As an editor, I am asked all the time, “What do I do next?” After I’ve answered this loaded question, a barrage more follow. “Where do I get a cover?” “Can you publish my book for me?” And even, “So, when will my book be published?” A new writer is often confused as to their… Continue reading Article Book Publication Checklist: Your 12-Step Program to Self-Publishing
Author: Katherine Black
Katherine Black / Susan (Sooz) Simpson
Founder of Best Book Editors
Katherine has held almost every single job imaginable, from painting gnomes to zookeeper. She spent most of her life in the caring profession and has managed both a nursing home and a care agency. But her passion for the written language always brings her home to novel writing.
Born in Tyne-and-Wear, North-East England, she has settled in the beautiful Lake District, Cumbria, with her partner, two dogs, a cat, an iguana and a python (just don't ask her which of those six things is her favourite!).
She specialises in content creation and social media outreach, and has been a developmental editor for hundreds of clients. She owns and operates bestbookeditors.com where she helps foundling authors polish their skills. However, after being diagnosed with a dramatic brain condition in 2022, she has had to let 23 staff go, and scale back the business. BBE is still very much open, we are just fewer and can't take as much work on.
Katherine Black is the author of psychological thriller/detective/fantasy adventure novels.
Review of The Cruise by Anthony Hulse
This book gets off to a flying start. Absolutely adored the mystery and intrigue following the five couples that have won a luxury cruise, but don’t remember entering anything to win it. The characters are great and well dawn. The description is fabulous, I’ve sailed from Naples and have wonderful memories of watching the magnificent… Continue reading Review of The Cruise by Anthony Hulse
Review of Brooke and Maddie: Best Friends Forever by Kristi Lambert
This is a very short book at 10,000 words, perfect for reading on the daily commute to work, or for busy people who have little time to read. It is marketed for adults, but I feel it would be better suited to a younger reader. Ms Lambert has produced a wondrful heartwarming story of… Continue reading Review of Brooke and Maddie: Best Friends Forever by Kristi Lambert
Article: How to Overcome Writers’ Block by Katherine Black
People often confuse three different problems and call them writers’ block. In this article, we are looking at true writers’ block, but we’ll note the others to highlight the difference between the three. Writers’ Block Writers’ Apathy Writers’ Oh, crikey I’m in a mess, can’t get out of it and can’t face it. Writers’ Apathy… Continue reading Article: How to Overcome Writers’ Block by Katherine Black
Article: 13 Common Mistakes Fiction Writers Make and How to Avoid them by Katherine Black
As a new writer, there are many pitfalls and traps that we all fall into. These are standard, and almost every first-time author will trip themselves up sometimes. Writing is a craft that has to be learned and honed, much as any other skilled trade. It takes years of perseverance to learn and understand the… Continue reading Article: 13 Common Mistakes Fiction Writers Make and How to Avoid them by Katherine Black
Review of The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This book started out brilliantly. It had me hooked and I wanted to read fast to find out what was going to happen. I’m giving it 8 out of 10, really good read. Foley has been likened to a modern Christie (the author, not the serial killer), however, this book doesn’t follow the formula standard… Continue reading Review of The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Review of The Hive by Jane Holland
What a cracking book. I’d give this a strong 8 out of 10 all day long. There were several errors that the author might want to fix, and I felt the style could be harder, but nothing that a quick edit wouldn’t sort out. However, a few missing words didn’t detract from this book in… Continue reading Review of The Hive by Jane Holland
Review of The Institute by Stephen King
I enjoyed this book and would give it a solid 6 out of 10. Well worth a read, the story is engaging and the characters believable. I looked forward to getting the day’s work done to be able to sit down and read. The parts around the institute were interesting and held you in the… Continue reading Review of The Institute by Stephen King