Katherine Pickett, Editor

Editor/owner of POP Editorial Services LLC, author of the award-winning book Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro, coauthor of the second-grade chapter book Mystery at Creek Academy: Where Is Mrs. Quimby?, written with my then-8-year-old. I am also a writing #coach, speaker, and #workshop leader. She/her

WIP: Debra Lee Won't Break, now with beta readers. Protag has #MultipleSclerosis

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npub1a3caxnz68srj53pxz4qfpy5vwdlmmvxclch3rsg663qlzq9l2avqmqaaea

NIP-05 Address

KPED_at_urbanists.social@mostr.pub

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Publishing to

relay.mostr.pub

relay.nostr.band

relay.noswhere.com

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npub1a3caxnz68srj53pxz4qfpy5vwdlmmvxclch3rsg663qlzq9l2avqmqaaea

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Last Notes

2024-07-16 13:31:32

There will always be tension between what you want to write and what readers are willing to buy. Finding the happy middle, where you satisfy your own goals as well as the reader's desires, is part of the fun.
#Writing #AmEditing #books #WritingCommunity

2024-07-09 15:48:14

Fully half of the world is born female. Half of all dogs, cats, foxes, bears, chickens, whales, humans.
Yet so many stories -- for children and adults -- follow the Seinfeld formula, one female character for every three male characters, as if only a quarter of the world were female.
As an #editor, I get to push back against this distortion in the manuscripts that cross my desk. I can make a difference. If only all of my clients listened to me.🙃
#AmEditing #GenderEquity

2024-07-06 01:15:16

I finally found an article about last week's debate that focuses on substance instead of how tired and old Biden is.
Read more at:
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-27-2024
https://cdn.masto.host/urbanistssocial/media_attachments/files/112/736/886/791/791/466/original/237f9462c3b5c474.jpg

2024-07-05 12:59:24

The GOP is also in disarray. They just have the "good sense" to keep it behind the scenes.
<<The escalating behind-the-scenes disagreement over the abortion language has become so tense and acrimonious in recent weeks that some social conservative leaders have issued public warnings of a coming split within Trump’s coalition. Others have started to discuss an effort to issue a “minority report” >>
gift link: https://wapo.st/3WatvCI
#USpol #abortion

2024-05-21 12:54:31

#writerscoffeeclub May 21: Do you format as you write or do that at the end?
A little of both, but mostly I want to focus on the content before spending time on any formatting. So, if a little formatting helps me write the book better, then I add the formatting. e.g., block quotes. But otherwise, wait.
As an editor, I've found the writers who spend lots of time making their Word doc look fancy have sacrificed precious self-editing time. Better to get the words right first.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-21 01:15:39

#WritersCoffeeClub May 20: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Can't say there was a time when I consciously thought this. I have kept a journal for 30 years, had some CNF stories published, wrote a couple nonfiction books... but it's only been in the past few years I accepted the title of "writer."
I've always been an editor first.
#AmWriting

2024-05-17 20:30:39

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/17 -- Other than writing, what's your go-to creative outlet?
Painting. I enjoy it because it's one thing I don't have to be good at. But that mostly only happens in the winter.

2024-04-26 13:39:18

Counterpoint to Elle Griffin's article "No On Buys Books.": Yes, People Do Buy Books
The sections "Why It's so Easy to Mislead with Book Statistics" and "How Books Make Money" are well worth your time.
https://countercraft.substack.com/p/yes-people-do-buy-books
#writers #WritingCommunity #editors #publishing #books

2024-04-09 16:01:27

Received this endorsement for DEBRA LEE WON'T BREAK today and I couldn't be happier!
#books @npub1kt3…5004
https://cdn.masto.host/urbanistssocial/media_attachments/files/112/242/089/758/921/145/original/939668d8d8ef379e.jpg

2024-04-04 14:10:14

#WordWeavers Apr 4
Is there writing advice you used to follow but changed your mind?
When I first drafted my novel, it was all Show and no Tell. "Show, don't tell" is good advice generally, but it needs some qualifiers. Like, "don't tell too much all at once" or "don't tell more than is absolutely needed"
After my alpha reader pointed out that I'd written a screenplay instead of a novel, I realized successful novelists Tell all the time. They just know how to balance it against the Showing

2024-04-03 16:01:47

#WritersCoffeeClub 2. Do you keep a journal?
Yes! I've kept a journal since I was 17. I have a large box of filled notebooks in my closet. I don't write every day, but I write regularly. I record mundane things, momentous life events, national news worth noting.
I started it when I was still very aware of my mother's death and not having much to remember her by. So I've always thought of it as something people who outlive me might read and learn something about me.
#WritingLife

2024-04-03 15:56:51

#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 3 Do you use semicolons? Correctly?
Yes, I use them occasionally and always correctly. They can be distracting for readers, so I try to limit them.

2024-03-12 17:57:35

#writerscoffeeclub 03/12: Do you agree with Ray Bradbury, who said, "Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things you're doomed"?
Yes, for the most part. Some people don't learn as they go. You have to want to improve your craft. I have clients who know I'll fix things for them, so they don't bother to learn to do it better the first time.
Quantity doesn't necessarily lead to quality. But it's hard to get to quality right out the gate.
#WritingCommunity

2024-02-27 14:25:33

#Writerscoffeeclub Day 27 How do you find beta readers? Would you beta read yourself?
I have a whole 50-min presentation on this topic! But for the short answer, I like Goodreads for finding strangers to read my work. Writers' groups are also a plum source. The Maryland Writers Assoc has the Novel Exchange for its members.
I have beta'd for people. I enjoyed it. I'm fascinated by other people's writing and revising habits. I think you can learn a lot by reading others' WIPs
#WritingCommunity

2024-02-14 15:35:39

Do you really need a press release for your book? Here's just one reason:
"If you Google your book title, you will probably notice Amazon and other big retailers first; your publisher and your own website can appear later. Having a press release can boost this rank in search queries."
https://janefriedman.com/why-you-need-a-press-release-in-a-digital-age/
#publishing #indiepub #books @npub1kt3…5004

2024-02-09 22:11:01

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@npub1k24…26zw
That's what I thought! But I had one reader in a workshop say, "why not just say? he was obviously black." When in fact he wasn't. So, you know, you can't control for people. 🙃
Readers bring all kinds of baggage to your work.

2024-02-09 20:10:15

#WritersCoffeeClub #Writing 09 How do you deal with describing specific character ethnicities?
In 1 essay abt being followed on various occasions, I purposely left out the ethnicity of my assailants b/c I didn't think it was relevant. I was accused of being racist (by a paid reviewer for a journal). That was her baggage. I revised the essay and named everyone's race/ethnicity -- I've been followed by all kinds of people, why I thought it irrelevant -- and that version was published.

2024-02-08 14:32:22

#WritersCoffeeClub 2/8: Which words do you overuse?
Apparently I'm the only writer still referring to men as "fellow." As in, "One older fellow offered to help." I only used it twice, but that may be too much. (I'd love to know if anyone else uses "fellow"!)
"Nice" and "good" -- but I think I do a good (acceptable?) job eradicating them on revision.
"Wow" is another I have to limit. All my characters would say "Oh wow" at anything unexpected if I didn't rein that in. :)
#AmWriting

2024-01-26 14:12:28

#WordWeavers 26
Would you ever co-write a book?
I cowrote a book with my 6-7-8-year-old daughter. (It took 2 years) She had the ideas, I had the discipline to get it on paper. We shared the typing. That might have been the hardest part. Peck, peck, peck.... But we got it done. And now it's in the public library and her school library. I'm very proud.
But cowriting with an adult? Not sure I could do it. I'm too much of a control freak. They'd end up hating me.
#WritingCommunity

2024-01-19 14:07:15

@npub1aqz…6zx3
Another day, another #3goodthings
1. The fresh snow this morning is beautiful.
2. My daughters have not yet begun to fight, even though this is their third snow day this week.
3. I'm wearing pajama bottoms to work today.
What are your 3 good things?
#gratitude #thankful #positivity #today

2024-01-04 18:35:41

#Today I received rejections from two journals that I forgot I even submitted to. It still manages to be disappointing.
The same essay is out with three other journals, so I still have a shot. Time to focus on the positive.
#WritingLife #WritingCommunity

2023-12-15 20:22:31

Got feedback on my summer presentations. Nice to see most people appreciated my publishing talks. Of course, 1 comment stood out.
In discussing self-publishing companies, ebook companies, Amazon, distributors, marketing, etc, here's the complaint:
"there were a few times that she admitted that she didn’t know some of the info."
I've been to talks where the speaker pretended to have all the answers. I prefer someone who can admit there's more info than any one person could know.
#indiepub

2023-12-15 20:22:31

2023-12-13 13:55:07

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@npub1nuw…pzfl @npub1ek8…t2en
Memoir:
Kindergarten at 60 by Dian Seidel
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett
Fiction:
The Body Lies, by Jo Baker
Kids:
Mystery at Creek Academy: Where Is Mrs. Quimby? by Nancy Pickett and Katherine Pickett
https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Creek-Academy-Where-Quimby/dp/0991499158/
Nonfic:
Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro
https://bookshop.org/p/books/perfect-bound-how-to-navigate-the-book-publishing-process-like-a-pro-revised-edition-katherine-pickett/14471287?ean=9780991499144
@npub1kt3…5004 #BooksWorthReading

2023-12-06 18:17:22

Something to make you laugh.
#Writers #WritingCommunity #agents #publishing #MSWL
https://therumpus.net/2023/02/03/funny-women-a-literary-agents-manuscript-wish-list/

2023-11-17 14:17:26

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@npub10d5…vvxa
Exactly! Does someone have to turn awkwardly to see the person on the end? Yell to be heard over the other people? A sketch is very helpful.

2023-11-17 14:09:06

#WritersCoffeeClub 17: Do you draw out maps/floorplans/diagrams/etc. for key set pieces in your writing?
Yes. I sketched the seating arrangement for a dinner party and the exterior of the antagonist's house. In both cases, I needed to be able to see it to know if I was describing it correctly and how all the pieces fit together.
#WritingCommunity

2023-11-07 20:23:40

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@npub1yse…jaay
Terrific! Thanks so much!
You can find my email address on my website if you scroll to the bottom: https://www.popediting.net/
If you send me an email, I can email you the file. Happy to swap.

2023-11-07 18:41:47

Dear #WritingCommunity :
I'm looking for someone to read a chapter (3,700 words) from my women's fiction work in progress that I want to submit to a contest. I'd like someone with writing or editing experience in fiction to tell me what they think.
The contest closes Sunday, so I need comments by Saturday, 11/11.
Happy to trade comments on your WIP up to 5,000 words.
#WritingLife #beta #books #fiction #WomenInPublishing #contests #trade @edibuddies

2023-10-26 14:06:43

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@npub10n9…tjug @npub1p2w…pg46
Sales numbers for kidlit are usually given separately b/c different factors drive their sales. Here's a writeup from the same group for children's books.
https://wordsrated.com/children-book-sales/
"Overall, the category sales have grown by 11.37% since 2018, growing faster than the adult segment but slower than the YA segment."
I'd call that promising. But I'm a bit of an optimist, I've learned.
#WritingCommunity #writinglife

2023-10-25 13:35:38

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@npub1p2w…pg46 @npub10n9…tjug
Given the number of books I edit for traditional publishers each year, clearly large numbers of people are getting contracts. Making a living from it is another story.
Nothing is assured in publishing, but perseverance tends to be as much a factor as luck. Some of us prefer not to persevere when we could self-publish in half the time and keep more of the profits. But it's a choice.

2023-10-25 13:35:38

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2023-10-25 13:17:49

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@npub10n9…tjug
I know a lot of people do worry about ageism, but I think it is slightly overblown. For example, some authors opt not to include an author photo on their cover and website so their age won't be known, but I think that's a mistake.
I think ageism continues, but from what I've seen, it's less than in other fields. 80 y.o.'s still get publishing contracts as long as the publisher thinks the book will sell.
#WritingCommunity

2023-10-25 13:17:49

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2023-10-10 13:54:57

I am accepting new coaching clients!
If you are a writer, aspiring author, or just someone who uses writing in their work and you want to *improve your writing,* please contact me. I would love to help you reach your goals.
My specialties are memoir, self-help, true crime, and adult genre fiction.
I don't work on romance or horror.
#Writers #AmWriting #coach #coaching #opentowork #books #essays #fiction #nonfiction

2023-09-20 17:52:26

The Authors Guild and 17 authors are suing OpenAI for copyright infringement
This from the AG email announcement is instructive:
"I also wish to clarify that the Authors Guild is not against AI. We recognize that it can be a valuable resource. But it should be a tool human beings wield, not one that is weaponized against us.
"This suit is really about stopping wholesale theft of our work."
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/john-grisham-george-rr-martin-other-prominent-authors-sue-openai.html
#AI #Writing #WritingCommunity

2023-08-24 13:39:58

What do you writers make? And how do they make it? This is an accessible explanation from Juliet A. McKenna, with some pointed advice thrown in.
The latest stat from the Authors Guild on author income: $20,000/year including income from related activities like speaking engagements, teaching, and writing book reviews.
https://www.julietemckenna.com/?p=3540
#WritingLife #WritingCommunity

2023-07-13 13:21:47

@npub1aqz…6zx3 #3goodthings
1. Over-the-counter birth control will finally be available in the US, without an age restriction, starting January 2024.
2. See point 1 above.
3. See point 2 above.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/07/13/birth-control-pill-over-the-counter-fda-approval/
#equity #access #health #WomensHealth

2023-05-15 19:33:47

From @npub1cpr…je5p
IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants
"A free filing system offered directly by the federal government could upset a commercial tax prep market estimated by research firm IBIS World to be worth $14.4 billion this year."
This is great news. Filing taxes shouldn't cost money for individuals.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/15/irs-free-file/
#taxes #IRS #news

2023-05-15 12:50:15

#Today is Monday, my favorite day of the week. I'm looking forward to relaxing with my editing work and a quiet house.

2023-05-09 17:46:44

I heard someone quoted on NPR saying writers in the age of AI are like the buggy whip makers in the age of cars. I disagree. I think it's more like the artisan cabinetmakers vs. mass-produced furniture. If you want your TV, movies, books, etc. to be artful, you need humans. If you don't care about art, craft, or facts in your entertainment, then AI has the edge.
#AI #WGA #Writers #writingcommunity