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.’
When I was young, my love of books, stories, and words made me think I wanted to be a writer. I love the creativity of stringing meaningful sentences together and the challenge of trying to communicate with just the right words. Plus, as an introvert, the solitary, romantic lifestyle (as I imagined it) appealed to me as well. But my head and heart just don’t really fill up with characters and plots that demand to be told, as I’ve heard that many authors’ do.
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 had decided late in the game to try for a Library Science certification but graduated before I'd completed that course of study. When I graduated I assumed I would either head off into the world of Publishing or continue to pursue Library Science.
But then some unique opportunities came my way, and I decided I would be wise to pursue them. I ended up teaching outdoor education and then getting a Master's degree. When I met my partner, my journey veered off on a different trajectory yet again. We eventually started a family, and as the raising of children and care for husband and home took over my time, energy, and focus, I stopped making reading a priority. It took a counselor, helping me to develop a much-needed system of self-care, to remind me of my love of reading. Once I gave myself permission to set aside that time for myself, I was a much happier camper.
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 more palatable than 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. (See my Personal Aside in the Definitions of Common Editing Jargon page, after 'Reviews.') The authors of these stories encouraged me in the idea that I could be an editor since, as a number of them told me at the time, I’d caught mistakes that had eluded previous, professional scrutiny. (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 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 but 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.’
When I was young, my love of books, stories, and words made me think I wanted to be a writer. I love the creativity of stringing meaningful sentences together and the challenge of trying to communicate with just the right words. Plus, as an introvert, the solitary, romantic lifestyle (as I imagined it) appealed to me as well. But my head and heart just don’t really fill up with characters and plots that demand to be told, as I’ve heard that many authors’ do.
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 had decided late in the game to try for a Library Science certification but graduated before I'd completed that course of study. When I graduated I assumed I would either head off into the world of Publishing or continue to pursue Library Science.
But then some unique opportunities came my way, and I decided I would be wise to pursue them. I ended up teaching outdoor education and then getting a Master's degree. When I met my partner, my journey veered off on a different trajectory yet again. We eventually started a family, and as the raising of children and care for husband and home took over my time, energy, and focus, I stopped making reading a priority. It took a counselor, helping me to develop a much-needed system of self-care, to remind me of my love of reading. Once I gave myself permission to set aside that time for myself, I was a much happier camper.
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 more palatable than 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. (See my Personal Aside in the Definitions of Common Editing Jargon page, after 'Reviews.') The authors of these stories encouraged me in the idea that I could be an editor since, as a number of them told me at the time, I’d caught mistakes that had eluded previous, professional scrutiny. (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 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 but 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?
"Kathryn Schieber edited my 80k paranormal romance dragon shifter novel with an eye to detail every author needs ... she caught errors after my book had already gone through the editing process by another editor ... I highly recommend Kate as your next editor ... you won't be disappointed."
-N.D. Jones, USA Today Bestselling Author