Miriam Khan

I am having two of my books edited. I have had The Lebrus Stone beta read, and although the lady offered some help, it was very vague and confusing. So from now on, I am going to be very selective about who beta reads. I would rather have valid, constructive, thorough advice and suggestions. Being desperate for just anyone to read your books only gets you a rushed job. There is a girl who charges $20 to beta read per book, and says she is thorough. I may consider it, along with the editing. I also joined some groups on Facebook. I managed to get introduced to an American guy who has been the most helpful so far, eager and very complimenting haha, which is always nice. I am very thankful for his advice. Here is what he said: I appreciate all the help you’ve given me on my stories and I hope that my input is equally helpful:  I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read. Your story telling ability is as lovely as you.  Everything is brilliantly vivid. There were some sentences that...

The publishing house has said they would send me some manuscripts. It's strange to think I could be contributing to choosing what book to accept and recommend, but exciting to see what kind of stories are going to be sent for me to perhaps edit. I probably won't be able to discuss certain matters with you, but I will try to keep you updated. As for my books, I am trying to find editors for two YA Paranormal Romances. I am waiting for some sample edits, and then I will be able make a decision. Since I am unable to find any beta readers for these novels, I might pay a few editors who don't charge too much, say in the region of $60 -200 per book. That way I could select two or three editors for each. I mainly need opinions. I will announce who the publisher is soon. :)

Hey folks. As my subject line states, I am wanting to return to freelance editing now that my schedule is less filled up with editing my own novels. Although I am based in the U.K, I mainly edit for Americans. I am aware of how certain things are supposed to be written for that type of readership :) My rates are low at the moment, since I need to re-build my client base. It's not because the edits would be mediocre in any way. So make the most of the bargain. :) I may even keep my rates very low for regular clients. Although the pricing would always be at a rate to fit a writers budget. I genuinely want to help. Please read the about page and rates for information. My e-mail address is on the contact page. Thank you  for reading and happy writing :)

I have been busy adding final touches to The Lebrus Stone, and even submitting it to publishers. I have submitted to around seven so far: three with just a query letter and the rest with a sample. I haven't had any replies yet,  and I'm not panicking like I had five years ago when I submitted to agents. I only submitted a couple of weeks ago anyway, and I've realised there are alternatives, and that we don't have to rely on agents and publishers to get a book read. It's mainly down to yourself anyway, and how much you are willing to market it. I'm ready to sit for hours at my computer, socializing online to see who wants to read/review/promote my novels. I did it during my singing days. A few weeks ago a U.S publisher I was planning to submit to, e-mailed me about an editing position within their company. I began editing their sample within minutes of receiving it, double checked for errors and sent it back the next day. When I received a reply the follow...

Writers: What books inspired you to write your first novel? Mine were Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler and The China Garden by Liz Berry and obviously Twilight, due to the romance. Readers: What do you look for in a paranormal romance story? I look for suspense, quality writing, easy flow of sentences, voice, maybe a Gothic tone, dreamy prose, great description, handsome and mysterious brooding heros with a strong independent protagonist.  First person narrative, and realistic characters. Plenty of romance, and swoon worthy dialogue.

I want to make a list of the tips I have picked up along the years while I have been writing and editing. Some or all of these will probably be known to you, and you might be thinking, DUH! But I'm listing them anyway, as a reminder to myself and for those who might not be aware of one or two and need the advice for self editing. 1. When someone turns to face a character, it's best to say something like swirled around rather than twirled. 2. Avoid saying: I looked. I heard, where necessary. For example. I looked at my vanity table that was on my right. Instead try: The vanity table on my right.... I heard echos in the other room, could be: Echos from the other room... 3. Avoid redundant sentences: I ran fast to get to the house quicker. It's obvious why, if someone is running home. Instead it could be: I ran home as fast as I could. 4. Avoid dangling participles. Basically they are sentences that make a character sound like they are doing too many things at onc...

Okay, I haven't been very chatty, well, not at all on here really. Not even on Facebook or any other online platform. I had to get away for a while and just concentrate on editing my first ever written novel, which most of you will know for now as: CRYSTAL. During my extensive edits and re-writes of the first chapter, I contacted some potential beta readers and the writers who have been amazing. I feel as though I have been blessed to have made contact with them. They have not only been supportive. They have given honest, sound advice and even demonstrated what I needed to do better. It was exactly the kind of editing and critiquing I had been doing for writers for years, only now I was getting that kind of help back. I couldn't believe it!!! And I was expecting the help to dwindle, I still do haha. But no, they came back, eager, and even told me they enjoyed my novels. One lady, bless her cotton socks told me to hurry up and publish my books. So these are the names ...