The Editor's Half Hour

What happens when two editors decide they want to spend a little less time staring at screens—and a little more time putting pencil to paper?

In this episode, I’m joined by Riley O’Connell, the master behind much of the magic of Pique Post: The Mail Club for Editing Pros(e).

We’re sharing the story behind Pique Post: why we wanted to create an analog experience specifically for editors, what inspired us to bring a little surprise and creativity back to the mailbox, and how the idea grew from a simple conversation into an entire mail club.

We also talk about what subscribers can expect from each issue, from opportunities to practice editorial skills by hand (and showcase those sample edits in their portfolios) to the thoughtful details we hope make opening Pique Post feel like a small event each month.

But Pique Post isn’t just about what arrives in the envelope. It’s about creating space to slow down, engage with words differently, and connect with a community of people who understand the strange and wonderful pleasure of noticing the things everyone else misses.

Riley and I also reflect on what we hope Pique Post becomes as the community grows—and why, in an increasingly digital world, there may be something especially valuable about returning to paper, pencils, proofreading marks, and a little something in the post.

Links:

Visit www.piquepublishing.com/shop to subscribe to this mail club.

Learn more about Riley O'Connell and her business by visiting https://www.rileyoconnell.com.

Connect with Riley on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-o-connell.

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What does it really take to become a freelance editor for a major publishing house?

In this episode, I talk with Crystal Yang, owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen, about the skills, experience, and professional relationships that can help editors break into Big Five—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan Publishers.

Crystal shares how she built her career as a copyeditor, proofreader, and authenticity reader and explains why there is no single path into working with a major publisher. We discuss how editors can strengthen their résumés, expand their networks, prepare for editorial tests, and position themselves for opportunities when they arise.

Whether working with a Big Five publisher is a long-term goal or simply one possible direction for your editing career, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging look at how to prepare for the opportunity.

Visit https://www.rabbitwitharedpen.com/ to learn more about Crystal and her business.

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Editing a memoir requires more than shaping a compelling narrative. It also requires sensitivity, trust, and a deep respect for the writer’s voice. In this episode, Barbie Halaby of Monocle Editing discusses the unique responsibilities that come with helping writers transform personal experiences into stories that connect with readers.

We explore how memoir editors approach structure, emotional truth, and sensitive subject matter without taking control of the writer’s story. Barbie also shares how she helps clients make difficult decisions about what belongs on the page, how editors can offer honest feedback with care, and why strong communication is essential when working with such personal material.

Whether you edit memoirs, write them, or are curious about the relationship between an editor and a memoirist, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how editors can help writers strengthen their stories while remaining true to the experiences behind them.

Learn more about Barbie and her business by visiting https://monocle-editing.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mary Karr's The Art of Memoir: https://www.marykarr.com/the-art-of-memoir.html

Marion Roach Smith's The Memoir Project: https://marionroach.com/2011/06/the-best-book-on-how-to-write-memoir/

The Grammar Girl podcast episode that talked about villains and monsters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyone-has-a-story-to-tell-and-why-your/id173429229?i=1000769976704

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When most people think of editing, they think of books, magazines, newspapers, or websites. Video games rarely make the list.

Yet behind every quest, character interaction, dialogue option, and story arc is a team of writers, designers, and editors working together to create an immersive experience for players.

In this episode, I interview video game editor and narrative designer Jess Haskins about the fascinating world of interactive storytelling. Jess pulls back the curtain on what game editors actually do, from shaping dialogue and maintaining character consistency to navigating branching narratives and player-driven choices.

Together, we explore how editing changes when the audience actively participates in the story and why many of the core skills editors use every day—clarity, consistency, collaboration, and audience awareness—are just as important in gaming as they are in traditional publishing.

Whether you're a gamer, an editor, or simply curious about unexpected career paths, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how editors help shape experiences far beyond the page.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a video game editor does

• The difference between indie, AA, and AAA games

• How dialogue trees and player choice influence storytelling

• The challenges of editing branching narratives

• How editors collaborate with writers, designers, developers, and voice actors

• Common misconceptions about video game editing

• The role of AI in game development and narrative design

• Why the editorial mindset translates across industries and mediums

About Jess Haskins:

Jess Haskins is a video game editor, narrative designer, and founder of The Game Editors, a boutique studio specializing in narrative consulting, editing, and voiceover production for games. She has worked on a variety of narrative-driven projects and is passionate about helping game developers create compelling player experiences through strong storytelling and thoughtful editorial collaboration.

Additional links to resources and contact info mentioned in this episode:

Twine - https://twinery.org/

Articy - https://www.articy.com/en/

Connect with Jess Haskins on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesshaskins/

Learn more about her business – thegameeditors.com

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Technical editing is often overlooked in conversations about the publishing and editing industry, but it plays a critical role in how readers understand complex information. In this episode, we are joined by Jess Stampe of Just Ask Jess (https://justaskjess.work/) about what technical editing actually involves and why it requires far more than simply correcting grammar.

Together, we explore the balance between clarity and accuracy, the challenges of editing highly specialized material, and the importance of structure, readability, and audience awareness. Jess also shares insight into working with subject-matter experts (SMEs), approaching unfamiliar industries with confidence, and helping readers navigate dense information without oversimplifying it.

This conversation offers an honest look at a niche many editors find intimidating, while also revealing the growing opportunities available for those willing to strengthen their skills in technical communication and editing.

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-stampe/

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Most writers think they’re ready for editing. Most manuscripts say otherwise.

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, Nadia Geagea Pupa explores one of the most misunderstood—and often skipped—stages of the editorial process: manuscript evaluations, alongside Steph Thompson. This conversation gets to the core of what writers actually need before line editing begins. Steph shares how she approaches evaluations from a big-picture perspective, helping writers understand what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Together, they break down what a manuscript evaluation is—and what it isn’t—along with how editors assess structure, pacing, clarity, and overall story flow. The conversation also addresses the balance between honest critique and constructive guidance, the common issues that show up across manuscripts, and what a strong evaluation actually looks like in terms of deliverables.

They also get into the business side of this work—how to set boundaries, manage client expectations, and price manuscript evaluations in a way that reflects their value.

Manuscript evaluations sit at a critical decision point in the publishing process. Done well, they can save writers time, money, and frustration by providing direction before deeper editing begins. This episode offers a clear look into how editors think at this stage—and why clarity always comes before correction.

Visit www.inkandinsightwordsmithery.com to learn more about Steph’s freelance business.

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-thompson-editor

substack.com/@inkandinsightwordsmithery

Find her on Instagram: @ink_and_insight_wordsmithery

Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!

Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast

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In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, I’m joined by Tia Ross to talk about the realities behind one of the most misunderstood professions in publishing. At the center of our conversation is her book, "So You Want to Be an Editor... But Can You Edit?," which challenges the idea that editing is a casual or easily acquired skill.

Tia breaks down what it actually takes to do this work well—from technical knowledge and critical thinking to discipline, judgment, and accountability. We also dig into a critical issue in today’s landscape: the consequences of an unregulated industry. When writers don’t do their due diligence in choosing an editor, the impact can be significant.

Poor editing doesn’t just affect the quality of a manuscript—it can compromise clarity, credibility, and the author’s long-term success. At the same time, editors who take on work without the proper skill set risk damaging their professional reputation and the trust placed in them.

Tia speaks candidly about this shared responsibility—on both sides. This episode is also a reminder that editing is not static. Strong editors stay informed. They continue learning. They refine their skills over time and remain aware of evolving standards, tools, and expectations within the industry.

Being an editor isn’t about claiming the title. It’s about consistently earning it.

Purchase Tia’s book: https://tiarosseditor.com/be-an-editor/

Visit the organization she started: https://blackeditorsproofreaders.com/

Connect with Tia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-ross-editor/

To learn more about Tia and the services she provides, visit her website at www.tiarosseditor.com

In this episode, I interviewed Barbara Gastel about the evolving field of medical editing—and the persistent myths that keep talented editors from stepping into it.

Barbara is the author of "Medical Editing: A Guide for Authors and Editors," published by the University of Chicago Press. Drawing on decades of experience in science and medical communication, she offers a grounded, practical look at what medical editors actually do, how they enter the profession, and why there is no single “correct” background for the role.

One of the most important takeaways from this conversation: you do not need a health science degree to succeed in medical editing. While subject-matter knowledge can be valuable, the profession benefits from editors with diverse training—journalism, English, publishing, research, and beyond. Strong editorial judgment, clarity of thought, ethical awareness, and respect for evidence are what truly matter.

We also discuss:

- The core responsibilities of medical editors

- How medical editing differs from other editorial niches

- The ethical considerations unique to medical and scientific publishing

- Practical advice for editors curious about entering this space

This episode is both an invitation and a reality check. Medical editing is rigorous. It carries responsibility. But it is also deeply meaningful work—work that shapes how research is communicated and how information reaches clinicians, policymakers, and the public. If you’ve ever wondered whether you belong in medical editing, this conversation may expand your thinking.

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Editing Romantasy

Romantasy is having a moment—and for good reason.

In this episode, I’m joined by editor Brenna Bailey-Davies for a thoughtful conversation about what makes romantasy so compelling for readers and editors alike. We explore the genre’s emotional pull, immersive worlds, and beloved tropes, while also discussing the editorial considerations that help these stories truly shine.

Together, we talk about:

·       Why romantasy continues to dominate reader demand

·       The tropes readers love—and why they work

·       How editors can approach romantasy with intention and confidence

·       Balancing high emotion, power dynamics, and character agency

·       Editing romantasy as a reader-first genre

This conversation is a celebration of romantasy, grounded in craft and curiosity. Whether you’re actively editing in the genre or simply want to understand why it resonates so deeply, this episode offers insight into the editorial lens behind today’s most popular fantasy romances.

If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit.com and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.

To learn more about Brenna’s editorial business and her published books, visit www.bookmarteneditorial.com or www.brennabailey.com.

Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!

Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast

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Jane Friedman: The Business of Being a Writer (and a Freelancer)

In this episode, I talk with publishing expert, educator, and author Jane Friedman about the realities of building a writing or editing career in today’s shifting marketplace.

Jane has spent more than two decades working across traditional publishing, digital media, and higher education. Her insights cut through industry myths and offer a clear, practical look at what it really takes to sustain creative work—especially for freelancers.

We explore the principles behind her book The Business of Being a Writer, how to position yourself in a crowded market, and why understanding your value is essential, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We also discuss common misconceptions around agents, the submissions process, and why packaging and pricing matter just as much as skill.

Jane shares a thoughtful perspective on AI in the exclusive interview—its potential, its limits, and what writers and editors should pay attention to as technology evolves.

This is a grounded, generous conversation for anyone navigating the business side of creative work.

Topics We Cover

• Why positioning matters for freelancers
• Pricing, packaging, and communicating your value
• How editors can strengthen their visibility and reach

Resources & Links

• Jane Friedman’s Website: https://janefriedman.com
• The Business of Being a Writer (Book): https://janefriedman.com/book/the-business-of-being-a-writer
• Jane’s Substack Article: There Is No Such Thing as a Good Editor
• https://janefriedman.substack.com/p/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-good

If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.

Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!

Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast

Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour

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Become a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour