Carly Hayward
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fromcarly.bsky.social
Carly Hayward
@fromcarly.bsky.social
790 followers 200 following 960 posts
Book Light Editorial & #RevPit editor, Story Chat Radio co-host. Disabled. You'll usually find me cuddling w/ a cup of tea and a great book. She/her

Editing: https://booklighteditorial.com/
Podcast: https://www.storychatradio.com/
Posts Replies Media Videos
fromcarly.bsky.social
Testimonial from Deana Birch, author of Faster and Slower! 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial
Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “When I first approached Carly, I wasn’t sure my manuscript would ever be published. But with her gentle manner and supportive feedback, she helped me organize and re-write my story. She’s phenomenal at suggesting solutions, not just pointing out problems. With Carly, you know she is immediately on your team and your biggest cheerleader. After working with her on two books, I honestly felt like she knew my characters as well as I did. Carly is professional, positive and kind.” -Deana Birch, author of Faster and Slower”
November 25, 2025 at 11:17 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
I’m quickly running out of shelf space. Should I do an unhaul OR just buy another shelf?

#Shelfie #BookLightEditiorial #Editor #Bookshelves #BookCollection
Very full book shelves, full of books and plants.
November 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Beautiful sunset on Long Island Sound In CT
Picture of a sunset at a beach
November 20, 2025 at 9:39 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
How do you approach feedback?

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #Editor #BookLightEditorial
Solid white background. There is a dark jade border around the edges of the graphics. The main text says, “How do you approach feedback? Approach both praise and constructive criticism with curiousity. Remember, no manuscript is perfect, and no advice is perfect; and no advice is perfect; it is all about how you question both and find a way to meld them together. Approach the feedback with the intent to understand it, not agree or disagree. ” The company logo is on the bottom right corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
November 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Testimonial from the author of The Tenfold Tenants and Stake Around and Find Out, E.V. Belknap! 🎊

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial
Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, ““This was my second time working with Carly on self pubbing a novel, and I will absolutely be back for the next one. Carly has perfected the balance between critique and encouragement. Her belief in my story kept me going through the bits where my own was a bit lost. Self-publishing can be scary. Make it less scary with Carly in your corner. (I recommend the Glow Package: it works perfect for verifying made changes, so you don’t go on blind.)” -E.V. Belknap, author of The Tenfold Tenants and Stake Around and Find Out
November 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
What do we think of this embroidery dragonfly I made for @jenichappelle.bsky.social

#Embroidery #Dragonfly #BookLightEditorial
A picture of an embroidery dragonfly design on blue fabric
November 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
We repainted the front door and added this bronze Medusa knocker. What do we think?
A peach colored door with a bronze Medusa knocker in the center.
November 13, 2025 at 7:35 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Voice is demonstrated via tone, word choice, sentence structure, paragraph structure, use of description, exposition, narration, dialogue, pacing, themes, character archetypes, even subject matter.

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity
Solid white background. On the left side of the graphic is a staircase with red, gold, and blue flowers wrapped around it. The main text says, “Voice is demonstrated via tone, word choice, sentence structure, paragraph structure, use of description, exposition, narration, dialogue, pacing, themes, character archetypes, even subject matter. ” The company logo is on the bottom right corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
November 13, 2025 at 2:10 AM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Testimonial from Kim Alexander, International best-selling author of the Demon Door series! 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial #Bookish
Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, ““I met Carly the same day I saw Mad Max Fury Road, so she'll forever be linked in my mind to Furiosa—someone you absolutely want on your side! With Carly's guidance, I turned my pretty okay novel into something so much more—something alive. I always felt she loved my characters as much as I did; she simply got what I was trying to do, and helped me do it. I have no doubt that my book (and hopefully the many to come) is vastly improved by her involvement.’ -Kim Alexander, International best-selling author of The Demon Door series”
November 11, 2025 at 11:40 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Anyone else just trying to survive another Monday? Productivity is a struggle today but we gotta do what we gotta do!
A calico cat is laying on their side on a window cat bed.
November 10, 2025 at 9:39 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Testimonial from Romance author, Brooke Blair! 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial #Bookish
Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, “"I knew my manuscript had some gaps, but even with a critique partner and months of brainstorming, we couldn't figure it out. Carly nailed the problem in one read. Her edit letter articulated the issues so well I found myself nodding along as I read. I loved my manuscript before the edit, but with Carly's direct (though gentle!) guidance, I've been able to turn it into something better than I thought I was capable of producing. I can't recommend her enough! Brooke Blair, Romance author”
November 7, 2025 at 4:43 AM
fromcarly.bsky.social
There are three types of voice in writing: author, narrator, and character.

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity
Solid white background. On the left side of the graphic is a staircase with red, gold, and blue flowers wrapped around it. The main text says, “Author voice = writing style. Narrator voice = the voice telling the story (i.e. POV). Character voice = the way your character thinks and speaks.” The company logo is on the bottom left corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
November 5, 2025 at 9:37 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
I don’t know about everyone else but I wish I could be as comfortable as my cat Echo is all the time.

#Cats #CatsAndBooks #BookLightEditorial
A gray cat is laying on pillows on a couch with their pink belly peeking out.
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Happy Halloween!
I spent too long on this BLE themed witch hat. Finding the perf fabric, making mini books, & making the editing familiar charms. It took so much trial & error. But this editing witch is ready with her red pen and her familiars!

Any bookish themed costumes? #RevPit #WritingCommunity
white woman in a blue sweater and witch hat smiles while holding a red pen. a witch hat made out of a black, green, and white flowery fabric. A stack of mini books,a blue flower, and gold pendants with a cat, raven, and dragon in each, arranged on the brim. Book Light Editorial logo embroidered on the front
October 31, 2025 at 5:52 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
If you could pick one of these familiars to be with you always, which would you pick?

#WritingCommunity #WritersLife #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #EditingFamiliars
The image has a solid dark jade color background. In the bottom left corner, the company symbol is there which is an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The main text says, “Editing Familiars: The three aspects of our editorial approach.” There are three items in the middle; a golden raven, a black cat, and a jade dragon. Underneath each character, there is some text that reads, “The Raven: Knowledge and creativity, The Cat: Supportive and long-lasting partnerships, The Dragon: Protection of your voice and vision.”
October 31, 2025 at 1:43 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Testimonial from Rebecca Thorne, author of the This Gilded Abyss and Can't Spell Treason Without Tea 🎉

#WritingCommunity #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #Testimonial
Solid dark green background. Turquoise texts on the top that says, “Testimonials.” On the bottom right corner, the company name, “Book Light Editorial” is there in green font next to a dark jade colored flower. On the left side of the graphic, there is a golden raven sitting on a branch that is covered in flowers. The main text reads, "I can’t rave about Carly enough! She performed a quick, yet thorough, read-through of my novel and created six pages of talking points. Then we skyped so I fully understood her points and recommendations. Together, we crafted a battle strategy for revisions—it was so efficient that the actual edits only took a week! And looking at the old draft versus the new one… wow. Her edits added a whole new dimension to my story, without sacrificing my original vision for the novel. If you’re hesitating on purchasing her work, don’t!" The book cover on the left side of the graphic is of This Gilded Abyss; the cover has two women ready for battle. One is muscular with a black tank top on handling a spear and the other in a white captain uniform holding a gun.
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
How to make a satisfying ending

Even if you want to leave things open-ended or land on a cliffhanger, there should still be something conclusive for the book – whether that’s a complete arc, or a resolution of the initial conflict.

#AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookSky
Solid black background. On the top of the graphics, there are blue and orange flowers. The main text says, “How to make a satisfying ending” The company logo is on the bottom left corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid black background. On the top of the graphics, there are blue and orange flowers. The main text says, “Even if you want to leave things open-ended or land on a cliffhanger, there should still be something conclusive for the book – whether that’s a complete arc, or a resolution of the initial conflict.” The company logo is on the bottom left corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
October 29, 2025 at 8:34 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
What is everyone reading? Percy and I are reading Katabasis

#currentlyreading #booksky
A hand holding the book, Katabasis by R.F. Kuang, over a calico cat.
October 28, 2025 at 8:31 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Manuscript Evaluation: Push your writing by digging into big-picture edits. It is the perfect service for all types of authors because it helps you grow as a writer beyond one manuscript.

#EditingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #Authors #Bookish
Solid white background. There is a big black cat sitting on the left side corner with red, white, and gold flowers on its body. The company logo is on the bottom right corner and it's an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The main text says, “Manuscript Evaluation: Push your writing by digging into big-picture edits. It is the perfect service for all types of authors because it helps you grow as a writer beyond one manuscript.”
October 27, 2025 at 6:43 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
I define my approach to editing w/ characters I call my editing familiars, because I love them & they're cute

The Raven: Knowledge and creativity;
The Cat: Supportive and long-lasting partnerships;
The Dragon: Protection of your voice and vision.

Alright, let's get to the #RevPit #10Queries
The image has a solid dark jade color background. In the bottom left corner, the company symbol is there which is an open book with a lightbulb in the center. The main text says, “Editing Familiars: The three aspects of our editorial approach.” There are three items in the middle; a golden raven, a black cat, and a jade dragon. Underneath each character, there is some text that reads, “The Raven: Knowledge and creativity, The Cat: Supportive and long-lasting partnerships, The Dragon: Protection of your voice and vision.”
October 24, 2025 at 9:14 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
Discussing characterization on episode 41 of #StoryChatRadio!⠀​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Listen now wherever you listen to your podcasts. ​​​​​​​​

#WritingCommunity #EditingTips #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity #WritingPodcast #Podcast
Solid white background. On the bottom center, there is the company logo for book light editorial, an open book with a lightbulb in the center. There are two teal and blue bullhorns on both bottom corners. The text says, “A character’s relationships show who they are. Who we like, why we like them, who we hate, why we hate them, and what we will do for and within our relationships shows who a person is better than anything else. ‘On Episode ‘41’ of Story Chat Radio.”
October 24, 2025 at 7:47 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
To tag or not to tag your character’s dialogue?

#WritingTips #AuthorServices #AuthorCommunity #Editor #BookLightEditorial #BookCommunity
Solid black background. On the top of the graphics, there are blue and orange flowers. The main text says, “Don’t tag every line of dialogue. Yes, we need tags in the beginning, but character’s speech patterns and action beats outside of dialogue should help us know who is speaking.” The company logo is on the bottom left corner, it's a lightbulb standing on top of an open book. Solid dark teal background. The main text says, “Disclaimer.” The body text says, “As always, general advice is complicated and hard. There are always exceptions and times when it isn’t applicable. This is why getting individual feedback can be so important. Remember: use the advice that works best for you and your writing!”
October 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM
fromcarly.bsky.social
1 Girl. 10 Obsessions.

My assistant did this challenge and I wanted to do it too! I have way more than 10 obsessions but these are the main ones. Do we have any of the same obsessions?

#1Girl10Obsession #Bookish #BookLightEditorial
October 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM