Miriam Khan

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 ...

My first book has been partially edited, but my first chapter is still iffy. Second book has been sent to be partially edited, too. Thanks to those who have been supporting me recently. Hugs. M

I'm still waiting for the first batch to my first ever written novel. My editor has said maybe this Friday. Is it normal for 27,000 words to take twenty days or more to edit? I think it's due to her being busy trying to write her own novels at the same time. Which is understandable, but it's hard for me to have to wait, haha. I feel too anxious to write at the moment. *sigh*