Editing and Services – Kristin Houlihan, Writer

Am I professional, or authentic? Can I be both?

This question comes up a lot in my mind when I sit down to blog or I pop on Twitter, which I joined as “The Edifying Word” and only recently added my name to (now I’m “Kristin at The Edifying Word”). I’ve struggled to find the balance, but my hope is that I can honestly answer “both” to the question in the post title. The Edifying Word has morphed over the years since I started it, when I pretty much only posted book reviews, and most of those were by authors who requested my reviews, often through the Book Blogger’s List. I don’t regret starting that way — I met some fantastic authors that way, whose books I continue to read. But eventually I changed to a static home page and started offering editing services, which I LOVE DOING, and neglected the blog. I’ve been back at it lately, mostly with the Indie Author Spotlight but I’m also trying to be more engaged and to write more insightful, themed pieces. Because I LIKE to. Even if it outwardly seems to have nothing to do with editing…

My Twitter activity has morphed, too, from solely editing-reading-writing posts to a more diverse set of topics. I wanted to show more of ME, but I struggled with how personal, how REAL should I be? I still struggle, though I’ve gone decidedly more personal than I used to be. I actually think it’s helped me professionally, though, because I’m connecting with people I like and who actually like me. I’m learning about new books, new authors, publishing activity, agents, and more. I’ve gotten to work with several amazing clients that I’ve met through Twitter, AND I’ve learned a lot from the editing community (#edibuddies — thanks for answering my questions and building me up!). I’ve also learned, as I share more, that there are lots of other editors out there like me: struggling to balance their passion for editing with their children, families, jobs, etc.

I’ve learned to see that needing a longer time-frame to complete edits or not working full time is an advantage rather than a hindrance. I find that I work best with clients who also have competing priorities–children, spouse, job, etc.–and who value my straightforwardness. I also find that I put less pressure on myself to accept any job that comes my way, and try to sign on for the jobs that really excite me. Rather than trying to sound “professional” or “smart” or “qualified” I’ve tried to be authentically me, weigh in where I have something to add and stay quiet when I don’t, and support authors and editors and all members of the writing community.

Sometimes I get unbalanced. Just today I came to the realization I’ve been on Twitter A LOT, which is not awesome for my kids. I’m going to find a new way to approach my social media usage, though I haven’t figured out how yet. But that’s ok. Live and learn, and where necessary, apologize and make appropriate changes.

So, here I am being more personal than “professional” in the truest sense of the word, but you’re getting the real me, not an image. If you like me, awesome! I’d love to know you, talk about books with you, or kids, or life, or even edit your writing! If not…we’re probably not a good fit for each other.

Speaking of being professional, though — you may have noticed my new logo and website design! It’s still a work in progress, and I’ll tell you more about the designer when she officially launches her business, but I’m really pleased with what we’ve done so far. I’ve put the logo below, and the submark is at the top of the post. Check them out and tell me what you think!

Top Editing Tips and No-nos

I was really pleased to be asked to participate in author Emma Lombard’s latest listicle post, 27 Book Editors Share Their Editing Top Tips and Naughty No-Nos. You’ll find me at entry #8, though I’ve also pasted my contribution in here. Check out the link to see what 26 other editors, some of whom I’ve had the privilege of interacting with and learning from, have to say on the subject. It’s a great variety of tips!

Top Tip:

Find an editor who you click with. This can take time and effort, but I usually advise prospective clients to get several sample edits and pay attention to the editor’s style and personality. You need to trust this person, and you need to know your editor respects you as the author and owner of the manuscript.

No-no:

This is a little harder, but really, it’s thinking you can skip out on any of the steps. Even editors need editors! Don’t try to fit your editing into a preconceived timeline—get an editor, listen to the editor’s advice, and put in the time necessary to make your work the best it can be. Don’t rush to publish!

Big Steps

As many of you know, I just moved with my family across the country. There have been big changes for our family, and as a result I’ve been quiet as a blogger and as an editor. I had to turn down a few really great projects earlier this year because there just wasn’t time – I needed to focus on my family and our move. We’ve been here a little over two months now, and we’re busier than ever but we’re also making more time for me to return to editing and blogging. SO here are a few things I’m up to:

1 – Today is the first day I have a babysitter here with the little two while the big two are at school so I can get some dedicated work time during the day. It’s a big thing for me to have someone watch my kids, even if I am just upstairs…

2 – I joined the Editorial Freelancers Association! I’ve been wanting to do this for a while, and finally just did it. I now have access to their courses at a discounted rate, I’m listed in their freelancer database for potential clients to find me, and I have access to their job board. ALSO I now have access to many, many colleagues from whom I can learn a ton. I’m excited!

3 – I’m working with an indie author on his book, copy editing to help prepare for submission to agents. I have been doing smaller projects recently (and still am!) and I’m SO excited to be working on a book again.

I have a lot of ideas of where I want to go with this — too many to fit into the time I have, of course, so I have to talk myself down every once in a while before I get myself committed to more than I can reasonably accomplish. For now, though, I’m going to have two dedicated mornings a week to edit — and time to do things like figure out how on earth to fix that EFA Member badge you see there on the sidebar all the wrong size (except I’ll probably just call in my IT department, aka my husband!).

Thanks for reading and supporting me. And if you know anyone in need of an editor, send them my way!