Writer, Editor, Helper
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Writers can’t control the needs, mood, or preferences of agents or editors. But we can control the style, grammar, and formatting of our submitted manuscripts. We can control how we work with an agent or editor. And we can control our expectations and knowledge of the publishing process.
Let me help with that!
Webinars and Conference Sessions
♦ Think Like a Copyeditor: Polishing Your Work for Submission
(60–90 minutes)
Agents and editors are slammed more than ever with submissions. Many admit that a poorly presented manuscript can tip you into the reject pile when all other things are equal.
Learn how to submit professional-looking manuscripts free of style, formatting, and grammar gaffes, and pick up concrete tips that will help you collaborate confidently and effectively with editors.
Who it’s for: Writers who want to give their manuscripts a professional shine.
The session includes
- grammar rules you learned in high school that are flat-out wrong
- a 10-minute shrinking of the 1,200-page Chicago Manual of Style (the style guide used by most trade book publishers in the US) to a lovable, usable writing tool
- 10 hackle-raising formatting and style gaffes writers can eliminate from their manuscripts
- 5 easy insider tactics for credibly faking Chicago style
- time for Q&A—answers to your most pressing style, grammar, and formatting questions
How I know about this
I’ve read thousands (yep!) of queries and drafts by writers of everything from picture books to scholarly monographs. I am intimately aware of the ways they go wrong. My book The Subversive Copy Editor is all about win-win strategies for editors and writers. Starred by Publishers Weekly as their Online Pick of the Week: “Practical, relentlessly supportive and full of ed-head laughs.”
As a contributing editor and blogger for The Chicago Manual of Style, I understand how fiction writers can make the best use of this daunting—yet lovable!—reference book to negotiate effectively with the agents, editors, and copyeditors who handle their work.
♦ Working with Writers: Tips from the Subversive Copy Editor
(60–90 minutes)
In my long career, I’ve negotiated many a standoff between a writer and editor refusing to compromise on the “rights” and “wrongs” of prose styling. But when these sides square off, it’s often the reader who loses out. This session offers practical strategies for keeping the peace.
Who it’s for: Copyeditors who struggle when it’s time to negotiate the editing.
- the three virtues of the enlightened editor
- how to be flexible when the style guide isn't
- the top mistakes of newbie editors
- Q&A time
How I know about this
I wrote the book on it!
“Saller writes with wisdom and a great generosity of spirit. . . . An ideal complement to any style guide: practical, relentlessly supportive and full of ed-head laughs.” — Publishers Weekly
“An insider’s book to cure writers . . . while shoring up editors. . . . Good advice.” — New York Times
“Carol Fisher Saller is the mentor that every copyeditor dreams of.” — Amy Einsohn | The Copyeditor’s Handbook
♦ Writing Historical Fiction
(30–60 minutes)
Historical fiction writing comes with a unique set of challenges and responsibilities. Make sure you’re up to the task. This session covers the entire process, from choosing your time setting wisely to keeping track of your research to having your manuscript vetted by an expert.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to write historical fiction.
The session includes
- 2 critical decisions to make before you begin
- 3 research habits to form now
- fact vs fiction in settings, characters, and dialogue
- tips for seamlessly integrating history into fiction
- Q&A time
How I know about this
At the University of Chicago Press I copyedited hundreds of scholarly books and understand the mechanics of research and documentation. My own middle-grade historical novel Eddie’s War was a Best Book at Kirkus, Bankstreet, and the Chicago Public Library and a Horn Book recommended verse narrative.
♦ From Yourself to the Shelf: How a Book Gets Published
(60–90 minutes)
This introduction to the publishing process from submission to printed (or digital) product will prepare writers to work capably alongside traditional or indie-press pros in delivering their work to readers. Having a clue—especially about what happens in copyediting and proofreading—helps writers understand their responsibilities, manage expectations, and work well with editors.
Who it’s for: Anyone starting or considering a career in book publishing.
Bonus tips include:
- essential steps to getting a foot in the publishing door
- building an online presence
- endearing yourself to editors
- Q&A time
How I know about this
As the author of fiction and nonfiction books for children and adults, a one-time children’s book editor, and a long-time manuscript editor, I have an insider’s knowledge of book publishing from both the writer’s and the editor’s side of the desk.
♦ [Your Topic Here]
Let me know what you need! We’ll work together to tailor a session for your event. Read what others have to say about my sessions.
