Editor: Sandee Curry Company: Sandee Curry Editorial Number of years in editing: I count my experience working at a record label from 1999–2001 as writing, editing, and proofreading experience because I did all of that and more during my time there.
Tell us a little about yourself, including how you got started as an editor?
I'm a copy editor and content creator for life. I have often said I wish I knew what a copy editor was when I was a kid because that would have been my career path all along. My first editing gig was for a family-run pop culture magazine in Los Angeles, and I fell into a proofreading job at a biotech company after that. That led to my first corporate copyediting role in the financial industry.
What is your area of focus and why did you select this niche?
I really enjoy reading and writing about finances. I think it has helped me so much personally with my own financial situation. Health and wellness come in a close second for similar reasons.
Walk us through a typical workday. How do you manage your time?
A month ago, I was the Editorial Director at a content marketing company, so that was back-to-back Zoom meetings, managing a team of editors and a fact-checker, and then editing late into the evening. About a month ago, I made the decision to go independent, and I am working on starting my own company. Strangely, where my ambition took me in my career wasn't satisfying once I got there.
What is your favorite thing about being an editor?
I am passionate that clear communication makes the world a better place. I love reading good writing, and the ability to make something clearer to the reader makes my heart happy, especially when it is the content that is going to help someone.
What is your biggest challenge and how do you work through this?
This year, it has been stress. Nothing novel about that answer, but since I left my day job, I have been doing little things to reduce my stress: taking walks around the Tennessee River where we just moved into our dream condo, guided meditation, roller skating, birdwatching, and taking time away from screens to think and write.
What are you currently working on?
I'm trying to figure out how to start my own business, networking with like-minded people, posting my cats on Instagram, and trying to bring my blood pressure down.
What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their career as an editor?
Question everything. Leave queries if you are unsure about anything you see in the text. Listen to your gut. Learn as much as you can from other editors.
