Saturday Editing Tip: Inch vs. Inches; Foot vs. Feet

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I’m in the last stages of publishing a highly-technical manuscript for a client. As part of my standardization, I have to make sure that the way the author expresses units of measure is not only consistent but also verify that it should be expressed as a singular or plural unit of measure.

Before this project, I honestly didn’t give much thought to the difference between “2 feet” and “2-foot” or “10 inches” and “10-inch.”

Here’s a down & dirty way to remember:

The singular, with a dash between the number and the singular form of the measurement, is used when you’re talking about a unit of measure. For example, a 10-inch section of board or a two-foot gap.

The plural is used when you’re talking about how many. For example, space the nails 10 inches apart.

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What’s the Difference Between a Blog Post & an Article?

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This question came up at an event I was at this past weekend. Especially the related questions:

Is there even a difference?

and

Does it matter?

While there are some experts who claim that anything posted on a blog is by nature, a blog post, I can agree that content of any length, posted to a blog can be considered a “blog post” but that’s just splitting hairs! The difference is in the way the two are used.

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The Importance of an “Editorial” Calendar

I’ve been trying for the past forty-five minutes to write this week’s article. You want to know the problem? Too many ideas!

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I’ve had fits and starts with everything from promoting your book once it’s written to WHY you need to promote your book; an analogy that books are to marking today what websites were to marketing (and credibility) in the early 2000’s. And another analogy about how books are like life rafts! I even managed to work in a plug for a new teleseminar I’ll be offering later this year.

None of those fits, starts, and ideas actually BECAME an article though.

Why?

Because I am not working from a plan!

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Make Your Content Work For You

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Many small business owners, especially those with an online presence, understand the importance of writing and publishing an email newsletter, or eZine. Without fail, they write well researched, relevant content and email it out to their customers and prospects, hoping to gain sales and customers.

What these small business owners/eZine authors don’t realize is that they are leaving easy money on the table!

One of the business owners I’m working with owns a local brick-and-mortar store. It’s a hugely successful garden center. One of the reasons it is so successful, even through the economic challenges and major road construction, and still able to compete head-to-head with the Big Box stores in town, is through the quality content that is emailed weekly to subscribers. The business owner knows the power of content and the garden center’s website has a wealth of resources hidden in its archives.

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Following The Idea Path

I received an email this week from Paul T. Paul asked:

I have been toying with the idea of publishing some sort of eBook. My problem is staying focused on one topic. I could say I probably have topics and starts of layouts for about a dozen books. Do you have any ideas on how to stay on track?

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Thanks for the email, Paul. This is a really valid concern.
Here’s how you can figure out what path you’ll want to take to get started with your books.

1. Decide why you want to publish your book.
Are you looking to establish your credibility in your field? Attract new clients? Fulfill a life-long dream of being a published author? Make extra money?

No answer is the wrong answer! But the answer to WHY you want to publish your will direct how you go forward.

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Saturday Editing Tip: Catching the “little” things

As part of my Assisted Self-Publishing services, I offer a round of comprehensive editing. This editing covers grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Here’s a quick grammar tip for your Saturday!

I’m in the middle of an edit on my next book. The working title is “A Beginner’s Guide to Tent Camping”. This edit is still for major issues like adding in a whole section and clarifying paragraphs. But as I do this, I’m also looking for the “little” things that can mean the difference between a professional manuscript and looking like an amateur.

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