Further News April/early May.

I've attached my best rejection to date, which I received this morning. I guess that means that my queries are getting closer to hitting the mark. I've already repositioned it as YA rather than MG, but I feel like I maybe need a manuscript assessment by a professional editor. Ideally, this would be someone who works as an agent as well and knows the market. There are plenty of American agents doing both jobs, but can anyone recommend a UK person for it, please?

Hi. I am currently editing my novel. It's in the first person and I was told from a previous writing competition that I should remove the filter words as they create distance between you and the reader. (e.g. I saw, I heard, I realised etc...) However, I wonder if there are situations where it is okay to leave them in and I wanted to check if anyone has any general rules with removing filter words or knows of any good books or online articles about them. e.g. 1) If it is in speech and one of the characters says 'I saw something in the dark'- okay to leave in as it's in speech?. 2) She heard me call her name and ignored me- okay as not the main character in the filter? (e.g. she heard and not I heard?) 3) I saw him on the overhead TV screen. (Okay as the main character is watching a TV screen?) as opposed to 'I saw him come towards me' (which could have the filter removed with 'He came towards me'. ) 4) 'I couldn’t believe no one else heard it.' okay as hearing is the central focus? 5) 'I saw no sign of him'. Okay as a common expression? I'd been really keen to hear other people's experiences and expertise at editing out filter words and if there is a general technique for it. I'm just looking for a general quick set of rules if possible. If anyone knows of any that would be really helpful. Thanks so much.

Is it ever a good idea to accept a hybrid publication offer?

I had high hopes for this excellent idea to create a writers’ forum. But disappointingly your idea has provided yet another promotional platform. I guess that is what the authors’ ecosystem has become. Shame.