November, 2018
Everyone has a story. I love hearing other people’s stories, and I guess someone might be curious about mine and how I came to be doing this ‘editing thing.’
My parents were my first and best teachers of language and communication. They modeled and were sticklers for proper grammar. They also are big readers, and we always had books around the house and were regulars at the public library. Even though my folks would nag me to go to sleep when I’d stay up too late reading (I haven’t changed my night owl ways), they were always supportive (or at least indulgent) of my love of reading and even of my choosing English as a major in college, bless ‘em. My Bachelor's degree is in English Literature. I later got a Master's degree as well.
Over the years I have also discovered the joy and freedom of audio books. I tell you what! Nothing makes cleaning the bathroom or weeding the garden as bearable as listening to a good story. And, a number of years ago, I got an iPad mini and really began to explore the world of e-books. We were fortunate that our town had an extensive library of both audio and digital books.
I gradually came to do more volunteer beta reading, proof reading, and editing of the e-books I was reading. The authors of these stories encouraged me in the idea that I could be an editor. (Please visit my Testimonials page to see what some of these wonderful, successful authors have to say about working with me.) This gave me the confidence to pursue the dream of actually becoming a freelance editor.
The authors I was helping were also graciously helping me. A few authors gave me guidance in navigating the industry and feedback on setting up my business and others promised to spread the word that I was hanging out my shingle. The editors I have approached for advice have also been helpful and supportive. I am so grateful to these wonderful, generous souls. On the whole, I have found the indie publishing industry to be amazingly supportive and encouraging.
It astounds me how independent writers have to not only have a great story to share, they also have to network, market their books and themselves, have business and tech savvy, negotiate with bloggers and distribution companies, build websites, cultivate and maintain a social media presence, and manage mailing lists, as well as Beta and ARC reader groups. It is a lot of work and responsibility, and my goal is to make at least the editing process as stress free as possible.
Just as indie authors have to handle all the business side of things themselves, so too do freelance editors have to brand and market and educate themselves in the ways of this growing and changing industry. And while part of me wishes I could just ‘wallow in the words,’ as my friend used to say, another part of me relishes the challenge.
So, my young dreams of becoming a writer of stories have taken a different tack, and that is okay. I can still help others tell their stories in ways that can inspire, entertain, edify, and enrich.
Everyone has a story. I love hearing other people’s stories, and I guess someone might be curious about mine and how I came to be doing this ‘editing thing.’
My parents were my first and best teachers of language and communication. They modeled and were sticklers for proper grammar. They also are big readers, and we always had books around the house and were regulars at the public library. Even though my folks would nag me to go to sleep when I’d stay up too late reading (I haven’t changed my night owl ways), they were always supportive (or at least indulgent) of my love of reading and even of my choosing English as a major in college, bless ‘em. My Bachelor's degree is in English Literature. I later got a Master's degree as well.
Over the years I have also discovered the joy and freedom of audio books. I tell you what! Nothing makes cleaning the bathroom or weeding the garden as bearable as listening to a good story. And, a number of years ago, I got an iPad mini and really began to explore the world of e-books. We were fortunate that our town had an extensive library of both audio and digital books.
I gradually came to do more volunteer beta reading, proof reading, and editing of the e-books I was reading. The authors of these stories encouraged me in the idea that I could be an editor. (Please visit my Testimonials page to see what some of these wonderful, successful authors have to say about working with me.) This gave me the confidence to pursue the dream of actually becoming a freelance editor.
The authors I was helping were also graciously helping me. A few authors gave me guidance in navigating the industry and feedback on setting up my business and others promised to spread the word that I was hanging out my shingle. The editors I have approached for advice have also been helpful and supportive. I am so grateful to these wonderful, generous souls. On the whole, I have found the indie publishing industry to be amazingly supportive and encouraging.
It astounds me how independent writers have to not only have a great story to share, they also have to network, market their books and themselves, have business and tech savvy, negotiate with bloggers and distribution companies, build websites, cultivate and maintain a social media presence, and manage mailing lists, as well as Beta and ARC reader groups. It is a lot of work and responsibility, and my goal is to make at least the editing process as stress free as possible.
Just as indie authors have to handle all the business side of things themselves, so too do freelance editors have to brand and market and educate themselves in the ways of this growing and changing industry. And while part of me wishes I could just ‘wallow in the words,’ as my friend used to say, another part of me relishes the challenge.
So, my young dreams of becoming a writer of stories have taken a different tack, and that is okay. I can still help others tell their stories in ways that can inspire, entertain, edify, and enrich.
So here we are! Have you written a story? May I read it?
