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Carly Hayward, Editor

Book Light Editorial & RevPit editor, Story Chat Radio co-host. Disabled. You'll usually find me cuddling w/ a cup of tea and a great book. She/her

Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-30

“A character’s relationships show who they are. Who we like, why we like them, who we hate, why we hate them, and what we will do for and within our relationships shows who a person is better than anything else.”

Discussing characterization on episode 41 of #StoryChatRadio!⠀​​​​​​​​
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Listen now wherever you listen to your podcasts. ​​​​​​​​

#WritingCommunity #EditingTips #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #WritingPodcast #StoryChatRadio #Podcast

Solid white background. On the bottom center, there is the company logo for book light editorial, an open book with a lightbulb in the center. There are two teal and blue bullhorns on both bottom corners. The text says, “A character’s relationships show who they are. Who we like, why we like them, who we hate, why we hate them, and what we will do for and within our relationships shows who a person is better than anything else. ‘On Episode ‘41’ of Story Chat Radio.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-29

Testimonial from Felicia Grossman, author of Appetites & Vices 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, ““Carly was able to see my vision and pinpoint exactly what was falling flat, what needed more development, what needed more consistency, and what needed more balance. She explained each of the issues in a clear way that made sense and inspired me to make changes in a smart way, to expand some threads and cut others and dig deeper into certain characters. Her notes were so thorough and helpful and well organized and well thought-out, that I was super excited to edit—those are the best sort of notes. Carly is super professional, prompt, organized, concise, and so smart! I learned so much working with her, all of which has carried me through to later projects.” -Felicia Grossman, Author of Appetites & Vices”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-28

Word choice, cadence, and descriptions have a huge influence on the tone and vibe of your story. Writing the same setting but from different genres will help you grow your skills and make you more aware of your choices in your own manuscript.

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

Solid gray background. The left and right side of the graphics have red, blue, and gold flowers. The company logo is an open book with a lightbulb in the center and its on the bottom left corner. The text reads, “Word choice, cadence, and descriptions have a huge influence on the tone and vibe of your story. Writing the same setting but from different genres will help you grow your skills and make you more aware of your choices in your own manuscript.”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-27

What are you currently reading? I’m about to start Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa!

P.S. Can you spot the cat?

#Cats #CatAndBooks #Bookish #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

The picture is on someone’s lap covered in a blanket with a green kindle on their lap. There’s a tiny cat tail peeking out as well.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-26

Our most flexible service that fits our authors’ unique style.

-We can read your full manuscript & have a critique call
-Read sections as you write to keep you on schedule
-Outline brainstorming to set you on the best path

#EditingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

Solid white background. The main text reads, “Coaching Call.” The company logo is on the bottom left corner. The company symbol is an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The center image is a woman sitting at a desk with a cat and books on the desk. The woman has black, green, and red hair. The body of the image says, “Our most flexible service that fits our authors’ unique style. We can read your full manuscript & have a critique call. Read sections as you write to keep you on schedule. Outline brainstorming to set you on the best path.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-23

Having your reader understand the subtext of what a character is saying or doing leads to unease and tension. If they know that a character is lying, the unease and uncertainty that comes from that will up the tension.

Discussing subtext on Episode 32 of #StoryChatRadio

#WritingCommunity #EditingTips #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #WritingPodcast #StoryChatRadio #Podcast

Solid white background. On the bottom center, there is the company logo for book light editorial, an open book with a lightbulb in the center. There are two teal and blue bullhorns on both bottom corners. The text says, “Having your reader understand the subtext of what a character is saying or doing leads to unease and tension. If they know that a character is lying, the unease and uncertainty that comes from that will up the tension.’ ‘On Episode ‘32’ of Story Chat Radio.’”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-22

Testimonial from Anthony DeCapite, author of Fireline and Outlaw 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “Carly was not only essential to getting my manuscript in shape, but she was a pleasure to work with. She was flexible and communicative regarding her schedule, and most importantly, delivered a great developmental edit! Her insightful feedback was instrumental in bringing my protagonist to life. Readers are really connecting with the emotional ride of my story, and I have Carly to thank for getting me to bring all those emotions to the fore in a compelling way. I’m a screenwriter by training, and she also gave me guidance that helped me flesh out my prose and wrap my head around the needs of a novel. I couldn’t be happier with Carly and the process, and I’m definitely hiring her to help me with my next novel.” -Anthony DeCapite, author of Fireline and Outlaw”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-21

While lust and hate are strong driving forces in a book, don’t overlook the power of other forms of love. Utilize other forms in your writing!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

The majority of the background is white but on the left side of the graphic, there’s a part of a spiral staircase that has flowers wrapped around the wood. The flowers are blue, red, and gold. The text says, “While lust and hate are strong driving forces in a book, don’t overlook the power of other forms of love. Those complex relationships where you love your friend, don’t want to disappoint them, feel judged by them, feel supported by them, often take them for granted, lie to them, but ultimately you truly understand them and will always be there for them, those are powerful relationships that can drive so many different plots and stories.”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-19

If you could pick one of these familiars to be with you always, which would you pick?

#WritingCommunity #WritersLife #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #EditingFamiliars

The image has a solid dark jade color background. In the bottom left corner, the company symbol is there which is an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The main text says, “Editing Familiars: The three aspects of our editorial approach.” There are three items in the middle; a golden raven, a black cat, and a jade dragon. Underneath each character, there is some text that reads, “The Raven: Knowledge and creativity, The Cat: Supportive and long-lasting partnerships, The Dragon: Protection of your voice and vision.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-16

What is the difference between a motif, a symbol, and a theme?

A symbol can be a one-off thing, while a motif is repeated. It takes a symbol and repeats it throughout the work. And through its repetition, it expresses the theme of the story.

Discussing Motif, Symbols, and Themes on Episode 36 of #StoryChatRadio

#WritingCommunity #EditingTips #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #WritingPodcast #StoryChatRadio #Podcast

Solid white background. On the bottom center, there is the company logo for book light editorial, an open book with a lightbulb in the center. There are two teal and blue bullhorns on both bottom corners. The text says, “What is the difference between a motif, a symbol, and a theme? A symbol can be a one-off thing, while a motif is repeated. It takes a symbol and repeats it throughout the work. And through its repetition, it expresses the theme of the story. On Episode ‘36’ of Story Chat Radio.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-15

Testimonial from Laura Catherine, author of Enemies to Booksellers 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “Carly is absolutely amazing and I can't recommend her enough. It was my first time doing a developmental edit for a book and I wasn't sure how useful it would be, but the thorough read and input from Carly was invaluable to making my story better. I used the Neon Indie Bundle and having the edits looked at twice really gave me peace of mind that the changes I'd made were the right ones. Carly gives the perfect balance of praise and constructive feedback through detailed assessments. I can't wait to work with her again.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-14
The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “I’ve never read the Lord of the Rings.”The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “I'm a sucker for special editions.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-14

Here’s another trend my assistant told me about and it was fun! What do you think of my bookish confessions? Do we share any of them?

#BookishTrend #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #BookishConfessions

The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “Bookish Confessions.”The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “I dog-ear pages (my books are well-loved).”The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “I prefer Bronte over Austen always.”The picture is of a woman with blue hair and glasses with a cat on her shoulder. On the bottom of the image, there is a tan scroll with a golden raven on the top right corner of it. The text reads, “My writing pet-peeve is when the MC looks in the mirror to describe how they look to the reader.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-13

Sometimes you just have to faceplant onto your bed. Just follow Percy’s example.

#Cats #CatAndBooks #Bookish #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

The picture is of a calico cat faceplanting on their bed.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-12

We review your query, synopsis, & first fifty pages and offer an in-depth critique, giving you steps to make it shiny before sending it off to agents.

#WritingCommunity #WritersLife #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

Solid dark jade colored background but on the left side of the graphic, there’s a part of a spiral staircase that has flowers wrapped around the wood. The flowers are blue, red, and gold. The text says, “Shiny Submission Package. We review your query, synopsis, & first fifty pages and offer an in-depth critique, giving you steps to make it shiny before sending it off to agents.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-09

Every character needs a GMC (goal, motivation and conflict), because honestly, that’s the basics of humanity. We all want something and we all have our reasons for wanting it.

Discussing Goal, Motivation, and Conflict on Episode 34 of #StoryChatRadio

#WritingCommunity #EditingTips #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #WritingPodcast #StoryChatRadio #Podcast

Solid dark grey background. On the bottom center, there is the company logo for book light editorial, an open book with a lightbulb in the center. There are two teal and blue bullhorns on both bottom corners. The text says, “Every character needs a GMC (goal, motivation and conflict), because honestly, that’s the basics of humanity. We all want something and we all have our reasons for wanting it. On Episode ‘34’ of Story Chat Radio.”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-08

Testimonial from Deana Birch, author of Faster and Slower! 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial

Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “When I first approached Carly, I wasn’t sure my manuscript would ever be published. But with her gentle manner and supportive feedback, she helped me organize and re-write my story. She’s phenomenal at suggesting solutions, not just pointing out problems. With Carly, you know she is immediately on your team and your biggest cheerleader. After working with her on two books, I honestly felt like she knew my characters as well as I did. Carly is professional, positive and kind.” -Deana Birch, author of Faster and Slower”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-07

Every scene in your book needs to further either the plot or character development. If it doesn’t do either, nix it!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

The majority of the background is white but on the left side of the graphic, there’s a part of a spiral staircase that has flowers wrapped around the wood. The flowers are blue, red, and gold. The text says, “Every scene in your book needs to further either the plot or character development. If it doesn’t do either, nix it!”Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-06

Nurse Percy disagrees with the doctors

#Cats #CatAndBooks #Bookish #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

The picture is of a calico cat pushing pill bottles of a desk.
Carly Hayward, Editorfromcarly@writing.exchange
2025-05-05

Neon Indie Bundle: From focused feedback on storytelling elements to fixing spelling and grammar, we’ll help make your manuscript glow before indie-publishing.

#WritingCommunity #WritersLife #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity

Solid dark jade background. On the left bottom corner, there is a golden raven with jade eyes. Surrounding the body text is a wooden circle with blue and gold flowers wrapped around it. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. The text reads, “Neon Indie Bundle. From focused feedback on storytelling elements to fixing spelling and grammar, we’ll help make your manuscript glow before indie-publishing.”

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