Short Story Editing

WordsRU offers professional editors for short story editing and proofreading. Our editors will not try to convert your short story into a letter nor will they attempt to make it into a novel. They understand that short stories require a very particular approach to writing and although it is not the easiest form to master, but a good short story can be memorable and their authors legendary.

 

"I have made this [letter] longer because I have not had the
time to make it shorter."
—Blaise Pascal (1623 1662)

 

 

Along with a grammar check, WordsRU’s short story editing and proofreading will ensure your work is free from spelling and typographical errors.  Given its importance in creating rhythm and readability, punctuation receives particular attention as does word choice, syntax and paragraph structure. During the edit the overall balance, structure, characterization and plot development of your short story are considered and your editor will make suggestions or comments about these aspects during or at the conclusion of the edit. Our professional editors are experienced in proofing and editing a range of manuscripts from biographies, autobiographies, e-books, novels and short stories. They want to enhance your words, to preserve your voice and to unify that which may be in conflict — unresolved issues, extraneous sub-plots, inconsistencies and lapses in continuity — to ensure your short story manuscript is given the best possible presentation. 

 

 

If your manuscript is a collection of short stories, WordsRU’s short story editing will include an assessment of the collection, and offer comments and suggestions as to the most effecting grouping for the overall presentation of your work.   
WordsRU - Short Story Editing

 

Here are some tips for effective short stories from WordsRU’s short story editors:


  • Read other short stories – observe how others make an impression on the reader and then create your own style.

  • Get inspired – everyday life can provide a multitude of themes, from the event you cannot get out of your mind, perhaps an interesting - someone you know or even a stranger - an idea or an object.

  • Conceptualize your story – think of something that you would like to discuss with someone, then write it down in an outline form.

  • Prepare a story outline, a map of the individual scenes – write down events in sequence and the appearance of the characters in that sequence of events. This outline is not rigid and can be changed as you write but it will keep your story on track and you in control.

  • Decide on your point of view – who is telling the story and how. Once you have decided, be sure that it remains consistent throughout your story.

  • Conceive your characters – too many characters can be confusing in a short story. The consensus is that three is a good number of main characters in a short story.

  • Write an interesting and intriguing introduction – one that will immediately engage the interest of your reader.

  • Develop your plot, events and sequence – do this in a way that is going to build a sense of tension and expectation in your reader and make them want to read more.

  • Make sure the characters show the story rather than tell it – they should express the story by their actions and what they say rather than through the author telling the reader.

  • Use verbs in the active voice – “Sarah laughed” rather than “Sarah was laughing.”

  • Dialogue is important – but only if it is used to develop the story. It has no value as something that simply pads out a weak plot.

  • Endings or conclusions – it is important for the ending to wrap up the story, but not too tightly or predictably. Use a little quirk or a twist to keep it in the reader’s mind, to make it linger.

 

In summary, WordsRU’s professional online editors offer you four keys to successful short story writing:

  • A clearly defined theme / focus

  • A very short time span — even a single event

  • Not too many characters — too many dilute the story

  • Excellent word choices and make every word count

View our book testimonials from published authors.

WordsRU Writer Services:

 

 

WordsRU editing will ensure that your short story book is edited in a way that will attract the highest possible quality outcomes.

 

 


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