Editor-Proof Your Writing - by Don McNair (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Don't let simple mistakes ruin your book's chances!

If you're not getting published, you may suffer from foggy writing--writing that's full of unnecessary, misused, and overused words. Foggy writing drives editors crazy, and it's the number one reason most manuscripts are rejected on first glance.

Let veteran editor Don McNair show you how to clear up your foggy writing and produce sparkling copy that will attract agents, editors, readers, and sales.

Editor-Proof Your Writing will show you how to avoid fatal writing mistakes by eliminating unnecessary words--and in the process you'll strengthen your book's action, invigorate your dialogue, and make your writing crackle with life. Containing 21 simple, straightforward principles, Editor-Proof Your Writing teaches how to edit weak verb forms, strip away author intrusions, ban redundancies, eliminate foggy phrases, correct passive-voice sentences, slash misused and overused words, and fix other writing mistakes.

A must-have addition to every writer's toolkit, Editor-Proof Your Writing won't just make your writing clearer; it will make you a better writer -- more expressive, more entertaining, and more likely to sell.

Review Quotes

A clear, readable book on how to avoid foggy writing ... the most complete writing book I have ever read. especially useful for authors who have completed a work in progress and who wonder what the next step should be. --Warren Bull, Writers Who Kill

"Editor-Proof Your Writing" makes the whole editing process simple. Using Don McNair's method, I reduced my editing time by half. I'll be referring back to this book every time I edit. --Suzanne Lilly, TeacherWriter.net

"Editor-Proof Your Writing" tells authors everything that I, as an editor, would like them to know. McNair gives real-world advice and takes readers step-by-step to creating a manuscript that shines. A must-read for authors. --Cassiel Knight, See Jane Publish

A book about editing that I actually had fun reading ... will help make your writing cleaner, punchier and easier to read ... McNair is a good teacher as well as a good editor. Highly recommended. --Andrew Jack, andrewjackwriting.com

All writers, seasoned or newbie, should read, absorb, and put to use the lessons Don McNair offers in "Editor-Proof Your Writing." --Lisa Rojany Buccieri, New York Journal of Books

Don McNair's "21 Steps" program is succinct and to the point and may be just the tool I need to reinforce my own writing skills. "Editor-Proof Your Writing" will make a handy reference for any writer's desk. --ForeWord This Week

Eye-opening ... I didn't realize how many of the writing flaws that McNair outlines show up in my own writing.Very helpful, and I would recommend it to other writers. --tom-farr.blogspot.com

I highly recommend the book to everyone ... a quick and easy read that makes the editing process more efficient. --Stina Lindenblatt

Interesting without being overloaded with a lot of theory ... also good information on critique partners, publishers, and writing the query letter and synopsis. The book helped me produce a more polished story. I highly recommend it. Two thumbs up! --Gale Stanley

Lists 180 redundancies, 250 foggy phrases you should avoid, over 200 clichés you shouldn't use, and 50 dialog sources you can use in place of "he said." If you write fiction, you really ought to pick up this book. --Patricia Fry, Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network (SPAWN)

McNair offers very specific steps to improving your writing. Go from foggy writing that drives editors crazy to clear prose that will have your editor smiling. A valuable asset to the libraries of published or soon-to-be-published authors --Rita Bay

Packed with tips to strengthen your writing and can serve as a guide through the revision process. With this book in my arsenal, my editor's job is about to get a lot harder. --Erika Liodice, Writing the Dream

Provides a foolproof method for identifying common misused and overused words and errors ... Any who would edit weak verb forms, redundancies, and more will find this a solid, professional approach to editing one's own work for maximum impact. --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Don McNair spent his working life editing magazines, producing public relations materials for an international PR firm, and heading his own marketing communications firm, McNair Marketing Communications. He is the winner of three Golden Trumpets from the Publicity Club of Chicago and the Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America. He has authored hundreds of trade magazine articles, three how-to books, and several young-adult and suspense novels. He Lives in Foley, Alabama.