Sentences that begin with “if” tend to be speculative. That is, they guess about what might happen in the present or future or suggest that something was impossible in the past. Such sentences often require specific verbs such as “were.” They do, however, sometimes necessitate the use of “was.”
5 Things to Do before Approaching an Editor
Asking an editor to take on your work is not like turning in a paper to a college professor. In college, you might have been able to write something at the last minute and turn it in for a passing grade. It isn’t like that with a professional editor. A professional editor – be that a copy editor or a developmental editor – is going to put your work beneath a microscope. He or she won’t let you get away with inconsistencies or mistakes because the goal isn’t a passing grade. The goal is a manuscript that you’ll be able to publish – not for free or for your mom and her five friends but for money, preferably a lot of it.
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How to Launch Yourself into the Unknown
Going from the known to the unknown is frightening. It’s to walk to the very edge of the cliff face and peer over the edge. You can feel the ground beneath your feet, and it rises toward you, sure and strong. You also can feel the wind currents swirling in front of you and know you’re supposed to step into them. You’re supposed to set yourself free.
Honor amongst Thieves
Thieves and pirates often live by some sort of code. Robin Hood, whose identity as a thief is somewhat questionable, had a code: steal from the rich and give to the poor. Pirates also had a sort of code; at least, the pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean had a code even if nobody followed it precisely (I know that puts the code itself in question. Let’s not get into the details of said pirates being fictitious characters.).
How to Make a Thing Easier to Do
If you don’t know it’s impossible, it’s easier to do. Neil Gaiman, “Make Good Art”
If you intend to write and publish a book, you have given yourself an immense challenge. You might think it’s impossible to do. You must not think that. If you hope to make your intention a reality, you must view it as something that is possible.
A New Adventure Begins: Tenacity5 Media
On February 10, 2014, I start a new adventure: I’ll be the director of editorial services at Tenacity5 Media. I can’t wait! I’ve already worked with my future boss on some freelance projects, and I wholeheartedly support Tenacity5’s five maxims.