‘My one-stop-shop resource.’ Andy Maslen, crime and thriller writer
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Learn how to line edit fiction for sense and sensibilityFiction is about flow, rhythm, mood, voice and style. But mostly it’s about story. When writers self-edit at line level with confidence, story is elevated by the sentence, rather than buried beneath it.
Editing Fiction at Sentence Level shows you how to hone your line craft so that your narrative and dialogue compel readers to turn the page. |
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5-star reviews for Editing Fiction at Sentence Level
GREAT ADVICE, AND ENTERTAINING TO BOOT ...
Picked up Editing Fiction at Sentence Level on Amazon to get some quality professional-development reading in during this period of increased couch time and absolutely loved it.
Liv Sommerlot, writer, editor and translator
Picked up Editing Fiction at Sentence Level on Amazon to get some quality professional-development reading in during this period of increased couch time and absolutely loved it.
Liv Sommerlot, writer, editor and translator
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ...
I found Louise through her incredibly useful blog. She has become my go-to resource for aspects of writing I know I should pay attention to but when the story is in full spate I sometimes neglect. Editing Fiction at Sentence Level is my one-stop-shop resource.
Andy Maslen, bestselling crime author
I found Louise through her incredibly useful blog. She has become my go-to resource for aspects of writing I know I should pay attention to but when the story is in full spate I sometimes neglect. Editing Fiction at Sentence Level is my one-stop-shop resource.
Andy Maslen, bestselling crime author
THE AUTHOR'S VADE MECUM ...
This guide delivers far more than its title promises. Part 2, Checking Narrative, is gold dust for anyone creating fiction, and deals with story structure, narrative viewpoint and character description as well as sentence level issues.
Equally, Part 3, Checking Dialogue and Thoughts, encourages the author to step back and analyse. Reading this guide (or dipping into it, because it will become a fixture on your desk) is like having a knowledgeable friend standing behind your shoulder, explaining without condescension, encouraging you to think and pointing you in the right direction.
Apart from tone, the strongest and most distinctive feature is the use of examples of best practice quoted from a wide range of authors, as well as made-up ones of what to avoid. The coverage of the seven sections is extensive and also layered, in that topics are revisited in different contexts, facilitating the learning process.
As a tool for revision of a manuscript and self-editing, it is invaluable. My only concern is that Louise may be doing herself out of a job by revealing so many trade secrets.
Philip Prowse, espionage author
This guide delivers far more than its title promises. Part 2, Checking Narrative, is gold dust for anyone creating fiction, and deals with story structure, narrative viewpoint and character description as well as sentence level issues.
Equally, Part 3, Checking Dialogue and Thoughts, encourages the author to step back and analyse. Reading this guide (or dipping into it, because it will become a fixture on your desk) is like having a knowledgeable friend standing behind your shoulder, explaining without condescension, encouraging you to think and pointing you in the right direction.
Apart from tone, the strongest and most distinctive feature is the use of examples of best practice quoted from a wide range of authors, as well as made-up ones of what to avoid. The coverage of the seven sections is extensive and also layered, in that topics are revisited in different contexts, facilitating the learning process.
As a tool for revision of a manuscript and self-editing, it is invaluable. My only concern is that Louise may be doing herself out of a job by revealing so many trade secrets.
Philip Prowse, espionage author
BEST LINE-EDITING BOOK ...
This book gets straight to the point, no waffle or horribly long explanations to fill the pages. It has plenty of examples from contemporary writers, and covers so many common writing issues. Wish I'd had this book years ago!
AM, Amazon reviewer
This book gets straight to the point, no waffle or horribly long explanations to fill the pages. It has plenty of examples from contemporary writers, and covers so many common writing issues. Wish I'd had this book years ago!
AM, Amazon reviewer
BRILLIANT!
How refreshing to read a book on the craft of writing without a single mention of Pride and Prejudice. The guidance is illustrated with examples from contemporary authors across a range of genres. I read it from beginning to end, but it also works perfectly as a reference into which you can dip as and when required ... Should be on every author's bookshelf or, better still, the edge of their desk.
Chris Lofts, Amazon reviewer
How refreshing to read a book on the craft of writing without a single mention of Pride and Prejudice. The guidance is illustrated with examples from contemporary authors across a range of genres. I read it from beginning to end, but it also works perfectly as a reference into which you can dip as and when required ... Should be on every author's bookshelf or, better still, the edge of their desk.
Chris Lofts, Amazon reviewer
A MUST-HAVE FOR ANYBODY EDITING THEIR NOVEL OR TRAINING AS A COPYEDITOR ...
A must have for anybody editing their novel or even training as a copyeditor. The main body of the book is absolutely packed with things to check and correct or just even learn about. Subjects include viewpoint, structure, POV, tense, grammar, punctuation and much more. Each chapter goes into detail with examples and solutions but what I liked was the handy summing up of the chapter at the end to cover the most important bits.
The book is written by a professional copyeditor who knows her stuff ... the only book you will need to edit your draft.
Jörg Pirie, Amazon reviewer
A must have for anybody editing their novel or even training as a copyeditor. The main body of the book is absolutely packed with things to check and correct or just even learn about. Subjects include viewpoint, structure, POV, tense, grammar, punctuation and much more. Each chapter goes into detail with examples and solutions but what I liked was the handy summing up of the chapter at the end to cover the most important bits.
The book is written by a professional copyeditor who knows her stuff ... the only book you will need to edit your draft.
Jörg Pirie, Amazon reviewer
HELPFUL TIPS FOR BUDDING FREELANCE EDITORS AND PROOFREADERS ...
Such a helpful book. A must-read for anyone either looking to self-edit their own manuscript or looking to become a budding freelance editor and proofreader.
Samantha Simpson, Amazon reviewer
Such a helpful book. A must-read for anyone either looking to self-edit their own manuscript or looking to become a budding freelance editor and proofreader.
Samantha Simpson, Amazon reviewer
BEST BOOK ON EDITING ...
The author's advice on editing is clear and succinct. It is an informative and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Ms Readalot, Amazon reviewer
The author's advice on editing is clear and succinct. It is an informative and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Ms Readalot, Amazon reviewer
BRILLIANT ...
This book is a godsend. I'm completing my first novel and it's packed with useful information. I've extracted many tips for my third draft!
Matt, Amazon reviewer
This book is a godsend. I'm completing my first novel and it's packed with useful information. I've extracted many tips for my third draft!
Matt, Amazon reviewer
A BIBLE – A TOOL – A PAPERWEIGHT ON STANDBY ...
Discovered this book, and WOW! Very well explained – there’s just enough in the content to really make a difference in your writing. The author doesn’t whine on about English, telling you to give in now if you don’t possess a degree in English Lit. Instead she allows you to develop a love for your own prose. Somehow you are given permission to be a storyteller.
Steve, Amazon reviewer
Discovered this book, and WOW! Very well explained – there’s just enough in the content to really make a difference in your writing. The author doesn’t whine on about English, telling you to give in now if you don’t possess a degree in English Lit. Instead she allows you to develop a love for your own prose. Somehow you are given permission to be a storyteller.
Steve, Amazon reviewer
VERY WELL WRITTEN AND INFORMATIVE ...
I'd looked for a while to find a book that dealt with this level of editing, rather than how to reshape a whole book. It is perfect!!
Tony Monaghan, Amazon reviewer
I'd looked for a while to find a book that dealt with this level of editing, rather than how to reshape a whole book. It is perfect!!
Tony Monaghan, Amazon reviewer
A NECESSARY ADDITION TO ANY SERIOUS WRITER'S SHELF ...
This book contains so many of the tricks you'll need to become a published author, whether that's traditionally or self-published. The tips help you to ensure you don't make the mistakes others make, and iron out the ones you never even thought were mistakes ... This book is full of an expert editor's clear instructions to turn your crappy draft into a full polished manuscript.
JD, Amazon reviewer
This book contains so many of the tricks you'll need to become a published author, whether that's traditionally or self-published. The tips help you to ensure you don't make the mistakes others make, and iron out the ones you never even thought were mistakes ... This book is full of an expert editor's clear instructions to turn your crappy draft into a full polished manuscript.
JD, Amazon reviewer
AWESOME BOOK ON EDITING ...
I've read a lot of books on editing over the years and I can honestly say this is probably my favorite book on the subject. The author does a great job of walking you through common editing issues from structural editing to copyediting. I enjoyed the book so much I ended up by both the physical and digital versions. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Jason S Wrench, Amazon reviewer
I've read a lot of books on editing over the years and I can honestly say this is probably my favorite book on the subject. The author does a great job of walking you through common editing issues from structural editing to copyediting. I enjoyed the book so much I ended up by both the physical and digital versions. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Jason S Wrench, Amazon reviewer
AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE ...
This is a fantastic book, full of tips for strengthening prose. She uses clear examples that illustrate her points. It's my new favourite writing resource, right up there with The Elements of Style. I can already tell I'll be referring to it over and over again.
Bookfan, Amazon reviewer
This is a fantastic book, full of tips for strengthening prose. She uses clear examples that illustrate her points. It's my new favourite writing resource, right up there with The Elements of Style. I can already tell I'll be referring to it over and over again.
Bookfan, Amazon reviewer
GOOD BOOK FOR WRITERS ...
A book of pitfalls that writers of fiction, especially new ones and those of us who can't shake off those bad habits, tend to fall into.
Andrew E, Amazon reviewer
A book of pitfalls that writers of fiction, especially new ones and those of us who can't shake off those bad habits, tend to fall into.
Andrew E, Amazon reviewer
ONE OF THE BEST WRITTEN ...
Won't go into a long-winded review. But this is one of the best, if not the best books on editing I have found.
Capo Dei Capi, Amazon reviewer
Won't go into a long-winded review. But this is one of the best, if not the best books on editing I have found.
Capo Dei Capi, Amazon reviewer
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I stand against prejudice, discrimination and othering, and strive to provide a safe, inclusive, respectful and supportive service for every writer I work with.
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© 2011–2025 Louise Harnby