Jason McDonald: I'll open in prayer, go over protocol, then turn the floor over to Barbara. Thank you Lord for this time together. Bless the chat participants and our guest, and be with those who could not come tonight. Let us all learn something tonight, and have a wonderful time in the process. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Protocol reminder: Please type "?" for questions;  "!" for comments; and "ga" when finished; and don’t forget to wait to be called upon in turn. Barbara, welcome. 

* Jason turns the floor over to Barbara 

Barbara: Okay, do you want to do questions or what? 

miralee: could you maybe fill us in on what your editing service is? 

Barbara Warren: I do content editing, checking for flow, pacing, plot, etc. I flag everything I can find that I think needs your attention. But I only make suggestions. I don’t rewrite your story for you. It always remains your book 

Anne McDonald: Barbara, what is the latest on the use of italics? 

Barbara Warren: It depends on the publisher. Usually less is better. Thoughts can be written so you don't need italics. Too many italics makes for a funny looking page, so avoid if you can. 

Limey:  Yes, I've been the recipient of Barbara's editing and it's very helpful.  

Barbara Warren: Thanks, Limey. 

Anne McDonald: Barbara is tough, thorough and fair. I highly recommend her if you want to make your WIP the best it can be. 

wanderer: what can be used for thoughts instead of italics? 

Barbara Warren: Instead of using italics for a thought, you're in the character's mind anyway, so just instead of saying that was stupid in italics, try something like well, shoot. that wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, in regular type. That's not a good illustration, but maybe you get what I mean. 

SuzInIL: I was told recently that I should just take the thought I would otherwise put in italics and keep it in regular print, and past tense (if that's what I'm using). 

Barbara Warren: Right, that's what I'm saying. It reads smoother that way  

Jeanie: Barbara is very good at what she does. She taught me so much and I give her a lot of the credit for my being published . She's a special lady and I have a lot of respect for her and her work.

Barbara Warren: You’re all are too kind, and after I've ripped your work apart too. Thanks 

Jeanie: That's how I learned. You did a good job Barbara and I'd recommend you to anyone who really wants to be published. 

Anne McDonald: Well, Barbara, while you rip apart our work, you do it with kindness and you don't stroke our egos too much. Great way to work. 

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