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Wit & Wisdom for Writers
Crafting tales with a twist of humor!
January 30, 2026January 30, 2026January 30, 2026Edit Like a Pro
Editing flows mainly in one direction; do not edit your typos and grammar before you edit the structure!
1A. Structure Check
Is your story structurally sound? This structural editing is the first editing step after you’ve finished your first draft. The structural edit ensures that your beginning hooks, the middle thrills, and the ending satisfies. Look for logical flow and pacing to keep readers engaged from start to finish. Fill in the plot holes and fix continuity.
1B. Character Consistency
Are your characters acting true to themselves? Also part of the structural editing phase, you will review your character arcs and ensure they evolve in a believable manner. Check for appropriate voice throughout their journey and dialogue that matches character and their conflict. Appropriate stakes and motivation are key to keeping readers invested in their journeys.
2. Style Harmony
Does your writing style match your story’s tone? Stylistic editing can be done during a structural edit to save time, but do not edit style before working on structure and character! If you do, you’ll be wasting time on fixing words you end up cutting.
In the style edit, you ensure that your language choices, sentence structures, and narrative voice harmonize with the mood you wish to convey. A consistent style enhances reader immersion!
3. Grammar Grievances & Typos
The dreaded grammar! The copy editing stage is for cleaning up those pesky typos and punctuation errors that can distract readers. A thorough read-through with a critical eye can save you from any embarrassing blunders.
Proofreading is the absolute last stage in a finished manuscript and should absolutely be done by a pro who has not already read your book a dozen times. Nothing is ever 100% error free, but the closer you try to get, the more seriously you’ll be taken as a writer.
Must-Read Masterpieces
Fuel your imagination with these literary gems!

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
A masterclass in how to read and appreciate a short story, George Saunders's A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is a treasure, not just for readers, but for writers who aspire to write stories with the longevity and pathos of the Russian greats. Saunders shares a professor’s insights into how 7 great Russian stories are constructed, what the relationships of characters have to tell us about life worth living, and most importantly, how to read slowly to savour the full landscape of meaning in the words.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott delivers a witty and honest look at the writing process. With her trademark humor and down-to-earth wisdom, Lamott encourages writers to embrace the messiness of creativity. This book is a comforting companion for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their writing journey. (Me. This book is for me.)
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
Actually, no. There are better writing and editing guides. This one’s main advantage is that it’s super short.
Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but working remotely for clients worldwide.
EMspace edits is humbled to live, work, and play on the unceded*, traditional, and ancestral territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Səl ̓ ílwətaʔ/ Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), the xʷməθkwəy ̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), the kʷikʷəƛ ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, Katzie, Kwantlen, Tsawwassen and Sto’:lo Nations.
*“Unceded” means the land was never surrendered, relinquished, or handed over in any way.
You drafted.
I’ll help you craft it.
© 2026. EMspace edits, Margaux Yiu. Illustrations by absurd.design.

