{"title":"Career \u0026 Craft","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWorkshops to help you understand your author career, build your editing process, and break free from writing \"rules.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"break-the-writing-rules","title":"Eff the Writing \"Rules\": 40 So-Called \"Rules\" and How to Break Them for Creative Freedom","description":"\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiberate your authentic writing voice from the \"rules\" that stifle creativity and confidence with this comprehensive guide to breaking writing conventions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDeveloped by expert editor Angela James, this practical guide exposes the truth about 40 commonly cited writing \"rules\" that often do more harm than good. With nearly 20 years of fiction editing experience and hundreds of bestselling authors in her portfolio, Angela reveals which rules are helpful guidelines versus creative straightjackets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy most writing rules fail authors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThey present rigid formulas that stifle your natural voice and style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThey create paralyzing anxiety about \"writing correctly\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThey're often misunderstood or applied too strictly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThey rarely acknowledge genre differences and reader expectations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThey can block creative solutions that would actually improve your story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis comprehensive guide covers 40 supposed writing rules, including:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Show, don't tell\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - When telling actually serves your story better\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Avoid adverbs\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Understanding what adverbs really are and when they work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Kill your darlings\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - How to recognize passages worth keeping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Avoid head-hopping\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - The difference between POV changes and true head-hopping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Write what you know\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Breaking free from this limiting mindset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Use active voice\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - When passive voice creates the perfect effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Follow the three-act structure\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Alternative structures that create compelling stories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Avoid info-dumps\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - When concentrated information serves your narrative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Write every day\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Finding your own productive writing schedule\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Avoid flashbacks\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Using time shifts effectively\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Limit exposition\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - When exposition creates necessary context\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Don't use semi-colons, colons, ellipses, em dashes\"\u003c\/strong\u003e - Mastering punctuation for effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eFor each rule, you'll discover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eWhat the rule actually means\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eWhen it might be helpful as a guideline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eHow and when to intentionally break it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eClear definitions of writing terminology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes this guide essential for fiction writers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical alternatives\u003c\/strong\u003e to rigid rules that respect your creative instincts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClear explanations\u003c\/strong\u003e of writing terminology often thrown around without definition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePermission to experiment\u003c\/strong\u003e with different techniques to find what works for your story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert guidance\u003c\/strong\u003e from an editor who's helped hundreds of authors find publishing success\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat authors are saying:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e[E]xperience a workshop where publishing bullshit is called out and your storytelling is the focus\u003c\/span\u003e\"\u003c\/em\u003e — Julie R., Romance Author\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eWhether you're a new writer intimidated by the \"rules\" or an experienced author seeking to break free from conventional constraints, this guide provides the confidence and clarity to make intentional creative choices that serve your unique story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet this comprehensive writing guide today and free your authentic voice from the constraints of misunderstood \"rules.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Angela James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45688489378074,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5854\/6714\/files\/38_484d1db6-76aa-42fd-b57f-fa53793e2333.png?v=1715355420"},{"product_id":"5-stages-of-your-author-career-how-to-find-your-stage-and-do-the-work-that-matters-most-right-now","title":"5 Stages of Your Author Career – How to Find Your Stage and Do the Work That Matters Most Right Now","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere’s something I see all the time with authors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey want to skip ahead to the publishing good part, the dream (whatever that dream is for you).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately, publishing doesn't come with a remote you can press fast forward on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecan’t skip stages\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein an author career. Sure, you can go through some of them more quickly, but you're not skipping stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, you\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ecan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003estall in one stage for a very (very very) long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot because you’re lazy.\u003cbr\u003eNot because you’re doing it wrong.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBut because you’re spending energy on work that doesn’t actually move you forward \u003cem\u003efrom the stage you’re in\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI see writers trying to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"unordered_list\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emarket like a multi-book author before they’ve finished the draft\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“scale” before they’ve built foundations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003echase visibility instead of doing the quieter work their stage actually needs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can’t shortcut your way to stage five.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut you\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ecan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eget stuck by avoiding the real work of your current stage, especially when the internet keeps telling you that\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eeverything\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis urgent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hard part isn’t just doing the work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt’s knowing which work matters right now.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this workshop, we’ll look at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"unordered_list\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehow to tell whether you’re progressing or stalling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhat kind of effort actually moves you forward \u003cem\u003efrom where you are\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"list_item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ehow to stop burning energy on the wrong things\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour purchase includes unlimited access to the workshop video, a handout on the 5 stages of your author career, plus a bonus resource to help you find your current stage, and what work matters most right now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be a Book Boss®","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51589853806874,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5854\/6714\/files\/ShopifyAllProductMock-ups_7ed857a4-682d-4012-aeb6-122e444321c3.jpg?v=1768600655"},{"product_id":"the-4-stages-of-editing-fix-the-right-things-at-the-right-time","title":"The 4 Stages of Editing: Fix the Right Things at the Right Time","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eStop editing everything at once. Start editing smarter.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you've ever stared at your manuscript and felt completely overwhelmed—not sure where to start, convinced you're doing it wrong, or secretly hoping Grammarly will get you through—this workshop is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003eThe 4 Stages of Editing\u003c\/strong\u003e, developmental editor and author career mentor Angela James takes you through the publishing-industry-standard editing process she's used to edit more than a thousand books. The focus is here is on a strategic editing approach that supports your author voice, and maximizes your readers' enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull workshop recording\u003c\/strong\u003e (2 hours) — rewatch as many times as you need\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorkshop handout\u003c\/strong\u003e — to help you know what you're looking for in each stage, and how to approach edits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuide to building an editing checklist \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e t\u003cstrong\u003ehe Five-Pass Editing Method\u003c\/strong\u003e — a layered, self-directed approach to building your own editing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhat you'll learn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eEditing isn't one pass, it's four sequential stages — and skipping ahead (or trying to do everything at once) is one of the most common reasons authors get stuck, burnt out, or never quite satisfied with their revisions during edits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 1 — Developmental Editing\u003c\/strong\u003e This is where you zoom out and assess the big picture: plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, world-building, conflict, and reader connection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 2 — Line Editing\u003c\/strong\u003e Line editing is about the craft of your sentences—clarity, word choice, sentence rhythm, deep point of view, emotional and sensory detail, and consistency in characterization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 3 — Copy Editing\u003c\/strong\u003e Copy editing is where grammar, style consistency, punctuation, and language conventions come in, but only after the story is solid and the voice is strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStage 4 — Proofreading\u003c\/strong\u003e The final stage focuses on typos, formatting issues, and anything that's slipped through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eWhat makes this workshop different\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eEditing isn't about just polishing every word you wrote in your draft. It's about making sure your author voice comes through, and that you're delivering the best possible reading experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis workshop is especially valuable if you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFeel overwhelmed every time you open your manuscript to start editing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDon't know where to start edits—or keep starting in the wrong place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHave been doing \"one big pass\" and wondering why it never feels done\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWant a repeatable, strategic process you can use on \u003cem\u003eevery\u003c\/em\u003e book you write\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHave ADHD and want to know how an editor with ADHD edits, or if structure and clear next steps make a positive difference to your energy levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003eAbout Angela\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAngela James has more than 20 years of experience as an editor, author coach and mentor, and author career expert. She served as Editorial Director at Carina Press (a Harlequin imprint), has edited more than a thousand titles including multiple fiction genres and non-fiction, and has mentored numerous authors and editors throughout her career. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eEdit Your Way (Plot Twist: Forget the Writing \"Rules\").\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be a Book Boss®","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51808219726106,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5854\/6714\/files\/ShopifyAllProductMock-ups_73a67af1-4a13-41a5-8c82-2ce490b43004.jpg?v=1773171069"}],"url":"https:\/\/beabookboss.myshopify.com\/collections\/workshops-craft-career.oembed","provider":"The Book Boss® Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}