An editor should be an author’s best friend, but oftentimes authors view editors as taskmasters. Editor and author coach Claudia Volkman wants to smash this notion! Editors not only help correct errors in grammar and spelling but can also provide valuable insights to make a story stronger and polished to perfection

Claudia joins me today and we explore how she helps authors journey through the writing and publishing process with an eye towards making it more marketable. Her tips will be applicable for every writer who is in the process of writing a book.

What drew Claudia into this field? What are the qualities of an effective editor that every author should know? How can an author coach help make a writer’s work more marketable? Listen in to uncover the answers to these questions as well as her take on what aspiring authors need to know to be successful.

CLAUDIA VOLKMAN

Claudia has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, from her early days on the staff of a bi-monthly magazine and over eight years with a leading Christian publishing house working in special sales and product development. With forty years of experience in acquisitions, product development, editing, and typesetting, she now loves assisting all types of clients with their editorial and typesetting needs. A Chicago native, Claudia, and her husband now reside in Southwest Florida with their two charming Corgis.

CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvolkman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmvolkman   Personal Website: CreativeEditorialSolutions.com  

Key Topics in this podcast:

• How did Claudia's editorial career begin within the publishing industry?
• What motivated her to become an editor?
• What is the role and importance of an editor in the publishing process?
• The best ways to find the right and qualified editor and publisher for your writing project.
• What is the role of an author coach and why is it important for authors?

The Hot Seat Questions for Claudia:

• How do you feel when you're about to open a fresh manuscript from a new client?
• What lesson about the publishing industry do you feel like you had to learn the hard way?
• What's the best piece of advice you could give to an aspiring author?
• What do you wish most authors knew or understood better about editors?
• What's your least favorite part of the editing process?
• What words of advice would you give your younger self?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Editors are vital to the success of every book. Without editors, books wouldn't be as successful. They're one of the key players in making sure that a manuscript makes it from beginning to end without any errors or mistakes showing up along the way!
• Editing a book is not an easy task. The editor's role is to make the book more successful, compelling, and let the author's voice be heard.
• Look for the right editor. The cost of entry is a firm grasp on the rules of grammar and storytelling. That said, authors are encourage to find someone they can work well with and that may mean interviewing multiple editors before you find the right fit.
• Consider an author coach. When it comes to writing, some authors and especially new writers will benefit from the services of an author coach. Coaches can help shape creative ideas and educate prospective authors on the business side of publishing.

Memorable Quotes/Advice From Claudia

 Keep that dream alive. Just do what you need to do to get your book written. Don't get intimidated by the blank page, don't get halfway into it and think, 'Oh, well, I'm just gonna set it aside.' If you have that dream, do it. Make it happen!

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