Authors' Alcove for Fantasy Writers

Episode 48: Stuck in Self-Editing? How to Make Progress Without Perfection

In this writer education podcast from the Story Savvy Series, we break down how to use developmental editing advice, the print-and-mark edit method, and storytelling improvement tips to move forward when you're stuck self-editing. Learn how to define theme and message, rethink story structure and editing, and stay focused even when editing repetitive words gets frustrating. Hosted by developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], this episode offers guidance for writers feeling overwhelmed or stalled in the self-editing process. Whether you're fighting decision paralysis or second-guessing structural choices, you'll learn how to make progress without striving for perfection. In this Episode  * Practical mindset shifts to move past resistance and perfectionism * Fast placeholders for audience, genre, and theme so you keep momentum * Scene-level fixes for sticky plot beats and arcs * Lightweight final-pass cleanups (speaker clarity, typos, scene breaks) * How long to try, when to pause, and when to return after outside feedback Resources * Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/ [https://hartboundediting.com/] * Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com [http://agneswolfeauthor.com/] * Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com [http://dragonheartacademy.com/]

Episode 47: Final Read-Through Checklist (How to Catch Typos & Polish Your Manuscript)

In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we dive into catching typos in fiction and preparing your manuscript for feedback with a focused final read-through. You’ll learn how to polish your manuscript, improve reader clarity, and handle editing repetitive words before beta readers or editors ever see it. With powerful self editing tips for writers, this episode helps you wrap up your revisions with purpose. Hosted by developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], this episode tackles the final steps of revising your draft. Together, they explore what to do in your last read-through—from formatting and flow to clarity and polish—so you’re confident when it’s time to share your work. In this Episode  * The goals of a last-pass edit * Formatting fixes you can’t search for * Best tools for grammar, spelling, and clarity * How to flag and fix unclear dialogue * Timeline guidance for staying productive * Tricks for making your brain “see” your story fresh Resources * Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/ [https://hartboundediting.com/] * Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com [http://agneswolfeauthor.com/] * Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com [http://dragonheartacademy.com/]

Episode 46: How to Prep Your Draft for Beta Readers (Final Checks & Self-Editing Tips for Authors)

In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we walk through final checks for manuscripts to get your story ready for beta readers or editors. Featuring smart steps for editing repetitive words, avoiding head-hopping, and using self editing tips for writers to refine pacing and clarity. Whether you're writing fantasy or fiction, this session offers storytelling improvement tips, developmental editing advice, and practical tools to polish your manuscript with confidence. Hosted by Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com], a professional developmental editor, and Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], an emerging middle-grade fantasy author, this episode breaks down how to wrap up your final self-edit and prep your book for outside eyes. A must-listen if you’re nearing the end of revision and want to make it count. In this Episode  * What “final checks” cover: gaps, placeholders (TK/TBD), and last-pass polish * Systems for flagging unknowns (unique markers + searchable notes) * Quick wins you can make now for a visibly cleaner draft * How much polish to do before beta readers vs. developmental editors * What to do when decisions are still undecided—and how to brief readers * Using lists and workspaces to remember “come back to this” items * Deciding when this pass is truly the final edit Resources * Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/ [https://hartboundediting.com/] * Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com [http://agneswolfeauthor.com/] * Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com [http://dragonheartacademy.com/]

Episode 45: Mastering Nonverbal Cues in Writing (Deep POV Editing Strategies for Fiction Authors)

In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we explore how to polish your manuscript by refining your use of nonverbal cues in fiction. You'll learn practical strategies for editing repetitive words, enhancing deep POV writing, and using physical descriptions to reinforce emotion and pacing. With helpful developmental editing advice, we walk you through how to enrich your narrative rhythms, avoid telling, and sharpen character voice—crucial skills for Fantasy novel editing and strong storytelling across genres.  Join developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com] as they dig into this week’s self-editing focus: using nonverbal communication to refine and elevate your manuscript. Together, they share practical strategies for writers revising their drafts, from balancing body language with clarity and pacing to choosing the right NVC for character and scene. In this Episode  * The role of nonverbal cues in immersing readers in POV * How to swap out adverbs and emotion labels for authentic body language * Strategies for fresh, natural gestures without over-relying on clichés * Personalizing characters through their unique physical responses * Deciding when nonverbals support pacing—and when they slow scenes down * Leveraging gestures and expressions to build tension and hint at what’s to come Resources * Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/ [https://hartboundediting.com/] * Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com [http://agneswolfeauthor.com/] * Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com [http://dragonheartacademy.com/]

Episode 44: Name Smart: Self Editing Tips for Clear, Consistent Character Names

In this deep-dive on self editing character names, we break down how to avoid similar character names, apply smart naming conventions in fiction, and make effective decisions around title vs name usage. Packed with self editing tips for writers and practical developmental editing advice, this episode offers focused tools to polish your manuscript and strengthen clarity in character presentation across genres.Join developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com] as they break down the craft of naming in fiction through discussion and actionable advice. Their back-and-forth offers both professional insight and writer-focused clarity, helping you approach character names with purpose, consistency, and confidence during the revision process.Creating a character name database for clarity and consistencyChecking for look-alike or sound-alike character namesConfirming invented terms are relevant and reinforced in the storyManaging character name changes and cultural sensitivity during editsChoosing between proper names and functional titles when introducing charactersResourcesHartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.comDragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com