Ink Editorial Blog
Welcome to the Ink Editorial blog — a resource for writers at every stage of the journey. Here you’ll find practical advice on manuscript assessments, developmental editing, line and copy editing, submission packages, query letters, synopses, and the publishing process. Each article is written by Tom Witcomb, a former literary agent and Big-5 editor, to help you improve your craft, prepare for submission, and give your book the best possible chance in today’s competitive market.
Proofreading Pitfalls: Why a Final Pass Is More Than Typos
Proofreading is often treated as “just fixing typos”. In reality, a professional proofread catches dozens of subtle errors that can distract or derail a reader.
How to Budget for Editing (Without Cutting Corners)
Editing is an investment, not a sunk cost. Here’s a practical way to budget for manuscript assessment, developmental, line and copy editing, and proofreading — so you get the right help at the right time without overpaying.
What a Literary Agent Looks for in Sample Chapters
Sample chapters are the most important pages of your submission package. Here’s what agents look for — and how editing can ensure those chapters deliver.