Show, don’t tell.

We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell” before. It is a simple idea that can sometimes be challenging to put into practice. While this list is not comprehensive, here are a few tips on how to paint a vivid picture for your reader without just telling.

Camera Test: Write as if you were watching a movie through a camera lens. If your reader can’t see what is happening, you might be telling instead of showing.

Incorporate plenty of dialogue. Dialogue, in itself, is a way to show your readers how a scene is unfolding or how a character is feeling.

Use words that explain emotions sparingly. Happy, sad, mad, anxious, scared, etc., lead more toward telling, so finding other ways to show your reader how the characters are feeling can help you “show, not tell.”

It is okay, and even encouraged, to “tell” more in your drafting stage, but our editors can help you refine and tighten some of the areas of your manuscript where “showing” instead of “telling” could elevate your writing. Getting a professional set of eyes on your book can make all the difference.