iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 17h

As a freelance editor, I’m usually behind my desk at home. But today I’m having in-person lunch with other local editors 😊

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Oh no! 😱 I often think of an idea just as one of my kids spills their drink all over the kitchen, or as I hear a crash upstairs… 🫠

110

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Have you noticed that those who have the most to lose from political decisions - women, people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, working class etc - are also less likely to have the time, energy, access, and financial resources to participate in political decision-making?

010

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Editing several authors’ manuscripts this week 🙂 So happy and grateful that I get to explore fantasy worlds and go on adventures as part of my job 😊

Selfie at my desk with coffee in my hand and laptop and papers in the background

040

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I was longlisted in the 2026 Creative Future Writers’ Award 🥹 It’s a creative nonfiction piece about my experiences of autistic masking, and I’ve published it on my blog: www.clairebentley.co.uk/post/life-in...

clairebentley.co.uk

Life in Paper Mache

Life in Paper Mache: Creative non-fiction essay longlisted in the 2026 Creative Future Writers' Award. It is based on my experience of masking as an autistic girl / woman

143

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I’ve joined a lovely writing group, and had my first ever meeting with them today 😊 Feeling so inspired to write! ✍️

160

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Regardless of how you feel about gen-AI… It is disgusting that authors of the global majority seem to be more likely to have their publishing contracts cancelled and their reputations damaged by allegations of gen-AI use compared with white authors.

000

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Marketing is not in my skillset 😅 But (luckily) fiction editing is! I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and I specialise in speculative genres. My prices are on my website, I offer free sample edits, and I DO NOT use gen-AI. I have availability from 2027. Please let me know if you’re interested 🙂

012

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

There are millions of human-written books in the world - far more than I’ll ever have time to read. So why would I waste my precious time reading AI-generated ones?

030

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Me at the start of September: Yay, the kids are back at school! I’m going to do so much writing! I’m going to read lots of books! I’m going to do some self-care every day… Response from: Autism / Period / Life admin / Random bugs my kids picked up from school / General state of the world…

static.klipy.com

Lmao Wwwwwwwwwwwww

Alt: Homer, Marge and Lisa pointing at me and laughing

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

What (some) people think it means to be neutral about human rights: “I’m being moral by rising above it and refusing to take sides.” What being neutral about human rights actually means: “I can’t be bothered to deal it because it doesn’t affect me personally.”

011

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I made the longlist for the 2026 Creative Future Writers’ Award 🥹 Reaching the longlist feels amazing: especially during a rough few weeks. Huge congratulations to the winners and shortlistees! I can’t wait to read your stories 😊 creativefuture.org.uk/news/2026-writers-award-winners-announced/

creativefuture.org.uk

2026 Writers' Award winners announced - Creative Future

The Creative Future Writers’ Award 2026 received over 1,850 entries from underrepresented writers across the country. We sincerely thank each and every one of you for giving us a chance to read your w...

221

Reposted by Claire Bentley

Ruth Nineke @ruthnineke.co · 15/09/2026

I know people cringe at the idea of bossgirling, or they're loathe to embrace hustle culture but 2 things are true: The illusion of a system of security is dissolving. You have to be willing and motivated to secure your own bag. Period. Also, you deserve to do work you actually love.

031

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Had a mini-moan about being ghosted on sample edits yesterday, so now I’m going to talk about one of my favourite parts of developmental editing 🙂 That joy when a client is getting close to publishing their book? 🥹 Helping people achieve their dreams is one of the best parts of my job!

000

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Same, especially as it’s average 2-3hrs of work that I do for free 🫠 Ah well. Will keep moving forward 😊

100

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Well… it looks like I’ve been ghosted on another sample edit. I went from never being ghosted on sample edits, to it happening 3 times in the last 6 months 😞 Authors - I don’t mind if you decide not to book my service. I’m not the right editor for everyone, and that’s ok! 😊 But… please tell me 😅

210

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I’m trying out skeleton-drafting a novel for the first time ever! 😬 Normally I’m a slow and careful writer, but I’m also a believer in trying new things…

040

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I’m back from my social media break 🙂 Sadly, my health is still a mess, and the world is even more of a fiery hellscape than usual. However, words are my joy and my strength, and I’ll keep using them to try and make the world a tiny bit better 💜

010

Reposted by Claire Bentley

M. K. Martin @mkmartinwriter.com · 25/08/2026

Working on the edits I got back from the amazing @cbentleywriter.bsky.social for my steampunk fantasy novel. Dang, but does Claire know her stuff! The book is already so much better. #WritingCommunity - who do you recommend and why? #ReadingRecommendation #Editor #CoverArt #Illustrations #NoAI

281

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

😭 Thank you so much! ❤️ You’re a fantastic writer, and I can’t wait to see where you take the story 😊

010

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

I’m taking a break from social media until Sept. I’m still writing and freelance-editing. But I’m exhausted and I need to step back from some stuff. Plus my kids are about to be off school for the summer, and I want to spend quality time with them. I look forward to catching up with you soon 🙂💜

050

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Just a reminder that books, reading, and writing are inherently political 🙂

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

The proportion of the global human population who are white AND male AND able-bodied AND heterosexual AND cisgender must be really small. Even smaller when you add wealth to the list. It’s mind-boggling that humans built - and bend over backwards to maintain - a society which only favours a few.

131

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

If you’re looking for a fiction editor then I have availability from November! - Trained, CIEP-registered, and ALLi partner member. - Free sample edits. - Discounts for newsletter subscribers and members of marginalised communities. - I DO NOT use gen-AI. Please see my website for more info 🙂

054

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The hot weather has returned to Yorkshire 🥵 Bright side: it means I can read in the summer house after the kids are in bed 🙂

White outdoor sofa cushions with a leafy and flowery trellis in the background and lights above them

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Months ago, I posted that I get nervous when delivering authors’ edits. Many editors replied to say they felt the same. One said he didn’t experience that: which is valid. However, he also said that I must not be a good editor! Supposedly because I *checks notes* am a human being with emotions 🫠

030

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Editor confession time 🙂 The thought of having your manuscript professionally edited can be daunting and nerve-wracking (I know this from experience!) But I wanted to let you know (in case it helps) that editors get nervous too 🙂

193

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Does your kid grass you up to others when you make a ‘mistake’, even to strangers? My 5yo: “Mummy’s running late.” “Mummy has no food in the house for lunch.” “Mummy forgot to do reading with me yesterday.” “Mummy, Grandma told me not to tell you that she gave me three bowls of ice cream.”

120

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

It’s been a year since I won a Writers College non-fiction essay competition 🥹 I received an email from a fellow writer letting me know it helped her 😭 I met two wonderful critique partners because of it. And it gave me more confidence to keep writing 🙂 www.thewriterscollege.com/the-worst-wr...

thewriterscollege.com

The Worst Writing Mistake I’ve Ever Made? I Stopped Writing

041

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Am I supposed to be writing? Yes. Do I only have one month to finish drafting my manuscript? Also yes. Am I currently reorganising my kids’ bedrooms instead? Look at that. Three in a row.

050

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Been in a reading slump for weeks 🥴 I’m trying to get out of it by reading outside in the evenings. Being in nature is definitely helping!

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Me, husband, kids, and grandparents all having a meal together… 5yo: *In announcement voice* Guess who my favourite person is? He does a drumroll against the table. Me, husband, big brother, and grandparents are all looking expectant… 5yo: *Dramatic pause* 5yo: IT’S ME!!!

120

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

I only have one editing slot left in 2026! I’ve opened bookings for 2027 And I’m about to delve back into a client’s developmental edit (which I’m loving) 🙂 Today is a good day!

062

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Is it time to move the dystopian genre from science fiction to narrative non-fiction yet?

010

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

A few years ago, I had no idea that by 2026 one of the core USPs of my writing and editing business would be ‘100% human’. What are we even doing?

050

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Would you like to sign up for my free newsletter? 🙂 You get: 10% off my editing and coaching services; My free guide to common ‘mistakes’ I see in manuscripts; Regular updates on writing and editing life; No generative AI used in any part of my business. www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter

clairebentley.co.uk

Newsletter | Claire Bentley

Claire Bentley's newsletter: sign up and receive a free common editing mistakes checklist, 10% off my editorial and coaching services, and regular updates on writing and editing life

032

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Happy Monday to everyone except trillionaires, billionaires, and fascists.

020

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

So, to summarise, a load of Pantone Cloud Wankers are (once again) taking to the streets to prove their supposed moral and intellectual superiority by terrorising Black and Brown people and destroying property.

000

Claire Bentley @cbentleywriter.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Another day, another attempt to denigrate women: this time because lots of women *checks notes* enjoy reading. If anyone needs me, I’ll be over here with my fantasy novels and my critical thinking skills.

010