The Editor Life Podcast by DeVore Editorial

It’s the season one finale of Editor Life! Today we answer listener questions and discuss our podcasting journey thus far. Thank you all for joining us for our debut season. We will be back for season two!

Today we’re going to talk about being writer-editors and how being a writer affects your editing life (and how being an editor affects your writing life!).

 

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​

-On identifying as both writer & editor [06:09]

-Will being a writer intimidate or attract your Ideal Client? [08:31]

-Both the writing and editing communities are so strong because of our love of words; we’re all readers [13:50]

-If you’re a writer, editor, or writer-editor, you need to be a reader first [23:16]

-Do you need to be writing every day to be a writer? [33:53]

-Angela and Jaclyn’s differing reading preferences [49:40]

-You get to choose which books you read, and you get to choose which books you work on professionally [56:22]

-Language informs the way we see and interpret the world, and it’s a vital piece of what makes us editors [01:01:27]

-How does being an editor influence your reading and writing life? [01:03:30]

-Giving and receiving feedback is a skill [01:10:27]

-Play with your own voice (on paper) so that you know the sound of your voice when you accidentally start putting it on the work that you’re editing [01:15:02]  Resources mentioned in this episode: ​

-Purity Coffee; use the link EDITORLIFE to receive 10% off your order [02:32]

-Our producers at Truth Work Media [04:06]

-David Foster Wallace’s The Broom of the System [14:52]

-Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo [15:20]

-Sweet Valley High, Baby-Sitters Club & California Diaries [19:02]

-reMarkable Tablet [41:12]

-The Freewrite and Freewrite Traveler; use THIS LINK for a referral discount [42:46]

-Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine [50:21]

-Outlander (the book by Diana Gabaldon, and the show on Starz) [51:48]

-Paullina Simons’s The Bronze Horseman [52:34]

-Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass [53:05]

-Steven Rowley’s The Editor [54:09]

-Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged [01:07:29]

-Courtney Maum’s Before and After the Book Deal [01:09:39]

-Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World [01:17:11]

 

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

 

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

​Today we’re talking about social media for editors. We are here to share a few essential business tips on how to show up to social media in an authentic, professional (and yet personal) way that connects with your Ideal Clients.

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​

-Instagram for editors [09:50]

-Social Media Best Practice #1: Don’t be disparaging [12:45]

-Social Media Best Practice #2: Keep it real [22:56]

-How to balance professionalism with personality [38:18]

-Use social media for connection, not sales [43:42]

-Nurturing your community off of social media [51:10]

-Connecting with those who engage with you and who care about your content [01:02:59]  Resources mentioned in this episode: ​

-Our producers at Truth Work Media, namely Michael Yoder and Seth Creekmore [03:40]

-Our unofficial sponsors at Purity Coffee. Use the code EDITORLIFE for 10% off your purchase [04:03]

-Kat Coroy’s Instagram Makeover Course [10:17]

-Boss Babe’s IG Academy [11:09]

-Michelle Wolfson’s blog (Wolfson Literary Agency) [19:15]

-Jacqui Sive, helping lightworkers lead [01:01:05]

 

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com/products to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

Today we’ll be discussing an editor’s role in the modern publishing landscape, specifically through the lens of self-publishing, in this second conversation of a two-episode series. 

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​

-Self-publishing has been around a long time; it was actually the norm before what we call “traditional publishing” actually came about [07:45]

-Self-publishing is not a last-resort option; it’s a vibrant industry with opportunities for positive impact [08:41]

-All publishing is currently oversaturated [10:28]

-A well-edited book is more likely to be recommended to others than a book that has not been professionally edited [22:10]

-Your job as an editor is to help your self-publishing client understand that it’s in their best interest to heed your editorial expertise, as long as you’re honoring their authorial voice [23:48]

-You are not your client’s employee; you have been hired for your expertise and the value you can provide through your services [29:26]

-Authors who self-publish are trailblazers; your self-publishing efforts can be the basis of a whole new category (for example: New Adult) [41:45]

-Your responsibility as the editor is to inform your self-publishing clients what’s needed for them to successfully self-publish, including recommending services such as book formatting, book marketing, cover design, etc. [51:07]

-It takes a driven, organized, confident, capable person to successfully self-publish [58:55]

-What, as a freelance independent editor, is your responsibility to self-publishing authors? [01:05:36] 

Resources mentioned in this episode: ​

-Our fabulous producers at Truth Work Media, who make us sound better than we actually are [05:12]

-A Course in Miracles [15:54]

-Kindle Unlimited [17:02]

-The Chicago Manual of Style [18:39]

-Hay House Publishing, founded by Louise Hay [39:55]

-Florence Scovel Shinn [40:42]

-Mary Baker Eddy [41:05]

-Stephen King and Nora Roberts [45:24]

-Frey wine, the organic red blend [50:25] 

-BookBaby’s 2017 survey on book services related to profits; pie chart courtesy of Rachel Vine Hunt [01:07:45]

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

​Today we’ll be discussing an editor’s role in the modern publishing landscape, specifically through the lens of traditional publishing, in this first conversation of a two-episode series.

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​

-Our roles are ever shifting along with the publishing landscape [07:28]

-It’s our role to know where we fit into the landscape as freelance editors [11:07]

-Freelancers are in a unique position to be of service to authors and in-house publishers alike [14:25]

-The difference between a book coach and a submission-ready editor [20:56]

-Who are beta readers? [24:30]

-The mixed messaging that’s risen from the publishing industry surrounding submission standards [28:40]

-Our forecast for freelancers’ roles in modern traditional publishing [35:05]

-Second-book slumps in traditional publishing [41:46]

-An editor’s primary role is to be a reader’s advocate [47:25]

-Independent editors are in a position to help traditionally publishing authors “get ready to get ready to be published” [49:23]

-The publishing world is saturated; how do you help authors stand out? [01:00:59]

-Freelance editors do still have a valuable role in traditional publishing [01:05:44]  Resources mentioned in this episode: ​

-Frey wine, the organic red blend [02:55]

-Organically sourced Purity coffee; use the code EDITORLIFE for a 10% discount [03:38]

-Jane Friedman’s PDF on Key Book Publishing Paths [05:32]

-DeVore Editorial’s Submission-Ready Playbook [06:00]

-Arthur Plotnik’s The Elements of Editing [07:40]

-What are Beta Readers—and How to Find Them [24:52]

-Bestselling author Rea Frey’s vocalization on editorial support for authors; check out Writeway Podcast [33:51]

-BookBaby’s 2017 survey on book services related to profits; pie chart courtesy of Rachel Vine Hunt [39:09]

-Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone. Angela humbly apologizes for pronouncing her last name wrong [42:20]

-Sterling Lord’s Lord of Publishing: A Memoir [01:03:48]

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

Today we present the second half of our conversation on editorial ethics.

​Today we talk about editorial ethics. We were honestly surprised by the direction this conversation turned, but we think this is as important a topic as ever in our current editing landscape, so take a listen!

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​In part one of our two-episode conversation on editorial ethics, we discuss best ethical business practices and how to demonstrate your professionalism. If we don’t address a topic that you’d like to hear discussed, please email us at [email protected].

-Ethics is about choice [09:52]

-What ethical obligations do you have to yourself, your clients, and your business? [11:24]

-New freelancers still get to choose their editing landscapes [17:42]

-Managing a project you don’t feel qualified for [20:42]

-Why we should be relying on our editorial community [22:25]

-You have a professional obligation to act like a professional [32:56]

-Making your wrongs right [46:45]

-Developing your ethical judgment [48:04]

-Knowing your own self is at the heart of ethics [54:45] Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Chandon [01:48]

-Good Health Chips [03:00]

-The Five Orders of Ignorance [13:15]

-DeVore Editorial’s Ideal Client Workbook [14:20]

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

Today we discuss how to foster beautiful, harmonious relationships with your clients from the very first moment you speak with them. We talk about how to take your ego out of the equation once you’ve signed that client on, and we chat about the pitfalls editors can fall into while editing, as well as a few positive ways to reframe those mistakes and turn them into fruitful, productive relationships with our clients.

 

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​We’ve talked in prior episodes about boundaries and ethics, but today we’re going to get into communicating with your clients in a compassionate, reflective way.

-How reflective listening applies to the editorial relationship [06:40]

-Why offering consultations to your clients is key [08:58]

-A few common errors that editors make when managing clients [25:27]

-Finding the balance between celebrating and challenging your clients [37:11]

-Three core conditions of the therapeutic relationship, which can be applied to the editorial relationship [38:45]

-Why your suggested edits are options, not law [52:12]

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Purity Coffee; Use the code EDITORLIFE to receive 10% off of your order [03:52]

-Quote by Stephen R. Covey, from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:Powerful Lessons in Personal Change [07:07]

-Zoom Video Communications [09:55]

-DeVore Editorial’s Prospective Client Questionnaire as a part of the Dream Biz Academy [11:51]

-Google Forms [13:10]

 

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

Episode summary introduction:​ ​Today we’re going to talk about presenting your editorial services. Editors don’t really agree on the levels of editing, which, as you can imagine, can be confusing to your Ideal Client as they search for their Dream Editor. DeVore Editorial has opinions, and we’re going to share them with you today.

Topics discussed in this episode:​ ​

-How jargon and the levels of editing are confusing your Ideal Client [06:50]

-Listening to the clients’ wants and extrapolating their needs [13:11]

-Referring a project out when a manuscript requires more work than you can provide [15:08]

-Knowing your strengths and challenges as well as your client’s [18:41]

-Choosing manuscripts that challenge you while still remaining within your capability, in order to continue learning. [23:05]

-How you can demonstrate your expertise and compel your prospective clients to work with you without utilizing ego-based selling practices [35:12]

Resources mentioned in this episode: ​

-Bonterra Organic Vineyards [02:23]

-Truth Work Media [03:21]

-Editors’ Association of Canada [05:48]

-Editorial Freelancers Association [50:29]

-Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People [51:17]

-Dream Biz Academy at DeVore Editorial [52:12]

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com to purchase and download our Editorial Resources.

Episode summary introduction:​ ​Today Jaclyn DeVore and Angela Houston talk about editorial boundaries, particularly surrounding client communications and expectations. We discuss the line between what editors are and are not willing to do in order to please a client, often blurring the line between perfectionism and people-pleasing.

Topics discussed in this episode:​

Last episode we talked about honoring your yeses and noes, setting your frame, and honoring your boundaries. We expand on those topics today as related to client management, in order to help you develop productive, harmonious relationships with your dream clients.

-2020 being the year of lessons learned [07:44]

-When boundaries meet values [17:36]

-Customizing your services outside of your frame [20:58]

-Managing clients’ expectations [25:07]

-People-pleasing vs. perfectionism [33:04]

-Protecting your business while simultaneously meeting the author where they’re at and empowering them to be their book’s first advocate [36:11]

-Checking your editorial ego at the door and respecting the author’s bravery [50:03]

-Where boundaries meet ethics [56:36] 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Bonterra, Moët & Chandon, and Condor Chocolates (what we’re fueled by)  [02:45]

-Dream Biz Academy by DeVore Editorial [05:56]

-DeVore Editorial’s business coach, Jacqui Sive [09:43]

-DeVore Editorial’s Client Welcome Packet; you can purchase our Client Welcome Packet template at DeVoreEditorial.com [26:11]

-DeVore Editorial’s Client Contract; you can receive a sample DeVore Editorial contract by signing up for Dream Biz Academy [37:28]

-The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield [44:50]

-Jaclyn DeVore offers business mentorships for freelancers. Email her for more information at [email protected], or DM her on Instagram at @jaclyn.devore [56:50]

-Dream Biz Academy Launch and associated Dream Biz Giveaway. Dream Biz Academy is now available at DeVoreEditorial.com, and the Dream Biz Giveaway will be open for registration until August 31st, 2020 at midnight PST. Register by visiting @devore.editorial on Instagram and filling out the form in our bio. [01:04:57]

-PurityCoffee.com; use the code EDITORLIFE to receive 10% off of your order [01:08:17]

-Our fabulous podcast producers at Truth Work Media (truthworkmedia.com) [1:08:45]

Calls-to-action:​

Are you interested in establishing or growing a thriving editing business in the Shining and Abundant Land of Ease, Fun, and Satisfaction? Subscribe to future episodes of Editor Life Podcast and rate and review. Send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you think of the show, to ask us your questions, and to tell us what you’d like to hear discussed on future episodes.

To start building that thriving business, check out DeVoreEditorial.com/products to enroll in Dream Biz Academy, now available for a limited-time launch-only price! 

Register for the Dream Biz Academy Giveaway (Available until midnight PST on August 31st!) by visiting @devore.editorial on Instagram and filling out the survey in our bio!