Book editing Archives

How grants, residencies, and fellowships benefit all authors

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Ever wondered how some authors produce brilliant work while managing life’s demands? The secret often involves grants, writing residencies, and fellowships. These opportunities provide financial support and invaluable time and space dedicated solely to writing.

In this post, we’ll explore how these resources benefit all authors—whether you’re an aspiring writer or a published author looking to boost your career. For emerging writers, these opportunities can be the stepping stone needed to complete your first manuscript or gain recognition in the literary world. For established authors, grants and residencies can make ambitious projects financially feasible.

1. Grants, writing residencies, and fellowships, what are they?
2. Help cover your expenses and focus on writing with grants
3. Use your residency to dedicate time and space to your writing
4. Network with other authors through residencies and fellowships
5. Refine your craft with a mentor-based fellowship
6. Boost your credibility as an author

1. Grants, writing residencies, and fellowships, what are they?

Grants, writing residencies, and fellowships are different support types that have the same goal in mind: providing writers with the means to focus on being creative. They do these in different ways:

Grants for writers: Grants provide crucial funding, allowing authors to focus on their craft without financial worries. Grants like the Creative Victoria VicArts Grants have funded many successful literary careers.
Writing Residencies: Residencies offer an immersive environment where writers can escape daily distractions and immerse themselves in the creative process. Prestigious writing residencies Bundanon bring together a diverse community of artists in a supportive atmosphere.
Fellowships for writers: Fellowships often combine financial support and residencies, giving writers funding and a conducive environment for creativity. Fellowships like the Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship is awarded to assist writers in funding travel and research pertaining to their writing.

Back to contents

2. Help cover your expenses and focus on writing with grants

Writing can be costly. From research trips to self-publishing expenses, costs can add up quickly. Grants provide crucial financial support for authors to help them cover these expenses. Many countries, including Australia, offer grants specifically for writers. These grants range from small amounts for specific projects to larger sums that fund your work for a year or more.

Grants not only provide financial aid, but also give you the freedom to focus on your writing. Imagine not worrying about bills while dedicating yourself to your book. Sounds perfect, right?

Additionally, grants often include extra benefits. Some offer mentorship programs, workshops, or networking opportunities with other writers. These perks can be invaluable as you develop your writing skills and build your career.

Back to contents

3. Use your residency to dedicate time and space to your writing

Picture yourself retreating to a serene countryside lodge or a bustling city apartment dedicated to your writing needs. Writer residencies give writers just that: the time and space they need to focus on their craft. These programs provide a quiet and supportive environment that is perfect for immersing yourself in your work.

Residencies can last from a few weeks to several months. This dedicated time lets you focus solely on your manuscript without everyday distractions. Many residencies also provide stipends or cover living expenses, making it easier to take time off work to focus on your residency worry-free.

The structured environment of a writer residency can enhance your writing habits. With designated writing hours and a community of like-minded authors, you’ll find it easier to maintain a routine and achieve your writing goals.

Back to contents

4. Network with other authors through residencies and fellowships

Writing can be a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Writing fellowships and residencies both provide valuable opportunities for authors to connect and network with other writers from all fields and experience levels. These programs often include social events, workshops, and group activities that build a strong sense of community, giving writers the opportunity to engage with fellow writers and helping inspire creative collaboration and foster lifelong friendships.

Networking with other writers involves more than just making friends, however. It’s about learning and growing. The collective knowledge and experience within these writing communities can be incredibly enlightening. They help you develop both as a writer and a professional author. With your newfound network of writers, you can take advantage of their collective knowledge and receive feedback on your work, using this to gain a new perspective and spark fresh ideas to help keep you writing. The connections you make through a fellowship can even lead to future opportunities, such as publishing deals and collaborative projects.

Back to contents

5. Refine your craft with a mentor-based fellowship

Mentorship plays a crucial role in many writing fellowships. Having an experienced author, editor, or educator guide you through the writing process can give you invaluable knowledge and industry insights, from navigating the publishing world to book marketing strategies, giving you a competitive edge. They will also support you, and working with them can help provide insight into your own writing style and habits. Mentors give essential feedback, advice, and support, helping you to refine your writing skills and avoid common mistakes and missteps.

In a mentorship-based fellowship, you’ll meet regularly with your mentor to discuss your work and progress. This attention can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your writing and receive targeted advice to improve your craft. These regular meetings also help to create a sense of accountability. Knowing that someone expects progress updates can motivate you to stay focused and maintain a disciplined writing schedule.

Back to contents

6. Boost your credibility as an author

Securing a grant, writing residency, or fellowship can significantly boost your author credibility. These competitive programs demonstrate your talent and potential, which can greatly enhance your chances when querying literary agents or publishers.

Author credibility also attracts a larger audience. Readers are more likely to choose books by authors with prestigious awards or grants because the quality of the work as already been proven and they feel they can trust it more. This helps lead to increased book sales and a can generate a stronger following. Additionally, participating in these programs often provides extra publicity for your work. Many organisations actively promote their grant recipients or fellows through newsletters, social media, and press releases. This increased visibility helps you reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a serious author.

Back to contents

7. Conclusion

Grants, residencies, and fellowships support writers at all career stages, from beginners to established authors. These programs provide financial aid, dedicated writing time, networking opportunities, and personalised mentorship from experienced authors, editors, or educators. Such resources are essential for writer development and achieving publishing goals, helping writers focus on their craft without financial stress.

As an aspiring writer or an experienced author, applying for these opportunities is a strategic move. The benefits provided by these programmes can significantly impact your writing career. They allow you to hone your skills, expand your professional network, and gain the confidence needed to pursue your literary ambitions. These programmes help turn your ideas into finished works and get your voice heard in the literary community.

Back to contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS

CALL US 1300 810 131

Featured Blog Posts:

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Featured Blog Posts

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

What is involved in editing a book?

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Editing is one of the most important things when it comes to publishing your book. You need to be confident in the work that is being put out into the world, and the work needs to be polished and final before being released. But what is involved in editing a book? There can be some myths and uncertainties around the process, so if you’re unsure about what to expect, this article is for you!

1. What is editing for self-publishing books in Australia?
2. Different types of editing
3. What is good editing?
4. Should a self-published author self-edit their own book?
5. When should a self-published author start to self-edit their book?

1. What is editing for self-published books in Australia?

Editing is the procedure of revising and/or correcting written content (like your manuscript) to improve the quality, accuracy, and readability of the text. This can include grammar and punctuation, structure of the content, and fact-checking.

Editing a book can take place at various stages in the publishing process, including before submission to a publisher or after the manuscript has been accepted. However, editing needs to be completed before any final amendments have been made to files and before printing is organised.

Back to Contents

2. Different types of editing

When we talk about editing a book, the common assumption that people make is to jump directly to fixing typos, grammar, and punctuation. But there is a lot more to editing than that. There are actually three distinct types of book editing and an editor can specialise in one or more of these areas.

2.1 Structural/development editing

Structural editing focuses on the overall structure and organisation of the manuscript. It’s an in-depth form of editing as it involves looking at the bigger picture of the story and making recommendations on how to improve the overall flow, pacing, and coherence of the story.

A structural editor will examine whole manuscript and address things like:

The overall plot and the development of the manuscript.
Character development and how the characters are perceived and portrayed.
Pacing and how well the story flows.
Themes and how they are explored.
Style and the tone of the manuscript.
Dialogue and how it is written.

Based on the observations that the editor has made, suggestions such as cutting out unnecessary scenes and dialogue, moving parts of the story around, and adding new scenes, will be made.

2.2 Copyediting

Copyediting focuses on the technical aspects of a manuscript such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. The editor’s goal of copyediting is to ensure that the manuscript is error free and easy for a reader to follow.

A copyeditor will:

Check the manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Check for consistency in style and formatting.
Verify that the manuscript adheres to specific style guidelines or publisher guidelines.
Check for inconsistences throughout the story.
Check the manuscript for logical fallacies and factual issues.

Copyediting is completed after the manuscript has been developed and structured, and before it has been typeset and printed by the publisher. It helps to ensure that the manuscript is polished before it gets into the hands of readers. The editor will work with the author to make sure the manuscript is clear, concise, and error free.

2.3 Proofreading

Proofreading is typically the final stage of the editing process and focuses on catching any errors that may remain and polishing up the manuscript ready to be published. The goal of proofreading is the ensure the manuscript is as error free as possible and that it presents well for readers.

During the proofreading process, the editor will:

Check for remaining spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Check for consistency in style and formatting.
Verify that the manuscript adheres to any specific style guide or publisher’s guidelines.
Check for typographical errors.
Check the manuscript for consistency, such as numbering, headings, and cross-references.

In proofreading, the editor will review the manuscript one final time, looking for any minor errors that may have slipped through into the final manuscript. Proofreading should be done on the final manuscript, which is the version intending to be printed and published.

Back to Contents

3. What is good editing?

Good editing is the process of improving the overall quality and accuracy of a manuscript to ensure it is clear, cohesive, and engaging for the intended audience. It’s a collaborative process between the editor and author, where the editor provides feedback and suggestions to help the author make the manuscript as good as it can be.

Good editing can be categorised by the following aspects:

Attention to detail: A good editor will carefully review the manuscript and catch any errors that appear in the manuscript (such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency).
Clarity and coherence: A good editor will help the author make sure the manuscript is easy to understand, has a clear and consistent flow of scenes and is well organised.
Honesty and objectivity: A good editor will provide honest and objective feedback on the manuscript, point out areas for improvement and offer suggestions on how to make the manuscript stronger.
Respect for the authors voice: A good editor will improve the manuscript without changing the authors style, tone, or voice.
Meeting the needs of the intended audience: A good editor will meet the needs of the intended audience and make sure it is suitable for them.

Back to Contents

4. Should a self-published author self-edit their own book?

It’s always a good idea to self-edit your book before sending it to an editor. This way, the editor can focus their efforts on the details and issues that you’ve missed instead of trying to help you essentially rewrite your first draft.

Self-editing can be a challenging process, but it can also be rewarding, too. Below are some tips we’ve put together to help you with the editing process and to ensure you have self edited your book effectively:

Take a break: Put your manuscript away for a while. This will help you come back to it with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
Read your manuscript out loud: This can help to catch errors in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure that may not be noticed when reading silently.
Check for consistency: Make sure your manuscript is consistent with style, tone, and point of view. It is also important to check that the characters are consistent throughout the book and that their actions, thoughts, and words work with their personalities.
Check for plot holes: Make sure the plot of your book is logical and that there are no inconsistences or plot holes.
Check for pacing issues: Make sure the pacing of your manuscript is appropriate. A book that is too slow can be boring but one that is too fast can leave the reader lost.
Cut unnecessary elements: It is okay to be ruthless in cutting unnecessary words, sentences, and scenes that do not enhance the story, plot, and characters.
Get feedback: Share your manuscript with friends, family, or beta readers to get some feedback on the manuscript. This can help identify areas which may need improvements that you can’t see as the author.

Back to Contents

5. When should a self-published author self-edit their book?

The best time to edit your book depends on a variety of factors, such as your writing process and personal preferences.

However, there are a few guidelines which can help you decide on when to begin the editing process.

Wait until the first draft is complete: This means a full run- through of the manuscript can be done and allows the author to focus on getting their thoughts and ideas down without worrying about changes or revisions needing to be made.
Set a deadline: Give your self a firm deadline to finish the first draft of your manuscript and schedule a specific date to start the editing.
Take breaks: After you’ve been writing for a certain amount of time, you should take a break. This will give you a chance to step away from the manuscript and come back to it with fresh, clear eyes.
Edit as you go: Some authors prefer to edit the manuscript as they are plodding along, making revisions and changes as they write. This can help keep the manuscript focused and on track.

Ultimately, the best time to start editing your manuscript is when you feel that you are ready. This will vary depending on each writer, but it is important to make sure you take the time to revise and edit your manuscript so it’s the best it can be. It is also important to make sure you are giving your publisher the final manuscript before any design or typesetting takes place.

Back to Contents

Ready to start your publishing journey?

Featured Blog Posts:

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Featured Blog Posts

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

submit your project details

What is typesetting?

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

1. What is typesetting?
2. Why is typesetting important?
3. How to typeset a book
4. How to find a typesetter
5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?
6. Examples of good typesetting

1. What is typesetting?

When a book is opened, the reader expects it to be clear, easy to follow, and attractive. This includes the way the text appears on the page, the spacing, fonts, and image placement. The process for this is called typesetting. Typographers, applying the scientific and artistic principles of book typography, implement or manage typesetting.

Typesetting is the process of arranging a manuscript in a specific style, with the goal of making the book both easy to read and visually appealing to the reader. The process includes choosing font, line spacing, and margins. Typesetting can also be translated to any form of digital text (eBooks, websites, apps, etc.)

Typesetting can be defined as an ancient art as it is linked back to 1040 AD in China when inventors created movable type for printing. Later on, in 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, involving type frames operated by hand in order to print books. From these early inventions, typesetting then moved into mechanical printing presses, to automated printing presses. It then eventually made its way into graphic software which professional typesetters use today.

Mood, time, period, and setting are intended to be evoked from typesetting. Each font, as well as the page, is laid out to reflect back to the theme of the story.

Think about a book you’ve read where something about the interior seems off (font, spacing, images). This is most likely because the typesetting wasn’t done in a way that suits the genre, and has therefore given an unreadable layout.

Each project is typeset differently, and typesetters take variables such as book length, genre, and print format into consideration. These variables impact and influence the decisions typesetters make around:

- The trim size (the actual print size of a book e.g. 6 x 9 inches)
- The margins (how much white space should be visible around the body text)
- The font’s typeface and size (e.g. font name, type, and size for body text, headings, captions etc.)

Typesetters typically take care of the following aspects as well:

- Kerning (adjusting space between characters)
- The spacing between words
- Word stacking (preventing rows of text from starting and ending with the same words one after the other)
- Drop caps (styling the first character that appears in the first paragraph of the chapter)
- Book blocks (making sure the block of text on each facing page end on the same row as the other)
- Illustrations, graphics, and tables (identifying where they should be displayed throughout the text)
- Orphans and widows (preventing the last or first row of a paragraph from ending isolated on the top or bottom of a page)

Back to Contents

2. Why is typesetting important?

Typesetting is an extremely important aspect of book design and requires a good understanding of font, font sizes, and line spacing. Good typesetting is not able to be identified by the average reader. Instead it allows for the reader to be able to enjoy the layout/text without interruption. In comparison, bad typesetting will draw the reader to identify issues and will be distracted.

The aim of typesetting is to make the readers experience enjoyable and as smooth as possible. Typesetters follow a set of rules to make the book appear professional and trade-ready. These rules ensure a high-quality design, readable print, and ease of conversion to eBook.

Below is a snapshot of reasons why professional typesetting is critical for book publishing:

1. Readability: A well typeset book has legible text that is easy to read, making the reading experience for the reader a positive one.
2. Looks aesthetically good: Typesetting is used to create a visual hierarchy when reading and to draw attention to the most important parts of the text.
3. Is accessible: A good typesetter ensures that the text is readable for all readers.

The author’s goal for their book can determine the route in how typesetting is approached (DIY it or hire a professional). However, if a book needs to compete with bestsellers, or if it is a business leaver, the quality of the typesetting is highly important. Compare the book’s appearance as if it was meant to mirror the author. If a book is put together messily without following any set rules, this reflects back onto the author. This is why it is always important to have professionals assist you with this.

Back to Contents

3. How to typeset a book

Modern typesetting should be done in software that is made for professional trade publishing. Many authors make the mistake of thinking manuscripts can easily be typeset in Microsoft Word then converted to a PDF file, but this is not the case. While manuscripts are written in Word, typesetters do not use Word to do typesetting. Instead, they use the content provided in the document to craft the book’s interior layout in dedicated design software. It’s impossible to follow the rules of typesetting in a Word document, and trying to do so would make an unreadable book.

There are many design software applications that are available for use, however, it is always best to work with a trusted and professional provider. At Green Hill, we can professionally typeset your book ready for trade.

If you are looking to DIY, you must have a clear understanding of the software available and how professional typesetting is done.

Below are some examples of typesetting software applications that can be useful:

- Adobe Suite: Adobe has software that professional designers use. Although it is accessible, you need to know how to use the applications. There is also a monthly subscription.
- Microsoft Suite: This is one of the least powerful tools. However, you can build a book via the booklet layout. There is also a monthly subscription.

It is important to understand that typesetters know how to do the work. Hiring a professional is always the best step forward. Doing so will ensure there are no errors in your book before you print.

3.1 Preparing for typesetting

When it comes to preparing for typesetting, there are a few things that need to be considered:

1. How do you want the book to be laid out? Whether you are having a book professionally typeset or if you are going to format yourself, you need to decide on your book’s the design and structure.
2. Consider what fonts would suit your book and assess their readability.
3. Find a typesetter who uses a professional software or choose a typesetting software that is reliable. Consider the spacing of lines and paragraphs to assist with readability.
4. Decide if you need images or other visual elements in the interior of your book. Make sure these graphics are in appropriate spaces and don’t disrupt the manuscript’s readability.
5. Make sure the manuscript is completed to the best of your ability before starting the typesetting process.
6. Take time going over the typeset PDF.
7. Get a physical print-proof of the book to test out readability and adjust any minor issues before finalising publishing and/or printing.

A good typesetter or publisher will guide you through the typesetting process and do the harder elements for you. Contact us to discuss the typesetting process and how Green Hill can help.

Back to Contents

4. How to find a typesetter

Finding a professional typesetter is very important as typesetting follows a strict set of rules to produce a professional product.

When choosing a typesetter, it is important to consider the following:

- Find a typesetter who has worked on similar genres of books to yours. Finding someone who is familiar with layouts of similar books is important.
- Before a final decision, ensure you see examples of the typesetter’s work. This is so you know what to expect as an end product and can facilitate an informed decision.
- Look at the examples the typesetter has given in the eyes of a reader. Are there any inconsistences? Is it clear and easy to follow?
- Educate yourself on the typesetting process. The more you learn the more you’ll be able to identify good work.

4.1 Where to find a typesetter?

There are freelance websites which advertise typesetters who can assist with projects, but there is a high probability that they aren’t “professionals”. It is always better to find a professional via a publishing company or a dedicated typesetting company.

If you are looking for quality typesetting, Green Hill can help! We include a professional typesetting service in all our packages. Not only would you have your book professionally typeset, we can set you up for the full publishing journey. This looks different for each author, but can include editing, illustration work, distribution, and print!

Back to Contents

5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?

EBooks can be developed in a number of ways, from converting Word files to a PDF, to using eBook conversion tools. However, these ways can introduce areas of concern. You do not want your book to look like a PDF file.

However, when it comes to a professionally produced eBook, the bottom line is: Yes. All versions of books should be typeset.

You want your digital book to read and feel as similar to a print book as possible, so all of the rules need to be applied. Having a well-designed and professionally typeset eBook can approve the reliability of the book, making it easier on the readers eyes, and enhance the overall appearance of the book in the long run and in turn make your eBook more marketable.

Fixed-format eBooks

A fixed-format eBook is designed to retain the original layout, format, and image placement over a variety of different devices and eBook platforms. Fixed-format eBooks are produced to be viewed in a specific way with a layout that takes into account the exact font sizes, images, and page breaks. This type of eBook is commonly used for children’s books, cookbooks, and any other book which has a visual element as the presentation of the book is extremely important. Fixed-format eBooks allow the author and book designer to have complete control on how they look, right down to every page.

Reflowable eBooks

A reflowable eBook can adjust its text and layout based on the size, orientation, and type of device or reading platform that is being used. The purpose of a reflowable eBook is to be as flexible as it can and allow the file to adjust based on the individual specifications of the book. These eBooks can be read on a variety of platforms, from smartphones to tablets and e-Readers. These eBooks are mostly commonly used for books with long forms of text, such as novels or other text-based content. EBooks formatted this way are typically not as interactive as reflowable eBooks compared to fixed-format eBooks.

Back to Contents

Examples of good typesetting

Typesetting is one of the most important factors of creating a publishable book. Here at Green Hill, we have the typesetting skills and knowledge to give you design direction for your book specifically.

Below are some examples of different types of typesetting that Green Hill have produced.

Back to Contents