From The Desk: No. 1

I’m not sure why, but I’m a huge fan of doing blog series. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might be familiar with some of them: my Novels and Narrations series for writing updates, my Bookish Breakdown monthly recaps or my Allyship Resources or Allyship Reads series. Well, it’s time for my newest to be introduced: From the Desk, where I’ll share main updates, highlights and resources from my freelance editing adventures!

Freelance Editing Journey

In August 2019, I first opened my metaphorical doors to freelance editing. Specializing in fantasy with select science fiction and romance, I am so excited I took this leap. In the almost two (!!) years since first accepting clients, I have:

• Worked with 19 writers (including a few repeat clients 🖤)
• Edited five published works (soon to be six!)
• Read 1.3 million words and counting!

I am so thankful. I’ve read amazing stories: from the classic questing tale told with heart to incredible new Elven cultures and lore; to amazing female Viking mothers to cyberpunk mystery; to orc bounty hunters to mind-binding science fiction to even a horror novella! I have been blessed to read such captivating fiction. I’ve helped with query letter tightening and synopses wrangling. I’ve made new friends, worked with incredible authors from the self-published community and was able to escape my day job by working on my passion in the evenings.

Countless hours, but every second worth it. So I just wanted to start off this series by saying thank you. I really love doing this and I hope to continue for many years to come! ❤

(Level Up)dates

But, I know you aren’t here for the sap. You’re here to learn about how I’ve leveled up my services and what you can expect from me going forward, as I teased about in my last newsletter. Not only have I revamped and updated my website to include new packages and services, but I’ve been busy honing my skills.

To become a better copy editor and proofreader, I bought and read The Best Punctuation Book, Period by June Casagrande. It’s currently filled with a bunch of sticky notes and tabs to reference as I work. You can never stop learning! To be a better businesswoman, I’ve started incorporating invoices, so both myself and my clients have another resource on top of my usual contracts to use to track expenses come tax time.

But, I’m most excited about something I’ve discovered and plan to use for any clients booking manuscript-length services (i.e., proofreading, copy editing or developmental editing) going forward, starting in August. Say hello to the style sheet.

A style sheet is a rule book, reference guide and track changes all in one. Here, I’ll outline the punctuation and grammar rules I’ll use to mark up your manuscript. It’ll help track consistencies and minute details, plus provide context for special conlang and worldbuilding. I’ve used it as I’ve began proofing BLOOD PRICE, one of my own WIPs, and it’s been incredible.

I am really excited to start offering it to my future clients!

Going Forward

As I enter year three of my freelance editing journey, I’m excited for what it’ll bring. I’m stoked to discover new stories and make new connections, while hopefully also continuing to work with some authors and their worlds from the past. Thanks to the new style sheet implementation, I’m even more confident that my authors will be feeling eager and ready to tackle their edits after working with me!

With this implementation, however, I will be taking longer to work on manuscripts than before. Tracking and writing out so many details for both myself to reference and the author to see after takes a significant amount of time–more than I realized it would. But it’s time well spent and 100% the right call, to make sure I’m offering the best and most accurate edits I can.

So, if you’ve worked with me before and are a bit surprised than my editing time frames have expanded, that’s why! But, I promise to deliver the same professionalism, communication and service that I’ve always striven to serve.

I cannot wait to start year three! If all of this excitement has wanting to learn more, fill out my contact form below: