Every fiction writer knows the frustration: you’ve crafted a scene, written the conversation, but something feels off. The words sit flat on the page. The characters sound interchangeable. The tension deflates instead of building. You know there’s a problem but just can’t pinpoint what it is or how to fix it.
That’s where this book comes in. Written by an editor with over twenty years of experience working with writers from first-timers to New York Times bestsellers, Dialogue That Speaks teaches you to develop the same “editor’s ear” professionals use to identify—and fix—dialogue problems.
This isn’t another book of theory. It’s a working manual.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- How to make every character sound distinct without relying on accents or speech quirks
- Practical techniques for weaving backstory and exposition into conversations naturally
- Why “show, don’t tell” applies to dialogue too
- What on-the-nose dialogue is costing your story
- The rhythm and pacing secrets that keep readers turning pages
- How to handle the trickiest dialogue situations: group scenes, internal thoughts, and emotionally charged moments
- The seven-pass editing system that transforms revision from overwhelming to manageable
Each chapter includes diagnostic questions, before-and-after examples, and immediately applicable revision techniques. Plus, the comprehensive Toolkit section gives you checklists, templates, and reference materials to use with every manuscript you write.
Because here’s the truth: Good dialogue isn’t just about talent. It’s also about knowing what to listen for.
Write with intention. Revise with confidence. Grow with every book.
Grab your copy today!
Meet the Author
Debra L. Hartmann is a professional developmental editor, line editor, and proofreader who has spent over two decades helping fiction writers find their voice and sharpen their craft. As The Pro Book Editor, she’s worked with authors ranging from first-time novelists to New York Times bestselling writers across virtually every fiction genre.
Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, Debra believes every writer deserves access to the same insights that traditionally only came from expensive professional editing. That philosophy drives The Pro Book Editor’s Toolkit Series—a collection of working manuals designed to help writers develop professional-level self-editing skills.
Dialogue That Speaks is the first book in the series. Upcoming titles include:
- Show, Don’t Tell: A Fiction Writer’s Guide to Crafting Movie Scenes
- Character Surgery: How to Fix Flat Characters and Create Unforgettable Protagonists
- Pacing Problems Solved: Why Your Novel Drags (And How to Fix It).
When she’s not editing manuscripts or writing craft guides, Debra lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she continues her mission of empowering writers one book at a time.
Connect with the Author
Website: theprobookeditor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theprobookeditor/
About The Pro Book Editor’s Toolkit Series
Every title in this series is designed as a practical working manual—not another book of theory that sits on your shelf. Each volume tackles a specific craft challenge writers face, providing diagnostic tools, concrete examples, and systematic approaches to revision.
Book Details
Book Title: Dialogue That Speaks: Writing Conversations Readers Can Hear
Series: The Pro Book Editor’s Toolkit Series
Author: Debra L. Hartmann
Genre: Writing Craft & Technique
Publisher: True Haven Press (Asheville, NC)
Status: Available in eBook and Paperback
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