Grammar

So I've been reading a manuscript and the writer constantly repeats the word "and".

Here's what I mean: Sally was tired and hungry and angry.

The writer does this all throughout the manuscript, almost every time they are listing words. As a reader and writer it starts to irk me and I believe writers should try to stick commas in between unless he/she is trying to emphasize the words, by repeating "and". Though emphasis is lost if one constantly and repeatedly uses "and" multiple times in a sentence. Just my two cents.

Remember grammar is important. The writer who says they don't need to know how to spell or use grammar correctly and believes that their agent or editor will handle it, is the one who ends up with an unpublishable manuscript, which no one will want to spend time cleaning up.

So remember edit, edit, edit, and then edit again. Then it'll probably be ready for an agent.

When to Drop a Hint or Introduce a Character

I've been doing some beta reading and editing for a fellow writer and I've noticed that knowing where to drop a hint or introduce a character is crucial. Truly, the world the writer has created is definitely interesting and they write very well, but they just need to see where to drop the hint, which really isn't a big deal. No major revisions required, just tweaking here and there.

Here's a tip or two.

One: Make sure the stakes are high. Don't hold off until the end of the novel to have us gripping the edge of our seat. Give the reader something to chew on early on and please make sure it makes sense. Ex: Someone shouldn't want someone dead just because they kicked over a lawn gnome. Make sure its plausible. Your reason may be plausible but the way you present it may not make it sound like it is. Keep that in mind.

Two: If you have a character who is important to the story, try to introduce them closer to the chapter where he/she becomes important. Don't introduce them in chapter two and expect us to remember much about them in chapter nine. If they don't tie in yet to the main character then try introducing them later.

Hope this is helpful. Happy Writing!