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Jim Cox Report: January 2025

Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:

The subject this month is Proofreading.

Proofreading is a vitally important phase in the process of publishing. Its origins are in where galley proofs were compared against the original manuscripts or graphic artworks for the purpose of identifying transcription errors in the typesetting process. In the past, proofreaders would place corrections or proofreading marks along the margins. In this modern era of digital based publishing, material is generally provided in electronic form, so traditional typesetting is no longer used and thus (in general) this kind of transcription no longer occurs. Basically become the technology of publishing has marched on!

I've been reviewing books for almost 50 years now and I can declare (personally and professional) that the single biggest problem facing self-published authors is a lack of adequate proofreading before they go to press and then send folks like me a copy of their typo or grammar flawed book for review.

Proofreading is more than just catching the inevitable spelling typos, grammar problems (like runoff sentences and paragraphs), or correctly spelled wrong words (e.g., To, Too, Two), it insures that your reader will never be distracted by a disrupting error in what you have written -- be it fiction or non-fiction.

I still use as a classic example of how I once received a novel for review where the author had used the personal pro-noun I sixteen times in three pages. And I gave up on her in page 4 when I could spot more I's heading my way.

Every author should not rely on just their own eyes when proofreading what they have written. I can testify in my own reviews that I've overlooked an incorrect spelling (especially when it comes to author's last names) or gotten an ISBN numbering wrong. Fortunately I long ago developed the habit/policy of sending authors a copy of my review for their approval before running it -- and they all to often had to point out something that needed correction or updating that I had missed in my own proofreading. And I'm pleased to announce that not once in all these decades of years have any of them complained -- with most of them sending me 'thank you' emails when I announced making the corrections requested or pointed out.

In addition to having other eyes (friends, family, folks who owe you money) proof reading your manuscript, prepublication galley, uncorrected proof, PDF file, or ARC, I also recommend one simple step that will catch most grammatical errors and other communication issues:

Read what you have written out loud to yourself. This will demonstrate to you problems of punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing issues, as well as the occasional (and inevitable) typo.

The problem with only reading what you've written silently to yourself is that we (and I most certainly include myself) can be 'word blind' and not see that we've typed frmt instead of the world format because as our eyes travel through our sentences we often only 'see' what we expected to be there instead of what actually is.

I have one more piece of advice: Read the Wikipedia entry on Proofreading that you will find at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading where you will find the history of proofreading, both traditional and alternative methods of proofreading, proofreading checklists, and profreadnig vs. copy-editing -- and more.

The if you want more information, resources, tips and tricks regarding proofreading, here is a link to an enormous amount of online resources on the subject:

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=h_&q=%22proofreading+books%22&ia=web

Happy proofreading everyone!



Quote of the Month

"Reviews reveal more about the reviewer than the book." -- Thomas Umstattd

Website of the Month

Free Online Proofreader
https://www.scribbr.com/proofreading-editing/online-proofreader



Here are reviews of new books that will be of special interest to authors, publishers and bibliophiles:

Dramatic Storytelling & Narrative Design: 2nd Edition
Ross Berger
CRC Press
c/o Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032571621, $$160.00, HC, 232pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dramatic-Storytelling-Narrative-Design-Transmedia/dp/1032571624

Synopsis: Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design: A Writer’s Guide to Video Games and Transmedia" by Ross Berger provides an industry professional's first-hand perspective on narrative design's practical usage, day-to-day roles and responsibilities, and keys to breaking in and succeeding.

"Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design" also delves into the foundations of compelling storytelling through structural analysis and character archetype breakdowns.

The understanding of game narrative is widened to include examples from other media. "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design" breaks down the structure of popular games and show how the structural elements are applied in practice. In addition to discussing industry trends, "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design" also illustrates how the leveraging of transmedia can make a video game franchise endure over time.

This updated new edition also contains brand new chapters on Conflict and The Future of Interactive Storytelling, as well as deepened coverage on Character and World and Roles and Responsibilities. The author adds new discussion to the Analysis of Narrative in Contemporary Games through an examination of the HBO television adaption of The Last of Us.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, updated, organized and presented, this new second edition of Ross Berger's "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design: A Writer’s Guide to Video Games and Transmedia" from CRC Press will be of particular value and benefit to anyone with an interest in the craft of storytelling, narrative design, and game writing. Offering a complete course of insightful instruction and DIY application information, "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design: 2nd Edition" is especially and unreservedly recommended as a critical and high value addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Writing/Publishing collections. It should be noted for students, script writers, aspiring storytellers, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Dramatic Storytelling and Narrative Design: A Writer’s Guide to Video Games and Transmedia: 2nd Edition" is also avalable in paperback (978-1032571614, $64.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $51.99).

Editorial Note: Ross Berger (www.rossberger.space/) is a writer, narrative designer, and transmedia strategist based in Los Angeles. Ross is a member of the Writers Guild of America West (animation caucus) and the Television Academy and is currently an adjunct professor at University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and ArtCenter College of Design.

Storytelling for Genealogists
Doug Tattershall
Genealogical Publishing Company
www.genealogical.com
9780806321417, $18.95, PB, 90pp

https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-Genealogists-Turning-Lineage-History/dp/0806321415

Synopsis: With the publication of "Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History", author and journalist Doug Tattersall has created a DIY guidebook showing the reader how to start and stay on track in transforming the raw outline of a genealogy into a well-written and engaging family story to be shared with your extended family. Chapter by chapter the author details how to create a timeline and arrange your research into a story with a clear timeline, strong characters, a good plot, and an overall theme.

Critique: Occasionally featuring B/W photographic illustrations, "Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History" by Doug Tattershall is impressively well organized and presened, makeing it ideal as an instructional guide and 'how to' manual for the amateur or non-professional genealogist in creating interesting and informative narratives drawn from family genealogical records. It is also an ideal resource for anyone wanting to learn how to transform a parent, grand-parent, or ancestor's diary/journal into a publishable biography. This paperback edition of "Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History" from the Genealogical Publishing Company is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, senior center, community, and college/university library Genealogy collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Doug Tattershall grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, studied journalism and political science at the University of Kentucky, and worked as a news reporter for The Advocate-Messenger in Danville, Kentucky, before working in public relations. Today, he works as a freelance writer and media relations coordinator at the Lexington Public Library.

Mastering Your Scenes - Your Blueprint for Success
J.A. Cox
Independently Published
9798990683822, $14.95 Paperback, 78 pages

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Your-Scenes-Blueprint-Success-ebook/dp/B08GY843L4

Suzie Housley
Reviewer

Synopsis: Are you prepared to embark on a unique and thrilling journey in scene writing? This book's distinct approach sparks creativity and obliterates writer's block.

Each chapter unfolds like a delightful travel itinerary, guiding you through the essential elements of scene writing in a practical workbook format that encourages active participation. You won't merely read;

J.A. Cox expertly breaks down the how, why, and when of each element, ensuring that you not only understand the concepts, but can also seamlessly implement them into your writing. With rich examples drawn from his work and beloved shows and movies, you'll gain valuable insights that will transform your scenes into vibrant, captivating narratives.

Picture this: as you sketch out your ideas, establish your location, and develop your characters, you are on a journey of discovery. Each step you take will bring you closer to crafting scenes resonating with your readers, filled with depth and emotion.

Throughout the pages, discover the art of perspective, learn to build resistance and clarify objectives, all while enjoying the process of creation. This journey will inspire you and fill you with a sense of fulfillment as you see your writing skills grow.

So, why delay? Immerse yourself in this workbook and let it be your trusted companion as you navigate the exhilarating world of scene writing.

Critique: Mastering Your Scenes is a delightful resource designed to help you effortlessly craft extraordinary scenes that will become the highlights of your writing career.

J.A. Cox is an expert writer. With expert curated advice, you'll learn how to observe your surroundings with a fresh perspective, allowing you to weave together the sights, sounds, and emotions required for each scene. This personalized approach allows you to create scenes that deeply resonate with you and your readers, fostering worldwide connections.

I found this book beneficial as a book reviewer. I tend to follow the tone that is set by the author, but this book provided me a fresh new perspective on ways I can improve upon my own writing skills.



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James A. Cox
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