Everyone has a story.
I love hearing other people’s stories,
and thought someone might be curious about
how BFF Editing came to be.
I love hearing other people’s stories,
and thought someone might be curious about
how BFF Editing came to be.
Education:
My parents were my first and best teachers of language and communication - modeling and insisting on proper grammar. We always had books around the house and were regulars at the public library. And even though my folks would nag me at night to turn off the light and go to sleep (I haven’t changed my night owl ways), they were always supportive (or at least indulgent) of my love of reading and even my major in college, bless ’em. My Bachelor’s degree is in English Literature, and I later got a Master’s degree in Theological Studies.
Eye/Ear:
Besides being a voracious reader my whole life, over the years, I’ve 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 began to explore the world of e-books. So convenient! We are fortunate that our town has an extensive library of both audio and digital books.
And a number of years ago, I began to explore the world of e-books. So convenient! We are fortunate that our town has an extensive library of both audio and digital books.
Experience:
I gradually came to do more volunteer beta reading, proof reading, and editing of e-books. The authors of these stories encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a freelance editor.
Some of the authors I’ve helped have graciously offered guidance while others provided testimonials or promised to spread the word that I was hanging out my shingle.
The editors and editor groups I’ve joined have also been super helpful. I am grateful to these individuals and communities which generously share their wisdom, knowledge, resources, and experience. 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, etc.
Some of the authors I’ve helped have graciously offered guidance while others provided testimonials or promised to spread the word that I was hanging out my shingle.
The editors and editor groups I’ve joined have also been super helpful. I am grateful to these individuals and communities which generously share their wisdom, knowledge, resources, and experience. 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, etc.
Entrepreneur:
While all writers work hard and make sacrifices, indie publishing authors have an added burden. Not only do they need to tell a great story, they also need to develop a brand, research trends, market their books (and themselves), network, become business and tech savvy, negotiate with bloggers and distribution companies, build websites, cultivate and maintain a social media presence and following, manage newsletter lists, develop Beta and ARC reader groups, etc. They are also responsible for hiring their own editors, formatters, proofreaders, cover artists, etc. (Hope I didn't scare you away.)
Similarly, freelance editors have to not only continue to learn their craft but also brand, network, market, and educate themselves in the ways of this growing and changing publishing 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.
Becoming any kind of published author is a LOT of work and responsibility. I want to make at least the editing process as stress free and rewarding as possible.
Similarly, freelance editors have to not only continue to learn their craft but also brand, network, market, and educate themselves in the ways of this growing and changing publishing 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.
Becoming any kind of published author is a LOT of work and responsibility. I want to make at least the editing process as stress free and rewarding as possible.
BFF Editing is dedicated to helping writers tell their stories
in ways that entertain, edify, and enrich.
in ways that entertain, edify, and enrich.
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