The Chopping Blog

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How to self-edit your novel like a pro
July 06, 2022
The author’s first job, whether they are writing fiction or narrative nonfiction, is to transport readers into their characters’ world.
- On the craft
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Congrats to Jordan Tuck
June 30, 2022
A huge congrats to our client Jordan Tuck on the release of Goddess: Ascension!
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- 1 comment
The Synopsis Skirmish 2022—1st place
June 27, 2022
Raynes and Riel concoct a scheme to draw a confession out of the killer, but that plan is never put into place. Instead, Riel finds himself on the receiving end of a rifle in the ribs and a long drive to the middle of Nowhere, Nova Scotia.
- Contest updates
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The Synopsis Skirmish 2022—2nd place
June 25, 2022

"Unbeknownst to Jack, however, Aya herself is no damsel-in-distress. She has an agenda all her own: to avenge her family’s murder by overthrowing the government of the very country Jack is trying to get them both out of alive."
- Contest updates
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The Synopsis Skirmish 2022—3rd place
June 25, 2022
"As Jordan’s disorder threatens to regain control over his life and upend his relationships, he finds himself faced with a difficult decision."
- Contest updates
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The Gauntlet: Beta Readers (new service!)
June 15, 2022
We're excited to launch our new service—a curated beta reader experience.
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Book Broker—an interview with Beth Marshea
June 14, 2022
"I want to feel like I'm a part of this world, so when you stop to take a page and half to tell me about the inner workings of things, it doesn't feel like I'm living it."
- Agent interviews
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Book Broker—an interview with Imogen Pelham
June 01, 2022
I’m always drawn in by the known unknowns—when I can tell something’s off, but I don’t know what it is yet, or there’s a detail which doesn’t make sense and I need to keep reading to find out what it is.
- Agent interviews
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- 1 comment
The First Page Challenge is back!
May 29, 2022

Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: how likely am I to turn this page and keep reading?
- Contest updates
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Story Skeleton—Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?
May 29, 2022
What Oates controls so beautifully in this story is the quality and intensity of escalation.
- Story Skeleton
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Book Broker—an interview with Victoria Skurnick
May 21, 2022
I’m old-fashioned enough to be put off by terrible grammar and sloppy technique.
- Agent interviews
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Book Broker—an interview with Sandra Sawicka
May 19, 2022
It really is 99% about the writing.
- Agent interviews
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