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  • “The Strange World of Editing and the Beasts Who Inhabit It”

    “The Strange World of Editing and the Beasts Who Inhabit It”

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    Tools of the Editing Trade

    Tools of the Editing Trade

    What Authors Should Know about Editing and Editors:

    Editing—you know your book requires it. But, where to start?

    An introduction to the Strange World of Editing and the Beasts Who Inhabit It.”

    Did you know that there are several types of editing? One size does not fit all.

    Developmental Editing

    Developmental editors are the top level of the editor beasts. This is because of the abstract and creative thinking required at the concept level of writing a work. Developmental editing is considered to be the most expensive type of editing.

    Developmental editing consists of:

    • Taking a rough idea or proposal and developing it to a final manuscript that will move to the substantive editing level.
    • Taking a manuscript that is chaotic, but has a potential idea within it, and applying order to the chaos.
    • Coaching. Developmental editors are considered to be coaches for writers. The writer has an idea. The developmental editor coaxes the writer to develop it and make it compelling.
    • Almost as acting as a literary agent. Publishing houses will assign developmental editors to non-writers who they believe have market potential (such as celebrities, the latest diet creator, etc). Some developmental editors will invest time into writers who are “diamonds in the rough” via business partnerships.
    • Always keeping the Reader/Audience in mind (visit our link about finding audience). Developmental editors hone everything in the manuscript to that particular reader audience: voice, word choice, pacing, point of view, dialogue, setting, and so forth.
    • Finding literary agents, publishers, distribution and warehousing systems for the work-in-progress.

    However, most fiction works should start with a manuscript overview or a manuscript evaluation. 

    Substantive Editing – Manuscript Overview

    Substantive editing looks at the big overall picture of the manuscript. This type of editing is generally what is needed when the authors say, “It just needs a quick look.” However, that is rarely the case. If you find that your requested manuscript keeps getting rejected, you may find that it requires substantive editing to take it to the next level and to overcome slush reader obstacles.

    Substantive editing aka Manuscript Overview consists of:

    • Reading the work in its entirety before any editorial changes are suggested.
    • Checking for consistency in voice, characterization, plot holes, shifts in point-of-view, pacing, sub-plots, story arc (or lack thereof), and other items that may cause readers to stumble.
    • Moving chapters or sections to improve the flow of the story-line.
    • Ensuring that the author’s “world construct” holds.
    • Taking a completed manuscript to the next level of storytelling.
    • Changing characters to make them more like-able, or more despicable or just more interesting to readers.
    • Click here for more detailed information about Chanticleer’s manuscript overviews and evaluations.

    Line Editing

    Content Editing is “apple polishing” the entire manuscript line by line. Sections are no longer being moved about, plot-holes have been filled, characterizations are formed, and setting details worked out.

    Line Editing consists of:

    • Line-by-line editing for tone, tightening of phrases to “leave the boring bits out,” looking for dead sentence construction, passive voice, removal of unnecessary modifiers, and point-of-view lapses.
    • Re-organization of the work at the paragraph, section, and chapter levels if needed.
    • Maintaining the author’s voice while improving the sentence structure that will move the story forward.
    • Ensuring the continuity of the story line. Removing any obstacles that would make the Reader stumble.
    • Moving the story and its readers along from one chapter to the next.
    • Most authors think that their works are ready for the Content/Copy Editing phase when their works could be made more competitive with substantive editing.

    Style Sheets and Continuity Notebooks or Story Bibles

    Each work of fiction deserves a Style Sheet. This is the tool that a Copy Editor will need to edit a work. The Style Sheet tracks the spelling of names, Physical attributes, whether to use British Standard English or American Standard English, metric measurements or US Standard System of measuring, magical constructs, character backgrounds, locations, timing,—all the little details that allow your reader to become fully immersed into your story.

    Continuity Notebooks or Story Bibles include everything from the attributes of the characters to the placement of buildings in the world. It covers the timeline and storylines from book to book, along with the rules of the world. Like building a house, an author needs to include the correct nuts and bolts as needed to plan the best possible design of the world she is creating. And, yes, even pantzers need to do this at some point before typing The End.

    If you want to pitch your book for a TV series or film or gaming, you will need to create a story bible. Screenwriters depend on it and so should serious authors. The story bible holds all of the tiny pieces of information such as cultural phrases, potential plotting ideas, dialogue, emotions, memories, does the character like dry wines or takes her bourbon neat, coffee black or macchiatos only, and a myriad of other ideas or details. And then there or the locations, timelines, character details, … The entire film and gaming industry runs on Story Bibles.

    And, yes, there are editors for Story Bibles. The most successful authors have them and swear by them. Story Bible Editors allow authors more time for creativity and for writing.

    Click here to learn more about Style Sheets and Story Bibles and Chanticleer’s service.

    Copy Editing

    Copy editing is what most writers think of when they hear the word “edit.” It is a very mechanical process that ensures that the publishing standards that readers have come to expect and appreciate are met.

    Copy Editing consists of:

    • Fact checking –especially with historical fiction.
    • Imposing the rules of the style guide that is required for the type of work (Chicago Manual of Style, AP Style Guide, etc.) and whether British Standard English or American Standard English is used for the galley.
    • Checking against the Style Sheet or Story Bible/Continuity Notebook
    • Correcting faulty spelling, grammar and punctuation.
    • Standardization of linguistics (i.e.: Elf language, French slang, or Klingon) throughout the work.
    • Correcting misused words.
    • Using the correct spelling, hyphenation, numerals, and capitalization.
    • Parallel structuring of headings, chapter titles, and sequencing.
    • Checking for triteness, unnecessary uses of jargon, and clichés while keeping the author’s voice.

    Proof-Reading

    Proof-reading is best conducted by a “cold read.” This means that the proof-reader has not seen the work. A cold read makes it harder for the proof-reader to “fill in” any gaps or “auto-correct” the text. Writers should never perform the final proof on their own works. Fresh eyes are advised. It is practically impossible to proof your own work.

    Proof-reading consists of:

    • Marking the typeset (whether digital or press) word for word against the final approved and edited manuscript.
    • Checking one more time for correct usage of dialogue quotation marks and punctuation.
    • Checking one more time for typos, double words such as: he he, or wrong word usage such as: sew, so.
    • Proofing the galley on different types of digital press software platform to ensure that it “translates” correctly and glitches are dealt with for each e-pub platform.
    • Checking for word spacing, paragraphing, “orphans and widows” (words and/or a sentence that appear by themselves on a page all alone), hyphenation and incorrect word breaks.
    • Re-checking for mislabeling, miss-numbering of pages (this happens all the time), and sequencing of chapters, prologues, epilogues, and glossaries.

    Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) 

    After the first proof-reading is typically when Advanced Reader Copies are printed (or PDF files created). These are typically given out for reviews – peer, editorial, and for the trade, Beta Readers (who are great at catching whatever slips through the first proofing), used for pre-orders, and for book shows.

    Final Proofing (using feedback from ARCs)

    FORMATTING

    Formatting for print and for e-pubs are two different animals. Formatting for print is a different process than formatting for e-pubs. Trust me, it is.

    PUBLISHING

    After proofing the formatting for digital books and for printing, then the work is ready to be PUBLISHED!

    BUT BEFORE PUBLISHING – make sure that you have the work’s alphabet soup ready to go —

    • ISBN’s  (different for print, digital, audio, etc.)
    • BISAC codes
    • SEO
    • Keywords
    • Tagging
    • Works that you would like your work to be shelved with (for association – digitally)

    The Final Word

    Each type of editing has its specialists. Each level of editing becomes more focused on the details until the absolute final proof-reading for publication.

    Editing professor Carolyn Dale explains the different types of editing services like this:

    If you were remodeling your house you would not expect a sheet rocker to install plumbing, or an architect to hang sheet rock, or an electrician to create cabinetry, or the painter to create working plans.  However, you would expect them to be able to communicate with each other, schedule the work that needs to be done, and, ultimately, deliver a finished product with which you will be satisfied.  It is the same with editorial services.

    Editing–every work needs it.

    Our next post will be about how to determine the type of editorial services that your work requires and how to select an editor or editorial services company.

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  • “Dirty Laundry” by Liz Osborne

    “Dirty Laundry” by Liz Osborne

    Nothing seems to go right on Friday the thirteenth for Robyn Kelly, Patient Relations manager at Madrona Bay Hospital, when she collects professional and personal crises like a movie star collects fans.

    First, she is confronted by an injured homeless man who wanders into her office. Then nurses and a food service worker complain about a flasher patient, who turns up dead—murdered—when Robyn goes to his room to speak with him. On the personal front, her friend, Detective Pierce, injures his back hauling gardening supplies for her. And then her son announces he’s going to Africa as a volunteer for a company Robyn has never heard of. Next her father, who considers himself invincible, has to be convinced to come to the hospital to be evaluated after he collapses at his ranch.

    When Detective Pierce, now trussed up in traction, asks Robyn to quietly look into the details surrounding the murder of the patient, she begins to unearth unexpected issues related to the hospital. But, how can she investigate and get all her work done when the new hospital administrator insists Robyn take over for him in writing reports, presenting same, and participating in numerous meetings long on time-wasting? Meanwhile, situations on all fronts begin to escalate.

    Robyn begins to suspect someone in the hospital has to be involved. Is it the unpleasant contract nurse whose behavior at Madrona Bay and other hospitals is less than stellar? A hospital staffer who has it in for Robyn? The homeless man whose hospital room begins to look more like a pleasant hotel suite each day that he remains there?

    Can Robyn, with the help of Detective Pierce, still unable to walk, solve the case before his boss intends to charge her with the murder? Mystery buffs will thoroughly enjoy trying to identify the clues Robyn will need to put together before she gets herself killed by the real perpetrator.

    Dirty Laundry by Liz Osborne was awarded the First Place Blue Ribbon for Cozy Mysteries in the Chanticleer Book Reviews Writing Competition 2012. This is the second novel in the Robyn Kelly Mystery series. Cozy mystery fans will find Robyn Kelly an engaging amateur sleuth fighting crime, and sometimes fighting for her life, in a deadly arena —the hospital where she works. Readers will never look at hospitals in the same way again after reading this well-researched classic cozy mystery novel.

  • “Picking up the Pieces” by Wendy Dewar Hughes

    “Picking up the Pieces” by Wendy Dewar Hughes

    Picking up the Pieces opens with a short prologue so well done that we are anchored in its stellar writing and professional style. Immediately, readers pass through a portal, created with written words, transported into the living world of the story. Feeling a part of Jill Moss, we long to discover “how, who, what, where, when and why” as we begin chapter one, bracing for an emotional ride filled with suspense.

    Jill Moss loves and respects her eccentric Uncle Neil, an expert and fearless archaeologist.  He has discovered ancient artifacts in Mexico. Recognizing the danger if the artifacts fall into the wrong hands, he hides away. He deflects attention and involves his beloved niece, Jill—protecting her by telling her nothing, but trusting her to do as he asks. She suspects he is once again in danger and believes she has no choice. Uprooting her life, she embarks on Uncle Neil’s quest, one clue at a time.

    Readers walk in the foreign streets, sit in the cafés, sleep in the dwellings, sweat in the heat, smell the food, and drop exhausted with Jill, when she is overcome. Our hearts thump as we run with her to keep up. We can’t wait to get to the next page, but the words are so compelling, we cannot skip. Pulling for her, we try to solve the mystery and decide what she should do to stay safe.

    We are comforted when Jill’s trust in God along with her spiritual connection, guides her, allowing narrow escapes in a few of the many precarious situations. Biblical quotes augment the story, giving clues, as the reader slowly grasps the reason behind the intense desire of others who hunt the artifacts—at any cost. The plot keeps the story flowing, but jars us with surprises. Do we believe this story could happen? Absolutely.

    The main characters are well drawn and feel like family or people we know or have met. We don’t want to say goodbye when finished with the last page. In many scenes, we wonder whether the players are friend or foe. Even the sweet romantic element keeps us guessing until near the end.

    This reviewer looks forward to being captivated again by this author  and will watch for a sequel to Picking up the Pieces, or to the next  entertaining page-turner by Wendy Dewar Hughes.

    Wendy Dewar Hughes writes inspirational romantic suspense novels set in contemporary times. Picking up the Pieces was awarded a First Place Blue Ribbon for the Inspirational Romantic Suspense category, INDIE division from Chanticleer Book Reviews.

  • “Family Bonds” by Kate Vale

    “Family Bonds” by Kate Vale

    In this sweet and wholesome tale of true love, two college students must endure a gauntlet of family confrontations and secrets that test their belief in each other before they emerge smiling. It wasn’t easy.

    Chet Barton returned to his hometown in Washington State, riding in on a bad reputation that included womanizing, drinking, a slew of speeding tickets, and a disgraceful incident that impelled him to quit college after his junior year. When he attends his high school’s five-year reunion, he meets an unusual young woman: not-so-plain Jane Collins, who is not in the least swept away by his too-good looks and flirty charm. Naturally, he’s intrigued by her indifference, and after a few tentative coffee dates, he becomes highly motivated to continue reforming his wild ways.

    Jane, however, remains leery of his past. Raised by a mother who drank to cope with past abuses until her death at age 44, along with her late stepfather and Bert, her tenant and beloved father figure, inexperienced Jane is wary of all men, whose physicality frightens her. But Chet—ironically, given his past behavior—is different from the few other men she’s dated. Determined to not frighten her away, he is thoughtful, courteous, and above all, in control of his amorous impulses. Their courtship is old-fashioned and chaste, and they seem headed toward bliss.

    But obstacles arise, primarily in the form of Chet’s father Richard, a cruel and faithless man whose past misdeeds far eclipse those of his younger son. He isn’t above physical abuse, but when he verbally attacks Jane upon meeting her, the family dysfunction escalates. Jane and Chet continue to alternate dates—dinner and a movie—with cooling-off periods, until Bert’s illness forces them to consider their post-college plans.

    Then Jane discovers a shocking fact in her mother’s diary, one that has drastic implications for their future. Every strand of DNA that bonds both families together is tested as secrets begin to tumble out and life-changing decisions are made. The outcome, though predictable, comes with a kicker revelation that smooths the path to true love, and not just for Jane and Chet.

    Family Bonds is a bighearted tale with an old-school, if at times, ingenuous sensibility. This is your mother’s romance novel, and aficionados of traditional love stories will find that refreshing.

  • “The Gentleman Poet: A Novel of Love, Danger, and Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest'” by Kathryn Johnson

    “The Gentleman Poet: A Novel of Love, Danger, and Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’” by Kathryn Johnson

    Historical romances have never been my favorite genre, but I’m now rethinking my previous hesitations to indulge in such stories after reading the entertaining and dramatic tale of The Gentleman Poet.

    In keeping with the seventeenth century recipes found in this book, the author mixes one maidservant heroine, Elizabeth, with a ship’s cook, Thomas, who really doesn’t know his herbs or spices, a mystery man whose first name is Will, his last name beginning with S (but, is he really Shakespeare?) and tosses them with another hundred-plus souls onto the good ship Sea Venture. Their destination? The Virginia colony in New Britannia. But a storm—we’ll call it a tempest—sends them off course and onto a chain of uninhabited islands, perhaps the Bermudas.

    Elizabeth knows how to cook and spices up her concoctions with local herbs, nuts, mushrooms, and the like, to the delight of the ship’s captain. Friend Will encourages her growing relationship with Thomas, the cook, to protect her from the more unruly sailors. Thomas’ courtship of the reluctant Elizabeth, who now prefers to be called Miranda, is described in language that felt delightfully Elizabethan to me.

    But their much-delayed arrival in Virginia threatens their relationship and is presaged by Miranda’s headaches. When tragedy strikes, our heroine experiences a true emotional tempest that carries the reader through to the end of the tale. In The Gentleman Poet, Kathryn Johnson poses an intriguing question: Did Shakespeare personally experience a shipwreck before he wrote The Tempest?

    For those who have not ventured into Shakespeare’s works, The Gentleman Poet, in this reviewers opinion, would make for a wonderful introduction to his literary feast. But whether or not you have or haven’t partaken, this delightful and clever tale is enjoyable in its own right.

  • “A Lesson in Love” by Heather Westing

    “A Lesson in Love” by Heather Westing

    A Lesson in Love is an engaging reminder that we all need forgiveness and love in our lives to fully meet the challenges and opportunities that life presents to us.

    A sheltered young woman, recently graduated from Bible College back east, is determined not to continue to live in a protective environment where she is shielded from temptation, but to live in the world as an example of her Christian faith.

    However, Holly Boardman learns quickly that her beliefs and values will be challenged at every turn–especially when she moves to Victoria, home of the Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet. One of the first hard lessons that Holly learned when she moved to Victoria was from Glenn, a handsome and, seemingly, charming young navy man. She still feels the emotional scars from his ridiculing of her beliefs and the heartbreak that she endured when she finally had to break off with him when he wanted more from her than she was willing to give. Not only did she lose him, but she also lost the circle of new friends that came with him. The close-knit Navy community that she was instantly part of when she dated Glenn immediately ostracized her upon the break-up.

    A few years older and a little wiser, Holly knows now that she did the right thing, but thinking about it is still hurtful. Holly had learned her lesson; she had sworn off from dating Navy men. That is until a widowed handsome young naval officer picks up his young son from the day care center where she works. She finds herself being swept up in Eric Larsen’s winsome ways and can’t stop smiling when she thinks about him. Will Holly take a chance on another seemingly well-mannered, handsome young man in uniform who may try to undermine her faith in the Lord?

    She is cautioned by her best friend, Yuko, to question whether or not Eric’s charm is just a façade like Glenn’s. Holly soon learns that to forgive and forget is easier said than done when she finds out that Eric has a predator reputation for smooth-talking women to bed.

    And will Eric believe that Holly is sincere in her Christian faith when he learns that she dated Glenn, who is known for his excessive drinking and partying? When Eric and Holly are confronted with each other’s past missteps and mistakes, will they each be able to forgive and forget? Will they learn the lesson of forgiveness and unconditional love? Will they open their hearts to the Lord’s will for their lives?

    A Lesson in Love  by Heather Westing is a well-written and well-crafted contemporary Christian love story that is both engaging and inspirational. Westing’s descriptions of life in Victoria are vivid and lively. She writes of realities and challenges that young adult Christians deal with in today’s dating scene, but she reminds us that with God’s help all things are possible.

    We hope to read more of Westing’s inspirational stories.  As an added note: This reviewer particularly appreciates how Westing navigates the intricacies of ranks, acronyms, and jargon of the Navy without skipping a beat.

  • “New Smyrna Swing” by D.D. Queens awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon INDIE Manuscripts Div., Mystery Suspense Div.

    “New Smyrna Swing” by D.D. Queens awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon INDIE Manuscripts Div., Mystery Suspense Div.

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is pleased to announce that New Smyrna Swing by D.D. Queens  has won 1st place in the INDIE Manuscript Awards,  Cozy Mystery Category (INDIE is a division of Chanticleer Book Reviews Blue Ribbon Writing Contests).

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Editor’s Note: Meet Jenna, the newest and quirkiest  P.I. in Florida. New Smyrna Swing is the first of the Jenna Palmer  mystery series.  Join Jenna and her sidekicks on their many misadventures as she pursues the bad guys along with the ones who attract her–for better or for worse.]

    Chanticleer Book Review Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Contests recognize outstanding books and manuscripts.

    We are honored to announce the INDIE Awards First Place Blue Ribbon winning manuscripts and their authors, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense category.

    Each winning INDIE  manuscript was judged for the following qualities:

    • Is the story compelling
    • Professionalism of editing & formatting
    • Characterization
    • Continuity of story-line
    • Satisfying ending (not necessarily “happy”)
    • Intriguing opening
    • Uniqueness of story
    • Writing craft
    • Red herrings
    • Sidekicks
    • Suspense building

    The INDIE  Writing Competition Prizes – Unpublished & Manuscripts Division

    First Place Winners in each category will win a Chanticleer Manuscript Overview Package (valued at $ 325.00) .  All first place winners will be automatically entered into the CBR Grand Prize Writing Competition for CBR’s Best Manuscripts of 2013.   All winners’ works will be considered by Cloudberry Press (with author’s approval, of course) for publication.

    Or winning authors may elect to have their works reviewed when it is published in galley form (pre-press) or after publication. Published manuscripts winners are welcome to enter any CBR Published Novels Division contests upon publication.

    For a full list of winners, visit Chanticleer Book Reviews website at chantireviews.com.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • “Rain Shine Secrets” by Alice T. Robb awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon in INDIE Manuscripts Division, Women’s Fiction

    “Rain Shine Secrets” by Alice T. Robb awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon in INDIE Manuscripts Division, Women’s Fiction

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is pleased to announce that Rain Shine Secrets by Alice T. Robb  has won 1st place in the INDIE Manuscript Awards Division,  Mainstream category (INDIE is a division of Chanticleer Book Reviews Blue Ribbon Writing Contests).

    Rain Shine Secrets by Alice T. Robb

    [Editor’s Note: Rain Shine Secrets is a brilliant work of fiction that reflects our contemporary society.  Robb masterfully intertwines the past and present, streams of consciousness, and the lives of Rain Shine Secrets  vivid characters. ]

    Chanticleer Book Review Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Contests recognize outstanding books and manuscripts.

    We are honored to announce the INDIE Awards First Place Blue Ribbon winning manuscripts and their authors.

    Each winning INDIE  manuscript was judged for the following qualities:

    • Compelling-ness of story
    • Professionalism of editing & formatting
    • Characterization
    • Continuity of story-line
    • Satisfying ending (not necessarily “happy”)
    • Intriguing opening
    • Uniqueness of story
    • Writing craft

    The INDIE  Writing Competition Prizes – Unpublished & Manuscripts Division

    First Place Winners in each category will win a Chanticleer Manuscript Overview Package (valued at $ 325.00) .  All first place winners will be automatically entered into the CBR Grand Prize Writing Competition for CBR’s Best Manuscripts of 2013.  All winners’ works will be considered by Cloudberry Press (with author’s approval, of course) for publication.

    Or winning authors may elect to have their works reviewed when it is published in galley form (pre-press) or after publication.Published manuscripts winners are welcome to enter any CBR Published Novels Division contests upon publication.

    For a full list of all winners, visit Chanticleer Book Reviews website at chantireviews.com.

  • “Murder Strikes a Pose” by Tracy Weber awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon in INDIE Manuscripts Division, Cozy Mystery

    “Murder Strikes a Pose” by Tracy Weber awarded a 1st Place Blue Ribbon in INDIE Manuscripts Division, Cozy Mystery

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    Tasha & Tracy Weber

    Chanticleer Book Reviews is pleased to announce that Murder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber  has won 1st place in the INDIE Manuscript Awards,  Cozy Mystery Category (INDIE is a division of Chanticleer Book Reviews Blue Ribbon Writing Contests).

    Murder Strikes a Pose, a Downward Dog Mystery by Tracy Weber

    [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Editor’s Note: We hope to see more Downward Dog Mysteries. Our judges thoroughly enjoyed reading this murder/mystery/suspense manuscript. The writing is fresh, the story is relevant on several levels, and the suspense keeps the pages turning. A hands down winner!]

    Chanticleer Book Review Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Contests recognize outstanding books and manuscripts.

    We are honored to announce the INDIE Awards First Place Blue Ribbon winning manuscripts and their authors.

    Each winning INDIE  manuscript was judged for the following qualities:

    • Compelling-ness of story
    • Professionalism of editing & formatting
    • Characterization
    • Continuity of story-line
    • Satisfying ending (not necessarily “happy”)
    • Intriguing opening
    • Uniqueness of story
    • Writing craft

    The INDIE  Writing Competition Prizes – Unpublished & Manuscripts Division

    First Place Winners in each category will win a Chanticleer Manuscript Overview Package (valued at $ 325.00) .  All first place winners will be automatically entered into the CBR Grand Prize Writing Competition for CBR’s Best Manuscripts of 2013.  All winners’ works will be considered by Cloudberry Press (with author’s approval, of course) for publication.

    Or winning authors may elect to have their works reviewed when it is published in galley form (pre-press) or after publication.Published manuscripts winners are welcome to enter any CBR Published Novels Division contests upon publication.

    For a full list of all winners, visit Chanticleer Book Reviews website at chantireviews.com.

     [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Maiden’s Veil by Lisa Costantino awarded an INDIE 1st Place Blue Ribbon Awards, Women’s Fiction

    Maiden’s Veil by Lisa Costantino awarded an INDIE 1st Place Blue Ribbon Awards, Women’s Fiction

    Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media is pleased to announce that Maiden’s Veil, by Lisa Costantino, has won 1st place in the INDIE Awards, Women’s  Fiction Category (INDIE is a division of Chanticleer Book Reviews Blue Ribbon Writing Contests).

     Maiden’s Veil by Lisa Costantino

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Editor’s Note: This love story is written with lyrical prose that intertwines  history with a modern story-line. A beautiful read with twists and turns. Look for our review.]

     

    Chanticleer Book Review Blue Ribbon Awards Writing Contests recognize outstanding books and manuscripts.

    We are honored to announce the INDIE Awards First Place Blue Ribbon winning novels and their authors.

    Each winning INDIE  novel was judged for the following qualities:

    • Compelling-ness of story
    • Professionalism of editing & formatting
    • Characterization
    • Continuity of story-line
    • Satisfying ending (not necessarily “happy”)
    • Intriguing opening
    • Uniqueness of story
    • Writing craft

    INDIE CBR Blue Ribbon Award 1st Place category winning authors will be awarded:

    • Award winning books will be placed on the Chanticleer Book Shelves (which sell and promote the winning titles). Our CBR Book Shelves are located in participating Independent Book Stores across the U.S.
    • A coveted Chanticleer Book Review
    • A CBR Blue Ribbon embossed with the Contest Name, Author Name, and Book Title to use in promotion at book signings and book festivals
    • Digital award stickers for on-line promotion
    • Adhesive book stickers
    • Shelf-talkers and other promotional items
    • Promotion in print and on-line media
    • Review of book distributed to on-line sites and printed media publications
    • Review, cover art, and author synopsis listed in CBR’s newsletter
    And the 1st Place Award winners will automatically be entered into the GRAND PRIZE AWARD for title of  The Best of the CBR Award Winning Books of 2013!

    For a full list of all winners, visit Chanticleer Book Reviews website at chantireviews.com.

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Chanticleer Book Reviews