Episode 38: Balancing Creativity and Genre: Self-Editing Tips to Make Your Story Stand Out

Join the Story Savvy Series for expert advice on Podcast for fantasy authors, from mastering Self-editing fiction to spotting flat characters before publication. Rebecca Hartwell and Agnes Wolfe share how originality, revising narrative style, and worldbuilding choices can shape unforgettable novels. You’ll gain practical tips on avoiding common writing mistakes, aligning with genre expectations in fiction, and applying fiction editing strategies that keep readers hooked. Perfect for writers looking to sharpen their craft and shine in the competitive world of fantasy book editing.

In this episode of the Story Savvy Self-Editing Series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and fantasy writer Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] explore what makes a story feel truly fresh and distinctive. They unpack how to enrich characters and worldbuilding with originality while steering clear of overwriting or drifting too far from genre norms. You’ll learn actionable methods for spotting tired or repetitive elements, striking the balance between familiar tropes and creative twists, and weaving in unique touches that make your novel stand out.

In this episode:
-Why uniqueness helps your novel stand out in a crowded market
-How to avoid being either too predictable or too strange
-The “food metaphor” approach to understanding genre expectations
-Practical exercises for adding inventive details to characters and worldbuilding
-When to leave beloved tropes alone and innovate elsewhere
-Tools for spotting flat, boring, or derivative aspects in your draft