Representatives from Creative Word Lab are going to be out and about this evening supporting writers in our home community. Tonight at The Black Dog Arts Cafe there’s a special event called “Wine & Words.” Drink Wine. Listen to stories, poems, and other spoken word. Not a bad gig if you can get it. Also, you’re invited. A big thank you to Free Valley Publishing who’s putting on this event and supplying some special guests.
Apr 18
Welcome Book Projects
We’ve been busy editing tons and tons of book projects. Some of the projects we are unable to discuss because of contract obligations, but here’s a few that we are excited about:
Thomas Alexander‘s MISTRESS OF THE DANCING BONES
Editing this book and working with “Alex,” as he prefers to be called was great. The story is an epic fantasy with a vampiric twist. A strong female lead charges through this book like a fire dragon. We’re actually really looking forward to the next in this series…yes! it’s a series.
Another book that we’ve edited was Tonya Fraser‘s PROVIDENCE OF SOULS.
Editing this book and working with Tonya taught us a lot about helping a writer achieve their dreams. Tonya is busy writing her next book and we hope to help her get that one to print, too.
If you have a book you are looking to have edited, don’t hesitate to contact us. Editor@creativewordlab.com
Jun 11
3 Years of Word Lab Bliss
A big thank you to everyone for helping to make our dreams come true. Today marks three years since Creative Word Lab opened its inky doors.
It’s been a roller coaster ride, but a ton of fun.
In honor of this, we’re going to be featuring a 30 percent discount on all
services through the month of June.
There’s no better time, then, to get that project done you’ve been wanting to do.
Contact us at info(at)creativewordlab(dot)com today!
Thanks for getting us this far!
Apr 21
Self-publishing does not mean self-editing: Hire an editor!
By Casondra Brewster
Creative Word Lab
Recently, I was offered another contract for editing – a novel manuscript – but when I read the first five pages of the work – I had to refuse. Even if I charged my top rate, which is still cheap by going-rate standards, the work would be so intense that it would take longer than it should, making it not worth my time.
This is the first time I’ve refused work. I hated to do it, especially given that I had that on the same day I had another contract decline. I need all the work I can handle and then some, at least until I start getting paid more often for the writing side of my freelance life. My editing rate is lower than the typical standard, because I’m still building my business. So, I work six days a week, sometimes seven. Refusing work seemed to go against my DNA coding. But, this manuscript was not ready for prime-time, folks.
It harkened me back to the fervor that has been happening over in Chuck Wendig’s world with his post regarding improving the reputation of self-publishing by not putting out, well – crap. Herr Wendig is a huge supporter of indie publishing, I believe. He’s a hybrid writer himself, successfully straddling both author-publishing and traditionally publishing chasm. And it is a chasm. Do both worlds put out trash? Yes – I’m always quick to tell you stories about the errors I’ve found in big-name author’s books; however, those instances are story-worthy simply because it happens less frequently. Is the scale heavier on the indie publishing side? It is. When Wendig says there is a self-publishing shit volcano out there and it’s a problem, I can’t disagree. The manuscript I refused to work with until, at least, the writer did another revision is only one such example.
Listen, all you self-publishing people: hire an editor. Every author I’ve worked with (and they are mostly in the author-publishing realm) are just floored when I return a manuscript to them with the errors I find – both mechanical and craft-wise. Some of these are manuscripts that the author has revised multiple times.
Yet, it’s amazing to me that so many writers do not know how to do proper punctuation. Many novelists are so caught up in their own world that they forget the reader doesn’t know what you know as the writer. Then there’s continuity errors, foreshadowing that is never fulfilled…and on and on. Recognize, at bare minimum, that we are human and make mistakes. Editors help ensure your mistake-ratio is harder to calculate.
Therefore, every manuscript needs a seasoned editor’s eye, regardless of frequency of revision. Especially, if the only other people you’ve had read it are your family and friends. The final product after they’ve paid me (or another professional editor) to do editing? A stronger sell in the market that is just inundated – near a million books a year between traditional publishing and self-publishing. You want something strong to stick out from the shit volcano, my darling fellow writers. If you have a good story, it won’t matter how it’s published. People will be drawn to it.
There’s been many other blog posts, outside of Wendig’s, recently by both traditionally published, as well as, indie-published writers who say, self publishing is an option. As creative word smiths we are in an incredible time with heavy opportunity to get our work out there. We should take advantage of it, but do so only after you’ve invested the time into properly vetting your work. It’s simple, the reason why: if you don’t put a good product out there, no one is going to take you seriously. Your best friend might be a good beta reader for you and tell you, “Hey, that’s a great story.” But can you trust them to be objective? Can you trust your entire creative reputation on a best friend or spouse wanting to encourage you? Some folks have the rare relationship, where, yes, you can. But that’s the exception, not the rule.
Photo copyright A Geek Mom
Self publishing does not mean self-editing.That’s a horrendously bad idea. One of the reasons I haven’t self-published yet is because I don’t currently have the dough to shell out for a professional editor. I won’t self publish until I do. You want to add to the argument that self-publishing is less-than? Put out a manuscript that hasn’t been professionally edited. Be an example for the Big 5 (or six or three…whatever) and other indie-publishing naysayers as to why their format of traditional publishing is the only way to go. Personally, my goal is to be a hybrid author: one who is traditionally published and one who does author-publishing, as well. I won’t limit myself. But you bet your bootie I’m going to do it right. I won’t be an example for how to do it unprofessionally.
Jan 04
Bass Barber Shop has early holiday
This article and photo created by the folks here at Creative Word Lab. We can do the same for you!
Dec 11
Bass Barbershop opens doors
Features precision cuts like flat-top
NORTH BEND, WA. — A new barber shop opened its doors in North Bend this month, featuring veteran barber and precision-cut specialist & shop owner, Debbie Bass.
Bass Barbershop opened its doors Dec. 3rd, when the paint was barely dry on the walls of the newly refurbished spot where Bad Girls Antiques used to reside.
“It’s so good to be doing what I love and do best,” Bass said. “Opening up this shop…well, it feels like I’m finally home.”
Bass said she welcomes the whole family into her barbershop home, too.
The shop features hair cutting services for men, women, and children at affordable prices, while specializing in flat-tops and other precision cuts for men. Discounted senior citizen cuts are also available.
The shop is opened 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. All cuts are on a walk-in basis.
Bass Barbershop is located at 42901 SE North Bend Way. Parking is available adjacent to the shop.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Casondra Brewster, Creative Word Lab, casz@creativewordlab.com
Nov 04
The Art of Coffee Comes to North Bend
Some of our handiwork for our client, Pioneer Coffee, as featured in the local paper.
http://www.valleyrecord.com/business/150968005.html
http://www.valleyrecord.com/business/179353991.html
Oct 30
Creative Word Lab to Reach Out to Unemployed Vets
Local business reaches out to unemployed vets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Casondra Brewster
Email: casz@creativewordlab.com
NORTH BEND – A news story circulating the media says that nearly a quarter of a million jobless vets are part of the 9 percent unemployment. One of the biggest reasons is not due to injuries or disabilities received during their service time, but the fact that military experience does not easily translate into the civilian sector.
Creative Word Lab, a local business in the Snoqualmie Valley, is offering unemployed vets job searching help.
“We can help their resumes and cover letters translate the military jargon into corporate speak,” said Casondra Brewster, Creative Word Lab’s owner. “As a vet myself, I’ve walked in both worlds. I can assist them in applying the advantage of military service. You know the one that recruiters and retention sergeants told you would have when you got out of the service?”
The professional writing and business communication services firm is offering a program where they will work with vets to help them turn their oftentimes over-looked skills in leadership as well as their technical skills into marketable items on job applications and resumes. The best part? There is no fee until the vet finds a job and has received their first paycheck.
“Creative Word Lab’s fee is very low to begin with, but even then we work with Veterans to make sure that a first paycheck is helping them get on their feet,” Brewster said. “In the past, most folks have found the resume-writing services we provide to be well worth the investment of the fee.”
But unlike similar services, she added, Brewster understands the military veteran job seeker and what things like M.O.S., NCO, and ROEs mean. “All of those things translate to the civilian corporate world,” Brewster said. Creative Word Lab also can help vets look for other helpful resources if necessary. “Transition from being a service member to joe-shmoe is one of the hardest things anyone can do; I know. I’ve been there. I learned a lot and want to help where my skills work best.”
For details or inquiries on the service, Brewster can be contacted at casz@creativewordlab.com.
Jul 17
We met our goal! Thank you!
Operations Write for Baseball was a huge success and we reached our goal yesterday! That includes a few “mail-in” donations, which is fantastic, too. We’re still doing the video, and there will still be expressions of gratefulness and appreciation. Many of you have asked to be anonymous. You will forever be known as Tank’s Baseball Dream Supporters Extraordinaire! Thank you for helping a 10-yr-old’s dream come true.
Coach emailed me because he heard through the hollow snakes that there was a chance Tank couldn’t go. I told him, not to worry. Our reservations and fees were all in. Tank ended up having supporters all over the world (we got an international donation, too).
Again, I’m still floored from all of this. I am also inspired. I have so many story ideas. Some of them, perhaps will make it into print, which will be further evidence to everyone’s kindness, I hope.
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