FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I worked in bookstores for many years. When that was over, I wanted to do work that was creative and made use of my interests and talents. I am a widely published writer who has learned to edit his own and other writers' work in writer's groups, something I greatly enjoyed doing, so it seemed natural for me to become an editor. Also, a lot of my writing is memoir writing, so it seemed like a good fit to help other people write their memoirs. I also enjoy teaching, which I've done at senior centers, helping other people find their own voices as writers.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
The most common jobs I do for my clients are editing jobs, working on someone's nonfiction, fiction, or poetry manuscript and helping fine-tune the language and organizational structure so the writing says more effectively what the client wants it to say. With fiction, I comment on character and plot development, dialogue, point of view, voice, tone, etc. - all the elements that go into creating strong fiction writing. And I always make suggestions for revision to the client.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I would say that it's good to get to know each other a little bit before starting to work together. It's important to know whether the client and I will be a good fit, how easily we will be able to work together. So price is important, but just as important is for the client to have a sense that I can do a good job for them, that I will be able to solve the problem they are coming to me for and do it in a professional manner. So I think a phone conversation is always helpful before making a decision on hiring a writer or editor.