Are you an editor? Or are you looking for a freelance editor?

[Barbara]

Tricia wrote: "My site is: www.triciakristufek.wordpress.com

I admit I have to update it to include pricing, but if anyone is interested I can forward that information on to them. I'm going to try to get the ser..."

and then I'm next! :-D

[Sarah]

Tricia wrote: "My site is: www.triciakristufek.wordpress.com

I admit I have to update it to include pricing, but if anyone is interested I can forward that information on to them. I'm going to try..."

to which Barb replied: "and then I'm next! :-D"

Next for what, Barb? For Tricia's editing services? :)

I'm starting to ponder the idea of trying to sell myself as either an editor or proofreader or eBook formatter. The problem is Mark (Coker of Smashwords) has like 8 or 10 people on a list who'll format for $25-$50. I suppose I could try to compete with that, but why bother? I don't think $25-$50 to format a book and "guarantee" SW Premium Catalog listing is really profitable for me.

Editing, OTOH, maybe. It's so easy to edit someone else's work; supremely challenging to edit one's own. I don't mind typing, proofreading and after a decade as a Legal Secretary, I'm pretty solid on the skills but I'm not sure I'd be into doing the whole solicitation end of running my own business. I hate sales, one on one. I can do marketing and advertising but sales....ick.

How do those of you who are established with a list of editing clientele solicit your writers/authors to send you a book to edit? I'm sure Tricia and others besides myself would like to know! Geesh, now I'm gonna have to correct all of my typos, aren't I? *rolls eyes + smiles*

-sry

[Neal]

Hi all! I just noticed this discussion and figured I'd throw my information out there. My name is Neal Hock, and I'm a freelance editor. I specialize in copyediting, proofreading, and concept editing. My website is http://www.hockseditingservices.com. I'm happy to provide a sample of my work and references upon request.

-Neal

[Tricia]

@Sarah - Yes, Barb has contacted me to edit 2 of her stories. I'm excited!

I would love to know how to grow clientele. And fixing typos is probably a good place to start!

[Keryl]

Well, if you all are interested in proofing work...

I will be looking for proofreader in June, project to be finished by September. The story is about 200k words long.

It's the sequel to Sylvianna. I hope to have it on KDP Select in September, and live on all formats in Dec.

If you're interested send me a PM so we can arrange to get to know each other!

[Katy]

Keryl wrote: "Well, if you all are interested in proofing work...

I will be looking for proofreader in June, project to be finished by September. The story is about 200k words long.

It's the sequel to [book:Sy..."

Oooh - too bad I'm booked into 2013! That sounds like a fun one - good luck finding someone to get that done for you!

[Keryl]

Katy wrote: "Keryl wrote: "Well, if you all are interested in proofing work...

I will be looking for proofreader in June, project to be finished by September. The story is about 200k words long.

It's the sequ..."

Thanks!

I hope you enjoy the projects you're working on.

[Sarah]

@Keryl, I'm still pondering the very idea but hopefully Tricia will snap you right up on that offer! Sounds like a terrific job for her, esp. given the schedule's set out in June.

I've just had a fairly serious discussion with my boss at the day job today and I'm cut back on hours there so as to allow myself to find a new source of income--either getting my books out and earning their keep (haha) or working freelance doing editing and/or tech writing. I think I might end up doing tech writing since I have a degree in engineering and can get substantial pay for extremely short term jobs. The total downside for that work, of course, is it's concentrated effort that they need "right now" and then NOTHING for months (or ever again). Welcome to contracting / self-employment work (1099).

-sry

[Tricia]

I did contact Keryl to see if we can work together! I'm hoping so, I'd like to get 2012 all booked up!

[Sara]

I guess I should update what I'm capable of and my "resume", so to speak:

I have been a legal secretary for the Arkansas Dept. of Education and worked with the attorney in writing out language for lawmakers. I've taken legal and creative writing classes that were required by the state to help write legislation for Arkansas and later, for local trial attorneys. I've also had two semesters of English language and writing at two local colleges here in my area.

I'm proficient in proofreading, copy editing, line editing and structural editing. My method of payment is the barter system; please contact me to find out my price ranges, as well as my clientele list.

Rasenna(at)sbcglobal(dot)net or message me here at Goodreads.

[Sarah]

Sara wrote: "I guess I should update what I'm capable of and my "resume", so to speak:

I have been a legal secretary for the Arkansas Dept. of Education and worked with the attorney in writing out language for..."

Sara, despite your spelling your name wrong (hahaha, see? all those "h"s could be yours!) I have to say, having spent nearly a decade as a Legal Secretary myself, you are WELL-prepared for the task of proofreading, copy/line-editing and structural editing!

Anyone looking for a SOLID proofer or sentence-tightener, Rasenna can do it. You would NOT believe what attorneys put into drafts for their secretaries to "clean that up, would you?" (rolls eyes) It's been 25+ years since I did that and I'm still chuckling about it. Then again, my boss from 20 years ago just sent me a New Year's card so I guess I made an impression, too (haha)

What do you mean "barter system"? I've seen one or two others mentioning that and other than a book, how do you have authors pay you for your work? I don't get it. Sorry if I'm being "thick" and feel free to private message if you prefer not to say in public. I just figured others might be interested as well.

-sry

[Keryl]

Sarah, the Webbiegrrl Writer wrote: "@Keryl, I'm still pondering the very idea but hopefully Tricia will snap you right up on that offer! Sounds like a terrific job for her, esp. given the schedule's set out in June.

I've just had a ..."

Tricia has contacted me, and I've sent along a manuscript bit for a sample proof.

I'll be taking bids until the end of January, so if anyone else is interested, drop me a line.

[Sara]

Sarah, the Webbiegrrl Writer wrote: "What do you mean "barter system"? I've seen one or two others mentioning that and other than a book, how do you have authors pay you for your work? I don't get it. Sorry if I'm being "thick" and feel free to private message if you prefer not to say in public. I just figured others might be interested as well."

Barter system may not be the "right" phrase for it but it seems to be the one to use, until a better one comes up. Essentially, I take products, instead of monetary compensation, in exchange for my services.

Like I mentioned above, however many words there are in a story, I have a table for payment. I usually get paid by the author gifting a book to me from my wishlist at Amazon or my to-read list here at Goodreads. Smashwords is also welcome. And we can always work something out,such as doing future work for a discount or free if I'm overpaid.

Thank you for the props, Sarah! Yes, you have to be VERY meticulous when doing legal assistant/secretarial work. They are soooo nitpicky and yes, at times they have a right to be. I just wish some of them could write legibly! I swear, it's like trying to puzzle out a doctor prescription sometimes.

A college degree is great for a lot of occupations but at times it can be overrated for others. Life experience should seriously be considered when editing and revising; that's something that can't be taught in a school. :)

-Sara the 'h'-less teehee!

[Keryl]

Sara wrote: "Sarah, the Webbiegrrl Writer wrote: "What do you mean "barter system"? I've seen one or two others mentioning that and other than a book, how do you have authors pay you for your work? I don't get ..."

Just remember, before posting things like that all over the net, if you're a US Citizen, you have to report the value of all goods and services bartered for as part of your income taxes.

Doesn't matter if you get paid in books, the IRS still wants you to count it as income.

[[deleted user]]

My novel 'The Taint: Sorrow's Child' is with a developmental editor at the moment, and with two beta readers from this group.

I was represented by an agent and had earlier interest in the novel from Hachett Aust (declined due to the collapse of borders in early 2011). I'm adding this, as I hope that it means that after I receive feedback from the developmental editor and my beta readers, and have completed the necessary rewrites, the novel should be in fairy good shape for a copy-proofer.

I'm looking for at least two copy-proofers who are willing to go over my manuscript when the rewrites are complete (I'm hoping by April).

I'm your typical poor writer but I can barter, either with books for people's wish-list, or with artwork (see my website and facebook page).

Anyone interested?

I will also add names and links in the 'thank you' section of the ebook, as I will with the developmental editor and my beta readers.

Many thanks,

Georgina.

[Tricia]

Georgina,
Depending on the length, I might be able to proofread for you. Send me a message if you're interested. :)

[[deleted user]]

Tricia wrote: "Georgina,
Depending on the length, I might be able to proofread for you. Send me a message if you're interested. :)"

Length at the moment, before rewrites, is 96K, may go up to 110-120, no longer. Shall I still message you?

[Tricia]

Sure Georgina!

[[deleted user]]

Tricia wrote: "Sure Georgina!"

Thanks Tricia!
:) Georgina.

[James]

Thank you for starting this thread Canary!

I'm interested in hiring a freelance editor for my next book, and thanks to this group I found Amy's new web site.

Amy, your web site looks great and I love the name!

Best wishes,
James

[Lavinia]

I was extremely happy with my editor for Spellbound by Fire, my newly released dark fantasy novel. He also edited my poetry book, and was very impressed. I'll definitely be keeping him around for my future projects! His name is Dan Trivates and he is taking new clients- thetermineditor@gmail.com. He also has a website- http://theunquestionable.com/ Be sure to check him out if you need an editor. :) Good luck with writing everyone!!!

[C.S. Splitter]

I can certainly vouch for Tricia as an editor (and Amy too, btw).

People who read my first book in BT times (before Tricia) can see the difference with the second book. They don't tend to say it in reviews, but I get the emails.

One thing about good editors: they are retentive in their attention to detail. Tricia finds the most obscure things and while we arg...ummm, discuss...the rightness and wrongness of the issue at hand, she is almost always right.

And that's another thing about a good editor: they know the book belongs to the author. They have their say and the author has final say.

The SMART author listens to their editor all the time and takes 95% of their suggestions...just because you have final say doesn't mean you are right lol. Or so that is what my editor tells me. Hrrumph.

Splitter

[Ian]

Quick question: I've been writing and editing professionally in newspapers and magazines for 20 years. But in that time it's become apparent to me with whom I think I can and can't work.

Is there a polite way to tell people that you don't think you can work with their manuscript without having to explain, at length, that they simply don't have sufficient turn-of-phrase or fluidity to write a book?

It's a practical reality of the business end of any publishing industry, and yet it's not really open to public discussion between authors on specific projects because of the inherent judgment.

Also, at what point do editors here make such a call? When it looks like a total rewrite? When the person has excessively poor grammar that will doom their project? Or is it like wedding photography, where you take the job even if you don't particularly like the subject matter?

Thanks for any advice people can offer.

LH

[[deleted user]]

L.H. wrote: "Quick question: I've been writing and editing professionally in newspapers and magazines for 20 years. But in that time it's become apparent to me with whom I think I can and can't work.

Is there ..."

Ask for a sample first, so you can ascertain whether you can 'help' them or not. That's what my developmental editor required before she agreed to take on my manuscript. That way you can get a clear idea. The first 30-50 pages, as with the requirements of a publishing house.

I think in your position you should be honest about rewrites. A first time writer with a first draft may have so many issues a rewrite is absolutely necessary. Possibly more than one. I suppose wording it diplomatically, is the thing.

:) Georgina.

[Ian]

Georgina wrote: "L.H. wrote: "Quick question: I've been writing and editing professionally in newspapers and magazines for 20 years. But in that time it's become apparent to me with whom I think I can and can't wor..."

Yeah, that last part is a killer. I'm really trying to be more sensitive to people about their writing after years of being somewhat... uh... hard-nosed 80

[[deleted user]]

L.H. wrote: "Georgina wrote: "L.H. wrote: "Quick question: I've been writing and editing professionally in newspapers and magazines for 20 years. But in that time it's become apparent to me with whom I think I ..."

But it's necessary, or else a book is unlikely to reach its full potential. My ex literary agent was very clear in her feedback for my first draft. It started with 'Georgina, I think we have a problem...'. I put down the phone feeling shattered, but she was absolutely right. I rewrote it from scratch, resubmitted and she loved it. I needed that honesty.

Strangely enough, it also helped me to separate my own feelings of worth with from that of my manuscript. Well, to a degree.

Georgina.

[Ian]

I suppose. Hate hurting peoples' feelings, though. Worst part of the job.

It was always easier at newspapers; they were supposed to know what they were doing by the time they got there.

Cheers,
LH

[[deleted user]]

L.H. wrote: "I suppose. Hate hurting peoples' feelings, though. Worst part of the job.

It was always easier at newspapers; they were supposed to know what they were doing by the time they got there.

Cheers,
LH"

They say journalists make good writers because they are well used to editing.

I always think criticism can be phrased in a constructive way. I'm also an artist so I've had my share of negative art reviews (art is very subjective). Now I'm having to brace myself as a writer. I received my first drive by rating of one star on Barnes and Noble the other week. I'm sure there will be more to come.

[Katy]

Hmm. Well, personally, I've worked on books I didn't particularly like, and I look at it as a challenge if it needs a lot of work. As long as I like the author, I will work with them.

[Sarah]

L.H. wrote: "Quick question: I've been writing and editing professionally in newspapers and magazines for 20 years. But in that time it's become apparent to me with whom I think I can and can't work.

Is there a polite way to tell people that you don't think you can work with their manuscript without having to explain, at length, that they simply don't have sufficient turn-of-phrase or fluidity to write a book?
"

Hi LH, I see Georgina's tried to answer you and Katy as well, but the responses seem to be focused on the fact of your reading a book and not liking it, as though you were "hired" to review it. Are you talking about editing or are you talking about reviewing?

If the former, then whether you like it or not, whether you feel the writer has a capable talent as a storyteller, is irrelevant. You were hired to edit. Now I happen to be on the side of the debate that considers "editing" to be QUITE different from proofreading, typo-correcting or punctuation-checking (that can be called line-editing or copyediting but is NOT what I call editing and certainly not what I would consider paying someone to do under the title of editor).

If you were hired to edit, really edit, and you find that the amount of work is substantial to the point you feel you are tempted to rewrite the book, let me suggest two things:

1) Stop volunteering to rewrite someone else's work. That's not editing. That's a rewrite. That's the WRITER's job. Your job is to clearly explain what it is that is not working. If this is your problem, then use impersonal terms always focused on separating the person from the problem. Never use "you" for instance.

The best, most-impersonal terms to use are "pacing," "inconsistencies in voice," or "character undeveloped for this plot point." If you want to "blame" something other than pacing, voice or character construction, the only other editorial comment is to say it's a plotting issue and that definitely is a rewrite not an edit. It's just not your job to rewrite someone's book. Editors suggest to authors what to do to fix a book. Editors do not rewrite books. It may take 5 or 6 back-and-forth passes, though.

2) If you really just don't want to have to get into it, price yourself out of the job. Tell the person, as soon as you realize how much work the piece needs, "This is going to cost a substantial amount more than originally estimated and I'd like to keep my rates low, and turnaround times quicker than your piece requires. I think you need to hire an editor with more in-depth services than I'm offering." If there's an argument about your commitment, RETURN THE MONEY and walk away. Don't argue--as soon as you start to argue, you'll get personal and then you'll dislike yourself for it.

If you don't like a person's work, or style or voice, that's a review, not an editorial remark. An editor's job is not to change the author's personal choices of what story to tell or how to tell it. I'm not sure why so many people think that IS an editor's job. In fact, thousands of today's (successful) Indie Authors will tell nightmares of editors at traditional publishing houses trying to do just that and ruining their books--and resulting in low or no sales. They change their books back and voila, they sell.

If you cannot find the synchronicity with the author's voice, characterizations, plotting style or pacing speed, then your assistance will be sabotage more than help. Don't take on the job. It'll hurt both of you if you do.

Indie authors are all broke or at least unaccustomed and/or unprepared to cough up huge sums of money for so-called editorial work, and especially since there's such confusion (among authors and editors alike) as to what exactly constitutes editing. The #1 easiest, politest and least-personal way to get out of a job you should never have taken on is to claim a finanical burden on the author. If you "estimate" the cost outrageously high enough, they won't want to pay--or if they do, take a minimum of 50% down to start work. That should discourage the people who are emotionally-vested enough to simply fight with you rather than hear your critiques.

Bottom line though, don't review a book you were hired to edit. The conflict of interest there is fairly profound. Editorial remarks are--or should be--objective and unemotional and never communicate qualities such as "liking" or "disliking" a book or any of its facets. Those are subjective remarks. It's not about your personal tastes. Editing is a job not a book review.

-sry

[C.S. Splitter]

To me, a nightmare scenario would be someone beimg forced to work with me that did not believe in my work. If a book is that bad onan editor's first pass, they have to start thinking, "this person is no writer."

Can you really make someone you believe has limited talent/expertise into a writer? Why would you want to try?

One could also look at is from the other side....what if I were forced to work with an editor that I did not thimk was any good? Dounle feature nightmare there.

Unless you are working for a company and have a boss, I can't imagine why two people who didn't believe in one another's work would decide to do business together.

The editor's name goes on the book too. Do you want your name on a bad book?

Splitter

[Keryl]

I'd say, if you've got the sample and the sinking feeling of this is beyond fixing is slapping you in the face, it's time to write a polite letter along the lines of how this book and you are a mismatch.

You don't need to go into specifics, just, I'm sorry, this book and my skill set don't go hand in hand, I wish you much luck in finding an editor who can meet your needs.

If you've got editing friends, and you think some of them might do well with it, pass their names along as reputable other possible editors.

[Barbara]

I've had an editor saying in her contract that I shouldn't put her name on the book as editor without her permission (and never gave me her permission when I asked), so now editors and betas are thanked in the same acknowledgement message... I hope it's fine with the "new" editors I'm working with!

[Katy]

Barbara wrote: "I've had an editor saying in her contract that I shouldn't put her name on the book as editor without her permission (and never gave me her permission when I asked), so now editors and betas are th..."

That's what most folks do - as you can see from my "author" page, a few add me as editor (and Lenore went crazy the other day adding her upcoming books, most of which I won't see for months! LOL but it will give you an idea of the work I'll be doing!). Personally, if I edited it, I don't mind at all having my name associated with it - I take pride in my work, and want to make myself available for anyone who has comments or questions about it.

[Barbara]

Well, I ALWAYS thank whoever read my manuscript, either as beta or editor (even partial critiquers get a mention) - I don't specify unless requested... BTW, are you ready to work for me? I know, I'm not ready yet, don't worry, I'm still typing like crazy... I should stop writing the first draft by hand, it would really save me time! :-D

[[deleted user]]

I'm going to give a hypothetical example of a breakdown in communication that neither a writer or a professional wants:

A writer gets to the stage where they can't even email the said hypothetical professional (no not an editor) without extreme anxiety and sweaty palms. In the final year of this hypothetical relationship, the writer is also physical sick, on three separate occasions, when the professional is due to contact her (I mean the hypothetical writer).

In reality (but we aren't talking about reality, this is hypothetical remember) this breakdown is a due to both the writer and the professional. The first should have had a backbone and realised many years ago that the relationship wasn't working, but the writer was in awe of the professional's status and abilities. The professional fell short in communication skills. Neither ended up benefiting.

It needs to be a good match.

I'll be including my editors names, I'm proud that they are taking on my book. I'm hoping they will feel proud of the end results too.

A good working relationship shouldn't ended up feeling like a nightmare. I think an editor has the right to state whether they feel they are a match for the writer and the book. Writers too need to judge whether they feel the editor or professional is right for them, and not sign any contracts, and grow a backbone, and...but I'm straying back onto the hypothetical path here.

[Katy]

Barbara wrote: "Well, I ALWAYS thank whoever read my manuscript, either as beta or editor (even partial critiquers get a mention) - I don't specify unless requested... BTW, are you ready to work for me? I know, I'..."

I have you on my calendar for late February and late May; I've been sick for two weeks and unable to edit, so I'm running a bit behind currently, but should be caught up on things by the time you get your ms. to me, if those dates still work! :-)

@Georgina - you are absolutely right. Perhaps my earlier comment was unclear - I absolutely believe I must have a good relationship with the writer with whom I work. What I don't require is that I actually love the book I'm working on - I'm not saying that the books to which I refer are bad, just that they aren't the sort of thing I would normally read, you get it? I've only had to go through a couple of them, truth to tell - I like a lot of different things - but the fact remains - yes, I've edited romances, although I generally don't like them, but it's not about what I like or don't like, it's about what I can do to polish up the story and writing. The writers with whom I work (so far) have all been great, or had great ideas that just needed some polish, which is what I provide. I hope that clarifies my point of view :-)

[[deleted user]]

Katy wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Well, I ALWAYS thank whoever read my manuscript, either as beta or editor (even partial critiquers get a mention) - I don't specify unless requested... BTW, are you ready to work fo..."

More referring to L.H's earlier question. And you, Katy seem like one of the lovely ones. (I don't know you, but it can be seen in your comments in many different threads).

And yes, I think that's it isn't it, you don't have to love the genre or style but a good relationship with the writer is paramount to getting things done and in a pleasant way.

[Sarah]

Barbara wrote: "Well, I ALWAYS thank whoever read my manuscript, either as beta or editor (even partial critiquers get a mention) - I don't specify unless requested... BTW, are you ready to work for me? I know, I'm not ready yet, don't worry, I'm still typing like crazy... I should stop writing the first draft by hand, it would really save me time! :-D"

Barb, I always want to list everyone in the Acknowledgements but I always always always ask permission first and I've had a couple of people not want their names in print. It wasn't that they didn't want to be attached to my book; it was that they didn't want people reading it to know their name--first and last, etc. It was a privacy issue. I guess I could say they were being paranoid but I do get it. Lately, I like to list a reader's Twitter or userID so as to encourage my readers to follow the people who helped to make the book they were just enjoying but that also turns out to be a privacy issue to some people. My rule of thumb is to always ask and I phrase it as "Have I spelled your name correctly or as you'd like it to appear?"

As to the last remark if only I could read my own handwriting!! I cannot--nor can anyone else--as was proved today at work. I had to handwrite a long list of numbers and text descriptions of products as I went walking around the store and was leaning on a clipboard but still, when I went to type up my list, I had NO CLUE what half of it said. In fairness, it was more than 3-4 hrs after writing it and a lot had happened in the interim, but I should still be able to read my OWN writing IMO. Hence, why I type 100wpm and do not own notebooks or pads of paper anymore, though I do seem to collect pens (haha)

-sry

[Sara]

Eric wrote: "Sara: You may be right about life experiences being valuable, but in school I studied grammatical, poetic and rhetoric construction and read a huge variety of worldwide authors, then spent years wo..."

Eric, you may not have seen where I posted that I've had several writing classes and took a couple of semesters focused only on writing and English lit. So I've had some formal training relevant to this field. I've also had a few poems published in a couple of magazines and online; I just don't mention them because it doesn't seem to be needed.

Thank you for commenting on my post.

Sara the Atchless

[Sarah]

Eric wrote: "Sara: You may be right about life experiences being valuable, but in school I studied grammatical, poetic and rhetoric construction and read a huge variety of worldwide authors, then s..."

I'd also note that studying poetry and rhetoric construction in a school is fine for someone who wants to be a literary critic or work exclusively with literary fiction writers or poets.

For commercial fiction, however, that's pretty much the antithesis of the qualities required for competence to evaluate, guage salability or (especially) contribute to the viability of the work. I mean, the very last thing a commercial fiction author wants is to sound like a piece of literary fiction. Gawwwd, talk about the kiss of death!!!

Sara the Atchless, you also have unmatched experience and training--hands-on training--as a Legal Secretary that absolutely no schoole can teach. However, I guess that's what they now call a Paralegal course (haha) You know, Legal Secretaries who cannot type (hahahahahahaha) sorry, had to say it. Legal Secretaries know how to read, research, confirm accuracy, correct for voice, maintain the author's voice (we often have to compose and sign off on our bosses' documents) and definitely, a Legal Secretary knows how to proofread. A legal document with typos or uncorrected misphrasings can cost huge sums of money--not to mention, change lives! Attention to detail is an understatement.

I don't think being a Legal Secretary is akin to "random life experiences" and on behalf of all current (Sara) and former (myself) Legal Secretaries, I take offense at the trivialization of such a job into the phrase "random life experience" as though it is not an actual profession. In fact, the profession of Paralegal was borne out of the reality that Legal Secretaries were practically lawyers in some offices! That's why they were called paralegals. When I left law in 1988 after 8 years in the field, I was offered the option of sitting for the Bar--my bosses were convinced I would pass! Instead I went into an engineering company in the semi-conductor industry and then, finally, off to college to become a Mechanical Engineer.

-sry

[[deleted user]]

Sarah, the Webbiegrrl Writer wrote: "Eric wrote: "Sara: You may be right about life experiences being valuable, but in school I studied grammatical, poetic and rhetoric construction and read a huge variety of worldwide authors, then s..."

I was waiting for your reply, Sarah. You haven't let me down.

To begin with the piece of paper versus life experience is a tired and annoying subject. Too many dodgy degree holders, too many incredibly talented people without them.

And secondly, as you said, legal secretaries cannot be placed in the later category (that it is life experience not study and training that gave them those skills). The idea is ludicrous (I have family members in the field of law).

Georgina.

[Sarah]

Georgina wrote: "I was waiting for your reply, Sarah. You haven't let me down."

A-ha! So you have thrown me to the wolves on purpose!! LOL. Yeah, if I could keep my big mouth shut, I would but having spent 8 years in my 20s in a law office actually writing 1/3 of my boss's material for him, I can't. It was Eric I think (gotta scroll back and see for sure) who said something about Sara the Atchless just having "random life experience" and it just really irked me.

Working in a law office is not for the feint of heart. In fact, Legal Secretary is one of the highest-paid and hardest-to-fill (and keep filled) Executive Secretarial jobs out there. If they didn't basically require overtime availability, I'd apply to firms around here for a 2-day a week typist position (and possibly make more in 2 days than I do in 4 at my grocery store part time job) Hmmm....now I'm thinking :)

-sry

[[deleted user]]

Eric wrote: "Georgina - life experiences ARE random! I'm sorry if that irks you, but it's the truth. It's hit-or-miss. You have no idea what's coming.

A 4-year-university - with honors - is in no way "dodgy"...."

I have a degree too, Eric. A Bachelor of Arts, Visual Arts (four years and then I started my post grad and couldn't afford to go on, because of the fees). I know about the dedication needed to stick with it.

I didn't say faint of heart (you are confusing me with someone else I think).

I have a developmental editor and a copy editor. I'm not denigrating the achievements of a degree, I'm adding that those garnered through life experience are very valid too. Arbitrary statements do all an injustice.

And yes, you will no doubt find mistakes in my writing on posts, especially punctuation. Which is why I found editors to help me.


Georgina.

[Anita]

If you have a copy of The SHining ( who's doesn't ) the dedication is to the editor WIlliam G Thompson. Yes he has freelanced since his retirement from Doubleday He edited Grisham and Kings early books. Check him out
Www.billthompsonediting.com

His track record is that he arguably produced more best sellers than any editor in history.

[Kate]

I am a freelance editor for a publishing house, and have been considering offering my services on a limited basis to authors who are looking to self-publish. I also run a review web site that reviews mostly indie writers and would like to do something to continue to support indie writers. I would be more than willing to offer a free sample chapter. I do not have a website for this and as of right now I am not advertising, for more information please contact me at kate@ufreviews.com

[Sarah]

Wow, Eric, if I actually spent the time and effort to proofread my posts here on Goodreads (or for that matter, posts on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or any other social network), I really doubt I'd have time to (a) participate even a fraction as much as I do (which is a substantial part of my already-successful marketing and promotional efforts) or far more importantly, (b) WRITE.

But thanks for picking out typos in my and Georgina's and others' posts here on this thread! Someone needs to HIRE you because you clearly have too much time on your hands if you're correcting typos on posts here. Idle hands (or should I say idol hands hahahahahaha, sorry I'm in quite the snarky mood this morning; comes from lack of sleep. I might feint (sic))))

-sry

[[deleted user]]

Eric wrote: "I'm a professional editor with a degree in journalism and literature an decades of experience in editing, writing and layout.

My company is here:
http://polyglotstudios.com/

My own book is here:
..."

Sorry, Eric, I had to note that you too, are capable of making mistakes in posts (no, I don't look for them or usually notice them). I think you meant 'and decades'.

And let's face it editors, you are all needed! No need to view each other as competition, you are all part of the wonderful supportive team that indie writers now have at their disposal. Personally I'm delighted.

Must admit, the idea of my own personal editor who follows me round, editing my posts on facebook, goodreads and my blog, sounds pretty damn good. Oh course it would be a labour of love wouldn't it?...

;) Georgina.

[[deleted user]]

Now I know I should edit that post as I've noticed that I've done my usual trick of sprinkling random commas into my sentences. Where's my personal post editor again?

[Katy]

Georgina wrote: "And let's face it editors, you are all needed! No need to view each other as competition, you are all part of the wonderful supportive team that indie writers now have at their disposal. Personally I'm delighted."

Exactly! I was so disappointed when I saw that post from Eric, denigrating the experience that many of us editors have based our abilities upon, and pointing out errors like he was somehow better than the rest of us because he had that piece of paper saying so ... there was no need for that attitude on here, and honestly ... that sort of "I'm better than all of you because ..." attitude will likely just cause people to avoid him in droves. There is plenty of work to go around for those of us who provide editing services - we should support one another, not try to tear one another down. Shame on you, Eric - adjust your attitude a bit, why don't you?