Company: Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group
# of years in editing: I’ve been editing for about ten years, with four years in a full-time editorial role.
Tell us a little about yourself, including how you got started as an editor?
In college, I worked at my university’s writing center, where I learned I loved words and had an aptitude for editing. While I was an English major, I read as many books and blogs (remember blogs?) about editing and grammar as I could. I freelanced and worked other part-time jobs for two years after graduation before being lucky enough to land a job in publishing, at a university press.
What is your area of focus and why did you select this niche?
My work is mostly copyediting historical and contemporary fiction, which I chose because I found I like working directly with authors and have a knack for historical research and keeping track of details.
Walk us through a typical workday. How do you manage your time?
I use the morning to check email, organize my day, follow-up on marketing projects, and update book schedules. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes administrative tasks that I do besides editing. I block out time to work on edits in late morning and afternoon, when I’m fully caffeinated and at my best. I’m usually toggling my time between a few books with similar due dates.
What is your favorite thing about being an editor?
Our authors! They’re imaginative, kind, and continually amaze me with their creativity. Working with historical fictions means I’m always learning something new, which I love.
What is your biggest challenge and how do you work through this?
Besides tight deadlines, one of my biggest challenges is working on multiple books in a series at the same time. Especially when there’s a series-long mystery, it can be hard to keep track of what the reader knows and when. I keep very detailed style sheets and notes on my projects, which helps keep everything straight.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a contemporary manuscript about a single mother who returns to the small town she was raised in to become the caregiver for her ailing aunt. It has a cozy small-town feel and a really lovable cast of characters.
What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their career as an editor?
Always keep learning new things, whether it’s through a class, a conference, or a webinar. Most editors are kind and willing to share their experiences—don’t be afraid to reach out to others or meet new people. If you can afford to go, conferences are super helpful in learning about different fields and editorial roles.