Resources for Writers & Authors
Writing a book can raise a lot of questions.
What kind of editing does your manuscript need? When should you hire an editor? How do you strengthen a plot that isn’t working? What’s the difference between developmental editing and copy editing? And once the manuscript is finished, how do you actually get the book published?
Alice Osborn has spent almost two decades helping writers answer questions like these.
This resource center brings together practical information about writing, editing, revising, and publishing your book so you can better understand the process and determine what your manuscript needs next.
Whether you’re working on your first draft or preparing a finished book for publication, start with the topic that best matches where you are right now.
Start With Your Manuscript
Not sure what kind of help your manuscript needs?
The editorial process can include several different stages, and not every book needs every type of editing.
These resources will help you understand the differences and determine the most appropriate next step.
What Kind of Editing Does Your Book Need?
One of the most common questions authors ask is, “What kind of editor do I need?”
A simple way to think about the editorial process is to move from the biggest issues to the smallest:
- Developmental Editing
- Author Revisions
- Line Editing
- Copy Editing
- Proofreading
- Publication
Developmental editing looks at the book as a whole. Line editing examines how the prose works. Copy editing concentrates more closely on correctness and consistency. Proofreading provides one final review before publication.
Not every manuscript needs every stage.
If you’re unsure where your book belongs in the process, tell Alice about your manuscript. She can help you determine which type of editing makes the most sense.
Resources for Fiction Writers
Writing fiction involves much more than putting interesting characters into an interesting situation. A successful story needs a strong foundation, believable characters, meaningful conflict, and a compelling reason for readers to keep turning pages.
Alice works with fiction writers to strengthen the elements that make a story work. She can help you develop a more effective plot, deepen your characters and their motivations, build conflict and stakes, and improve pacing and story structure. She also provides guidance on point of view, dialogue, scene development, continuity, and creating openings and endings that leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re developing a new story or revising a completed manuscript, Alice can help you identify what isn’t working and create a practical strategy for making your fiction stronger.
f you’re writing a novel or short story, visit Fiction Writing & Editing to learn how Alice can help you develop or strengthen your work.
Resources for Historical Fiction Writers
Historical fiction presents a special challenge because the writer must balance historical authenticity with compelling storytelling.
Research matters, but the history should support the story rather than overwhelm it.
Historical fiction writers often need to think carefully about:
Historical fiction is one of Alice’s specialties, and she is currently writing a historical novel herself.
Visit Historical Fiction Editing & Writing Coaching for specialized help with your historical novel.
Resources for Memoir Writers
A memoir isn’t simply a collection of memories. The writer has to decide which experiences belong in the book, how those experiences fit together, and what larger story the reader is being invited to understand.
Alice helps memoir writers shape their experiences into a cohesive narrative by finding the central theme, developing an effective structure, and deciding which stories to include and which to leave out. She can also help strengthen chronology, scene development, pacing, and transitions so the reader can follow the story naturally.
Throughout the process, Alice pays close attention to voice and emotional impact, helping you tell your story in a way that feels authentic while creating a meaningful connection with readers.
Visit Memoir Writing Coach to learn how Alice can help you develop or strengthen your memoir.
Resources for Writing Your Book
You don’t have to wait until your manuscript is finished to ask for professional help. A writing coach can work with you while you’re developing, writing, or revising your book.
Alice helps writers turn ideas into workable book projects, develop a clear structure, and find a productive way forward when they feel stuck. Whether you’re unsure where to begin, struggling to maintain momentum, or wondering whether your story is working, she can provide experienced feedback and practical guidance.
Book coaching can also help you navigate difficult revisions, set achievable writing goals, and maintain accountability throughout the process. Alice works with you to identify what your manuscript needs and develop a plan that helps you keep moving toward a finished book.
Visit Book Writing Coach to learn how Alice can help you move your book forward.
Resources for Publishing Your Book
Finishing the manuscript creates a new set of questions.
Should you pursue traditional publishing or self-publish? When is the manuscript ready? What should you do before approaching agents or publishers? What professionals might you need before the book is released?
Writers approaching publication often need to think about:
Alice’s Book Publishing Strategy service helps authors better understand their options and create a practical plan for moving forward.
More Writing & Publishing Resources
Alice regularly shares information for writers about the craft of writing, editing, publishing, and the writing life.
As this resource center grows, you’ll find practical guides covering topics such as:
These resources are designed to help you understand the writing and publishing process—not convince you that you have to do everything alone.
Common Questions Authors Ask
When should I hire an editor?
Do professional writers use editors?
Should developmental editing come before copy editing?
When does proofreading happen?
What if I don’t know what kind of editing I need?
Can Alice help me while I’m still writing?
Not Sure Where to Start?
You don’t need to know whether your manuscript needs developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, or writing coaching before contacting Alice.
Tell her what you’ve written, where you are in the process, and what you’re struggling with.
With almost two decades of experience as an editor, writing teacher, author, and book coach, Alice can help you determine what your manuscript needs and what your next step should be.