Karen Grove, Editorial Services

10/05/2024

I have an unexpected opening in my editing schedule beginning May 15. If you need an immediate edit, please don't hesitate to reach out. I specialize in YA, NA, romance, women's fiction, and suspense.

27/09/2023

I'm sure you've all been carefully following the news of books being improperly used to train AI. If your books have been used, here's some helpful information from the Author's Guild.

If you’re an author, you may have recently discovered that your published book was included in a dataset of books used to train artificial intelligence systems without your permission. This can be an unsettling revelation, raising concerns about copyright, compensation, and the […]

08/08/2023

I love this meme. Great job, Southern Adirondack Library System!

21/07/2023

UPDATE: Spot has been filled.

I'm not sure this has ever happened in the history of my business, but my schedule is wide open from August 1 - August 15! If you're looking for a last-minute edit, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

28/04/2023

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists in last night's Edgar Awards!

07/03/2023

Congratulations, Laurie Halse Anderson!

American author Laurie Halse Anderson is the winner of the 2023 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest children’s book prize.

03/03/2023

I'm sad that I have to post this. In the last four weeks I've had three separate inquiries for editing services in which writers have come to me with stories of being scammed by "editors" who did very little in the way of editing--and one who charged an exorbitant price for nothing more than running the manuscript through a computer program and jotting down a few opinions. It's important that writers do their due diligence in vetting an editor. I checked out all three "professionals"--two had websites with absolutely no information about their education and experience (one didn't even have testimonials or lists of books they edited) and the third had nothing more than a price sheet. And that price sheet was about 5 times higher than most experienced editors would charge! As with any service, it's important to research who you are doing business with. Ask questions and set expectations. And make sure you have a contract with those expectations spelled out. Editing is a partnership, so do your research and partner with someone you trust.

28/02/2023

A great book at a great price! If you haven't yet read THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros, jump on this deal. You won't be disappointed.

🚨PRICE DROP—$7.99 –> $1.99🚨

If you've been dying to get your hands on The Things We Leave Unfinished, you'd better act fast! This incredible STANDALONE romance is currently discounted from its usual $7.99 price tag to a steal of $1.99 - that's a huge saving of $6 for a limited time!

Go on, treat yourself ➡️ geni.us/TTWLUzon !!!

23/12/2022

Happy holidays!

Follow the Goodwill Librarian Instagram.com/goodwilllibrarian

(Source: Pinterest)

15/12/2022

What an interesting pairing. I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Little, Brown's current bestselling author, James Patterson, will complete an as-yet-untitled novel by another of its bestselling authors, the late Michael Crichton.

13/12/2022

I'm heartbroken to hear my dear friend Marijane Meaker (M.E. Kerr) has left us. She was such a bright light in the publishing world, always with a kind word, sharp wit, and infectious humor. Her strength, courage, and sense of humor uplifted all who knew her. She had a major impact on me when we met during my early years in publishing, and we remained friends for more than 30 years. Heaven has gained another angel. (I can hear her laughing at that.) You will be greatly missed.

Her 1952 novel “Spring Fire” was about a girl who falls in love with a sorority sister. As M.E. Kerr, Ms. Meaker wrote popular young adult books.

14/09/2022

Congratulations to those who have made the longlist for the 2022 National Book Award! https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/90325-2022-nba-longlist-for-young-people-s-literature-announced.html?fbclid=IwAR057auzgY9i8MfuZdUVArAyff-taBjpUorA-Kssb_NB3afV9FCTSvlkj7M

The National Book Foundation has revealed the 2022 National Book Award longlist for Young People's Literature.

02/06/2022

Right now Amazon allows readers to "return" ebooks, which means readers are buying an ebook, reading it, then returning it for a full refund. As a result, the authors do not receive any income for writing and publishing the book. Please join me in signing this petition to stop this practice. It is theft, plain and simple.

Change Amazon Return Policies for Completed E-books: Protect Authors from Theft!

12/04/2022

20/02/2022

Most of you know I'm a die-hard proponent of the Oxford comma. Here's a very expensive example of why it's important. (And yes, if you prefer no Oxford/serial comma, I will honor that decision because your preference for your book is more important than my preference for following CMOS. But if you have no preference, then the Oxford comma will be instated. :) )
https://thewritelife.com/is-the-oxford-comma-necessary/?fbclid=IwAR1TJw4shlqvOmIpNOlI-nHjfJIeMbhfRMWubDnPnpYrBNdBE7DUv6aRxPA

This settles the Oxford comma debate! Surprise: It goes against AP style. Here's how the serial comma works and why it's important for clarity.

19/02/2022

I wish I could be as tactful and thoughtful as Bill Konigsberg in this instance. Read his open letter to parents wishing to ban his book in Texas.

THE BRIDGE is an important book for many reasons. Bill Konigsberg has written an open letter to parents in Texas who want to take it off the shelves. (How I wish there was a chance they would read it and respond.)
He says: "Here it is, hot off the presses:
AN OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS WISHING TO BAN THE BRIDGE FROM LIBRARIES IN TEXAS
"It has been banned because it 'Contains 1 or more of the following: Marxism, in**st, sexual explicit material — in written form and/ or visual pictures, po*******hy, CRT, immoral activities, rebellious against parents, and the material contradicts the ISD’s student handbook.' I have a few thoughts I shared with them about this.
"Feel free to share widely. I've sent it to the parents in question, and I'm here and ready to gooooo! Let's do this."

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, 2/18/22   I recently read with interest your call to remove 282 books from your local school library. In it, you claim to have reviewed yourself all of these books and deemed them unfit for K-12 usage (quite a range there!). I saw that you included among these... Read mor...

05/12/2021

I can so relate...

03/12/2021

A little editorial humor for the holiday season. https://twitter.com/RamsesThePigeon/status/1466168057676578818?s=20&fbclid=IwAR0bgb54yS5znG7rLAS2K1i02NrglkxwPBNzKJKUHATlKWH1bnoAZzLpGmc

“I couldn't figure out where the comma(s) in "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" should go, so I hit myself in the face. https://t.co/BNaglwpzYt”

14/10/2021

I was gutted when Gary Paulsen's agent phoned me yesterday morning to tell me of his sudden passing. We truly lost an amazing, caring, genuine, and funny man who seemed invincible. I will always remember him fondly for his wild stories and incredible sense of humor. RIP, Gary. I will miss you. Your stories will shape generations to come. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2021/10/14/gary-paulsen-dies-author-hatchet-young-adult-books/8448570002/

Gary Paulsen wrote more than 100 titles, mostly for young adults but a few targeted to adults. He had died at age 82.

29/09/2021

This new spin-off series to Sherilee Gray's Knights of Hell will keep you guessing, holding your breath, and swooning. Witches, hellhounds, demons, and shifters...oh my! Happy book birthday, Sherilee!

🔥A Curse in Darkness is LIVE! 🔥

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ttk4QL
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3cF0VSw
Apple: https://apple.co/3gmi0mv
B&N: https://bit.ly/3xi33rt
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2SsypwS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3cFSlDl
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3vmuhLZ

Blurb:

Willow

I once faced evil…and lost.

With the fate of my family—and our magic—suddenly in my hands, I vow to protect them no matter what. But the coven trials have claimed many witches, and vanquishing malevolent spirits, while hunting a possessed hellhound on a killing spree, is far more than I bargained for.

Now the hellhound’s domineering alpha is shadowing me. More beast than man, Warrick both tempts and terrifies. Still, I can’t resist our overwhelming attraction and when a twisted enemy makes their move and I’m faced with an impossible choice, I need him more than ever.

But fortune is fickle, and in a world full of monsters, falling in love can be hazardous to your health—and your heart.

29/09/2021

Sherilee Gray's CRASHED is now available in audio too. I can't wait to hear the narration.

It's the audio release of CRASHED today! Yay!

Blurb:
She swore never to trust him again....

Fiery mechanic Alexandra Franco should have known better. Years ago, her best friends' older brother took her virginity and broke her heart - or rather, doused it with gasoline, lit a match, and then walked away. And Alex definitely should not have indulged in another hot night with him after the fact. He's not the same boy she fell for, and she sure as hell doesn't want anything to do with the wealthy, ruthless man he's become.

Walking away from Alex was the biggest mistake of Deacon West's life. She belongs with him, and if getting her back means playing dirty, so be it. If she'll grant him a three-month, no-strings affair, he won't sell the building Alex and his sisters use for their auto repair business. Hell, he'll even sign it over to them. But will Alex ever entrust her heart to him again, or are they destined to crash and burn?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ih3pcD

28/08/2021

Yes!!

03/08/2021

For a short period of time, you can get the ebook for free! See the links below.

For a VERY limited time you can read BAD FOR YOU for FREE! 🔥

This book has all the opposites attract goodness you could ask for! Bad boy biker and shy librarian! Delicious! 😍

***

Here's the blurb:

The first time I saw Lila Cooper, I vowed to make her mine.

She was dangerous—those big brown eyes saw far more in me than a biker good with his fists. Far more than I wanted her to see.

But I had to let her go. My screwed-up family destroys everything they touch, and my club sent me to clean up my brother's mess. I couldn't risk Lila getting hurt. So I hurt her instead, the woman who owned my heart.

Now she's determined to forget me. But I'll do anything for a second chance, even reveal the scars on my soul...

Grab a copy while you can! This one won't be free for long!

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3d45IM3
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2x0IS7D
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wbyF8b
B&N: https://bit.ly/2QvC1tt
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3g07ui6
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/33nqwtq
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2IPLJmp
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2xALEAz

16/07/2021

Ann and I worked together for three decades and 23 historical novels. She loved American history and would get so excited when she found lesser-known stories while doing research. I think what made her stories so engaging for young readers is that beneath the historical events she wrote about was always an exploration of family relationships. We remained dear friends long after she left the publishing world, and I will greatly miss our monthly phone calls and hearing the joy in her voice when she spoke about her own family. Rest in peace, Ann. Rest in peace.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/86888-obituary-ann-rinaldi.html

Author and journalist Ann Rinaldi, best known for her painstakingly researched YA historical fiction featuring female protagonists, died on July 1 in Branchburg, N.J.; she was 86.

07/07/2021

If you have't yet read it, you can snap it up right now for under a buck. It will be the best dollar you've spent in a long, long time. ;)

‼️SALE ALERT‼️

I didn’t think I’d ever see 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 on sale for 99¢!!! If you haven’t yet, grab Cam and Willow’s story TODAY!

How do you define yourself when others have already decided who you are?

Six years ago, when Camden Daniels came back from war without his younger brother, no one in the small town of Alba, Colorado, would forgive him—especially his father. Cam left, swearing never to return.

But a desperate message from his father brings it all back. The betrayal. The pain. And the need to go home again.

But home is where the one person he still loves is waiting. Willow. The one woman he can never have. Because there are secrets buried in Alba that are best left in the dark.

If only he could tell his heart to stay locked away when she whispers she’s always loved him, and always will…

Great and Precious Things is a heart-wrenching story about family, betrayal, and ultimately how far we're willing to go on behalf of those who need us most.

❗️Available on ALL platforms❗️

B&N http://bit.ly/2kwozZD
AMAZON https://amzn.to/2HKNm4E
AMAZON UK https://amzn.to/2lFPbHL
AMAZON AU https://amzn.to/2lxZDBp
AMAZON CA https://amzn.to/2kksUPO
APPLE BOOKS https://apple.co/2m0VTZk
KOBO http://bit.ly/2lzrfGa

02/07/2021

So much this. Microsoft has made it hard for editors and writers with their new Modern Comments. It may sound like a small thing, but the time wasted with these new Modern Comments--and the confusion it causes writers as they attempt to see how and where suggestions are being made--sends us all in search of an alternative.

Modern Comments Share this:TwitterRedditTumblrPinterestFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related Author Iva CheungPosted on July 1, 2021July 1, 2021Format ImageCategories EditingTags Comics, Microsoft Word

18/01/2021

I've just had a spot open in my editing schedule from February 15 - 30. So if any of you have been waiting... :)

11/01/2021

This is an interesting look at Covid and the future of the publishing industry. Do you think this will change the way your work or approach publishing? https://www.idealog.com/blog/thoughts-about-what-covid-and-2020-mean-for-book-publishing/

A team of independent publishing consultants with broad and deep experience in the industry have produced an excellent report on the effects of the past year’s pandemic on the book publishing business called “COVID-19 and Book Publishing: Impacts and Insights for 2021”. Cliff Guren, Thad McIlr...

10/01/2021

"Should I find a publisher or self-publish?" I get asked this question frequently, and a lot depends on the particular manuscript, the author's brand and experience, how much time and money the author has available for publishing, the goal in publishing, and marketing prowess. There's no one size fits all. Here's a great post from Jane Friedman about the various routes offered--the good and the bad--when it comes to publishing your story. https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/?fbclid=IwAR1rFedKt1uA8E9BGAh82wiv-2D8zMJGi6dqosAKeC4v3ALBNtXrF999l6g

Should you self-publish or traditionally publish? This infographic will help you determine the best choice for you and your project.