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Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-02-03

Does your main character have this type of wound?

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

Solid dark grey background. On both sides of the graphics, there are blue, orange, and red flowers. The main text says, “Does your main character have this type of wound?” Underneath the text there is a jade colored arrow pointing right. The company logo is on the bottom left corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book.Solid dark grey background. On both sides of the graphics, there are blue, orange, and red flowers. The main text says, “Some character wounds stem from negative relationships – overcoming wounds often tie into character arcs. Does your main character have one of these wounds? How does it frame the way they interact with others?” The company logo is on the bottom left corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book.Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Jonathan TaylorJonathanTaylor19
2026-02-02

Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-02-02

This week’s author appreciation post goes to Laura Catherine! Laura found a way to bring in all the cozy comfort of a bookstore with the hiccups of a new relationship. I was so happy editing this one.

#IndieBooks #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial

A woman holding a book in front of her face. The book is Enemies to Booksellers by Laura Catherine.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-30

Testimonial from Rara Hope, author of The Moon Could Only Weep 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “It's been just over three years since I first met Carly through an online writing event and I couldn't be more grateful for those stars aligning! Carly is one of the most passionate and brilliant people in the industry I've ever met and have had the privilege of working with. We've gone through two manuscript assessments and are now preparing my novel to be self-published. She helped me see my novel in a way I never would have been able to find or process, completely transforming not only the manuscript itself, but my skills as a writer and storyteller. Her care and attention to detail for my piece is palpable in her feedback, completely personalized and insightful. I'm over the moon to be working with her again and in the future. She has been the ultimate guide and mentor over these years. I'm looking forward to many more! -Rara Hope, author of The Moon Could Only Weep”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-28

How can you build your skills as a writer?

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

Solid dark grey background. On both sides of the graphics, there are blue, orange, and red flowers. The main text says, “How can you build your skills as a writer?” Underneath the text there is a jade colored arrow pointing right. The company logo is on the bottom left corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book.Solid dark grey background. On both sides of the graphics, there are blue, orange, and red flowers. The main text says, “Word choice, cadence, and descriptions have a huge influence on the tone and vibe of your story. Writing the same setting but from different genres will help you grow your skills and make you more aware of your choices in your own manuscript.” The company logo is on the bottom left corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book.Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-27

My indie author appreciation post for today is for E.V. Belknap! E.V.’s humor is just impeccable. I laugh whenever I’m working on her books and it’s the best!

#IndieBooks #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial

A calico cat is hitting a book with their head. The book is The Tenfold Tenants by E.V. Belknap.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-23

Testimonial from Sarah Hawley, author of A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial #Bookish

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “Carly edited my YA fantasy manuscript during #RevPit 2018. She's an incisive, thorough editor, and her notes were spot-on. She immediately understood the themes I wanted to convey and helped me bring them out by delving deeper into my heroine's psyche. My book ended up more exciting, more romantic, and more emotionally complex because of Carly's excellent feedback. Overall, working with Carly was a dream. She was prompt with her notes and was the perfect mix of supportive and blunt about the manuscript's flaws. My manuscript is much better after her input, and I highly recommend working with her!’ -Sarah Hawley, author of A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-22

Don’t get caught up in lust and hate!

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

The majority of the graphic is a solid white color. On the left side of the graphic, there is half a staircase with flowers wrapped around it. The colors of the flowers were red, gold, and dark blue. The text reads, “Don’t get caught up in lust and hate.” A jade color arrow points right underneath the text.The majority of the graphic is a solid white color. On the left side of the graphic, there is half a staircase with flowers wrapped around it. The colors of the flowers were red, gold, and dark blue. The text reads, “While lust and hate are strong driving forces in a book, don’t overlook the power of other forms of love. Those complex relationships where you love your friend, don’t want to disappoint them, feel judged by them, feel supported by them, often take them for granted, lie to them, but ultimately you truly understand them and will always be there for them, those are powerful relationships that can drive so many different plots and stories.”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-20

This week’s author appreciation post goes to Wren Jones! The amount of heart that goes into her books is just lovely. I could cuddle with her ghosts all day, especially when there is a talking cat to entertain me.

#IndieBooks #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial

A person with brown hair and glasses holding up a book in front of their face. The book is Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder by Wren Jones.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-16

Testimonial from K.J. Harrowick, author of Bloodflower 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “I’d been building and writing my story for more than a decade, and no matter how I revised, I couldn’t seem to make the story stand on its own feet. Then I handed it to Carly, who like me has a passion for the nexus where fantasy, science fiction and romance collide. With one read she saw the heart of the story I was trying to tell and helped me scrape away all the extraneous nonsense that didn’t belong. Carly’s insight into storytelling, how to lean into a writer’s voice, and the social issues that can make or break a story was invaluable. She helped uncover the light in my characters, leverage the characters as their own worst enemies, and breathe life into a complex tale that breaks the laws of physics. Her experience and empathy toward a writer’s struggle helped not only strengthen my story, but gave me the confidence to take chances I might have otherwise scooted under the rug." -K. J. Harrowick, author of Bloodflower”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-14

When and where to make cuts in your manuscript 🤔

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

The majority of the graphic is a solid white color. On the left side of the graphic, there is half a staircase with flowers wrapped around it. The colors of the flowers were red, gold, and dark blue. The text reads, “When and where to make cuts in your manuscript.” and there is an arrow pointing right below it.The majority of the graphic is a solid white color. On the left side of the graphic, there is half a staircase with flowers wrapped around it. The colors of the flowers were red, gold, and dark blue. The text reads, “Every scene in your book needs to further either the plot or character development. If it doesn’t do either, nix it!”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-14

My indie author appreciation post for today is for Rara Hope! Rara’s writing is so poetic and beautiful. I love diving into her complex worlds and helping her pluck at the different threads.

#IndieBooks #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial

A person with brown hair and glasses holding up a book in front of their face. The book is The Moon Could Only Weep.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-09

Testimonial from Cheryl Harper, author of Can’t Help Falling in Love and Least Likely to Fall in Love 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “I've been lucky to work with several editors who've improved my books and made me a better writer. I appreciate Carly's style. The feedback is concise and easy to understand. Her willingness to discuss not just this first book but where I'm going in the series is a great help, the kind of support I need as I try something new.” -Cheryl Harper, USA Today best-selling author of Can't Help Falling in Love and Least Likely to Fall in Love”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-07

Here are some questions to ask yourself about worldbuilding details

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Questions to ask yourself about worldbuilding details.”The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Why is this detail important? What does it show about the world that is new or different? Does it show what your characters care about? What is telling about this detail that fleshes out both your world and your characters?”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-06

Let’s bring back my indie author appreciation posts this year and who better to start with than Kim Alexander.

As one of my oldest clients, Kim is always amazing to work with. We can read each other’s minds and know exactly how we want to move forward with edits.

#IndieBooks #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial

A person with brown hair and glasses holding up a book in front of their face. The book is The Glass Sword by Kim Alexander.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-05

If you could pick one of these familiars to be with you always, which would you pick?

Every author should have a compassionate and insightful editorial team as part of their crew. From developmental editing to copyediting, we work with both indie and traditional authors to help forge their story.

#WritingCommunity #WritersLife #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #EditingFamiliars

The image has a solid dark jade color background. In the bottom left corner, the company symbol is there which is an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The main text says, “Editing Familiars: The three aspects of our editorial approach.” There are three items in the middle; a golden raven, a black cat, and a jade dragon. Underneath each character, there is some text that reads, “The Raven: Knowledge and creativity, The Cat: Supportive and long-lasting partnerships, The Dragon: Protection of your voice and vision.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2026-01-01

How to use your character relationships effectively

Show who your characters are through their relationships. How we interact with the people in our lives, who we dislike, why we dislike them, who we love, why we love them, all define who we are.

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “How to use your character relationships effectively” With a jade colored arrow pointing right.The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Show who your characters are through their relationships. How we interact with the people in our lives, who we dislike, why we dislike them, who we love, why we love them, all define who we are.”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-12-30

Testimonial from Felicia Grossman, author of Appetites & Vices 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, ““Carly was able to see my vision and pinpoint exactly what was falling flat, what needed more development, what needed more consistency, and what needed more balance. She explained each of the issues in a clear way that made sense and inspired me to make changes in a smart way, to expand some threads and cut others and dig deeper into certain characters. Her notes were so thorough and helpful and well organized and well thought-out, that I was super excited to edit—those are the best sort of notes. Carly is super professional, prompt, organized, concise, and so smart! I learned so much working with her, all of which has carried me through to later projects.” -Felicia Grossman, Author of Appetites & Vices”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-12-29

Percy and I are settled in to start work on a manuscript with a fresh cup of tea

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

Focus of the picture is a calico cat on a lap, a white mug in someone’s hand, and a teal kindle case sitting the lap.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-12-23

Do you need a prologue?

Prologues aren’t inherently bad, but a lot of authors use them to ‘cheat’ – revealing important information all at once, rather than hinting at it to build intrigue.

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #RevPit

The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Do you need a prologue?” With a jade colored arrow pointing right.The majority of the background is a solid white. On the top left corner of the graphic, there is some dark blue background and in front of that is a golden robotic raven with jade accents. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Prologues aren’t inherently bad, but a lot of authors use them to ‘cheat’ – revealing important information all at once, rather than hinting at it to build intrigue.”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”

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