Over 50% off my class on how to edit a novel > https://richiebilling.com/store/writing-classes/how-to-edit-a-novel-editing-class

How do you know when you’ve taken a manuscript as far as you can, and how can you tell whether an editor is actually right for your book?

Fantasy and cozy mystery editor Richelle Braswell joins Richie Billing to explain when professional editing becomes worthwhile, where to find reputable book editors, and the green and red flags to investigate before trusting someone with your manuscript.

They discuss referrals, professional editing organisations, genre specialisation, discovery calls, sample edits, realistic rates and the importance of finding an editor whose communication style matches what you need.

The conversation also ventures inside the manuscript. Richelle explains how a good editor moves beyond vague reactions such as “this character is boring” to diagnose the actual storytelling problem.

Richie and Richelle explore personal motives and stakes, passive protagonists, character agency, showing emotion through behaviour and the value of constructive editorial feedback.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognise when you need outside editorial help

• The difference between developmental support and copy editing

• Where to find reputable book editors

• How to evaluate an editor’s credentials, specialism and working style

• The green and red flags to look for before hiring

• When a sample edit can help you make the decision

• How editors preserve an author’s voice while strengthening the story

• Why personal stakes and character agency matter

• Which writing and editing craft books Richelle recommends

CHAPTERS

00:00 Why fantasy stories contain elements of mystery

01:05 When can an editor help your manuscript?

04:27 Where to find a professional book editor

08:12 Green flags and the importance of genre specialisation

10:43 Red flags, suspiciously low rates and realistic pricing

12:22 Finding an editor whose working style suits you

14:49 Sample edits and protecting your authorial voice

16:06 Turning gut reactions into constructive feedback

18:55 Making motives and stakes personal

21:39 Character depth, decisions and agency

23:56 Showing emotion through action and body language

25:35 Recommended books on writing and editing

31:06 Where to find Richelle

ABOUT RICHELLE BRASWELL

Richelle is a professional editor specialising in fantasy and cozy mystery. As the self-described “fairy godeditor”, she helps writers strengthen their plots, characters and prose while preserving the voice and vision that make each story distinctive.

Richelle’s website and editing services: https://www.richellebraswell.com/

Richelle’s author resources and recommended craft books: https://www.richellebraswell.com/author-resources

JOIN THE TOOLSHED COMMUNITY

Join our community of writers and get access to fantasy writing classes, books and early podcast episodes: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by author, podcaster and anthropologist Michael Kilman.

Michael shares fantastic insights on what anthropology is and how it can be applied to writing fantasy books.

We delve into cause-and-effect, the anthropological roots of monsters, taboos, and cross-cultural myth structures, and discuss why these are goldmines for fantasy writers.

We also look at how worldbuilding through anthropology explores real-world, cross-cultural issues, and we look at a wide range of examples of approaches that humans take to structure their societies.

In short, using anthropology in your world creation process can help to create more nuanced and complex characters and cultures, making tension and conflict feel more impactful, and stories more immersive.

I hope you enjoy it!

More About Michael Kilman

Michael co-wrote Build Better Worlds: An Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers with forensic anthropologist Kyra Wellstrom.

He recently published an academic book chapter titled Worldbuilding as Pedagogy: Teaching Anthropology and Diversity in Contentious Times.

He's spent 11 years teaching anthropology at university level, including a course called Anthropology Through Science Fiction, has hosted a TED Talk, and also hosts a live Ask an Anthropologist about Worldbuilding series on YouTube, which you can check out for even more on the topic.

https://loridianslaboratory.com/

https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelKilmanAuthor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBC4FaVnOAs - Michael's TED Talk

https://www.instagram.com/loridianslab/

https://loridianslab.medium.com/

https://substack.com/@loridianslaboratory

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

How do you write characters that leap off the page—and keep readers hooked for 40 years? New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz joins The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed for a career-spanning masterclass in writing romance, suspense, and gothic fiction.

With over 200 books published under three names—Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle—and more than 30 million copies in print, Jayne reveals the "core story" approach behind her extraordinary longevity, and the single best piece of advice she'd give any writer.

We dig into character creation, worldbuilding readers can't resist returning to (yes, we talk dust bunnies—Harmony fans, you know), and the mechanics of romantic suspense, where every twist in the romance drives a twist in the suspense, and vice versa.

Jayne also breaks down what defines gothic fiction, how publishing has transformed across her career, and where the industry is heading next.

Plus: her brand-new novel Enter the Nightmare (written as Jayne Castle), the latest in the Harmony series—out now.

In this episode: the core story method • creating unforgettable characters • worldbuilding • how to write romantic suspense • writing gothic novels • the future of publishing • advice for new and aspiring writers

🔗 JAYNE ANN KRENTZ

Website > https://jayneannkrentz.com/ Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/JayneAnnKrentz/ Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/jayneannkrentzauthor/ Enter the Nightmare > https://jayneannkrentz.com/book/enter-the-nightmare/ UK readers > https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/jayne-castle/enter-the-nightmare/9780349449456/