the story. Read it as a critical reader and mark all the places the reader in you hated, loved, and also areas that you wanted to trash. Pay special attention to all three of these places, believe me, you’ll be seeing your story through a new pair of eyes!


I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z




If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in
I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitterat @samarpitadotin.


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Posted on 
How To Handle Negative Book Reviews
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    12    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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From the time you had dreamt of writing a book, to finally writing it and getting it published, you have treated your book only with love. And of course, you’ve wanted that everyone does so.


But, when you are sending your baby out in the world, for readers to devour and enjoy it, be prepared that it will be dissected and torn apart as well. Figuratively, of course.


Dealing with authors and manuscripts day in and out, I wanted to understand how an author perceives book reviews. I spoke to Shuchi Singh, author of Done With Men and I am Big. So What!?, and she has a very clear take on this. “If someone offers genuine and constructive criticism, I definitely make a note of it but I don’t pay much heed to brickbats. Everyone has different tastes in reading and you really can’t please all, no matter how amazing a writer you are.”


Exactly, everyone has different tastes. Every one doesn’t need to like your book; in fact it is humanly impossible. There are people who don’t like Rowling’s works, you know? No kidding! While you cannot do much about the reviews which come from readers who have bought your books, you can try to use a little method while sending your own books out for reviews. Now this can be a little tricky, but if you are short listing reviewers to send your books to, do the following:


    

  • Make a list of possible reviewers.
    • 

  • Go through their blogs. This is important because there is no point in sending a chic-lit to someone who reads mythologies or thrillers only. Or, vice versa.
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  • Once you have shortlisted reviewers who read books of the genre your book belongs to, rate their blogs based on hits and digital media exposure. Don’t send your book to every reviewer. 10 well-written and genuine reviews are worth fifty casual reviews.
    • 



What happens when you select your reviewers wisely is that your book is going specifically to those who read the genre. In the market also, that is how books will be bought, mostly. Rarely would a historical fiction lover go buy a sci-fi unless there are rave reviews about it, right?


Remember that such reviewers will only be a handful. Most of the reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Flipkart, as well as on blogs, are by readers who have bought your books. Appreciate their feedbacks; they pay for your words.


“I haven’t received too many stinkers for DWM but going by reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, there have been a few readers who didn’t dig it too much. And that doesn’t affect me one bit. As long as most people who read my book like it, I’ll continue to write the way I do,” added Singh. This is yet another point an author must remember. There are bound to be people who don’t like what you write. You need to focus on their ratio to the readers who like your books. As long as most readers have loved what you have written, relax. Read the criticism and find out more about them. If someone has written a negative review out of spite or just for the sake of it, it will show anyway.


So, calm down. Take a deep breath. Your book is going to do great. Get ready to write an even better story!


I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z




If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in
I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitterat @samarpitadotin.


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Posted on 
Four Mysterious Places You Must Visit Soon
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    10    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Travellers come in all types. Some want to touch all the world-famous places, while many others look for offbeat destinations not polluted by frequent tourist footfalls. When we talk about offbeat destinations, mysterious or spooky places form an entire segment of rarely visited or talked about places.


Lepakshi


Located in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi has a brilliant architecture that will garner interest from even those who don’t care about beautiful things of the past. Each stone here has a story to tell, and one cannot pass by the town after only staying for a day. There is this small hill called Kurmasaila on this there is the Lepakshi temple. There is a huge sculpture of Nandi very near the temple. The temple has shrines of Vishnu, Shiva, and Veerbhadra. The temple has about 70 pillars, one has a mystery.


While pillars everywhere are built from the ground up and stand ON the ground, this one pillar appears to hang from the ceiling.  Called the Akaasa Sthamba, this 70 feet tall pillar has a distinct gap with the floor. Legend has it that it was dislodged by some British engineer before independence in a vain attempt to understand the secret behind the pillar’s gravity. Historians have dated the hanging pillar to the era of Ramayana. Lepakshi is a location of deep historic relevance and a slight to behold. For lovers of history and culture, there is a lot here to keep them mesmerised. However, the hanging pillar and the mystery behind it stands apart. Who knows, you could be the person who solves the mystery!


Also read: Fantastic Ideas To Make Your Solo Trip Exciting And Interesting!


Talakadu


A small town in the left bank of the river Kaveri, Talakadu  exists in the Mysuru district of Karnataka. The town has an unaccountable amount of sand, so much that it gets a desert-like look.


Legend has it that the queen had jumped into the river Kaveri here, along with her jewels. And that she’d cursed the town of Talakadu to turn into sand. This is the curse that was given along with the one according to which kings of Mysuru will never have their heirs. The curses are said to have been given about 400 years ago, and they are still as strong.


Talakadu also has five temples which are said to be the five faces of Shiva – Mallikarjuna, Arkeshwara, Maruleshwara, Vaidyanatheeshwara, and Pathaleshwara.


Chamoli


If you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand, check out Chamoli. A district frequented by trekkers and curious travellers, Roopkund in Chamoli is a picturesque location. Very close to the bases of Nanda Ghunti and Trisul, both Himalayas peaks, Roopkund is also known as the mystery lake or the skeleton lake.


While the mystery has been claimed to have been solved now, travellers flock the place even now because of the legend and the story that goes with the phenomenon. The lake is about 2 meters deep and is infamous for human skeletons bordering the lake. While the lake freezes in winter, when the snow melts, skeletons can be seen at the bottom of the lake too.


There had been a lot of curiosity and theories floating for years about how so many dead bodies ended at the same place. Extensive research has suggested that there had been in a violent hailstorm many centuries ago leading to this spectacle.


Sundarbans


The Sundarbans in West Bengal are extremely popular for many reasons, the royal Bengal tiger being one of them. One reason that would most definitely interest travellers who searched for ‘mysterious places to visit in India’ and landed on this article, is the mystery element. As is known, the Sundarbans happen to be the largest mangrove forests in the country.


Most of the forest is in Bangladesh, with a good stretch in India. Amidst all the natural beauty and the tiger, there is a mystery of a ghost. What began based on a photograph taken by a tourist of another, the person who was getting clicked gave a loud scream.


A couple of days later, the man became mysteriously unwell and died soon after because of a heart attack. Later, the photograph that was clicked on the fateful night was developed and it showed a woman in white standing next to the now dead man.


Legend has it that years ago, a honeymoon couple had visited the place. The entered the forest despite many warnings from guides and other travellers. Here they met a royal Bengal tiger who attacked and killed the man, but didn’t touch the woman.


The woman sat by her husband’s body and kept crying. People have claimed to see her crying there for days to an end. While few people say that she left shortly afterward, few others say that she killed herself there. Which explains the story of her spirit wandering in the deep corners of the forest.


 


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Posted on 
The Hows & Whys Of Blogging For Your Business
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    5    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Hey there, business owner! You are doing so well. You have a great sellable product with a tangible business plan. There is no stopping in. Go, tiger!


But, does your business plan have a blog? Did you know that a blog section in your website has the potential of increasing your business? Not only does your business get spoken (or read, shared) about, a blog also puts you and your business at a place of subject matter expert. In a time of fast changing social media rules, what will remain with you forever, is that website and the content you share on it.


Also read: Are You Looking For A Manuscript Editor?


I know reels are in trend now and that is where all the publicity and the marketing happens. But you see, content that you share on platforms owned and governed by others are not reliable. Apps and websites can get banned, or just close down. What do you do then? Take your content to another platform? Or perhaps, share your content on multiple media hoping they wont all shut down at the same time? Let’s be honest. That’s not feasible.




Your website is your own until you decide you don’t want it. All the original content you share there will always be yours. It is also a one-stop destination for your existing and prospective clients to go to for anything about your business. The buzz word from time-to-time is that blogs are dead but look around, content sharing apps keep coming and going, and the ones that stay change their algorithm constantly making it difficult for your content to get the visibility it needs and deserves.


But before a blog, the website itself requires unique and attractive content.


So what does one do? Start blogging? Well, yes. Let me tell you the advantages your business will have because of a blog that has strategically planned, created, and curated content.


Also Read: A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript





1. Helps drive traffic to your website


When your business has a blog, potential customers become aware of your brand and the product(s) long before they make the actual purchase. This will drive traffic to your website and many of these people shall end up exploring the rest of the website. Your hits increase, as does brand awareness.


2. The same traffic can be converted into leads


When potential clients land on your website, they do more than increase hits. They become acquainted with your products/services, and with time, have the potential to convert to direct customers.


 


Also Read: The Why & How Of The Oft Dreaded Self-Editing


3. Establish yourself as an expert


The content shared on the blog section of your business website holds the power to establish you as an industry expert. What you have to say and how you say it will leave a lasting impression in the customer’s mind. And when they have to recall a product to buy or suggest to somebody, its your brand that will come to their minds.


4. The blog’s content can be repurposed for social media


The content that is shared in blog posts on your business website would be at least 500 words long, each. That is a lot of information which can be broken into pieces and repurposed to share in social media with the link. So not only on your website or through google search, you can establish yourself as an industry expert even on social media.


5. Develop new sales funnels


This is most interesting and still a lot unexplored. Once you have established yourself as an industry expert, you can develop new sales funnels that you can introduce to loyal customers.


Read this: A Writing Coach Could Help You Finish That Book!


6. Search Engine Optimisation


Clever and correct usage of SEO will place your product/services on the top of Google search results, making your website the obvious link to click on for potential customers.


7. Encourages Interaction


Blog posts aren’t just words you write and let go out in the world. They invite comments and thus have the potential to begin conversations between your brand and a potential customer. Once the interaction begins, your content team would strategise on which direction to take it to so that it reaps benefits for your business.


In short, blogging also helps:


    

  • Grow online traffic.
    • 

  • Nurture and convert customers.
    • 

  • Keep current customers engaged.
    • 

  • Differentiate you from other similar businesses.
    • 

  • Grow demand and interest in your products or services.
    • 



Why does your business need a blog?


    

  • Blog/website will always belong to you until you decide otherwise. Insta/FB can be shut down or banned any day, or they might decide to change their rules.
    • 

  • Keep your audience updated on your business
    • 

  • Great for building long tail and driving traffic
    • 

  • Improve internal linking
    • 

  • Educate customers about your industry/product
    • 

  • Easy social exposure
    • 

  • Grows your email list
    • 

  • Can generate leads
    • 

  • You can repurpose blog content for social media
    • 



Does the idea of a social media presence scare you? Truth is that your brand/business needs to be online but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can hire our services for assistance with this. Drop us a line and ask for the different ways we can make social media easy for you.


Drop me a line at editor@samarpita.in to begin a discussion about creating content for your website blog.  Follow me on Instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin to learn more about the content industry.


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


 


 


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Posted on 
Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    4    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Blogging is one of the most clever ways of marketing your product or services. While you will find arguments galore on why blogs are dead, I will tell you one reason why a blog can never die – that website belongs to you and only you can stop it from existing.


I have a content-related business and this is my business’ website that you are reading this post on. And this post was written purely to market my business, in case you haven’t guessed that yet? How? I will explain that at the end of the post.


Seriously? Blogging?


Remember how the yellow pages used to be for businesses till a few years ago? Gen Z readers, the yellow pages were like the telephone directory of all businesses that were owned by all telephone owners. Now, we have websites and social media presence.


Also Read: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?


Today, a business blog does the same job differently. My business might have a website but how do prospective clients find that website? This is where content and SEO come into play. Imagine I am looking for humidifiers for my home. I will run a google search for the best models, and after the sponsored posts, what I will see are the top ranking posts. SEO helps the post rank on top, but just that much is not enough. Your prospective client needs to be wowed by some expert-level content once they click the link.


Yeah, right. I see you reading, though I also see you unconvinced. You have buyers. You post on social media every single day and you get enough queries and sales. That’s good. But tell me, for how long do you want to labour over establishing your brand over social media every single day, and how great exactly is the return of the investment that you are putting in laboriously?


Business blogging, today, is an elite niche and an important part of brand building. I understand that there still exist many small and medium businesses that are hesitant towards accepting the benefits of business blogging. The fact remains that there exist people out there who understand marketing via blogging and can miracles for your business through your business blog. An investment towards this would be one of the best marketing expenditures you make.


In this post, let me share five ways by which blogging can benefit your business –




Grow Online Traffic


Gone are the days when people headed over to stores and depended on the sales person to explain the products to them before they made their purchase. Now, online shopping has increased manifolds, specially in the last two years. More Internet businesses have sprung up than ever before and what is fantastic is that most of them are working out.


Also Read: How Sustainable Is Sustainable Fashion Truly?


How? Firstly, buyer behaviour has changed. Secondly, the Internet has given the buyers great power – of doing thorough research before making a decision. So today, even people who are averse to online shopping, do spend some time researching the products they intend to buy.


Content consumption has changed. Reading articles, watching reels, sharing memes – are all part of the content industry and what our consumers consume before they make their purchases. In such a situation, it is only wise to make content favouring your brand available for them to consume.


If I google about PCOS acne, for instance, and an article talking about natural, sugarfree drinks I can consume to clear my skin will attract my attention and there one what will happen, I don’t even need to explain.


The wonderful thing about blogging for business is that it takes related content and unleashes it on the Internet for like-minded, prospective buyers to  find your business. Footfall on the website increases because over time, readers start identifying with the content shared and start depending on the website for information on that niche.


Brands with blogs are known to have significant benefits compared to brands with no blogs or infrequent posts.


Nurture & Convert Customers


When readers keep stopping by your website to read the blog posts, a lifelong relationship is forming. They are starting to trust what your brand has to say, they enjoy reading your content, and they share that content within their circles.


And trust must be cherished. Trust must never be broken. So the content you share now much be top-notch, topic-specific, and always to the point. By now you would have formed a brand language and your posts will stick to that.


This is where you have the opportunity to nurture and convert customers. Your posts will have CTAs at the end and they will lead to your products. People who have started to trust your brand and the information you share will convert into customers with a slight nudge.


Also Read: Ways Simple Life Adjustments Can Lead To A Sustainable Lifestyle


Reading this might seem like the process is easy, but it won’t be. The content you share will require elaborate planning, strategising, and implementationtion by someone who knows their task well.


Keep Customers Engaged


Why should I buy something from you when at least 10 sellers have the same or similar products at about the same price, sometimes cheaper? Blogging for business helps create loyalty amongst customers because, at the end of the day, nobody has said that effort sucks. The effort your brand puts into its blog will go a  long way in impressing your customers and keeping them engaged.


While it is the job of your product team to ensure that the best quality reaches your customer, it is the job of your content team to let your customer know that. Customers like to know what goes on behind the scene. They enjoy reading about or seeing snippets of the production process, or even how your team relaxes after a hard day. Customers today like to connect with brands and the humans behind the brands, and there is no reason not to give them that.


Get An Edge Over Customers


In a world where competition is cut-throat, and even the most offbeat industries have the same things sold by hundreds of sellers, what will give you the edge is how engaged you keep your customers.


Blogging for business not only establishes you as an industry expert but also creates a place on the Internet for your customers to stop by to consume content. Believe me, when I say this, my conversion rate through my blog is quite high, and who knows, one day you could be one such converted customer!


Increase The Interest In Your Product


It is no secret that every product has variations and multiple sellers out there on the Internet. The more we write about ours, and that it is what buyers should buy – the more interest it will garner from the prospective customers.


Words have the power to change buying preferences and a large chunk of the buyer demography resides on the Internet at any given point of time. While targeted ads have the potential to turn them off, blogging for businesses has an increased potential of catching their interest and converting them into customers.


If you are a small/medium business owner looking to create written word content in the form of a blog, drop me an email at editor@samarpita.in to begin a conversation. I also create website content, social media strategies + content, and content for marketing materials.




If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
10 Ways To Repurpose Your Content
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    2    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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At a time and age content is constant how much can you keep creating? And what about the content that is old and nobody is reading it now? No brainer here – we repurpose old content to create new content, and take it to wider audiences. How, you ask? It’s all pretty simple to be honest! 






While I write a detailed blog post on how you can do this and why regular repurposing of content is always a great idea, take a sneak peak at the 10 ways you can do it:






Also Read: 5 Hacks To Have A Productive Day At Your Writing Desk








🌼 Host webinars or create video tutorials: Don’t let the sound of this scare you. Facing the camera might not be your thing and that is perfectly fine. But if you think you can, take a deep breath, and try to dip a toe in the strange waters and see how it goes. Both these options not only allow your to repurpose content, they also take you to newer and wider audience, building your  business and/or personal brand further.








🌼 Take old blog posts and turn them into guides: I love this, personally. You know how Instagram allows you to club reels that are on related topics and create albums? You can do that with your blog posts and create guides which you sell or supply free of cost, as you wish. 








🌼 Turn your posts into ebooks: A slightly different option to the above point, take related blog posts and put together an ebook with them. Not only does that take your content to a different audience, it also projects you as an author, a subject matter expert incase of non-fiction.








🌼 Share to @Pinterest: Are the pics in your blogpost shareable? The must be, mainly so that the pics can be shared to Pinterest. The platform is still unexplored by many and the audience Pinterest will bring to your website can actually surprise you!








🌼 Turn to @Quora Q&A: Quora has been another under-explored website by many content creators to repurpose and share their content. Strongly suggest that the platform is explored.








🌼 Create infographics out of the content of your post: Blog posts are long and there are people who wouldn’t click on the links because they don’t have the patience to read! Hence, an infographic as below.






Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business






🌼 Repost and reshare on your social media accounts: Your blog posts or instagram posts MUST be shared on other social media platforms at regular intervals. Now, Instagram allows tweets to be directly shared in stories making it an excellent way to crosspost and gather more followers.








🌼 Repurpose a post by creating a guest post for another blog/website








🌼 Tweet sections/statistics from your post along with the post link








🌼 Turn your posts into podcasts








I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z


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Posted on 
5 Hacks To Have A Productive Day At Your Writing Desk
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    1    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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As productive content ninjas, the Internet is our best friend. It is also our worst enemy. Well, not really but it is more convenient to blame it, haha! Well we cannot deny that as people who write, most of us spend hours on the Internet, and not completing our word count for the day. Productivity suffers and if you are like me, you’d be hyperventilating by the end of the day and stressing yourself about the word limit not being met.


Most people have their own hack which we’ve mostly come to through intensive trial and error. When I was a newbie freelancer, I would sit to work at 9 am and would be working till as late as 11 pm and sometimes even later. Not because I had a lot of work right from the beginning, but because I’d start researching on a topic and this would lead to that. Few hours later, I’d have watched baby videos, stalked my ex or some old friend I am no more in touch with, read about the weirdest of topics, checked out recipes I never intended to make … you get the drift. And when I’d started freelancing as a writer, I didn’t know anyone else who was already established doing this. So like most of us, I learnt my ropes slowly.


In this post, I am sharing a few hacks which work for me with the hope that if you are a newbie reading this, you might find the help you are looking for.


 


Use the Pomodoro Technique


Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, most authors and writers swear by the Pomodoro Technique today. The idea is to divide work into short durations using a timer, and the timer in question was originally shaped liked a tomato which explains the word Pomodoro which is Italian for tomato. A simple kitchen timer does the task here where we set the timer to certain durations, say, 25-minutes, during which we work without any distraction and once the timer rings, we take a short break to tend to our distractions.


There is reward involved in the form of a short break after every short duration of work and psychologically that does the job intended.


Also Read: Five Reasons Why Blogging Is Beneficial For Your Business


Learn to Say NO


This is specially for the self-employed, the freelancers, the authors, and everybody who works from home, pandemic or not. Others have a problem understanding what your work hours are and how they cannot encroach into it.


A relative might call or visit just to chat, a friend might expect you to show up for mid-week lunch, or your family might expect you to sit for mid-meals when you actually need to be on a meeting or are on a deadline.


Say NO. A firm no. Your work is important, it involves money and requires high accountability from you. Explain how your work hours are to be treated as office hours and you are not to be disturbed. At times, even though we complain, we choose not to be firm with this NO because it gives us an excuse to wiggle out of work sometimes.


But when productivity takes a hit, who has to work overtime? Us, who else?


Implement the Two-Minute Rule for Quick Tasks


According to the two-minute rule, when we start something new it should take less than two minutes to do. Let me give you a live example – my husband and I have decided to read before bedtime every night from today. So for how long do we read tonight, it will be the first night of the experiment? One page. Of course, we can continue reading after the first page, but one page must be read. That is how there will be a solid chance that tomorrow again we shall read.


And that’s how the habit will begin…


Use Website Blockers for Distracting Content


Let’s not pretend for one second that the time we spend procrastinating our work, we are doing anything other than scrolling through the same 5-6 social media sites and sharing the same memes everywhere. Because that is exactly what we are doing. So to be productive, the obvious thing to do is use website blockers.


Also Read: Reasons Why You Need A Professional Beta Reader For Your Manuscript


Access social media sites only from your phone or tablet, but not from the device you use to work from, which is your laptop in most cases.


Listen to Productive Music (or Sounds)


Most freelancers work while instrumental music plays. My personal favourites are – the Harry Potter theme song, and sounds of rain. The audios are all easily available on the Internet and happen to be immensely calming.


Playing music while working can be dicey if the music is distracting which is why it is important to select productive music. Youtube has an elaborate segment of productive music. Take your pick from here. Such music not only helps focus, but also relaxes our senses and drives away distractions.


I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z


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Posted on 
Ways Simple Life Adjustments Can Lead To A Sustainable Lifestyle
  

  
  
  
  
    March     
    26    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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I firmly believe that being able to life a sustainable lifestyle is a privilege not many can afford, so in my opinion, if one does care and can make minor adjustments in life choices, one should. I stopped using plastic water bottles at home and replaced them with glass and metal bottles. Felt ‘great’, but over time I realised that I didn’t make a huge difference, and I am also nobody to ask my peers to make the change.


Glass bottles are not as long-lasting in the house as plastic bottles were, but they also don’t affect my family’s health as adversely as consuming water from plastic bottles did. So from where I stand, this change is doing very little for sustainability of the planet Earth, but is doing a lot for the sustainability of my family. I call this a win-win.


Is It Possible?


As you would have understood by now, the purpose of this post is to share a few doable things that could be lifestyle changes for us and lead us to a somewhat sustainable. Before we talk about the changes we can make, let us understand and accept that all changes are not possible by everyone and that is okay.


Read More: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?


The idea is to make small changes that are possible, and even then, living a sustainable lifestyle is a privilege. We cannot force it on people with lesser resources than us, or different lifestyles. While yes, some people just don’t care what is happening to the planet, its not our place to shame them into making changes. The idea, and that is just my idea, I too cannot force it on my readers – is that we do what we can, and then mind our own businesses.


According to UNEP, Sustainable living means understanding how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us and finding ways for everyone to live better and lighter. Applying a ‘people lens’ to sustainability is new, timely and opportunities are great.


Read More: How Sustainable Is Sustainable Fashion Truly?


Few Ways We Can Make Lifestyle Adjustments


    

  • Save energy: Leaving lights and fans on in empty rooms is gross misuse of a valuable resource we are lucky to have access to. It’s not a huge task and should be taught to kids right from childhood.
    • 

  • Donate used items: We don’t have the concept of using second hand, refurbished good in our country, though the scene has started to change slowly. We think that only those who cannot afford do that. We don’t have garage sales or visit thrift stores. Instead we buy new goods every time we have any need or desire. Take a wooden crockery shelf for instance. Refurbishing a pre-used shelf not only saves us money, but also allows us the scope of creating it as per our own vision at less than half the cost. Wood already cut gets reused, and your local carpenter gets to work on the piece and earn some.
    • 

  • Avoid fast fashion: I agree. Fast fashion is attractive. Cheap, beautiful clothes mean more clothes in our wardrobe. But cheap also means inferior quality of the fabric used, a fabric that shall remain on the soil long after we are gone and probably decomposed. Mindful shopping is not only great for the environment, it is also great for our pockets and allow more wardrobe space.
    • 

  • Use renewable energy: This is a matter of extreme privilege specially in our country, but
    • 

  • Buy fair trade products
    • 

  • Don’t waste food
    • 

  • Walk/take public transport more
    • 

  • Avoid plastic: Carry a bottle of water with you when stepping out of home. Replace your body washes with bars of soaps. Keep cloth bags in your shopping bag and refuse plastic bags at stores.
    • 



 


 


 


 


 


 


(This blog post is part of Blog Chatter’s Cause A Chatter)


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Posted on 
How Sustainable Is Sustainable Fashion Truly?
  

  
  
  
  
    March     
    19    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Sustainable fashion is quite a thing lately specially amongst influencers and the affluent. The real idea behind the concept of sustainable fashion is not just that the materials used are sustainable, but also that the process of making these clothes involves better treatment of the people making these clothes, also that they are cruelty-free towards animals. This is the book definition, but there is a lot of rightful speculation on how sustainable is sustainable fashion actually.


What we pass off as ‘retail therapy’  and go on buying sprees, might do a little to do our minds good but the impact it has on the environment and the society is quite different. one might argue that the more clothes and make up one buy, more people get to earn. True. But in what conditions do they earn? Underpaid workers forced to work in poor conditions don’t really add to sustainability of the planet on a whole, do they?


Also Read: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?


With never-ending line of websites selling garments, accessories, jewellery, etc at heavily discounted price and a variety far larger than what retail in-store brands  have been selling all these years, everybody is buying more than they would have without the ease of Internet. Cheap also means things that are mass-created with inferior materials which will remain on the earth long after we are gone.


How Long Does Each Piece Of Fashion Last On The Planet?


I was recently reading this article about how long doe it take for every fabric to decompose on a website called hercircle, and what I read left me astounded even though I was already aware of some of the facts.




According to the article linked above, cotton takes a week to 5 month to decompose. Silk takes 1 – 4 years, polyester 20 – 200 years, lined 1 – 2 weeks, leather 25 – 50 years, nylon 30 – 40 years, and denim 10 – 20 months. The counter-argument to this date is sometimes said that denim and cotton require more water in their lifetimes. And that too is a serious concern.


So how do likes of you and me who wish to live a sustainable life but are not deep into the research do? A few things to remember:


    

  • Living the sustainable life is a luxury in some ways is a luxury not many can afford, and that is OKAY.
    • 

  • To be able to live a somewhat sustainable life is a privilege and not a matter of conceit.
    • 

  • Keeping lights, fans, and AC on in empty rooms, and then wearing sustainable fashion doesn’t make us environment conscious.
    • 



What Is Fast Fashion?


Where you upset when a certain clothes brand app got banned in India? I know alternatives are available now, but for a while it did stop people from endless, mindless shopping of clothes mostly made of non-environment friendly materials. The earth began to heal, this was one of the many ways when the country remained in lockdown.


When we say fast fashion, what it means are clothes and accessories that move quickly from the designers sketch pad to the retail outlet to stay abreast with the ever-changing trend. As a result, easily available materials are used and the condition in which the products are manufactured aren’t most friendly.




Mass-production mean lower rates to customers, but also more availability to the same people which the people making the products remain underpaid and undervalued. Aside from cheap fabric which will remain on this planet long after the wearer is gone, fast fashion is also one of the world’s largest pollutants. The toxic chemicals of these fabrics pollute the earth and threaten ocean life.


While brands like Uniqlo, Shein, Forever 21 etc are widely considered to be fast fashion, Zara mostly doesn’t add to the list because the products are not low-priced. While reading about this, I was introduced to the term called Greenwashing.


And, Greenwashing?


Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly.


According this article I found on the Internet, brands like Zara, Primark, H&M, and ASOS are accused of greenwashing.


Is Sustainable Fashion 100 % Sustainable?


All this talk brings me back to my original question – Is Sustainable Fashion Truly Sustainable? How much of it is our responsibility? This second question arises because of greenwashing, where brands have led us to believe that their products are sustainable.


People will obviously believe what they are told, people have to sustain themselves before they opt for sustainable living. So a person trying to make a living cannot spend time looking out for answers and truth. This article isn’t being written to tell you a universal truth about sustainable fashion either.


It is however, wise to know about things – to be aware. Understand that only cotton is not sustainable. Hemp is, but have you seen the cost of garments made from hemp? I will repeat myself here, sustainability is a privilege to everybody can afford.


With this article, I invite readers to reflect on this fashion lifestyle and share their view & learnings. May we all learn from each other and embrace the sustainable fashion that also helps us sustain ourselves. Meanwhile,


    

  • Recycle
    • 

  • Reuse
    • 

  • Buy less
    • 

  • Wear more
    • 

  • Upcycle
    • 



(This blog post is part of Blog Chatter’s Cause A Chatter)


 


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Posted on 
How to Get Over Writer’s Block
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    15    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Writers can be divided into two categories purely on their opinion of writer’s block. While most believe that it exists and they have fallen prey to it, there are people who believe writer’s block is just an excuse to not write. Or as Jodi Picoult says, “Writer’s block is for people who have the luxury of time.“


Well, the luxury of time is what we don’t have. So, however genuine the block is, we need to snap out of it soon. But the fact remains that it isn’t so easy to get over the writer’s block and a little help is always appreciated. Here is a list of things I do; they might help you too 🙂




Take a break


Being a full-time freelancer, there are days when I work for 16-17 hours a day. Having worked for such long hours over a few days, there comes a time when the mind refuses to work and the finger just won’t type another word. There is more mental exhaustion than physical. This is a good time to switch the laptop off, disconnect the internet and just walk off.


Get out of home


You’ve been cooped indoors for a long time and since you are not getting any writing done right now, why not step outside? Go for a walk, go for drinks or just go meet friends. Do whatever works for you, but a change of scene usually does help.


Read


Every writer should read – this is a fact that should not be argued. Now that you are not writing for a while, why don’t you use the time to read? Reading also opens the mind and who knows, you will be struck with a thought or revelation which can get you back to writing!


Write something else, something you might want to write at that very moment


Leave the project in hand. If you still wish to write, start with something new. Or, something random. Better still, write your journal. I have written about the writer’s block I was facing and by the end of the page, I was ready to get back to what I was writing originally.


“Writing about writer’s block is better than not writing at all.” — Charles Bukowski


Skip the section, move ahead


Maybe it’s not a writer’s block per se. Maybe you are just facing difficulty in writing one particular section/situation. Skip it and move ahead; you can come back to it later.


Look for inspiration


Creative people find inspirations in the oddest of places. Get up from your chair and just walk around. Read, listen to music, go to the park or watch television. You will never know what that sharp brain of yours will pick and draw inspiration from. And before you know, you’ll be back on your desk, inspired to write more!


Do some research


If your writing involves research, you can turn to that. Indulge in research for things you will need to or plan to write later. This way, you won’t be wasting time (because, remember, we don’t have the luxury of time) and you will be ready to begin your other projects when the time comes.


Change your location


Sitting at the same place, writing on and on can get mundane and boring. Being a full-time freelancer, I have my own corner in the house to write. However, it being a flexi-career, it also allows me the luxury to pick my laptop and move to another room or to the bed, even if for a while. You will be surprised at how well the mind works when there is a change in location.


Force yourself


Of all the tricks mentioned above, ideally trying any one would help. Always does. But in the rarest of rare cases, nothing helps. The deadline looming on your head won’t understand that. So, do the only thing that remains to be done. Force yourself to write and hope you get your zing back at the earliest.


“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”—Octavia Butler


A shorter form of this post was first published here.


***


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help 
with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, 
editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – 
hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise 
I will create that content for you.

You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media 
presence before your book hits the market. The books are 
FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


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Posted on 
What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    12    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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The words ‘sustainable living’ have been in the buzz since some time now and there has always been a lot of new surrounding it.  It is not hidden from most of us that there has been a massive shift in the environment and it is the responsibility of each of to take care right now so that things don’t become worse. One might argue that industries, airlines, etc contribute more to global warming and we don’t see them making any amends, then why should we bother.


It’s simple actually. We do what we believe is right because we are leaving behind our children. The efforts we make might not be enough to heal the world, but it surely would amount to something. Even if each one of us humans inhabiting this planet does one thing right – just imagine the world’s population and think of the positive effect we all can have collectively.


How Sustainable Is Sustainable Living?


Quite an unpopular opinion in many circles that talk about sustainable living, I believe that everybody shouldn’t be expected to make the same amount of lifestyle changes. Making life style changes happens to be elite in some cases and it is okay to not do them. Nobody should be made to feel bad about their choices. For instance, wooden toothbrushes are supposed to reduce plastic waste on earth. But, they are expensive and not feasible for many people.


What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?


It is a philosophy which targets our way of living into reducing environmental impact on a personal as well as societal level. It is done by making small & big positive changes which in turn negate climatic changes and other environmental concerns. Those who practice this philosophy believe in minimal usage of earth’s resources. 


For centuries, we have taken from the earth. So much that we have neared the point of no return where the earth has been stripped off most of its resources. The idea now is to return to the earth whatever we have taken from her.


Kate Reworth says, “A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow.” The common opinion globally is that a country will grow only when there is economic progress. Her talk on this is really interesting, you might want to listen to it below.




That’s about countries, though. What about you and me?


How Can We Begin To Live Sustainably?


I’ll be honest here, this is how I perceive sustainable living is simply – living responsibly.


    

  • Don’t waste electricity.
    • 

  • Recycle & reuse.
    • 

  • Don’t buy fast fashion all the time.
    • 

  • Wear environment friendly fabrics, they are skin-friendly too.
    • 

  • Carry your shopping bags
    • 

  • Donate old clothes. Better yet, repurpose them if you can.
    • 



These are just a few ways one can adopt sustainable lifestyle without putting in too much of an effort. I will be delving deep into other ways to sustainable living and how feasible they are for more people in the following post in this topic. They will be linked below once the posts are up. For now, I’f love to know what do you think of sustainable living?


***


(This blog post is part of Blog Chatter’s Cause A Chatter)


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Posted on 
Promote Your Book Without Leaving Your Home!
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    9    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Many authors these days believe that writing a book is probably the easiest step of being a published author. Correction, easiest step of being a successful author. Your work doesn’t stop after you have written your book. In fact, the ‘work’ begins now. Assuming that you are either a debut author or you are trying to make your name in the world of Indian literature, this article is just for you. Let’s be honest, your book(s) need marketing. And if you look around, while few authors have already made their name and have a strong PR game, most others don’t get heard about a lot.


What do you suggest you should do? Of course, if you can and wish to shell out big bucks to hire PR, go ahead and do that pronto. The idea is to make a lot of noise about your book and you, and who better than a good PR person? However, if you are not willing to or in the position to shell out big bucks, does it mean your book will remain unheard of? Not at all! Contribute to promoting your book, because who can do it better than you. The other option is to team up with a book marketer, and let them promote your book in consultation with you! How? Here is how –


Firstly, you need an internet presence. And when I say ‘presence’, I don’t mean just create accounts in all possible websites. By presence, I mean active online presence. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc are good mediums to be active on. People should know who you are, that you are writing a book and it is due for release. The power of social media is great and should be exercised.


You’ll need a website. Now, sit back and decide how elaborate your website will be. If it is just about the book, then maybe a simple one page website which talks about your book & you, and provides links to buy the book from. However, it is always advisable to have your blog linked to your website as should links to other websites you have written for. Yes, unless you are already a blogger/writer, this will mean hard work for you. Start writing for websites and your own blog, from the time you start writing your manuscript. Readers would enjoy reading you outside of your book too. Sharing your articles/stories/poems across your social media would not only create a buzz about you as a writer, but all familiarize readers with your name and your style of writing. Your website can and should include your biography, interviews, excerpts, additional information, details about your book, launch photographs, endorsements, etc.


Blog, blog, blog. Don’t be lazy. Keep generating interesting content so that your blog posts get shared over social network regularly. Don’t take this step lightly, it is more crucial than you might gauge in the beginning.


Be regular on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Share your own thoughts and links to your own writings. Interact with other authors and readers. Share interesting and important articles related to your interest. Befriend/follow people who share similar interests in literature as you do.


Secondly, get in touch with reliable book reviewers and request them to review your book. By following the first step mentioned above, you can find reliable book reviewers yourself and won’t have to rely on someone else’s reference. These reviewers would review your book in their blogs and share the links to their own network. Alongside, request them to share the links on e-commerce sites, social networking sites and GoodReads.


Thirdly, offer these reviewers and/or newspapers/publications, interviews. Nothing brings publicity like an interview does. You not only get to talk about your book in your own words, the message about your book would reach a wider audience than word of mouth would.


So, does that sound difficult? It doesn’t, right! You can easily promote your own book sitting at home, without having to learn something new. If you think you require some handholding or help with the above mentioned steps, don’t hesitate to contact me.


***


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


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Posted on 
Five Mistakes You Could Be Making While Writing Your Book
  

  
  
  
  
    January     
    6    , 
    2022      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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There is no denying the fact that writing a book takes a lot. For the moment the seed of the idea germinates, to planning the plot and the characters, writing each chapter, maintaining a discipline, not losing focus, and not hating what you have written. Anybody who has written even one complete manuscript, whether it’s published or not, will agree that a lot gets invested in the entire process of writing a novel.


Now, every storyteller might not be a language expert and that is fine. However, it is expected that you are moderately fine in the language that you are trying to tell a story in. Not only with it allow your writing to be better, as the writer you’ll be aware of how to better your writing. So, keep reading. And, keep writing.


Every manuscript requires thorough editing. Especially if you are self-publishing because then the responsibility lies completely with you. When yours manuscript is with the editor, there will be feedbacks and suggestions for which you’ll need to be aware of what is being told.


The dialogues are awful


Apologies beforehand, I don’t plan to mince my words here. I write these blog posts for new authors to learn from them and write better. I love stories and want them to reach everyone.


Good stories with awful dialogue writing are more common than one might imagine, and I have encountered it in 80% of the manuscripts that I have edited, or beta-read. What do I mean by awful dialogue writing? This is not something one would get to read in published books usually because the editor would have already done their job. What happens is while writing, the author gets carried away and starts imagining the characters of their story to be larger than life. Dialogues need to be exactly how we talk. Word count is precious and unnecessarily long dialogues not amounting to anything are not appreciated. The idea behind writing your novel is to entertain your reader – dialogues between your characters shouldn’t bore them.


Keep the exchange of dialogues realistic. Just because they are fictitious characters, they will not start talking any differently. They exist on paper, but they behave like you and me.


Dialogues are there for specific purposes – like to carry the story forward, perhaps to provide some information, to deepen characterisation, and such. Dialogue writing is not rocket science and in fact, quite simple. Keep in mind that they needn’t be in the plot without any purpose (don’t reveal something major, and then not follow up on it). I shall write a separate post on dialogue writing very soon, and link it to this one.


The narration switches a lot without warning


Narration perspectives can be tricky to handle if one is not paying minute attention to detail. Switches in narration at unexpected places like within a chapter can throw your reader off balance. If your characters are narrating their own story, make sure there aren’t too many characters doing that. And, when the perspective changes, a chapter should too. There are many layers to this point, I will write a detailed post soon and link it here.


Lack of structure in your story


Lack of structure is a sign of a haphazard writer which is not a great personality trait. When your writing style is haphazard, so is your actual writing. And most times, what the readers get to read is similar to a whole lot of unrelated spices mixed in one pot and cooked together. The structure is important and without it, your story is going nowhere. I am not asking you to determine everything even before you begin to write, but what I definitely would stress on is to create a rough structure. Make an outline, figure out how the story will progress, and write down the chapters. Of course, you can change the chapter when you get to it, but you’d still be following a structure. And believe me, when I say this, the structure is an important, invisible tool that takes your manuscript to the next level.


Your manuscript is filled with complex words


This is a major pet peeve with me. I have many manuscripts, as well as published novels where the language is too heavy. Remember, you want your readers to enjoy what you have written. You wouldn’t want them to refer to the dictionary every few lines. The idea is to entertain them, not bore them. Stick to simple language. Simple doesn’t mean pedestrian here, but remember to not use big and complicated words for no rhyme or reason.


There are too many descriptions


It is good to be descriptive; helps the reader imagine the story unravel in front of their eyes. But there is a trick here. Your description needs to be just enough to entice, and not boring. Remember that this is a story that will be read and not a show or movie that will be watched. Explaining every person in great detail is not only unnecessary but tends to drag the narration too. A bit of clever writing is required here – your descriptions of people or events need to be maximum in minimum words. Don’t mince words, but don’t also write long sentences just to increase the word count.


***


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


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Posted on 
#BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das
  

  
  
  
  
    December     
    31    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Blurb: Bored roommates use a planchette to contact a legendary ghost that haunts Pune University. Will she answer?


Is the abandoned Khairatabad Science College in Hyderabad really haunted? A gang of students break inside to investigate.


Nirav and Pavi love each other . . . most of the time. Will exploring a forbidden place inside IIT Kharagpur bring them closer?


From strange sightings to urban legends, from haunted buildings to not-so-friendly ghosts, colleges in India have their fair share of spine-tingling tales, be it Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, St. Bede’s College in Shimla or Delhi University. Young Blood is a collection of ten tales that reimagine college urban legends and true first-person accounts, that promises to terrify even die-hard fans of horror.










Buy the book here:






My Impression Of The Book:




I don’t read a lot of spooky stories, but do enjoy some once in a while. Having read some of the tales Chandrima Das shared on her twitter feed, I knew I wanted to read her book right from the time she’d shared that she is writing a book. So when Blogchatter shared that they are putting YOUNG BLOOD up for review, of course I signed up.






With 10 blood curdling (I am not exaggerating) stories in 10 chapters, Young Blood reimagines urban legends from colleges as well as true-first person accounts. For someone like me who has had experiences which exist in a realm between the now and the unexplainable, it was exciting to read these stories. 






Chandrima’s style of storytelling is natural and relatable, and she manages to make the reader feel a part of the story, one of the characters, right in there having that experience. Just in themselves, some of the stories might not scare the daylights out of someone, but Chandrima has spun the web in a manner that is engaging and quite frankly, scary.




If you slow down and read in between the lines, there is a lot to observe in the stories – from how human minds can manifest, to how the positivity (and, negativity) of our minds, how bullying affects one’s mental health, and more. Spook is not the only emotion that will be triggered in your mind when reading these stories, you’ll also relate closely to the characters and sense the other emotions they are going through.








These 10 fast-paced stories from college campuses are perfect for book clubs or as travel companions. Just don’t fall asleep right after reading one of these stories. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!






This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.




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Posted on 
What Every Entrepreneur Must Know Before Starting On Her Own
  

  
  
  
  
    December     
    14    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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In the last decade or so and especially over the last two years since the world got thrown off its course due to the pandemic, there has been a visible surge in people turning to entrepreneurship.

I have been an entrepreneur since 2010, and throughout my journey, I have seen a lot of amazing women start brilliant businesses. While a lot of these businesses flourish, many perish somewhere along the way.

One of the most common reasons is – there is a dearth of knowledge on the dos and don’ts of entrepreneurship amongst a lot of us. In addition to that, we do not know what platforms and opportunities are out there when it comes to the basics of running a business. And as is quite natural, many of us have not planned to be entrepreneurs – entrepreneurship happened to us somewhere in our lives.

Looking at the broader picture, India is home to over 60 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who contribute around 29 percent to the country’s GDP, according to industry estimates. These figures are encouraging. Take into consideration the fact that the digital age has opened up a new growth avenue for these MSMEs, in the form of e-commerce.

For an entrepreneur, this is an exciting time and if you are thinking of taking the plunge, here are a few things you should consider.


1. Solve problems: The idea behind your product or service should not stem from ‘What new can I give to the buyers?’, rather, it should be an answer to ‘Is it solving a problem?’ Only something that has a demand (which will come from need) will need a supply.

For this, you need data-driven insights and being on a seller platform like Flipkart helps immensely. You have real-time data on search trends as well as customer feedback. This helps identify market gaps and new business opportunities for sellers. You would be able to tailor your products to better suit customer needs and in turn make your business more effective.


2. Look for a level playing field: As an entrant in the market, you would take years to build a brand and compete with other established players. Again, e-commerce helps here.

By being a part of a seller platform, where your USP is the value you provide the customer, you would be able to compete in a truly democratic way.


3. Market access and expansion: Look for a platform that helps you reach a pan-India customer base. Quick market expansion will help you scale your business, getting in enough profits to keep your venture running.


4. Cost-effective selling solutions: Early on, look for solutions that help you start and run your business without it being very capital intensive. Warehousing is one large expense that you can avoid by opting to sell through an e-commerce platform like Flipkart. You don’t need to invest in storage space or even set up your supply chain.

The entire cycle from order to delivery to return and exchanges are taken care of by the platform. The entire process is backed by technology, which businesses can manage easily through one facility.


5. Ease of Payments: Online marketplaces provide the perfect solution when it comes to getting payments from customers. The entire process is automated and reliable, with clear redressal mechanisms. This also aligns your business with the government’s initiatives to make India a more digital and cashless economy.

With the rise in #ECommerceInnovation, it has become supremely easy for new entrepreneurs to put their products out there for buyers, reducing the gap between buyers and sellers, and thus increasing sales.


Having a business offline is always great, but in the time, and age we are in when lifestyle is fast and social distancing is still a requirement, a lot of shopping happens online and the number will only keep increasing. Business hours are flexible and one can do it from the comfort of one's own home without compromising on other things in life. The future of women entrepreneurs is bright as a shining sun and the world better put on its sunglasses because #ECommerceInnovation is going to take every small business to unimaginable heights.


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Posted on 
Things You Shouldn’t Say To A Person In Depression
  

  
  
  
  
    October     
    14    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Depression is serious. I cannot keep saying this enough, please please be kind and empathetic to the depressed if you know any. No one enjoys being depressed, it sucks big time. No one ‘wants’ to die, it takes a lot of effort to not kill yourself when your mind has held you captive. Imagine lying on the bed, wanting to get up and go ahead with your chores but your limbs don’t move. You are crying. You don’t know why, but you cannot stop. You want to stop crying, you don’t like what is happening to you. You want to dress up and go out with your partner. But you cannot. Your body is in control of your mind and you just cannot move. You just lie there crying for hours until someone comes and sees you in this condition. Only people sharing home with you will know of this, because when with other people you put on a mask of being the happiest person. No, no one should know you are depressed. The moment you are back home, all the energy drains off your body and the mind takes control again. You fall on the bed, crying.




.


This is not an imaginary plot. This is for real. This does happen to people. There are other symptoms as well. The problem in our country at least is that the general idea of mental illness is very vague and people confuse depression with sadness. Not much is spoken about it. When a person is depressed, they are either left alone or given the worst possible advice. The idea of visiting a psychiatrist is not common – when ideally even those who are not depressed should visit one – there is so much stress these days, letting off a little steam is a good idea.








We All Are Different




.


It’s okay if you are strong and don’t understand how it is to be depressed. You don’t have to. Just be there, give them support, talk to them – show them they are loved. Don’t let people end their lives just because they were lonely. Be kind. Don’t tell them to go out and meet people. Please. Talk to anyone who has fought depression or still is, and they will tell you how ridiculous and patronizing people can get. Tell me, if someone close to you is depressed, would you want them to get better or worse? I hope you’ll say better. Then why would you tell them things which will only make them feel worse? Rule A of being a care giver of a depressed person is to have empathy. Yes, they are forever sad. It might get on your nerves, but remember, they are not enjoying this. Believe me when I say this, being in a depressed state of mind is most horrible and nobody enjoys it. 








Talk about depression. Read about it. Speak to specialists and find out more. But come on, it could have happened to you and wouldn’t you have wanted your people to help you? Then why be so stern with others? I am no medical professional but I have seen the horrors of depression very closely. I can only advice. More than telling you what you should do, let me tell you what you shouldn’t. Don’t lose patience and or be unkind. Know that the person in depression knows how bad it is, you don’t need to tell them. Can you imagine being stuck inside a doll, alive, screaming to be let out but no one can hear you? Can you for a minute imagine how it feels to be able to see everything, be everywhere and not be heard? Let me tell you, it feels like a hand has reached inside your soul and ripped your heart off. Yes, that bad. Never for a second think that the person is doing this for attention or enjoying this. No one does. And you can help by NOT saying the following statements to them, ever.




Do Not Say


    

  • It’s all in your mind.
    • 

  • Well, who said life is fair?
    • 

  • Go out and meet people.
    • 

  • You should get a job.
    • 

  • Chin up!
    • 

  • Oh god, why do you whine so much?
    • 

  • You are a strong girl! Snap out of it!
    • 

  • You have everything, what are you depressed about?
    • 

  • There are people worse off than you are!
    • 

  • Take a nice, long bath!
    • 

  • Read happy books.
    • 

  • PMS?
    • 

  • It’s okay. This too shall pass.
    • 

  • You seem to like being this way.
    • 



Be empathetic. Don’t let anyone feel that they have nobody. Tell them you love them. Show them you love them. Your empathy can save a precious life. Be a life saver.


 


 


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Posted on 
7 Reasons Why Every Book Needs A Good Editor
  

  
  
  
  
    October     
    5    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Over the last few years, I have read a large number of books by present day Indian authors. This did two things: broke my firm belief that all of Indian literature is substandard and brought to light why most of these books aren’t fairing as they should, in the market.




“There Are Two Typos Of People In This World: Those Who Can Edit And Those Who Can’t”  ― Jarod Kintz


India has a huge number of under-rated authors who are really good story tellers. They are under-rated for reasons ranging from lack of publicity to poor language in the books. Let’s face it, if I am writing a book, I would want it to be an absolute hit amongst most readers, would I not? Then why not take the extra step to make it perfect?


Writing is no easy job. It drains you, it takes every ounce of your imagination, concentration and discipline. So if you are a published author, congratulate yourself. You did well!


Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch


A writer is a human, at the end of a day. A good story teller, albeit a human. And even for people who are very careful with their grammar and language, it can be difficult to spot all the errors, with all their focus on the plot and continuity. Happens. Like for instance, I am writing this post. I might not be able to notice some minor flaw which you might already have. And that’s not all that an editor helps an author with! Your editing package will include everything there is to make sure that your book goes out to the market as a complete, polished product – content wise.


Here are the reasons!


    

  • An editor reads your draft as a reader would. So, along with editing and proofreading, you also get first hand reader review on how the plot is.
    • 

  • As someone who has experience in dealing with plots and giving the correct treatment to them, your editor can help you give the right direction to your plot, if you ever lose track.
    • 

  • It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes. And, mind!
    • 

  • It’s difficult (not impossible, but sure is difficult) to edit your own work. Your brain is tuned such that it will read whatever you wrote the first time, as correct.
    • 

  • You have a story to write. While writing, you are bound to move from past to present, active to passive, first person to third person in your narration. So, do you pause your writing and take care of all this, or do you write the story waiting to be told? You write the story. Let the specialist bring it all together.
    • 

  • Grammar. Most small publishers (at least in India) don’t care about editing and almost all authors who get their books published through these publishers, are handed the final product with very poor or no editing at all. Don’t depend on your publisher unless one of the big names has signed you or the website specifies editing. Even in the latter, know what standard of editing to expect and ensure that you get that. This is a risk you should not take.
    • 

  • An editor helps you keep your emotions away from your manuscript. If your favourite character needs to die for the sake of the plot and its readability, your editor will tell you so. If your favourite sequence is absolutely redundant in the plot, your editor will chew your brain until you delete it or re-write it altogether. Yes, we are a bunch of harsh taskmasters, but all for the sake of your wonderful book!
    • 



Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader


A book is an author’s baby. Would you give your child a mediocre life while preparing her for the future? No, you will give her the best you can. Then why shape your book in a mediocre way and drop it in the market, totally unprepared? Invest in a good editor. Your book deserves only the best.


And don’t forget, mistakes cost money. A well-edited book would earn you lots more. There is an essential checklist you should have handy when selecting an editor for your manuscript, I shall write a post on that very soon!


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


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Posted on 
Things To Take Into Account When Hiring An Editor
  

  
  
  
  
    October     
    3    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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If you’ve been following my blog or know me professionally, you know I am a full-time freelance editor-cum-writer since a good number of years now. I have been editing manuscripts as an independent editor and once in a while I come across authors wanting to hire services of an editor but without any clarity on how to select a right one. Recently, someone wanted me to send samples of my editing. Now this is not how you select an editor. A paragraph of edited copy can not and will not help you decide the correct editor for your manuscript. Reason?




Related: Reasons Why You Need A Professional Beta Reader For Your Manuscript


    

  • Editing a manuscript is an all-round experience. Someone who is good with grammar can do an excellent job with that one para/page/chapter you want as a sample, but there is no guarantee that they’d be able to tie all loose ends, check plot continuity and character definitions, and basically be a second mother to your manuscript. How good is your grammatically correct manuscript if it has loopholes and weak characters? Not much.
    • 

  • No editor worth their salt should be okay with sending fresh samples of editing. Think again, does the person not know how in-depth the process of editing actually is?
    • 

  • Lastly, editing is more than writing. Getting ‘an idea’ is not enough. You will need to be more knowledgeable about the editor you are about to select.
    • 



Related: Five Reasons Why Every Freelance Writer Should Have A Blog


So what can you do? Easy.


    

  • Ask for references. Speak to authors the editor has worked with and get their point of views. Your editor will be more than willing to divulge with one or two names. People who have paid for the services, will always tell you the truth. You can also buy one of those books and read to check, if you wish to be that stringent.
    • 

  • Ask the editor for the link to their own blog. Mine is this, for example. I write blogposts for two reasons – to spread information like in this post, and to create a database of my writings. This is for prospective clients to see my writing skills. I aslo have links to published articles from my journalism days and from recent times, uploaded in this website for even more clarity on how I write. How I write would be directly proportional to how I will edit.
    • 

  • Speak to your author friends. Make sure these authors are those who had hired an editor and their books were well-edited. The easiest thing to do is take reference from people you know and connect with an experience editor.
    • 



It really is very simple. Yet, extremely crucial.


Remember that good editing comes with a cost. A cheap service provider cannot be a good editor and if they are, they shouldn’t be selling their services for cheap. Every good thing comes with a price, so please be prepared.


If you have reached this post because you are looking to hire services of a writer or an editor, here is where you can know more about services I offer and a rough estimate of what it will cost you.


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitterat @samarpitadotin.


 


Are you an author looking for a beta reader or a top editor to polish your manuscript? Look no further, and Hire The Best Editor For Your Manuscript!


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Tips To Get Your Children To Read Books
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    28    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Being in the profession that I am and always being surrounded by books – either for pleasure reading or for work, I’ve been approached by many parents who wanted me to introduce their children to reading. Some of these children were toddlers while some quite grown up and with busy lives, at 12 or 13. Honestly, someone who doesn’t spend time with them cannot really sell the concept of reading for pleasure to your children. People who read are perceived to be boring and uninteresting by most of those who don’t. And a child who doesn’t read would not be interested in hearing about the benefits of reading, from someone he is not used to taking instructions from. So here are a few suggestions from me, which you can try yourself, and you should be able to open the beautiful world of reading to your children!




    

  • First, you develop a relationship with reading. Your child is bound to follow the example you set. In households where at least one parent reads regularly, the children are known to follow suit. This happens mainly because of the example you set and also, because you are in the position to suggest and bring to them, titles they would enjoy to read. Let them see you reading; it’s okay if you are reading just a magazine.
    • 

  • If you child is a newborn, start reading together. Pick up age appropriate books, show them the pictures and you read the story. Don’t let their inability to understand bother you, with repeated and continuous storytelling, they will grow up with the habit of loving stories. Also, bedtime stories being read by parents make up for some of the fondest childhood memories when the children grow up.
    • 





    

  • Give your child a reading space. Maybe a corner of their room or any other room, where a shelf has their storybooks stacked together. A place where they can sit comfortably in proper lighting and read. Make reading an interesting experience.
    • 

  • Visit local book stores with them. What would be even better if you get a library membership together and make trips to the library frequently. Let your child spend time with books.
    • 





    

  • A child who reads cannot also watch a lot of television. Two reasons – doing both would harm eyes, and doing both would take up a lot of time. Soon, the child will be cutting reading time and spending more time in front of the televsion. If you want your child to read, play and do activites, the tab needs to go too. Maybe once a week to play games in, that is your decision.
    • 

  • If you are already a reader, pick your own childhood favourites and read with your child. Tell them stories about how you perceived the story, and ask they what they think it. Make it a fun activity. Perceptions will be different, there is an entire generation between your child and you. Exchange notes.
    • 

  • Having said that, please don’t force your child to read. The most you can do is, encourage them. But if your child is completely outdoorsy, there are strong chances that you cannot force them to stay indoors and read. It’s okay.
    • 





These were few suggestions of things you can do; they are not sure shot ways. Many schools have lately introduced reading periods, but those are only for junior classes. When the kids grow and are in senior classes, they get busy and move away from reading for pleasure. Don’t let that vaccum form. I am always open for dicsussion on further ideating about how to spread the love for books. Get in touch if you think I can help. Lastly, let your child choose the book. It is okay if one doesn’t like fiction, let them read about volcanoes or about cars. To read is what we want them to do, right?


Disclaimer: No, every child doesn’t need to read. This post is particularly for parents who want to try to get their children to read. Try, but don’t force, dear parents. 🙂


 


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Posted on 
Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    25    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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How would you react if I told you that every business is now a part of the publishing industry? Chances are, that you might scoff at me. However, the fact remains that what you publish online about your business leads to its sale and popularity or lack of both.


While big businesses have taken to tapping the content industry in promoting, strategising and even implementing their advertisements, it is the SMB group which would benefit a lot if content marketing is used effectively. How can content be used effectively in promoting a business or a brand, you might ask.


Well, that would take a separate post altogether and I will definitely get down to writing one. However, from what I have noticed in my career as a content strategist is that most small and medium businesses have not yet recognised the need of content marketing for their business!


Let us understand how content marketing works. Let us assume that you are an interior decorator and over some years, you have started doing pretty well for yourself. Word of mouth has been working well for you till now, but it is time you expand. Do you need to advertise in unrelated market spaces? Not at all.


What you require is a content strategy, planning and implementation of your social media promotion, over social media platforms. You identify your target buyers and with the help of a content creator and a social media manager, roll out specific content to reach them. Content could be in the form of blog posts, social media posts, infomercials, etc.


Let us understand one more thing – buyers today are smarter than before. With almost everything available on the internet, they know how to research, read and find out the best option for their requirement. While the buyers don’t mind spending, they are also very clear about what they want. (e.g.) if I want a crop top which I want to buy online, I will check five websites, compare prices and place an order only when convinced. Now if your brand of clothes have informercials and blogposts talking about the special features of the garments available, and if it is marketed well (and by an expert), it will remain in their minds. So the next time, someone thinks of similar products, your brand name surfaces in their minds immediately.


Let me discuss five of the innumerable reasons why your business needs content marketing at the earliest, if you are not already using the medium.


Content Marketing Helps Grab Attention


Your product/service/work needs attention, and why not! The first step to ensuring that people buy what you have to offer, is ensuring that they know about it. And no amount of billboard, television or print advertising can compare to content marketing for certain brands. An advertisement limits your capacity to convey, to minutes and sometimes even seconds, or words. Content strategising and marketing on the other hand give you more time to reach out to your target buyers. Your audience is larger, and hence, so is the prospect of attracting more customers.


Related: 5 Things Every Entrepreneur Must Avoid


Content Marketing Helps Build Trust


Through content marketing, you can create a relationship of trust with your target and existing customers. When a potential or existing customer reads blog posts, informercials and social media posts coming from your brand, talking about what you are selling – an impression that you know about your business is formed. Take this post as an instance. If you have reached this page through a web search or probably clicking on the link shared on some social media platform, you will see who has written it. When you see more posts (legitimate, of course) from me on similar lines, you will start trusting my knowledge in the topic. Similarly for a fashion designer – if s/he writes about nuances of fashion and the content attracts readers, they will come back for more, start trusting the designer’s opinion and chances of them turning into a potential customer is higher. An advertisement on the television can showcase the designer’s designs, but what would increase the designer’s credibility would be good content and information.


Related: #Hashtags, and how to use them on social media


Create Brand Awareness With Content Marketing


Same goes for building brand awareness. The more your content is spread far and wide on the digital space, more number of people would be reading it. Strategies planned by content curators would help you take informational and promotional content about your business to concerned markets via the world wide web. Over here, I would also want to add that the content that goes on your business’ website is also crucial on how to reach out to potential markets. A content curator knows exactly what would catch a buyer’s eyes and would ensure that correct information goes there, in the precise format that it should. Strategic content marketing would attract traffic to your website/blog and introduce to the buyers, a brand that they might not have known, even existed! Slowly and steadily with a kickass content strategy and relevant content, you can build brand authority and reach the level of industry expert.


Related: Promote Your Home Without Leaving Your Home!


Content Marketing Helps Increase Engagement With Customers


One of the many handy things on the internet is the ability to be able to reach out to anyone. And for a business, this could be a boon, provided the aim is giving better customer service. When your business is out there in the world wide web and you are indulging in content marketing, you are also connected to the customer directly. This enables the customer to get in touch with you directly for queries, doubts, complaints and brickbats. Of course, praises come too and you, at your end, get first had feedback of how your product and services attached to it, is faring. Handling escalations and complaints are tricky business and language, tone, etc are very important. Here, experts helping you with content marketing can come to your rescue and assist you with communication strategies as well. May this never happen, but imagine that something goes wrong. It’s all over social media and people are angry. How do you solve this? By reaching out. Where? On social media. An advertisement on the television or newspaper wouldn’t solve your problem. This is a time when you might need to form content strategies overnight and get into damage control. ‘Hope you never need to, but if you ever do, I hope you consult specialists with enough experience.


Related: Are You Active On Twitter But Not Gaining Positive Visibility? This Is What You Could Be Doing Wrong.




With Content Marketing, You Can Make Your Business A Household Name


The Internet is a loud place and there is unimaginable amount of content moving across. Content marketing helps picking your game, strategising and channeling the content to the right markets. You could be a seller working out of your home or a small office in any part of the country (or, the world), but this enables you to take your business to almost every person who has a smart phone! The internet’s algorithms work like magic and if you entrust an expert with this job, you’ll be surprised at how far you and your business would reach! You can track your expenses, the outreach for every penny spent and even conversion. Content shared over the internet also gets re-shared openly, thus reaching ever more people – this is called, making the content go viral. A trusted and experienced name in content marketing could do more magic in promoting your business than you might have imagined. However, before you step into this and make an investment, it is important to know exactly what to expect, in how much time and for how much. I’ll write about the same soon and link the post to this one, so that if you are reading this, you can head over there as well. In the meanwhile, if you are still not convinced that content marketing would benefit you, drop a comment and let me try and convince you more!


Get in touch through the contact page if you are looking for content strategy/creation or curation!


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.


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Posted on 
10 Misconceptions About Freelancers Which Need To Stop
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    23    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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I’ll get to the point and break some myths people harbour about all freelancers. If you are thinking of hiring the services of one, it is most important that you read these! What I am about to list isn’t new but needs to be said again and again because of lack of acceptance and understanding.




1. Freelancers work for free. Whatever we freelance in, all of us who do, have been through stages of selling our work for free – some unwillingly and some regretfully. From getting people’s resumes (re)written, to content for their work website created, to even thesis paper being edited and proof read – I have done all this for free. Every freelancer has such shameless friends and family, that’s how life tests us. It had to stop, and has. I am now considered rude and arrogant, but so be it. You need my services because you can’t do it yourself. So, pay up. When I need your services, I will too.


2. Freelancers have flexible work hours. Errm…No. We might not have to clock in our presence inside an office, but, we work long hours too. And this might come as a shocker to most, we work more than what 9 to 5-ers do! I have clocked in up to 18 hours too, and not just once or twice! But that had happened only because I wanted to and will never happen because client wants me to. Most of us have set work hours and are strict about them.


3. Freelancing isn’t quite like an office job. Of course. It isn’t. ‘Coz we don’t get time to indulge in office politics, office affairs and lengthy meetings in conference rooms. We work at all those times. We pack in more in eight hours, believe me.




4. Freelancing is cool, ghar baithe paise kamao. We work our asses off. We work through our teeth. To earn what you full timers earn, we, at times need to do triple the amount of work at least in the beginning. You know why? Because, people like you, don’t pay freelancers what they deserve. And if it was really so cool, you’d be doing it too.


5. Freelancers are money minded, they quote unrealistic amounts. And you aren’t? You think we haven’t seen you haggle for raises after every appraisal? We give back an end product – a product which you and your bosses cannot create. So why can we not demand our worth? Bargaining, when you are demanding a quality output, is pretty uncool. Pay up, if it is quality work that you desire.


6. Freelancers are their own bosses. Nobody is their own boss unless they own the mint. As long as someone is paying us, they are our bosses. With multiple projects running, we deal with multiple bosses. Can you imagine the kind of drama we deal with, now?


7. Freelancers are so lucky, pursuing what they love doing. And, who stopped you from doing the same? It takes guts (and some financial security) along with immense faith in own capabilities  to let go of regular salary and freelance.


8. Freelancers work in ideal conditions. You should start noticing more, you know. Look at the photographer standing in the sun, while you pose in the shade. Look at the editor editing your book all through the day and the night, so that you can be a famous author. Look at the painter straining her neck, while running a high temperature, so that you get the painting you ordered, in time for your house warming. See them? Try to, next time.


10. Freelancers need a website. Maybe. But it’s not a prerequisite. I got mine after five years of being in the business, that too on a whim. A fancy website doesn’t guarantee steady inflow of good projects. Most people I know are doing pretty decent with a blog and facebook page.




Disclaimer: There are more points, trust me. But first, try understanding these ten? Thank you!




If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.


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Posted on 
10 Things To Remember When Your Manuscript Is Being Edited
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    21    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Your manuscript is complete. You have been through it with a fine comb, made a dozen changes and only when you are happy with what you have produced, have you decided to hunt for a good editor.




Rightly, so.


In my years of experience as an editor, I have noticed that the role of an editor is not very clear to people who are not editors. Fair enough, we don’t need to know everything. Here is a checklist of things you need to remember before and during the editing process –


    

  1. Check your editor’s experience and portfolio. Don’t hire just about anyone who can write grammatically correct sentences. Check experiences, work done and preferably, some samples if the editor is a stranger to you. Hire someone who knows how a manuscript should be edited, in particular – this is important.
    2. 

  2. Your editor is not your ghostwriter. Unless the terms of the editing procedure includes re-writing, don’t expect the same from your editor. You are the author. If changes need to be made in the manuscript, your editor will only suggest them and edit after you have incorporated them.
    3. 

  3. Your editor will edit your manuscript. If other services like preparing the concept note, summary, etc are not in the package, it is rude to try to get them done right before you pay the last instalment.
    4. 

  4. If you want your editor to follow a certain pace, make sure you do that when you are reviewing or have an email from your editor to answer. Keep each other in loop and respect each others’ times.
    5. 

  5. You are hiring your editor’s services for your manuscript. Their time is still theirs. Please respect that.
    6. 

  6. Revision takes time. Be patient.
    7. 

  7. Do the first edit yourself. This will point out developmental flaws if any, and you can mend them. Hand over the manuscript when you are satisfied with the plot.
    8. 

  8. Listen to what your editor is saying. If you have a counter-reasoning, point it out. But do understand that the editor’s keen eye notices what yours might skip.
    9. 

  9. The editor will make what you have written, look the best that it can. The story will still remain yours; as will be the onus of making it a best seller. Editing is a tool used in the process of creating a book, it is not a lever.
    10. 

  10. You would require your manuscript ready in time, right? Yes. And your editor would expect the installments to come in time, without having to remind repeatedly.
    11. 



That’s all for now. All the best with your book!


 


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.


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Posted on 
The Why & How Of The Oft Dreaded Self-Editing
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    15    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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I will be honest about why I am writing this post on self-editing. It’d been brewing inside me for a while now. I have been witness to an acute lack of knowledge of the need for self-editing in authors, fresh and seasoned, alike. I won’t go into the reason behind the lack of self-editing. Instead, let’s try and understand why your manuscript needs it, how can you go about doing it easily, and what happens when you send the manuscript ahead without a round of self-editing.




UGHHH, No!


Writing a book is no easy task, even for those who have successfully written and published many books. And once the book has been written from cover to cover, the sense of accomplishment is high. I get it. Going back to what you have written and gone down the rabbit hole of finding faults in your writing is not always a pleasant idea.


Also Read: Reasons Why You Need A Professional Beta Reader For Your Manuscript


I have seen few established authors say that they don’t self-edit. I cannot comment on that, but what worries me is that this is read by new authors and possibly followed as a part of their writing process – and that is how people get misled with half-information.

This post is just to throw some light on why every manuscript must go through at least one round of self-edit done by the author, and how beneficial it would later prove to the process of actual editing.


 




 


But, it’s a waste of time!


Self-editing can be a drag. I know, I understand. I cry when I have to self-edit. (I shall have to self-edit this post before publishing it and I am already dreading it.) It can get boring. And what is worse is that during self-edit you might want to trash the entire manuscript, hate it, hate yourself, decide never to write again, and go on a royal trip on imposter syndrome.


Also Read: A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript


Don’t let this scare you. If you find parts in your manuscript that you don’t like, that is actually to your advantage. Now is a good time to reimagine and rewrite the section that doesn’t seem to be working for you.

As a rule, the editor should not be handed the rough draft that you have just completed and haven’t gone through. Editing is not a cheap process and for the money your editor shall charge, it is only wise that you use their expertise rather than have them correct spellings, remove extra spaces, format the document, put header/footer/margins, and other necessary yet mundane jobs that don’t require an editor’s expertise.

When I receive manuscripts that have not gone through self-edit, the entire first round of editing which is also the most crucial round of editing is spent in correcting things just to make the document readable and edit-able. The actual editing that is also done on the parallel is impossible to be 100 % because attention gets divided.


Also Read: 10 Things To Remember When Your Manuscript Is Being Edited


One would say how unfair that is to a paying customer and they’ll be finding me agreeing to it very vocally. It is unfair. When you send manuscripts without basic self-editing, you do many disservices to your manuscript by dividing the editor’s attention and skills and diverting part of it towards correcting silly mistakes.




Don’t let laziness or the overwhelming idea of what self-editing might make you do, put you off this important step in publishing your book. Here is a read-reckoner you can refer to every time you are about to begin this step. Tick all the points below, and your manuscript is ready to be sent to the editor.


Ready-reckoner for self-editing:


* Once you know that the manuscript is ready and you have nothing new to add, step away from it. Close the file and don’t open it for at least a week. Let the story get old, it shouldn’t be fresh when you start reading it. This gap is important, my advice is to not hurry here.


* After 7-10 days, return to your draft. Now start reading it as a reader, not as its author. This will help you look at it as an outsider, someone who has no attachment to it. Your eyes and mind will start spotting mistakes. Disassociating from what you have written is also a good way to critique the writing.


* Run a spell-check. Read each correction suggested as depending on the system you are working on, the suggestion could be conflicting with the kind of English (US/global/Australian etc) you are writing in. Make note that the entire manuscript has the same type of English. (Your editor will also be checking this for any stray spelling that might be left uncorrected, but expecting them to locate and correct every such word is too much).


* Delete extra spaces. There are bound to be a few left behind and your editor/proofreader will spot them. But a manuscript with 100 or so extra spaces throughout will waste the editor’s time. Such things usually happen if the story or parts of it are written in notepad or apps other than MS Word/Spaces, and then pasted to these applications.


.




 


* Read out loud. Listening to the words helps register better and at times our ears catch what the eyes miss. Sometimes it might be errors and at other times you might want to change a sentence/paragraph/section after hearing what it sounds like. Don’t get ruffled, this is good. If it doesn’t sound right to you, the author, chances are it wont sound right to the reader as well. So go ahead, read it out loud until you like how the words flow.


* Check adverbs. Here is a small exercise – spot adverbs in this post and see how you could have written those sections better! There are bound to be some adverbs in your writing – the essential ones, that justify their existence there. But apart from that, use precise verbs and nouns so that you don’t need to use adverbs.


* Always choose active voice. The subject of the sentence should be in the front part of your sentence. If you have time in hand, try to spot passive words in this post and rewrite them in active voice. Let me know in comments, and we can have a chat about how to handle these easily, if you wish!


Also Read: How To Become A Pro At Content Creation Right From The Beginning


* Just self-editing isn’t enough. You could be brilliant in the language but the fact is that an experienced editor can do magic on any manuscript, and your draft is no exception. Find one that suits your requirement and see what they can do for your manuscript.


If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.


You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


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Posted on 
Covid Vaccine: When And Where To Get Vaccinated
  

  
  
  
  
    April     
    29    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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The second wave of Covid-19 is upon us just when we were thinking the worst is behind us. And that is probably one of the reasons why we are face-to-face with what looks like just the beginning of a nightmare. I know it’s not just me, but the increasing cases and news about unavailability of medical assistance has scared you as well.




On the bright side, vaccination began in March and people above the age of 45 are being vaccinated currently. While social distancing norms and that of wearing masks remain the same, one can hope to defeat the severity of the virus now even if, god forbid, one does test positive after complete vaccination.


Adult vaccination in such a large scale is not a common thing, and is as new to us as it is to the global medical fraternity. Everybody has been grappling with newfound information and trying to process them as they are received. Due to a surge in fake news over the last few years, there has also been a lot of misleading information on the safety of vaccines.


What every wise person has done in this time, is read up. I had to get my mother and my father-in-law vaccinated, and they both have very different health concerns. We were worried about side-effects of the vaccine after they took their doses, but due diligence and awareness ensured that neither of them faced much trouble. Their second dose is due in a few days and I am hopeful for the best.


If you are yet to go through the process of vaccination for anybody in your family, don’t let the idea overwhelm you. What I had done was, first made a list of places nearby where vaccination was being done, then found out which vaccine was being administered there. Based on which vaccine we wanted, we opted for the hospital accordingly. 


At the wake of an alleged shortage of vaccines, the Indian government has approved Russia’s Sputnik V which means now we have three vaccines available. This vaccinecomes at a time when the largest population age-group is waiting patiently for the vaccines to be available to all. They are partnering with Dr Reddy’s Laboratory to distribute the vaccines across India. Did you know that Sputnik V is based on human adenovirus platform, a tried and tested one that was used to fight Ebola in the past? Due to this tried and tested platform, Sputnik V vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of 97.6%, as per the analysis of data on the infection rate of coronavirus among those in Russia vaccinated with both components of Sputnik V.


There have also been surveys done by world trusted medical journals like Lancet that confirm the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine. To get vaccinated, we need transparency in what is told to us so we can make an informed decision and such data really helps in decision making.


I am much relaxed after all the reading-up I did about the vaccines and how to get them. Now, I eagerly wait for the availability to open up for my age group too so I can get vaccinated and have at least some protection against the virus.


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNXCJ4QnhPx/


Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-sputnik-v-works-against-coronavirus-and-how-effectively-7270877/ 


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Posted on 
Exploring the Three Types of Devices in Narrative
  

  
  
  
  
    February     
    17    , 
    2021      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture since the beginning of time. Whether it’s the ancient myths of gods and heroes, or modern-day novels and movies, stories have the power to captivate and move us. To create a compelling story, writers use a variety of devices to engage the audience and keep them interested. In this blog post, we’ll explore the three types of devices in storytelling, with examples and anecdotes to illustrate their use.


Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Every Book Needs A Good Editor


Plot Devices:


Plot devices are elements of a story that move the narrative forward and create tension and conflict. One of the most common plot devices is foreshadowing, where a hint is given about something that will happen later in the story. For example, in the Harry Potter series, the presence of the lightning-shaped scar on Harry’s forehead foreshadows his connection to the evil wizard, Voldemort.


Another popular plot device is the flashback, where the story goes back in time to reveal important information about a character or event. The classic film Citizen Kane uses flashbacks to explore the life of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful and enigmatic figure whose past is slowly revealed to the audience.


Also Read: Tips To Get Your Children To Read Books


Finally, cliffhangers are a popular plot device used to keep the audience engaged and eager to know what happens next. A cliffhanger occurs when a story ends with a unresolved tension, leaving the audience wondering what will happen next. One example of a famous cliffhanger is the ending of the first season of the TV show Stranger Things, where the character Will Byers disappears and the audience is left wondering if he is alive or dead.


Character Devices:


Character devices are elements of a story that develop the characters and their relationships with each other. One example of a character device is the character arc, where a character undergoes a transformation throughout the course of the story. In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the character Frodo Baggins undergoes a character arc, where he goes from an innocent hobbit to a heroic figure willing to sacrifice everything to destroy the One Ring.


Also Read: Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Content Marketing


Internal conflicts are another example of character devices, where a character struggles with their own emotions or desires. In the classic novel Wuthering Heights, the character Heathcliff is torn between his love for Catherine and his desire for revenge against those who have wronged him.


Finally, dialogue is a powerful character device that can reveal a character’s personality, motivations, and relationships. In the film Pulp Fiction, the dialogue between hitmen Jules and Vincent reveals their different attitudes towards their work and their relationship with each other.


Setting Devices:


Setting devices are elements of a story that create the world in which the story takes place. One example of a setting device is the description of the environment, which can create a mood or atmosphere for the story. In the novel Frankenstein, the dark and foreboding setting of the laboratory where the monster is created contributes to the overall horror of the story.


Also Read: 10 Things To Remember When Your Manuscript Is Being Edited


Cultural or historical references are another example of setting devices, which can ground a story in a specific time or place. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the setting of the deep south in the 1930s is used to explore issues of racism and injustice.


Finally, symbolism is a powerful setting device that can add layers of meaning to a story. In the novel The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, as well as his inability to attain them.


Also Read: How To Become A Pro At Content Creation Right From The Beginning


In conclusion, the three types of devices in storytelling, plot devices, character devices, and setting devices, are essential tools for writers to create compelling and engaging stories. By using these devices effectively, writers can create stories that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.


















This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge












***


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.
















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Posted on 
7 Reasons Why House Plants Are The Coolest Interior Decor Props
  

  
  
  
  
    October     
    21    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Indoor plants are usually seen as a luxury. Common perception is that they need taking care of, so one can keep them only if the house is big and airy, there are no pets or small kids at home and if there is someone who can take constant care of them. Contrary to common belief, houseplants are not only ornamental, but have a lot of benefits which make them a must in every home. Children and pets can be trained, the number of plants in your house can be depending on its size and plants are pretty low maintenance. So, seriously, a visit to the nearest nursery could be a good idea, you know. But if you need convincing, let us tell you how you will benefit if you have houseplants:


    

  • More oxygen: Just like the trees outdoor produce oxygen for us, so will your indoor plants. And this means, that not only will the oxygen level around you increase, the air inside the house will be fresh! Fresh air and abundance of oxygen – now, who’d say that they would rather not have them?
    • 

  • Quicker healing: Ever wondered why a lot of people visiting hospitals bring a plant or flowers for the patient? Well, not just for the aesthetic effect. You see, studies have shown that plants (and, flowers) also act as medicines and spending time with plants has resulted in speedy recovery. As it is for most of us in urban India, we live in apartments without gardens. Would it mean that we cannot benefit from the presence of plants around us? Well, no! This is where indoor plants come handy.  Charming, aren’t they?
    • 

  • Help stay fitter: Did you know that during the process of photosynthesis, plants release a component which increases humidity in the air? They basically increase moisture vapour which can actually keep dry skin, dry coughs, sore throats and respiratory problems away.
    • 

  • Help concentrate: Indoor plants at home and office have also been known to increase concentration and help in retaining details, making it a good thing for students and those under a lot of work pressure.
    • 

  • Home décor: Indoor plants are also simple and cost effective way of home décor. The best thing about having plants as a part of your décor is that you can keep changing them and their positions, resulting in giving your rooms new looks ever so often.
    • 

  • Hobby for children: Your children learn to be around plants at home, automatically growing up loving them. Gardening is a great stress buster and a good hobby for your children. Give them a sapling and help them plant it. Put the pot on their windowsill or inside the room and entrust them with the duty of taking care of it. Watch your children nurture and bring up their own plant, with some help from you. This way, you teach them responsibility, and also imbibe the habits of being caring towards other living beings.
    • 

  • Stress relief: And when you are stressed, in need of a break but have no time or energy to, spend some time with your plants. Take care of them, talk to them – and in 15-20 minutes, you will feel refreshed.
    • 



So! Still not sure about benefits of having indoor plants or have you already picked your car keys to head to the nearest nursery?


I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa.


Are you an author looking for a beta reader or a top editor to polish your manuscript? Look no further, and Hire The Best Editor For Your Manuscript!


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.








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Posted on 
Reasons Why You Need A Professional Beta Reader For Your Manuscript.
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    16    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

      

    
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When I’d first heard of beta reading, I was still journalist. Beta reading seemed to be a phase of writing where friends (who read) read the manuscript for an author friend and gave feedback which was then implemented in the draft. Not much has changed ever since, I still see this practice being common even today. What more, this is not restricted only to India, but I have heard of authors on global platforms talk of this too. First of all, just reading books is not qualification enough to be a beta reader. Are you really okay with handing your manuscript to someone who is not trained for the job? Or at least, has no knowledge of the prerequisites of a draft? Please tell me the answer to this is *no*! If not, here is why you shouldn’t trust your close friends or family with beta reading. Sit back, I have more than one reason to tell!


Related: Promote Your Book Without Leaving Your Home!



    

  1. 

      

    1. Your friends and family are biased readers. Take their reviews only if you are looking for an echo chamber, but let me break the news that an echo chamber will not give you an honest review.
      2. 

    2. Let’s assume you have someone in your life who is a voracious reader, has read various genres and understands literature. Do they know exactly what all need to be included in the feedback for beta reading? Find that out, chances are that they don’t.
      3. 

    3. Do you want brickbats and severe criticism now, or do you want them coming from the readers after the book has been released? Now, I am sure. Also, unless the plot is flawless, the climax is exciting and the timelines is error free, how would your manuscript grab the publisher’s or the literary agent’s eye? Wouldn’t you want only professional touch in making your manuscript an unputdownable read?
      4. 

    

    2. 



Related: Five Reasons Why Your Brand Needs Content Marketing


Having said that, I would also want to delve into why your beta reader needs to be a professional with ample experience. I am an editor, with years of experience in journalism only after which I have started working with manuscripts. The attention to detail, the keen eye and the need for perfection of words comes from years of experience and on-the-job learning. A seasoned editor will always be the best choice to be your beta reader though not every editor might work as a beta reader. So here are the reasons why professional beta readers are the best for your manuscript before you start pitching to agents and publishers –


    

  1. You pay for the service. This way even if the beta reader is someone known to you, there is a guarantee that you will get your money’s worth in terms of criticism and feedback. Professionalism is important and should not be replaced by relationships. I’ll be honest here – if you are not keen on getting beta reading done by a professional, might as well skip it. Author friends might have some valuable inputs, other friends and family might have few more. But without a trained eye, your manuscript will be losing on a lot of crucial points.
    2. 

  2. We have no personal equation with you and will not be worried about hurting your sentiments. I can speak for myself and many others, that the motive behind beta reading is to find glaring gaps, errors and everything wrong now, even before your editor gets the manuscript. We have no conflict of interest or emotional attachment to your manuscript.
    3. 

  3. A regular, untrained beta reader might be able to tell you what is wrong with your plot but when an editor is reading your manuscript, we can assist you with exactly what is wrong and how can it be corrected. Believe me, one gets much more out of this than they pay for.
    4. 



Related: Four Things Everyone Who Wants To Be An Author Must Do


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor or a beta reader who'll help you take our manuscript to another level, look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in


 


 


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Posted on 
A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    15    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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The first draft of your manuscript it ready, and you are wondering what you must do next, am I right? Edit. Rather, self-edit. If you are already a pro, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. But for those you need a little handholding, here is a five-step basic guide to editing your own draft:


First, take a break from your manuscript.


Take a break for at least a day, at the most two days. Take your mind off the story and let the plot settle in your mind. Now get back to it with a fresh mind and read it, not as its writer but as a reader. Do you like it as a reader? Great! Keep the parts you do and mark the ones you don’t. These can be deleted, re-constructed or re-written; we will get to that later.


Snip-snip your manuscript!


Yes, I know you love every word in there with all your soul but darling, readers can be critical. A reader would want the plot to be crisp and precise. If you are still not convinced, think of your draft as someone else’s book. The plot’s got to be lean and mean. Yes, you get my point now? Start snipping. Identify the long sentences and either cut them short or make multiple sentences out of them. Look out for repetitions, in words and in content. The moment you locate them, either chop them off or re-construct.


How good is your grammar?


Let’s understand that whichever language you write in, you cannot take the it lightly. Only when you respect the language will you be able to create something phenomenal out of it. If you are good at it, check for errors in the draft of your manuscript. I’ll be writing posts in the coming months about how you can do basic grammar checks on your drafts. If you think you cannot do this, ask for help. You might have to invest a bit on it, but it will be worth it. Before you release your baby out in the world for readers and critiques to assess it, give it as much perfection as possible.


Use simple language.


Using a group of complicated words does not showcase your expertise over the language. Your skill shows in how you use simple words and put the sentiments across with minimum effort. Running your manuscript through the thesaurus is a good idea here.


Check for spellings.


MS Word comes at help here. Check every single green, red and blue squiggly. Not all need to be corrected – keep the differences in American English and global English in mind. Confirm the spellings of the homonyms; spell check doesn’t always detect them. Avoid too much of passive voice in your manuscript. If you’ve used names of real people and places, double check the spellings.


Once all this is done, take a print of the draft and read. Read out loud, it helps. If you are unable to do the above mentioned steps, or don’t feel confident even after editing, hire professional help. That’s what editors like me are for – to polish your book and make it error free.


 


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, lookno further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in
You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREEon Kindle Unlimited.



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Posted on 
These Are Just Two Of My Favourite Books!
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    7    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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Growing up, books were a major constant in my life. My mother had grown up as a voracious reader, and the habit got passed on to me genetically and by example. I was introduced to all my favourite authors by my mother, and I had even learnt to read Bengali so that I could read more stories. So, yes, the love affair with stories and the art of story telling goes way back to the time when I couldn’t read and was read to. Most authors still remain in my life though a few have made a mark in my life, and not just because they were great stories.

Two such books are Chief Vasily and Little Women.


Also Read: Favourite Literary Couples – Sherlock & Irene #TBRChallenge


Chief Vasily


Chief Vasily was a limited edition 1986 book translated from Russian by Raduga Publishers. It was about Peter, a Muscovite who went to the village for his vacations where he met Vasily, a local boy. Peter and Vasily started off as rivals, as Peter was being a typical city snob. Soon his edges get rubbed by the village kids and he found great friends in them. I keep this book as a  priced possession and keep going back to it from time to time – for various reasons.


Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities


 




Little Women


On the other hand, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women holds a special place in my heart for its timeless themes of family, friendship, and the journey to self-discovery. The story follows the lives of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence and young adulthood. What draws me to this book is its richly drawn characters and their relatable struggles and triumphs. Each sister possesses a distinct personality and dreams of her own, yet they are bound together by their unbreakable bond of sisterhood. As I follow their journey from childhood to maturity, I am reminded of the importance of love, loyalty, and the enduring strength of family ties. Little Women is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages, its timeless message of hope and resilience transcending the boundaries of time and space.


Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth


Little Women is a much-loved story about four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March. All four March sisters had very strong characters but ever since I’d read the story the first time – I’ve identified with Jo the most. Since then, I’ve read it at least 30 times and every time I find myself relating to her even more. I’ve fancied meeting her, talking to her, accompanying Laurie and her to skate on the ice, reading her scripts and secret notes, travelling with her, falling in love at the same time as her, and being fiercely protective of family, just like her. Everything Jo has done, I have done. Never copied her, but growing up I realised life was moving ahead as if parallel to Jo’s.


 


https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/1949982882/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samarpitashar-21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1949982882&linkId=ace705df8cfe16b12de3c944f8be6a6d


In conclusion, Chief Vasily and Little Women are two books that hold a special place in my heart for their timeless themes, richly drawn characters, and profound impact on my life. While Chief Vasily reminds me of the power of courage and resilience in the face of adversity, Little Women celebrates the enduring strength of family, friendship, and the journey to self-discovery. Both books have left an indelible mark on me, their stories and characters continuing to inspire and resonate with me long after I turn the final page.


***


 


If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.


***********


Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.


In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.


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Posted on 
Four Things Everyone Who Wants To Be An Author Must Do
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    7    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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More than a decade ago, when author Chetan Bhagat had written Five Point Someone, it’d brought about a change in the reading habit of the country. Whether one reads his books or not, one cannot deny that Bhagat has single-handedly driven the youth of the country to read more. And if you ask me, the main reason behind this is that he had brought in to the market, stories which Indian readers identify with.


Another thing that has changed in the Indian literary scene recently is that the number of people who want to write has increased manifold. Between 2011-2013, I had spent a lot of time reading fiction written by Indian authors, most of who are still unknown. What was both fascinating as well as disappointing, is that there are so many good stories out there, but not everyone can tell the story very well.


As a manuscript editor and book publicist, I have interacted with a lot of story tellers who are trying to write a book and/or get published. However, I’ve noticed that they are not doing the basics. A doctor has to first take the required course(s), intern and only then can he practice, right? Every procedure has steps and if you are taking writing seriously, I’d strongly suggest that you include these four steps into the process:


Read a lot


Read what you like, but also try to read authors who are better than whom you already read. A lot can be learnt from reading the masters of the trade.


Write a lot


Before you get down to the main story, practice a lot. I’d suggest that you write every single day, even if it is flash fiction or an entry in your diary.


Know your grammar


I’m not asking you to perfect your grammar, but make sure that you are comfortable with the language you are writing in. You can express freely and your words will have the correct intent only when you know your grammar and its usage.


Write honestly


I agree, we all want our works to be famous. But if your work has heavy influences of another author, would the readers rather not buy books of that author? Learn from your idols, but write in your own style. Write an honest story, and not what is selling in the market. Who knows, you could be that bestselling author who brings a new revolution in how Indians read!


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Posted on 
10 Reasons Why Your Manuscript Might Be Getting Rejected By Publishers
  

  
  
  
  
    September     
    7    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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It’s been a while that I’ve been editing manuscripts and a lot of debutant authors have come to me with one common woe. Their (unedited) manuscripts are getting rejected. While I am not a literary agent, I do have the experience of handling manuscripts and making them what publishers desire. While talking to some friends who are voracious readers, we came to the topic – how do publishers decide which manuscripts have potential and which ones don’t. To be honest, only a publisher can tell you what will work but I have come up with a list of ten things which just won’t work, after a lot of research. There might be more reasons and the reason your manuscript was rejected might not be one of these, nevertheless, this post is an attempt to throw some light on what might be the reasons.


Your manuscript was unedited


Imagine this. The first draft of your manuscript is complete and you shoot mails to publishers with a cover letter and the first three chapters. And then, you wait. Chances are, you either don’t hear back from anyone, or if you do, it is a rejection. Does this mean you are a bad writer? While there is a tiny probablity of that being true, I’ll take a random guess and say – no. What went wrong was that you sent a rough draft, without waiting to first polish it. How can you avoid this? Firstly, by being patient. Walk away from the first draft. After a couple of days, come back to it. Read it and make changes as you progress. Do the first round of edit yourself. Hiring an editor is a good idea.


Your manuscript doesn’t seem honest.


Go back to your manuscript and ask yourself honestly – was this a sincere effort to pen down a story you had, or did you write something because it is in trend? Did you ape someone – in style of writing or in the plot of the story? Remember, publishers will invest in you only if they are convinced your book will bring them revenue. Is your manuscript original and honest enough to deliver that?




Your cover letter spoke more about you than about your story.


Well! Unless who you are and what you do can send the book on re-print just during pre-orders, your credentials are not important. Of course, you have to write about yourself, like about your previous books (if any) and other accomplishments solely related to previously published books. Apart from that, let your story do the talking. Talk about the product you want the publisher to sell, let that be the only focus in your cover letter.


Your cover letter had errors.


Like your manuscript, your cover letter should be error free too! Take help if needed, but do ensure that the language in your query or cover letter is impeccable.


Your manuscript had unprofessional typesetting.


Do not send your proposal/query letter/manuscript in fancy fonts. These are professional documents and need to look like it. To stay safe use one of these permissible fonts – Times New Roman, Tahoma, Verdana, Georgia, Palatino, Franklin Gothic, Book Antiqua, Bookman Old Style, keep the size to 12, double space the lines and use black letters on white background.


You’ve praised your manuscript too much.


While you do need to present your manuscript as a sellable proposition, it is not a good idea to boast about it. Do not include in your query letter how everyone who has read it so far has loved it and how you are sure the book will be the biggest hit of the decade. Don’t sound over-confident and/or cocky.


Your manuscript reads like documentary.


Fiction or non-fiction, your manuscript has to have a structure. If the actual story/point of focus comes after hundred pages, the book becomes automatically unsellable. Your reader will not keep patience till the tenth chapter or till after a hundred pages. Make sure you have spun the plot well and carefully.


Your manuscript is not suitable for the publisher’s reader base.


If you have sent a chiclit to a publisher who deals mainly with mystery/thriller genre, the manuscript is bound to be rejected. Do know that this need not be counted as a rejection, your manuscript and the context of the story was sent to the wrong address! Do your research well and shortlist publishers who publish books similar to the kind of story you have written. It is advisable to send the manuscript to those who would be at least remotely interested in the topic of the manuscript.


Your manuscript has too many characters.


In short, one glance at the manuscript and the publisher is confused about the story and how it will progress. And that means, the reader would be confused too. At times, authors, specially debutant authors are so absorbed in the ambition to write a best-seller, that they stretch the plot too much. Avoid doing this.


The language in your manuscript is pretentious.


I have said this to almost all my clients – the key to writing a good story is to write in the words most people would understand. Whichever the language you are writing in, use simple and clear language. Do not sit with the dictionary if your aim is to find the toughest synonym. Remember, that even if there are ten synonyms to a word, all their usage would not be the same.


For assitance with manuscript editing or promoting your book online, get in touch at editor@samarpita.in


You might want to read my ebook for writing newbies where I have helped with the basics of writing, editing, and promoting on Write. Edit. Promote. by clicking on the links below:




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Posted on 
Reach Out To Your Readers Through Ebooks. It’s Easy!
  

  
  
  
  
    August     
    26    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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This time last year, I was preparing to create my first ebook with the help of Blogchatter. I have dreamt of publishing my work since forever, but find the entire process of sending samples of publishers, waiting for a revert, and dealing with rejections too much to handle. I honestly don’t have the bandwidth to take so much on my mind. So does that mean I will never be a published author? I’d thought so.


Until I became a part of Blogchatter Ebook Carnival. Hesitatingly. Because, the entire idea seemed too good to be true! And like many of you who have joined the carnival the first time, I was very excited to see this take shape. I was apprehensive, yet calm because I knew the people behind this and knew that they will see me through till the end with this.


I published by first ebook Write. Edit. Promote. with Blogchatter and it got a delightful treatment over the next two months. After two months, I published the ebook on Amazon and have published another ebook since then, with the third one due next month. In this post, I wanted to share with you all my learnings from the entire process. I will be one of the mentors this year, so do not hesitate getting in touch if you get stuck anywhere with the process!


    

  • Decide the topic of your ebook very careful. You will need enough number of chapters to create a book, and they will all need to be related. This is specially important if your ebook is going to be a non-fiction.
    • 

  • Designing a cover is easy and there are many apps to help you with that, the most common one being Canva. A word of caution here, a book’s cover is the first impression a reader will have of your book, so design it well. When I say design it well, I don’t want you to learn designing. Just make a simple, attractive cover. Canva has a host of other tools and templates, or like me, you can not use any of them and just create your cover from scratch. Use colours that are pleasing to the eye, fonts that are professional and not fancy or kiddish, and keep the font size readable yet not too big.
    • 

  • Edit well. Use apps if you wish, or take help from knowledgeable friends. A book must be edited, for readers to appreciate and enjoy reading it.
    • 

  • Make sure you number the pages in your manuscript and create a table of contents which has the page numbers mentioned too.
    • 

  • Many authors don’t get into a acknowledgements but gratitude is a wonderful thing. Nothing is possible without a little direct or indirect help from the universe and its people, so thanking them is never too much.
    • 

  • Don’t forget to include the about the author section. Don’t brag too much here, yet talk about yourself in the best way possible. Don’t make the author bio too long, as well.
    • 



 


Be a part of Blogchatter’s eBook Carnival and your journey to becoming an author would be full of fun and pride. I wish you all the best with your journey of becoming an author from a blogger.




 





If you are a new author, download my e-books meant specifically for you:








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Posted on 
Have Allergies? Check What Goes In Your Mouth! #AllergyFree
  

  
  
  
  
    August     
    26    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

      

    
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Whenever I want to eat prawns, I remember an ex-roommate of mind. She was allergic to prawns and her skin would break out the very instance she ate one, if ever, by mistake. So there were a lot of times I’d see her ask if the food being served had prawns, even if the hosts never thought of including prawns in the menu! It was embarrassing for her, but it was also a matter of life and death. Yes, I’d heard of a few instances where people with prawn allergies had even lost their lives due to it.


Scary, isn’t it?


Food Intolerance vs Food Allergies


Living with her, I also learnt the difference between food intolerance and food allergies. Food intolerance symptoms are often limited to digestive problems, such as cramps, constipation or diarrhea. A food allergy has much more serious reactions in the body. A severe allergic reaction may involve swelling, hives, itching, dizziness and even life threatening anaphylaxis. A food intolerance is a digestive system response whereas a food allergy is an immune system response.


I personally don’t have any food allergies that I know of, but my husband is allergic to some foods so we need to be very careful about what comes in our kitchen and what we order when we eat outside.


Know what to look for in a food label


Eating out is a once-in-a-while occasion but food gets cooked at home everyday. Since we both love to experiment in the kitchen, we often buy new sauces, etc.

One thing we are both very careful about is checking the labels on packaged food. It is very important to know what to look for in labels and how to read labels for food allergies in India.

Not very long ago, I learnt that I need to pay special attention to anything that is under ‘may contain’ in the food labels. Also, if the label says something is free (eg) sugar-free, peanut-free, it could mean that there are extracts or substitutes which could be equally harmful to the person allergic. It is important to us that we know which allergens are lurking in the food.


Stay prepared if you have a food allergy


Food allergies can be triggered by even a small amount of the offending food so it is advised to avoid that food completely. The first step is to be sure of what you are eating. You can’t afford to be adventurous and try out new dishes without knowing the ingredients. That is why my husband and I make it a point to check labels while using exotic sauces. We also talk to the restaurant staff about the food we order.


In addition to this, carry an epinephrine auto-injector if your allergist feels you have a need. This is to save the person in case a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis occurs.

Staying aware about allergens and avoiding them completely also makes eating out/eating packed food hassle free!

Know more about allergies and their management here.


Disclaimer:

The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Sanofi India. Sanofi India bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.


References:

1. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergy


2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-

allergy/


 


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Posted on 
How To Become A Pro At Content Creation Right From The Beginning
  

  
  
  
  
    August     
    26    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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The world is changing. More now, than ever before.


We are living through a pandemic and life as we knew it, doesn’t exist any more. Everything has changed, yet nothing has stopped. So, taking all the change in account, we all must move ahead and do things which will become the new normal.




Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read.” ~ Leo Burnett




One thing which remains normal, and is on the upward slide to become more than what it is, happens to be content creations. It is not bound by industries, time zones, currencies, region, or gender. Content creation is the fastest growing occupation at present, and it will keep on increasing. There is no doubt that this is going to be humongous. So, while the entire world is focused on cashing in on this, what about you? Don’t you want to become a pro at content creation and earn big bucks too? I am sure you do, why else would you even be reading this post, haha!




Content creation comes in many types. I am a word content creator, while there are so many successful content creators whose content exists on other platforms and mediums. There is no dearth of information to be retrieved from the internet, but when it comes to your career, the information has to be reliable, and explained how you need it to be. 


Let’s take written content, for example. Blogging happens to be one of the lucrative forms of written content. Look around, there are numerous bloggers out there. But are they all pros at it, making the big bucks, while working for the biggest brands? No, they are not. Only the best reach that stage, and they become the best only because they have studied the field and entered prepared.


For instance, if you want to set up a blog, what are the things you need to be aware of from before?


“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” ~ Pablo Picasso


    

  • How To Find Your Niche
    • 

  • How To Identify Potential Clients
    • 

  • How To Create Your Own Portfolio
    • 

  • 6 Habits of Successful Content Creators
    • 

  • Tips To Become A Name To Reckon In The Industry
    • 

  • Using Social Media as a Tool
    • 

  • Difference Between Content Creation and Content Curation
    • 

  • Tips & Tricks To Become An Efficient Content Creator
    • 

  • Importance of Networking For A Content Creator
    • 

  • Dos and Don’ts of Being A Content Creator
    • 





When it comes to other mediums of content creations, there are similar yet different things which one needs to be aware of before stepping into the world. 


Wouldn’t it be great if those who are pros at their field, tell you how they did it? The graph is only going upwards and onwards, and there is no time like now to become a pro at content creation while building your business. Sign up to this online event where the best in the industry will tell you the secrets of their success through carefully crafted videos addressing every concern viewers might have.


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Posted on 
Five Lifestyle Changes I Made To Maintain My Mental & Physical Strength
  

  
  
  
  
    March     
    31    , 
    2020      
    Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma    
    

  

    
 
         

    
  
  
          

             
      

     

    
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When was the last time you ran for a couple of kms and didn’t pant for the next 5 minutes, trying to catch your breath?

The buzzword all around the world currently revolves around health and each and every person is taking more care than ever to stay healthy & fit. Working out for an hour is highly recommended but no amount of workout will make us strong and fit, if we don’t pay attention to what we are eating. Building one’s

immunity is not rocket science, and can be done easily by making some lifestyle changes.

Over the last few months I made five lifestyle changes to improve my immunity and I’d love to share them with you.


Lifestyle Changes

* My health conditions make me stay away from a lot of foods like rice, maida, sugar, high GI foods, fried foods, packet foods, and more. So, at a glance, one would imagine that there is hardly anything that remains that I can eat now. I felt so too. But after a lot of research I have found food and nutrition substitutes which give me the exact nourishment that my body needs, while keeping me away from what is harmful for me.


I plan my meals beforehand and get the ingredients ready a day before. As a result, I am eating more home-cooked food, and I cook my own food so that I can control what goes in

the cooking process too.


* I have started devoting an hour of my day to exercising. My workouts vary from yoga to home exercises to walks, and also include breathing exercises for my lungs.


* Our generation has conveniently ignored how important it is to sleep. At night. I have consciously made changes in my lifestyle so that I get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, and in one go. I don’t nap during the day.


* Keeping the mind refreshed and healthy is yet another underrated fact. We forget to, most of the times. The fourth lifestyle change I made is that depending on what I feel like that day, I take time out for my hobbies – I read, I paint, I knit. I sometimes garden, and now I cook regularly.


Times I spend doing these things are when my mind unravels and nourishes itself.

* As you grow older, it is important to ensure that your body is getting the right nourishment. I have added medically prescribed nutritious supplements in my diet. You can try Ensure that has 11 immunity supporting nutrients and helps in your body getting complete and balanced diet.


What about you? What lifestyle changes have you made to maintain your physical and mental strength? I’d love to know and see if I can implement them in my life too!


Check your muscle age here https://bit.ly/MuscleAgeTest


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