Editing French CI Novels: A Collaborative Approach

If you're like me, it’s not easy to share your work and open it up to critique. You’ve poured time, energy, and care into creating a French CI novel or French TPT resource, so handing it to somebody else for feedback can be difficult. It requires vulnerability, and that isn't always easy. But growth—both as individuals and as authors—comes from a willingness to be vulnerable.

I get it. I’m in that place right now with a CI novel for French students I’ve written. I’m not even to the editing stage yet, but it was hard to find someone I trusted enough to give it a first look. And even after I did, sharing it was still scary. Will they like it? What will they think if I made careless mistakes? Is my French good enough? I know the answer to that last question is yes—more than good enough—but self-doubt still creeps in.

When I edit someone's French language resources, there is never any judgment. I don't sit there with a virtual red pen thinking, “How could they miss this?” or “Why would they write it that way?” Editing isn’t merely about catching mistakes—it’s about polishing a piece to make it even stronger.

Focusing on your goals, your students, and your voice is what matters most to me. When I work on French TPT resources or CI novels, I think about the teacher who invested their time and energy into creating something amazing to support language learners. I think about the students who will engage with the finished product. I think about how to make the story or resource even better—clearer, stronger, and more accessible to students.

Editing is a collaborative activity involving the author and the editor.

Whether it’s a French CI novel, a reader, or a French TPT resource, editing is a collaborative activity between the author and the editor. I ask questions, offer suggestions, and make sure your work aligns with your intended audience—especially if that audience is novice language learners. We’re on the same team, working to create engaging, comprehensible French resources that students will understand, enjoy, and remember.

We ALL make mistakes. I’ve probably made one—or possibly more—in this post! No manuscript is ready to be published without professional editing and proofreading. Having your French CI novel or TPT resource looked at with fresh eyes is important. And since I know firsthand what it’s like to share a work-in-progress, I approach every project with care and respect.

If you’ve been holding back because you’re not sure your writing is “good enough,” please don’t. It is good enough. I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help. Helping teacher-authors like you bring their best work to students is my passion. My job is to take what you've written and get it ready to publish.

I’d love to help you bring your French CI novel or TPT resource to life. If you’re ready to get started, fill out my New Author Questionnaire—or reach out to request a consultation if you have questions.