In this writer education podcast from the Story Savvy Series, we break down how to use developmental editing advice, the print-and-mark edit method, and storytelling improvement tips to move forward when you're stuck self-editing. Learn how to define theme and message, rethink story structure and editing, and stay focused even when editing repetitive words gets frustrating.

Hosted by developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], this episode offers guidance for writers feeling overwhelmed or stalled in the self-editing process. Whether you're fighting decision paralysis or second-guessing structural choices, you'll learn how to make progress without striving for perfection.

In this Episode

• Practical mindset shifts to move past resistance and perfectionism

• Fast placeholders for audience, genre, and theme so you keep momentum

• Scene-level fixes for sticky plot beats and arcs

• Lightweight final-pass cleanups (speaker clarity, typos, scene breaks)

• How long to try, when to pause, and when to return after outside feedback

Resources

• Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/

• Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com

• Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com

In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we dive into catching typos in fiction and preparing your manuscript for feedback with a focused final read-through. You’ll learn how to polish your manuscript, improve reader clarity, and handle editing repetitive words before beta readers or editors ever see it. With powerful self editing tips for writers, this episode helps you wrap up your revisions with purpose.

Hosted by developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], this episode tackles the final steps of revising your draft. Together, they explore what to do in your last read-through—from formatting and flow to clarity and polish—so you’re confident when it’s time to share your work.

In this Episode

• The goals of a last-pass edit

• Formatting fixes you can’t search for

• Best tools for grammar, spelling, and clarity

• How to flag and fix unclear dialogue

• Timeline guidance for staying productive

• Tricks for making your brain “see” your story fresh

Resources

• Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/

• Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com

• Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com
  

In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we walk through final checks for manuscripts to get your story ready for beta readers or editors. Featuring smart steps for editing repetitive words, avoiding head-hopping, and using self editing tips for writers to refine pacing and clarity. Whether you're writing fantasy or fiction, this session offers storytelling improvement tips, developmental editing advice, and practical tools to polish your manuscript with confidence.

Hosted by Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com], a professional developmental editor, and Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], an emerging middle-grade fantasy author, this episode breaks down how to wrap up your final self-edit and prep your book for outside eyes. A must-listen if you’re nearing the end of revision and want to make it count.

In this Episode

• What “final checks” cover: gaps, placeholders (TK/TBD), and last-pass polish

• Systems for flagging unknowns (unique markers + searchable notes)

• Quick wins you can make now for a visibly cleaner draft

• How much polish to do before beta readers vs. developmental editors

• What to do when decisions are still undecided—and how to brief readers

• Using lists and workspaces to remember “come back to this” items

• Deciding when this pass is truly the final edit

Resources

• Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/

• Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com

• Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com