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a.k.a writer

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Meet the Editors – Over There

February 16, 2009 — 1 Comment

Many of you have told me you enjoy reading The Blood-Red Pencil – and the blog’s readership stats blog prove it. So, I suspect you’ll enjoy a new feature I’m managing:  “Meet the Editor.”

I’m interviewing all the contributing editors of The Blood-Red Pencil to help readers learn more about the pencils behind the blog. We’re kicking off the feature with several new interviews this week.

Go meet the editors – and let me know what you think. See you over there

Resume Right: Font 102

February 4, 2009 — 3 Comments

It’s one thing to tell you what not to do but as a few of you have asked, what about a few pointers on what works? You’ve read “Resume Right: Font 101” and now you’re looking for something beyond a mantra to avoid using Comic Sans. Though you should always avoid Comic Sans.

Your best bet for resume fonts is sticking with the basics, the reliable characters that are standard in Microsoft Word (no add-ins or downloads required). This is especially important if you’ll be submitting a resume via email as an attachment. You might love that unusually curvy font, but it won’t do you any good if it looks like gibberish in a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s inbox.

Use fonts like Times New Roman, Arial and Verdana. Generally, the serif fonts like Times New Roman are considered traditional or, in some circles, old fashioned. With clean lines, serif fonts like Arial and Verdana are considered more modern or contemporary. 

Whether you use a serif or sans serif font, just make sure it’s easy to read. Depending on your choice, you’ll need to adjust the size to ensure readability. Size 10-point font is not one size fits all.

In need of professional help? See my Resume Services page.

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From Self-Published e-Book to Bookstore Shelves: Possible?

January 22, 2009

Over at the editing-centric Blood-Red Pencil, we have a new “Ask the Editor” feature. It gives writer an opportunity to ask questions about everything from grammar to cover blurbs to selling poetry.

My “Ask the Editor” post today is about self-publishing. If an author publishes his or her own e-book, is it possible to sell it to a print publisher? My research and inquiries produced a general consensus – but you’ll have to read it on the Blood-Red Pencil.

And be sure to check out the comments – this topic is certain to produce a lively discussion. 

New Year = New Resume

January 14, 2009

While perhaps not quite as popular a resolution as dieting or getting your finances into shape, updating your resume is a great way to start 2009. Even if you are employed full-time and enjoy your job, you should keep your resume updated. You never know when you might have a new department leader who prefers pursuing your printed job history to a verbal meet-and-greet.

Tips for quick updates:

  • Make sure your contact information, including your physical address, is current.
  • Use a professional (but not employer-provided) email address. If you’re using hotshotmarketer@hotmail.com, consider getting a new address using your first and last name.
  • Include your current job and highlight recent accomplishments.
  • Ban Comic Sans font from your resume! Don’t believe me? Here’s why
  • Consider having a professional editor your resume.  You can find details on my Resume Services page

Your resume is a key first-impression tool. Make sure you’re sending only the messages you intend in 2009.

For the Love of Editing: the Good Stuff

January 6, 2009

Yesterday I gave you the Monday morning-appropriate list of the “worst” things about being an editor. If you need a refresher on that list, you can catch up here.

If you’re ready for the good stuff – the “best of” being an editor, visit the Blood-Red Pencil Blog now.

For the Love of Editing

January 5, 2009

The holiday decorations are stored away (well, maybe). Friends and family are returning to work. But we’re not done with lists, whether it’s a to-do list or a lengthy collection of New Year’s resolutions.

Join me and fellow Blood-Red Pencil Blog editors as we share the “worst of” being an editor. It doesn’t mean we don’t love what we do – every career has its cringe-worthy and laughable moments. The “best of” list follows tomorrow.

Check it out now: Worst of Being an Editor

Managing Multiple Editors’ Feedback

November 28, 2008 — 1 Comment

Is receiving feedback from multiple editors like having too many chefs in the kitchen? In some cases, it can be. In others, those multiple viewpoints and edits can help you find the story you really need to tell. It can also help you shine your text into a stunning array of words. For some, especially newer writers, it can be overwhelming. You can read the advice Emma, an emerging author, cultivated on The Blood-Red Pencil. My suggestions to Emma are included as well. 


My Debut on The Blood-Red Pencil

October 13, 2008

Today marks my debut post on The Blood-Red Pencil, a co-op blog for editors. This is a great site for writers and emerging writers. Check out my piece to read how John McCain inspired my advice for writers. Yes, that John McCain. Seriously.

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