Hi! I'm Kate Schieber, and I created Book Friends Forever Editing in 2018.
The BFF Editing Invitation
If you have a story to tell, you should tell it for your own sake as well as others' because someone somewhere needs to hear it.
And for your story to have the greatest impact on its audience (i.e. readers or listeners), it should be well crafted.
I am passionate about stories and the impact they can have on our lives, both in the telling and the hearing. Stories can make a powerful difference in the world!
Maybe you and I can work together to make YOUR story shine out into the world, spreading your message to those who need to see.
And for your story to have the greatest impact on its audience (i.e. readers or listeners), it should be well crafted.
I am passionate about stories and the impact they can have on our lives, both in the telling and the hearing. Stories can make a powerful difference in the world!
Maybe you and I can work together to make YOUR story shine out into the world, spreading your message to those who need to see.
My philosophy on the role of editor:
The editor's involvement should be invisible to the reader. All decisions are the writer's. My influence as your editor may be felt but should not be seen or heard.
Edith Wharton said, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it."
I think there is actually a third way. A lighthouse lens amplifies the light of the flame.
If the writer's message is the flame and language is the mirror, then my job is to make the lens/language all clean and shiny so that the writer's flame/meaning can shine forth without distortion or hindrance.
My role as editor is to help writers create stories that engage readers, to polish that lens without leaving any fingerprints behind.
Edith Wharton said, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it."
I think there is actually a third way. A lighthouse lens amplifies the light of the flame.
If the writer's message is the flame and language is the mirror, then my job is to make the lens/language all clean and shiny so that the writer's flame/meaning can shine forth without distortion or hindrance.
My role as editor is to help writers create stories that engage readers, to polish that lens without leaving any fingerprints behind.
Books are Magic!
- Books build bridges that span historical, cultural, and physical differences, transporting readers to places and times outside their own experiences.
- Stories entertain, inspire, help, and sustain readers through tough times.
- Stories act as mirrors, reflecting the experiences of readers so that they feel seen.
- Stories act as windows through which we see others, inspiring us to compassion and understanding.
(See: The NY Times article: Mirrors for my Daughter's Bookshelf, where Sara Ackerman cites education professor Rudine Sims Bishop, who developed this metaphor.)
Humans are hardwired to appreciate and respond to stories. Through well-crafted stories, we can learn, understand, and connect with one another.
People bond over good books. "Book friends" may meet regularly over coffee or a glass of wine, or they may meet virtually. They could be any age, any gender. They could have the same or different politics, beliefs, or backgrounds. Book friendships transcend differences.
Fun, supportive communities can form under the media banner of a popular author. And to become a popular author—one that gets positive reviews—one needs to make a connection with readers' hearts and minds. If the message is confusing or inconsistent, the text filled with typos, the characters flat, or the plot riddled with holes, those mental and emotional connections may not be made.
People bond over good books. "Book friends" may meet regularly over coffee or a glass of wine, or they may meet virtually. They could be any age, any gender. They could have the same or different politics, beliefs, or backgrounds. Book friendships transcend differences.
Fun, supportive communities can form under the media banner of a popular author. And to become a popular author—one that gets positive reviews—one needs to make a connection with readers' hearts and minds. If the message is confusing or inconsistent, the text filled with typos, the characters flat, or the plot riddled with holes, those mental and emotional connections may not be made.
Respect for your readers is important!
You want to provide your readers with your best work and not frustrate them or leave them feeling that their time has been wasted. This means working with beta readers, critique groups, and publishing professionals to polish your story before publishing.
I personally appreciate storytelling that makes me feel things and expands my understanding. I am committed to offering honest, supportive, and creative feedback to my author friends, pointing out where the message has touched me or where it could be clearer or more engaging.
Whether your goal is to entertain or inspire, successfully crafting a book that resonates with readers requires an honest look at what you've written.
I personally appreciate storytelling that makes me feel things and expands my understanding. I am committed to offering honest, supportive, and creative feedback to my author friends, pointing out where the message has touched me or where it could be clearer or more engaging.
Whether your goal is to entertain or inspire, successfully crafting a book that resonates with readers requires an honest look at what you've written.
What editing help do you need to make your dream a reality?
I do my best to customize each editing project to meet the needs of my writer friends and their work.
What areas do you need the most help with? Please be honest with yourself and your editor about your situation. The better I understand your circumstances, experiences, and expectations, your publishing goals, writing strengths, and editing weaknesses, the better I can help you.
Professional editing and proofreading services are not cheap, but I’ve done my best to separate as well as package my services to give options that can be tailored to your needs.
And if I think you need help beyond the scope of my services or expertise, I’ll let you know and will happily refer you to someone who is better suited.
What areas do you need the most help with? Please be honest with yourself and your editor about your situation. The better I understand your circumstances, experiences, and expectations, your publishing goals, writing strengths, and editing weaknesses, the better I can help you.
Professional editing and proofreading services are not cheap, but I’ve done my best to separate as well as package my services to give options that can be tailored to your needs.
And if I think you need help beyond the scope of my services or expertise, I’ll let you know and will happily refer you to someone who is better suited.
What will it take to reach your publishing goals?
Whether you publish independently or traditionally, your book needs to stand out and make a positive impression. You have a better chance of doing that if you aren't working alone.
Making your publishing dream come true requires considerable sacrifice and investment. You've already experienced the personal cost in loss of sleep, leisure, etc. and have hopefully considered the financial cost of hiring professionals. And don't forget, when creating your budget, expectations, and publishing plan, to factor in time.
It's never too soon to start reaching out to editors! Most new writers vastly underestimate how long it takes to read, absorb, analyze, critique, make suggestions, communicate, etc.
Making your publishing dream come true requires considerable sacrifice and investment. You've already experienced the personal cost in loss of sleep, leisure, etc. and have hopefully considered the financial cost of hiring professionals. And don't forget, when creating your budget, expectations, and publishing plan, to factor in time.
It's never too soon to start reaching out to editors! Most new writers vastly underestimate how long it takes to read, absorb, analyze, critique, make suggestions, communicate, etc.
BFF Editing Competence:
- decades of reading from an array of genres
- BA (in English literature) and MTS degrees
- 6+ years of editing experience and training
- research skills
- active membership in professional editing associations and groups
- consumption of multiple newsletters, webinars, reference books, and other resources
- participant in forums and workshops and groups for professional editors and writers
BFF Editing Core Values:
- honesty
- sincerity and respect
- friendly support and encouragement
- conscientious striving for excellence
BFF Editing Goals:
- to help you polish your message while staying true to your vision and voice
- to help you clarify your story to better inspire, inform, or entertain readers
BFF Editing Invitation:
Your story deserves a proper launch into the world.
Your readers deserve a quality experience, free from distracting editing issues. We want them to appreciate the wonderful tale you have to tell.
If you'd like to collaborate with a friendly, supportive editor who'll work conscientiously to help you refine and articulate your message to better resonate with readers, fill out my contact form.
Your readers deserve a quality experience, free from distracting editing issues. We want them to appreciate the wonderful tale you have to tell.
If you'd like to collaborate with a friendly, supportive editor who'll work conscientiously to help you refine and articulate your message to better resonate with readers, fill out my contact form.
Everyone has a story. I love hearing other people's stories and thought someone might be curious to know more about me and how BFF Editing came to be.
Education:
My parents were my first teachers - always modeling and insisting on proper grammar, and if we wanted to know how to spell something or the answer to some question, they'd tell us to "look it up." I'm curious by nature and like to learn things, so I've learned how to question and research until I find answers.
We always had books around the house and were regulars at the public library. My folks were also supportive, or at least indulgent, of my love of reading and even of my chosen major. My bachelor’s degree (with honors, woo hoo!) is in English Literature, and I later earned a master’s degree in Theological Studies.
We always had books around the house and were regulars at the public library. My folks were also supportive, or at least indulgent, of my love of reading and even of my chosen major. My bachelor’s degree (with honors, woo hoo!) is in English Literature, and I later earned a master’s degree in Theological Studies.
Eye/Ear/Experience:
Besides being a voracious reader my whole life, over the years, I've discovered the joy and freedom of audio books. I tell you what! Nothing makes time fly while cleaning the bathroom or weeding the garden like listening to a good story. ;)
And while I have an extensive personal and professional library of physical books (just ask my husband), a number of years ago, I began to explore the world of e-books. So convenient! I purchase special books in audio and digital formats, but our town is fortunate to have an extensive library of both, or I'd be broke!
Over the years (as I was raising my kids, supporting my husband, taking care of the house and garden, maintaining relationships/communication with friends and family, and volunteering at the school and church) I came to do more volunteer beta reading, proofreading, and editing of e-books. The authors of these stories encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a fiction editor.
And while I have an extensive personal and professional library of physical books (just ask my husband), a number of years ago, I began to explore the world of e-books. So convenient! I purchase special books in audio and digital formats, but our town is fortunate to have an extensive library of both, or I'd be broke!
Over the years (as I was raising my kids, supporting my husband, taking care of the house and garden, maintaining relationships/communication with friends and family, and volunteering at the school and church) I came to do more volunteer beta reading, proofreading, and editing of e-books. The authors of these stories encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a fiction editor.
Professional Training:
The many editor groups on various platforms and the publishing professionals in the classes I've taken have also been super helpful and encouraging. I am grateful to these individuals and communities which generously share their wisdom, knowledge, resources, and experience. Indeed, authors I've worked with have also taught me many things. On the whole, I've found the indie publishing industry to be amazingly supportive and encouraging.
As a freelance editor since 2018, I have helped dozens of authors. Along the way, I've also engaged in continuing education, both self-guided and professional through the Editorial Freelancers Association, Editorial Arts Academy, Writing Mastery Academy, Institute of Professional Editors, CMOS Online, ProWritingAid, Writing Brave 2024, Women in Publishing Summit 2024, masterclasses and webinars on writing memoir, word craft, and writing disciplines, as well as numerous books on writing and editing. (Check out the Website Resources page for more!)
As a freelance editor since 2018, I have helped dozens of authors. Along the way, I've also engaged in continuing education, both self-guided and professional through the Editorial Freelancers Association, Editorial Arts Academy, Writing Mastery Academy, Institute of Professional Editors, CMOS Online, ProWritingAid, Writing Brave 2024, Women in Publishing Summit 2024, masterclasses and webinars on writing memoir, word craft, and writing disciplines, as well as numerous books on writing and editing. (Check out the Website Resources page for more!)
Editing Genre Preferences:
As a reader, I gravitate toward certain genres, so these are what I mostly edit:
Especially for developmental editing and beta reading, it's smart to hire an editor who knows, reads, and enjoys the genre of your story. Your editor must understand the conventions, tropes, rhythms, structure, etc. in order to ensure you've avoided cliches while also crafting a strong story that readers of that genre will expect and appreciate. Even if your story is a mashup of genres, this familiarity is important.
When it comes to copy editing and polishing, however, your editor needs to know the appropriate conventions of language mechanics (punctuation, grammar, syntax, etc.) for whatever style guide you follow. I am most familiar with Chicago Manual of Style but have also worked with the New Oxford Style Manual.
Even if you’ve written a book in another genre (see my Miscellany and Add-On Services section) or one that defies classification—how exciting!—please feel free to contact me anyway.
If your story needs genre-specific or developmental work beyond my scope, I’ll be honest and tell you so then offer to refer you to one of my peers. Similarly, if your story needs a sensitivity reader, I’m happy to refer you.
- Fiction: historical, contemporary, speculative, and women's literature
- Romance: contemporary, historical, humorous, mature, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi
- Retelling, adaptations, and modernization of fairy tales, legends, and classics
- Memoir
Especially for developmental editing and beta reading, it's smart to hire an editor who knows, reads, and enjoys the genre of your story. Your editor must understand the conventions, tropes, rhythms, structure, etc. in order to ensure you've avoided cliches while also crafting a strong story that readers of that genre will expect and appreciate. Even if your story is a mashup of genres, this familiarity is important.
When it comes to copy editing and polishing, however, your editor needs to know the appropriate conventions of language mechanics (punctuation, grammar, syntax, etc.) for whatever style guide you follow. I am most familiar with Chicago Manual of Style but have also worked with the New Oxford Style Manual.
Even if you’ve written a book in another genre (see my Miscellany and Add-On Services section) or one that defies classification—how exciting!—please feel free to contact me anyway.
If your story needs genre-specific or developmental work beyond my scope, I’ll be honest and tell you so then offer to refer you to one of my peers. Similarly, if your story needs a sensitivity reader, I’m happy to refer you.
Entrepreneur:
As you probably know, it's not just about telling a great story!
Whether traditionally or self-published, writers need to research trends, develop a brand and a platform, become business and tech savvy, negotiate with bloggers and distribution companies, build websites, cultivate and maintain a social media presence/following, market your books, network with other industry professionals, manage newsletter lists, develop Beta and ARC reader groups, etc. Added to all this, to varying degrees depending on how you want to publish, you must hire your own editors, formatters, proofreaders, cover artists, etc. (I hope I didn't scare you away, but this is the modern reality.)
Similarly, freelance editors have to not only continue to learn our craft but also create a brand, network, market, and educate ourselves in the ways of this ever-changing publishing industry. And running a business is challenging. I have to create contracts and keep track of invoices, pay for professional memberships, subscriptions, software, electricity, internet, taxes, and insurance, as well as take continuing education courses and workshops, etc.
And while part (let's face it, most) of me wishes I could offer my services for free and just “wallow in the words” as my friend used to say, another part of me relishes the professional challenge of holding myself to a level of excellence that deserves respect and fair compensation.
Becoming a published author is a LOT of work and responsibility, and my job is to make at least the editing process as stress free and rewarding as possible. Most hard things are easier or more fun with a friend by your side!
Whether traditionally or self-published, writers need to research trends, develop a brand and a platform, become business and tech savvy, negotiate with bloggers and distribution companies, build websites, cultivate and maintain a social media presence/following, market your books, network with other industry professionals, manage newsletter lists, develop Beta and ARC reader groups, etc. Added to all this, to varying degrees depending on how you want to publish, you must hire your own editors, formatters, proofreaders, cover artists, etc. (I hope I didn't scare you away, but this is the modern reality.)
Similarly, freelance editors have to not only continue to learn our craft but also create a brand, network, market, and educate ourselves in the ways of this ever-changing publishing industry. And running a business is challenging. I have to create contracts and keep track of invoices, pay for professional memberships, subscriptions, software, electricity, internet, taxes, and insurance, as well as take continuing education courses and workshops, etc.
And while part (let's face it, most) of me wishes I could offer my services for free and just “wallow in the words” as my friend used to say, another part of me relishes the professional challenge of holding myself to a level of excellence that deserves respect and fair compensation.
Becoming a published author is a LOT of work and responsibility, and my job is to make at least the editing process as stress free and rewarding as possible. Most hard things are easier or more fun with a friend by your side!
BFF Editing is dedicated to helping writers refine their stories to better
entertain, edify, and inspire readers.
I'd love to chat with your about your writing journey.
If you have questions or think we might make a good team ...
entertain, edify, and inspire readers.
I'd love to chat with your about your writing journey.
If you have questions or think we might make a good team ...
This policy explains how BFF Editing uses and protects the information gathered by the website host, Weebly, when you visit this site, as well as any personal information or intellectual property (i.e., your story, characters, plot, world, concept, etc.) that you provide when you contact BFF Editing or when you send files to edit.
If you are asked to provide information, BFF Editing will use that information only in the ways stated in this policy.
This privacy notice was last updated April 2025.
Your Privacy:
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy, we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used.
Intellectual property:
When you share a manuscript with BFF Editing, you can be assured that I will not share you work, words, or ideas with anyone. When consulting with other editors about a tricky grammatical situation, for instance, I will not quote your words but will make up another sentence that mimics the issue. And I use no generative AI in my analysis or editing process.
Cookies:
When visiting BFF Editing, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access.
The website host, Weebly, collects this information using cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive when you access a website. The information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movement, and gather broad demographic information for internal use.
IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Cookies are ONLY used for web analytics. Cookies do not give access to your computer or any information about you that you do not intentionally share.
This data will be used for only these purposes and will not be given to any third parties without your prior consent or unless required by law.
Any data collected by this website is controlled and processed by Weebly. You can read their privacy policy for more information.
Cookies are not a form of malware and do not provide any more information than what you have already consented to share by stating that you accept the cookies.
At any time, you can disallow this website to store cookies on your computer or device.
To learn more about cookies, visit All About Cookies.
Why and when BFF Editing collects data:
Should you decide to work with BFF Editing, we will need to collect certain basic pieces of information about you in order to operate as a business. Such information as:
I use your data to:
How I store your data:
My G-mail account stores your contact email address and any conversations we have. These details are not stored anywhere else.
If we sign a contract, your name and postal address will be stored on a hard-drive in a password-protected electronic folder secured by Norton electronic security software. This will in turn be stored in a password-protected computer behind a firewall. Invoices will be stored in the same way.
Financial Information:
BFF Editing customers pay via Wise or PayPal, both of which are password-protected online payment systems.
You can read Wise's privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
You can read PayPal’s privacy statement for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
Links to third party websites:
We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.
Changes to this Privacy Statement:
The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.
If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, you may contact us at [email protected].
If you are asked to provide information, BFF Editing will use that information only in the ways stated in this policy.
This privacy notice was last updated April 2025.
Your Privacy:
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy, we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used.
Intellectual property:
When you share a manuscript with BFF Editing, you can be assured that I will not share you work, words, or ideas with anyone. When consulting with other editors about a tricky grammatical situation, for instance, I will not quote your words but will make up another sentence that mimics the issue. And I use no generative AI in my analysis or editing process.
Cookies:
When visiting BFF Editing, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access.
The website host, Weebly, collects this information using cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive when you access a website. The information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movement, and gather broad demographic information for internal use.
IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Cookies are ONLY used for web analytics. Cookies do not give access to your computer or any information about you that you do not intentionally share.
This data will be used for only these purposes and will not be given to any third parties without your prior consent or unless required by law.
Any data collected by this website is controlled and processed by Weebly. You can read their privacy policy for more information.
Cookies are not a form of malware and do not provide any more information than what you have already consented to share by stating that you accept the cookies.
At any time, you can disallow this website to store cookies on your computer or device.
To learn more about cookies, visit All About Cookies.
Why and when BFF Editing collects data:
Should you decide to work with BFF Editing, we will need to collect certain basic pieces of information about you in order to operate as a business. Such information as:
- your name
- your email address
- your postal address
- any information you choose to share about your project
I use your data to:
- contact you regarding your project
- send invoices and electronic copies of your project
- anonymously assess how my website is used by visitors
How I store your data:
My G-mail account stores your contact email address and any conversations we have. These details are not stored anywhere else.
If we sign a contract, your name and postal address will be stored on a hard-drive in a password-protected electronic folder secured by Norton electronic security software. This will in turn be stored in a password-protected computer behind a firewall. Invoices will be stored in the same way.
Financial Information:
BFF Editing customers pay via Wise or PayPal, both of which are password-protected online payment systems.
You can read Wise's privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
You can read PayPal’s privacy statement for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
Links to third party websites:
We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.
Changes to this Privacy Statement:
The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.
If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, you may contact us at [email protected].
Book Friends Forever Editing is committed to ensuring digital accessibility to our website for people with visual or physical challenges. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers at
[email protected]
We try to respond to feedback within five business days.
This statement was created on 22 March 2025.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers at
[email protected]
We try to respond to feedback within five business days.
This statement was created on 22 March 2025.
If you have difficulty accessing any part of this website, please contact us at: [email protected], and we will assist you.
Content Copyright © 2018, Kathryn Schieber, BFF (Book Friends Forever) Editing. All rights reserved.
Logo created by Benjamin Schieber
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Logo created by Benjamin Schieber
Proudly powered by Weebly