Announcing a New Freelance Editing Business!

I hope you don't mind that I'm taking this opportunity to let you know about my new business (or that I'm re-using material from the post over on my personal blog...). But for all you writers and authors out there who happen to be following the BB, I thought I'd let you know about my latest endeavor, in case you might find it to be useful to you!

My new website, "Editing Through the Seasons," is up, and I am open for business!

~

What is this all about, you may ask? Let me elaborate...

Why Freelance Editing?

I graduated back in May with a Bachelor's degree in English. I chose to major in English because I love the written word - I love studying literature; I love reading; I love writing; I love editing and proofreading. Getting a degree in English, without any specializations, seemed the best route to allow me to feed my passion and perhaps prepare myself for entering the publishing industry in some form or fashion (maybe as a publicist or an editor, and hopefully someday as a novelist!).

After graduating, I ended up returning home. It's been great being with my family, and my parents were kind enough to give me the summer "off," so to speak. But now the time has come to start working. Since I want to stay around the area for the time being, I'm trying my hand at freelance editing.

What do I love about the idea of freelance editing? Besides the fact that it allows me to work from home and gives me time to spend with my family and work on my own novel-writing, I love the thought of putting my degree and passion to use helping fellow writers and authors. My business is geared toward meeting a writer wherever he or she is at in the story-creating process (at whichever "season" the story is in). Whether someone is just starting out, or whether someone is almost ready to submit his or her work to an agent or an editor with a publishing company, I'm willing and ready to walk alongside that person on the journey, with everything on a "per project" basis. As an avid reader and book reviewer, I can offer general comments on the direction of the novel regarding plot, characterization, etc. And as far as proofreading and copy-editing goes, I am prepared to fine-tune a story in its grammar, syntax, and dialogue.

Preparing for Business

Getting a business started was a little bit tougher than I first imagined - and I keep finding new challenges all the time! But thanks to my daddy, I haven't have to navigate all of this craziness alone.

For those who might be wondering, no need to worry! I have applied for my business license; I have submitted the fictitious business name documents (I still have to advertise in a local newspaper, but that will happen soon!); I have bought the domain name for my website; I have purchased web hosting and figured out (thanks to Google...) the ins and outs of contact forms and such (I'm sure the website will continue to be updated in the days to come, but it's in working order for now!); and I have verified my PayPal account in order to receive payments. I'm sure there are some other little things to figure out, but at this point I am ready to meet my first customer. ;)

Could it be you?

I would be honored if any one of you, dear readers, would be my first customer! If you're an unpublished writer (or even a seasoned author!) who is interested in the services of a freelance editor, I would love to have you check out my website and see if I might be of service to you. =) If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment here or fill out the contact form on my website!

If you're not looking for editing services right now, not a problem! But if you are willing to help me out, it would mean so much to me if you could blog or tweet about my business, post about it on Facebook, or take the button in the sidebar [on my personal blog] and post in on your blog. Spreading the word would be super helpful!! And one other thing: if you could please pray for me and any writers who might contact me, that would be wonderful!

Thank you so, so much to all my blogging and author friends out there who have already encouraged me, prayed for this endeavor, and helped spread the word!! I believe that starting this business after having already been blogging for a couple of years - and after having made such dear friends because of it - is so much less daunting than it would have been if I had started from "scratch."

~ 

Thank you for taking the time to read about my new life adventure! If you're curious about business-launching, freelance editing, or anything of that nature, I'd love to chat with you in the comments section!

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POLL: What Did You Most Love About the 2011 ACFW Conference?

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Conference Tip: Round Table Talk for the Introvert

It's like a tonic to those of us who are not extroverts by nature. Round table talk at conference meals is the best way to get to know an agent or editor that you hope to target. For one, the weight of carrying the conversation is distributed to all those present. Two, the questions of others can be a springboard in helping formulate your own and might even answer some you didn't know you had. And three, you get a feel for what others are offering the agent or editor (know your competition!)

Still think you'll have a hard time?

If you can't think of a way to begin conversation, remember that these editors and agents are as human as you. They want small talk too. Is the meal delicious? Have you especially enjoyed a class you've attended, or even made a new friend? These are great conversation starters. Your target will probably take a huge breath of relief when they discover you are not going to ambush them with your one-liners or shove another story idea in their faces, and you just might discover common interests that open the door to friendship. Imagine that. Friends with the editor of your dreams!

I remember sitting next to Anne Goldsmith one year. I had not a thing to say to her about books, publishing or her position as acquiring editor, confessing, instead, that I was sitting at her table only because it was closest to the stage. Her eyes went huge when she realized that meant I was going to be speaking. At conference. In front of everyone. She confessed that she hated public speaking and admired those who could do it. It made me smile and created an instant connection.

Now, if you're still an absolute wreck of nerves, my best advice is to stay quiet. Don't feel pressured to say something if you don't have anything to share. Use the time to absorb the information flowing around you.  Be relaxed and have a great time. Absorb. Listen. Learn. Make friends. . . 

Just make sure you wipe your chin between bites.

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Writing Tips: Agents Vent on Chapter 1 Turn-Offs

Stumbled upon this great article yesterday. Writer's Digest compiled a list of what agents hate and it's an eye opener. If you want to land an agent, enter a contest, or approach an editor with your work of art, please do yourself a favor and read this first! The last agent to weigh in is Rachelle Gardner from WordServe Literary, a literary agent that primarily represents Christian fiction.


Teaser: Literary Reps vent about their Chapter 1 turn-offs.

Ask any literary agent what they’re looking for in a novel’s first chapter and they’ll all say the same thing: “Good writing that hooks me in.” Agents appreciate the same elements of good writing that readers do. They want action; they want compelling characters and a reason to read on; they want to feel an immediate connection with your writing.

But what about all those things they don’t want to see? Obvious mistakes such as grammatical errors and awkward writing aside, writers need to be conscious of Chapter 1 clichés and typical agent pet peeves—either of which can get a rejection letter sent your way.

Here, dozens of established literary agents vent about everything they can’t stand to see in your all-important first chapter.

PROLOGUES
“Most agents hate prologues. Just make the first chapter relevant and well written.”
— Andrea Brown, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
“Prologues are usually a lazy way to give back-story chunks to the reader and can be handled with more finesse throughout the story. Damn the prologue, full speed ahead!”
— Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents
DESCRIPTION
“I dislike endless ‘laundry list’ character descriptions. For example: ‘She had eyes the color of a summer sky and long blonde hair that fell in ringlets past her shoulders. Her petite nose was the perfect size for her heart-shaped face. Her azure dress—with the empire waist and long, tight sleeves—sported tiny pearl buttons down the bodice. Ivory lace peeked out of the hem in front, blah, blah.’ Who cares! Work it into the story.”
— Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

The article continues here: http://tinyurl.com/3deuptb

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Poll: What Is The Most Frustrating Thing About Writing?

Writers write. Sure. But there's plenty of things that are frustrating about the writing life and often tempt us to quit. What are the most frustrating aspects for you? Multiple answers are allowed. If yours isn't listed, put it down in comments.

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