Inside a developmental edit (step-by-step):
1. goals + genre
2. story spine
3. structure + pacing
4. character logic
5. scene purpose
6. revision plan
Services: www.lianemahugh.ca/editing-serv...
#developmentalediting #bookediting #revising #writingprocess #amwriting
Scene structure shifts by genre:
YA = emotional turning points + voice
Mystery = questions/clues/misdirection
Sci-fi = rules + consequences + cause/effect
If a scene feels “off,” it may be sending mixed genre signals.
#writingcraft #genre #YAwriting #mysterywriting #scifiwriting #editing
3 prompts to reveal your voice:
1. What do you notice first - place or people?
2. What theme won’t let you go?
3. What truth does your narrator avoid saying out loud?
Voice isn’t a performance. It’s clarity + intention.
www.lianemahugh.ca
#writingprompts #writingcraft #writerscommunity #authorlife
Quick polish checklist (7):
1. stronger verbs
2. remove repetition
3. trim filler openings
4. purposeful dialogue beats
5. paragraph breaks for pace
6. pronoun clarity
7. read aloud for rhythm
Editing help: www.lianemahugh.ca/editing-serv...
#writingtips #editing #bookediting #amwriting #revising
YA voice = dialogue and interiority.
In edits, I look at:
• natural dialogue (without trends)
• subtext
• specific, character-driven thoughts
• consistent voice under pressure
Voice is where YA becomes unforgettable.
www.lianemahugh.ca/author-servi...
#YAwriting #writingcraft #bookediting
My editing workflow (often in 5 steps):
1. goals + intake
2. developmental clarity (structure/pacing/character)
3. line edit (voice/flow/clarity)
4. copy edit checks (consistency + correctness)
5. revision support (next steps)
#bookediting #editingservices #revising #writingprocess
Same premise, different genre = different tone.
Mystery: clues + concealment
YA: identity + emotional stakes
Sci-fi: systems + consequences
If your draft’s tone feels uncertain, your scene choices may be mixing signals.
#writingcraft #YAwriting #mysterywriting #scifiwriting #editing
Voice evolves. Draft to draft, a character becomes more specific: what they notice, how they interpret, how they speak to themselves under pressure. That’s where YA shines. Choosing the right editor helps you refine voice without quieting it.
www.lianemahugh.ca/post/finding...
#editing #bookeditor
Micro-edits can be small—but the effect is not.
• stronger verbs
• less repetition
• cleaner rhythm
• clearer meaning (without changing your voice)
Here’s a guide to help you choose an editor:
www.lianemahugh.ca/post/finding...
#editing #bookediting #YAwriting #writingtips
Place can shape voice, not just scenery. When I’m editing, I look at how setting supports tone, emotion, and the narrator’s perspective, so the story feels grounded without losing momentum.
#YAwriting #writingcraft #bookediting #amwriting #writerscommunity #VancouverIsland
Editing is a process, not a single pass. My roadmap:
1. Structural editing
2. Stylistic/line edit
3. Copy edit
4. Proofread
Not every manuscript needs every step, but the right sequence makes revision feel manageable.
#bookediting #editingservices #writerscommunity #authorlife #revising
Tone is built scene by scene. A small change can shift a chapter from cozy to ominous, from romantic to suspenseful.
Quick tone check:
• emotional target
• what’s shown vs. implied
• pacing
• which details get spotlighted
#writingcraft #writingtips #editing #authorcommunity
First chapters are where readers decide to trust you. Try these 4 editing moves:
1. Start later (cut the warm-up)
2. Make the story question obvious
3. Strengthen goal + obstacle in the scene
4. Trim explanation—swap in action + specificity
#writingtips #editing #bookediting #writerscommunity
Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2025 Page Turner Awards! I am grateful to be counted among the authors on this list. Big thank you to @pageturneraward and all the judges. #pageturnerawards #bookaward #yabooks Get The Sentinels and my other books here: books.bookfunnel.com/liane-mahugh
buy.bookfunnel.com/mbzk7d2jlk Pioneering Secrets is available in many formats, including eBook, Paperback, Hard Cover and Audiobook. The first book in my Rolling Brook Falls mystery series. #mysterybooks #cozymysteries #amateursleuths
books.bookfunnel.com/scifi-aliens... Sci-Fi themed books on sale throughout August. #scifibooks #books #spaceopera
I’m excited to announce my books will be promoted on @Smashwords for the month of July as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Be sure to follow me for more updates and links to the promotion for my books and many more! #SWSale2025 #Smashwords
Me every time I publish another book. #author #writingcommunity
Statistics Canada - Only 7% of books sold in Canada have been written by Canadian authors. I’m proud to be one of them. #canadianauthors #books
Manipulation is when other people blame you for your reaction to their toxic behaviour, but never discuss their disrespect that triggered you in the first place.
I've moved to #bluesky to get away from the racism, hate, and misinformation that runs rampant at the other place with the name I won't mention (you know the one I mean). I came here for more zen and peace.
#Bluesky officially passes 20M users 🦋
Well, that's the plan anyways. #writing
Down Comes the Dark has won the annual Readers' Favorite award. I'll be going to Miami in a few days to accept the award in person. When I told my son, he asked, "Can I go?" I love this kid. #WritingCommunity #readingworld #awardwinning readersfavorite.com/2024-award-c...
Looking for Sci-Fi books to fill your Winter nights? Look no further. Check out these books and start a new series. books.bookfunnel.com/scifi-space-... #readingcommunity #scifibooks
bargainbooksy.com/young-adult-...
My book is being featured in a special Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive loads of eBooks and a brand new Kindle! Join the giveaway now and cross your fingers for a chance to win. Thank you for your continued support! #bookgiveaway #freebooks #kindle
I sure am enjoying the better air up in here in #bluesky
