The Editor's Half Hour

For the Season 3 finale of The Editor’s Half Hour, I’m joined by a truly extraordinary guest: Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster. With the highly anticipated 12th edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—the first major update in more than two decades—Peter gives us a rare look behind the scenes of how our language is shaped, refined, and recorded.In this conversation, Peter takes us inside the meticulous world of lexicography: how new words earn their place, how usage guides definition, and how the dictionary reflects the culture around us. We talk about nuance, evolution, clarity, and the responsibility of capturing the living nature of English—while honoring history, accuracy, and meaning.This episode is a celebration of everything editors love about language. Whether you’re an editor, a writer, or a full-on word nerd, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the dictionary you’ve trusted for years.In this episode, you’ll learn:·       What goes into updating a major dictionary edition·       How lexicographers track evolving usage and cultural influence·       The surprising ways words shift meaning over time·       What gets added and what gets revised in the 12th edition·       How editors and lexicographers share similar instincts for clarity and precision·       Why dictionary work is both deeply technical and beautifully humanAnd because this is the season finale, the episode begins with a special announcement: the winner of this season’s listener giveaway! Become a sneak “Pique” Patreon supporter to get access to exclusive content.Visit https://www.merriam-webster.com/collegiate-dictionary-twelfth-edition to get your copy of the latest 12th edition.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/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

Book Marketing for EditorsWhat happens after the edits are done? In this episode, I interview Aryn Van Dyke, founder of Book Rockstar and former HarperCollins marketing expert, about how editors can better understand the world of book marketing—and why it matters more than ever.Aryn shares how her background in corporate publishing led her to create Book Rockstar, a boutique agency dedicated to helping authors build authentic, sustainable book marketing strategies that actually fit their values. She opens up about her journey from marketing professional to author, including her own Kickstarter campaign for her debut novel and what she learned about community, vulnerability, and creative entrepreneurship along the way.If you’ve ever wondered how editors can support authors beyond the manuscript—or what it takes to turn a polished book into a thriving brand—this episode will give you real-world insight into the marketing side of publishing.In this episode, you’ll learn:What editors should know about the author marketing journeyHow to help authors think about visibility from the startThe biggest misconceptions about book marketingLessons Aryn learned from crowdfunding her debut novelWhy marketing doesn’t have to feel “salesy”How collaboration between editors and marketers benefits everyonePlus, in the exclusive after-party episode for Patreon supporters, Aryn gets personal about the emotional side of launching a novel, the lessons she’s learned about balance and burnout, and how she’s exploring the role of AI in modern book marketing.Find Aryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryn-van-dyke/Learn more about Book Rockstar: https://www.bookrockstar.com/Buy your copy of Aryn’s book: https://www.arynvandyke.com/Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, Nadia Pupa talks with Marie Ellis, founder of Muse Content and an experienced editor and content strategist. Marie shares how she helps authors and organizations shape their ideas into clear, meaningful content while staying grounded in the joy of editing.Together, we explore:·       What it means to find your “happy place” as an editor·       How to create a balance between editorial precision and creative satisfaction·       The role of confidence in building an editorial career·       Practical ways to stay motivated when projects feel overwhelming·       Why connection—with writers, clients, and other editors—matters to sustaining joy in the professionWhether you’re new to editing or a seasoned pro, Marie’s insights are a reminder that editing is more than correcting—it’s about clarity, collaboration, and content that resonates.Learn more about Marie’s work at Muse Content: https://www.musecontent.co.ukReach out to Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-ellis-content/Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

If you’ve spent any time on LinkedIn, you may have seen this episode’s guest in action—Laura Poole. She’s become known for her signature ‘snip snip’ posts, where she takes a sentence, trims the excess, and shows how just a few smart cuts can transform writing into something sharper, cleaner, and more powerful.In this episode, we discuss the art of concise editing: how to cut the clutter, keep the meaning, and make every word earn its place. Whether you’re an editor or a writer, you’ll come away with practical tools—and maybe even the courage to pick up the scissors and give your words a little snip snip.With her decades of experience in scholarly nonfiction and her gift for teaching, Laura explains how the art of concise editing can transform writing from wordy to worthy. She reminds us that editing is not about judgment—it’s about clarity, flow, and nuance. Laura has been editing full-time since 1996, and shortly after, she founded her company, Archer Editorial Services, Inc., in 1997. She currently serves on the ACES Awards Committee as head judge for the Robinson Prize.Visit her company website: https://www.archereditorial.com/Follow Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapoole/Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

In “Not Your Grandma’s Grammar,” we dive deep into the evolving landscape of language, exploring what’s truly worth holding onto from the old-school grammar playbook and what’s time to retire.Dave Nelsen shares what he thinks Grandma did get right, the most common mistakes he still spots out in the wild, and the grammar “hills” he’s ready to defend fiercely. Dave has more than two decades of experience copy editing business collateral, academic writing, proposal content, marketing materials, and anything else that’s been put in front of him. Dave has been with Dragonfly Editorial since 2017. He began as a contractor, editing and writing proposal content for several of Dragonfly’s health care and IT clients. Today, as the deputy editorial manager, he works closely with the editorial manager to develop and maintain Dragonfly’s high editing standards. He also edits and proofreads proposal content and other communication for key clients. He’s especially proud of his super-nerd-level love of style guides. Ask him any question about the Associated Press Stylebook or The Chicago Manual of Style, and you’ll have a hard time shutting him up. In this episode, we challenge the myths (yes, including that infamous “don’t end a sentence with a preposition” rule), and discuss how modern communication—think texting, TikTok, and Threads—is reshaping our understanding of language.We also tackle hot topics like:·       Is autocorrect helping or hurting our grammar brains?·       Why punctuation in texts can sometimes feel like a secret message.·       How grammar rebels from history inspire today’s editors.·       Why editors might want to broaden their skill sets beyond traditional copyediting.Plus, for exclusive content, Dave dives into the future of grammar in an AI-driven world. From how editors might become language ethicists to the challenge of editing algorithm-generated voices, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the craft of language. (Visit patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour to become a Patreon supporter to get access to the exclusive content.)You can find Dave on LinkedIn and Bluesky:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nelsen-0551588/ @thegrammargeek.bsky.social Visit https://dragonflyeditorial.com/resources/top-4-english-myths/ to read the “Top 4 English Language Myths,” which is one of Dragonfly’s Field Guides written by Dave. Visit https://dragonflyeditorial.com/training/ to learn more about the webinars they have to offer.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

Developmental editor and anthropologist Andrew Hodges shares his view of the editor’s role in shaping fictional worlds—especially in speculative fiction. He brings a unique perspective to the craft, blending editorial expertise with a background in cultural anthropology. We discuss:How editors can guide world-building without taking over the creative visionCommon mistakes writers make when creating new worldsApproaches to handling culture and social structures with nuanceTools and frameworks that make complex worlds easier to manageWhy developmental editing for world-building is really about strengthening the story’s coreIf you’re a developmental editor working with fantasy, sci-fi, or even historical fiction, this episode is full of ideas for making world-building more intentional, inclusive, and story-driven.Andrew Hodges is a developmental editor and the founder of The Narrative Craft (TheNarrativeCraft.com), where he works with speculative fiction authors to bring their stories to life. With a PhD in social anthropology, Andrew offers deep insight into how culture, structure, and meaning shape the worlds we build.Here’s a detailed list of the resources mentioned in this episode:Andy’s podcast: https://www.thenarrativecraft.com/the-free-lancer-podcast Andy’s webinar https://payhip.com/b/UTCN9Sophie Playle Guiding Principles for Developmental Fiction Editing (Webinar) https://www.liminalpages.com/ Jennifer Lawler Developmental Editing Courses https://www.clubedfreelancers.com/jennifer-lawler-editor/Beth Hill’s book, “The Magic of Fiction” https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29510704-the-magic-of-fictionJanice Hardy’s “Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft: A step-by-step guide to revising your novel”: https://a.co/d/f5y6PQuWonderbook: https://a.co/d/3YCnoWJBlog, podcast, discord: https://mythcreants.com/Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, Nadia Geagea Pupa welcomes editor Rachel Lapidow for an in-depth look at the role editors play in the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). From rulebooks and lore to quests and character creation, editing TTRPGs involves far more than just grammar—it’s about helping writers and designers bring expansive, interactive worlds to life with clarity, consistency, and heart.Rachel shares how she got started in this unique niche, the editorial challenges that come with blending narrative and game mechanics, and why attention to detail matters just as much in imaginary realms as it does anywhere else. Whether you're deep into the TTRPG space or just curious about unconventional editorial careers, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse behind the screen.What You’ll Learn:·       What editors actually do on TTRPG projects·       How to balance creativity with consistency·       Common pitfalls and continuity challenges in collaborative storytelling·       Why editors are essential to immersive, playable game narratives·       Rachel’s advice for editors interested in gaming and narrative designRachel Lapidow is a freelance editor with a passion for TTRPGs, collaborative fiction, and genre storytelling. Her work focuses on helping teams bring complex, interactive narratives to life—ensuring that even the most magical worlds stay grounded in clear, player-friendly language. Since 2019, she has been a freelance proofreader for DC Comics and has worked on more than 20 comic collections. Visit RachelLapidow.com to learn more about Rachel and the types of projects she’s done.During this episode, we made reference to another podcast, Tech Lounge, where Rachel discussed her work on TTRPGs:https://chrischinchilla.com/podcast/copy-editing-game-rules-with-rachel-lapidow/The idea to cover this topic on the podcast came from Rachel Fowler, magazine editor for the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. Thank you, Rachel, for your input and ideas! Find Rachel Fowler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fowler-1b523675/Since this episode was released, Rachel Lapidow has written an article that outlines what it takes to develop an intricate stylesheet. She shares a truncated version in her latest blog post titled, “Getting it Righ (Whale): A Reef-erence to a Whale of a Style Sheet”: https://www.rachellapidow.com/writing/2025/9/10/getting-it-right-whale-a-reef-erence-to-a-whale-of-a-style-sheetLove the Show?💬 Leave a review to help others discover the show!📢 Share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!🎙️ Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast✍️ Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour⭐ Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

In this special double feature episode, I’m joined by two standout voices from this year’s ACES conference in Salt Lake City.First, I interview Heather Saunders, president of ACES: The Society for Editing and CEO of Nova Arc Content. Heather shares her perspective on leading in the editing world, the importance of advocating for editors in specialized fields like STEM, and how she’s working to build a stronger, more inclusive professional community. It’s a conversation about vision, leadership, and the evolving role of editors in today’s content landscape.Then, I sit down with Jamaal Pittman, this year’s Robinson Prize winner—one of the highest honors an editor can receive. Jamaal opens up about his career journey, what this award means to him, and the lessons he’s learned about excellence, mentorship, and community in the editing profession.Whether you’re deep in the world of editorial work or just curious about the people shaping the future of content, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and inspiration.Resources & Mentions:ACES: The Society for EditingNova Arc ContentLearn more about the Robinson PrizePurchase your copy of Jamaal’s book, The Copy Editor’s (Life)Style Guide.

Let’s be real—promoting yourself can feel like a microfiber cloth snagging on dry skin. Ick. We’re editors, not salespeople! But fear not, because in this episode, I speak with marketing guru, and work and life coach, Colleen Newvine, all about how to feel more authentic and less cringey when it comes to self-promotion.Colleen’s approach to marketing makes you feel at ease, that promoting your brand is less selling and more serving, offering helpful and valuable services to those who need it. She soothes your worries and gives you comfort that you can do it! Colleen gives us all a push in the right direction and gives guidance for embracing imperfection when tackling the digital marketing world, whether you’re a freelance editor or small business owner.Key Takeaways·      Answers why so many people feel “gross” when selling their services·      Teaches you how to reframe the intention behind self-promotion·      Shares tips to be less “salesy” and more authentic·      Unpacks how to get started on your marketing journey, focusing on the basics·      Gives you the pep talk you need to get started on marketing your brand Colleen Newvine is a reporter and editor turned marketer and coach, providing marketing consulting for small organizations and self-employed people, and is a certified life and career coach. Her focus is on helping small organizations and self-employed professionals with marketing consulting services, where she gets to work one-on-one with the owners.Check out her website: ColleenNewvine.comFollow Colleen on Instagram: @colleennewvineFind her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleennewvine/📖 Buy her book: Your Mini Sabbatical Resources Mentioned:·      Chris Brogan’s marketing newsletter: https://chrisbrogan.com/#newsletter·      Bréne Brown on “feeling wobbly”: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-strong-backs-soft-fronts-and-wild-hearts/·      Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://a.co/d/18DbzRELove the Show?💬 Leave a review to help others discover the show!📢 Share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!🎙️ Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast✍️ Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour⭐ Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

What if copy editing was more than just a profession—what if it was a lifestyle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jamaal Pittman, author of The Copy Editor’s Life(Style) Guide, for a deep dive into the world of editing, career longevity, and what it really takes to thrive in the publishing industry.Jamaal’s book isn’t just another style guide—it’s an insightful, engaging, and often humorous look at the editor’s life, from mastering the mechanics of clean copy to navigating the unique challenges of a career built around precision and clarity. Whether you’re a seasoned editor, a newcomer to the field, or just someone fascinated by the world of words, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.✅ The essential skills every copyeditor needs to succeed in today’s publishing landscape✅ How to balance technical expertise with creativity when editing diverse content✅ Common mistakes even seasoned editors make—and how to avoid them✅ Tips for building a sustainable, fulfilling career as a copy editor✅ The importance of maintaining your own editorial style while adapting to different projectsJamaal Pittman is a professional copyeditor, writer, and publishing professional with a passion for clarity, consistency, and compelling storytelling. His book, The Copy Editor’s Life(Style) Guide, is an essential resource for editors at all levels, offering both practical guidance and witty insights into the daily realities of the profession.Follow Jamaal on Instagram: @jamaaldpittmanFind him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamaalpittman📖 Buy his book: amazon.com/Copy-Editors-Life-Style-Guide/dp/1304540537 Learn more about Mary Moore, the editor of Jamaal’s book: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymoore866/ Love the Show?💬 Leave a review to help others discover the show!📢 Share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!🎙️ Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast✍️ Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour⭐ Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

AI is transforming the way we edit, write, and create—but where do we draw the ethical line? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ethics of AI in publishing to explore some of the biggest ethical questions editors and writers face in the age of AI. Are AI tools a helpful assistant or a threat to creativity? How do we ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity in AI-assisted editing? I interview Amy Frushour Kelly, editor and AI content policy consultant who is an advocate for the ethical use of generative AI in the editing and writing professions by promoting AI ethics, literacy, and editor-specific training in policy development.She teaches the AI Content Policy for Editors course and is a frequent presenter at conferences on AI ethics for editors and content creators. Amy has 30 years of editing experience in journalism, technical writing, finance, and content marketing.Amy currently serves on the ACES Board of Directors and is a member of Editorial Freelancers Association (ACES), Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and Professional Editors Network (PEN).To learn more about Amy and to gain access to more resources, please visit frushourconsulting.com.Sign up to receive the podcast newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iXaVBUConsider joining the podcast Patreon: patreon.com/c/editorshalfhour/postsVisit piquepublishing.com/podcast to view or listen to other episodes.The following lists other books and resources discussed and shared in this episode:“Journal editors’ mass resignation marks ‘sad day for paleoanthropology”: https://www.science.org/content/article/journal-editors-mass-resignation-marks-sad-day-paleoanthropology“Scientific Journal Publishes AI-Generated Rat with Gigantic Penis In Worrying Incident” https://www.vice.com/en/article/scientific-journal-frontiers-publishes-ai-generated-rat-with-gigantic-penis-in-worrying-incident/Responsible AI by Olivia Gamblin: https://www.amazon.com/Responsible-AI-Implement-Approach-Organization/dp/1398615706/Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick: https://www.amazon.com/Co-Intelligence-Living-Working-Ethan-Mollick/dp/059371671X/AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor: https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Oil-Artificial-Intelligence-Difference/dp/069124913X

Welcome back to The Editor's Half Hour podcast! We're kicking off the year with an episode designed to help you work smarter, not harder. In this episode, I interview productivity expert and editorial pro, Lori Paximadis for a lively discussion about the systems and shortcuts that can revolutionize your workflow.Lori has been a successful full-time freelancer for more than half of her 33-year career in publishing. Her background in project management and production makes her a sought-after copyeditor and proofreader for fiction and nonfiction. Her clients range from Big Five publishers to indies. She has been presenting and training on the topics of systems and efficiency since 2016.In this episode, Lori shares:🛠️ Her favorite tools and tech for streamlining editorial projects🕒 Time-saving hacks for managing client communication, deadlines, and revisions🧠 The mindset shifts that can help you avoid burnout while staying on top of your gameWhether you’re a seasoned editor or just starting out, you’ll walk away with practical tips to implement right away—plus, a peek into Lori’s productivity playbook.📚 Mentioned in this episode:Text Expander: textexpander.comCalendly: calendly.comLori's website: systemsandshortcuts.comLori’s socials: about.me/loripax2025 Inaugural Editors Calendar: https://2025-editors-calendar.printify.me/product/15393711/2025-inaugural-editors-calendar📩 We’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to systems or shortcuts? Share your thoughts and tips on social media using #EditorsHalfHour or drop us a message.Sign up to receive the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iXaVBUConsider joining the podcast Patreon: patreon.com/c/editorshalfhour/postsVisit piquepublishing.com/podcast to view or listen to other episodes.

In this special episode and season finale, I interviewed Madeleine Vasaly, the author of the newly released book, “The Proofreader’s Guide to Comic Book Style.” This book offers an in-depth catalog of style traditions in comics and explains how they’re different from the standards in other types of media. In this interview, we discuss grammar, style, and the heroic art of editing dialogue balloons.Madeleine Vasaly is a developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, and consultant with over a decade of experience in publishing. Her comics background includes a temporary stint at DC Comics as a full-time proofreader in addition to freelance work for DC, IDW/Top Shelf, Yen Press, Tapas, and other publishers. She has proofread and copyedited series, one-shots, anthologies, graphic novels, and collected editions across all age ratings, and created company-wide style guides for publishers.Outside her work in comics, Madeleine has edited and proofread hundreds of prose books and countless articles for online newsrooms. She has served on the board of the Professional Editors Network since 2018.• Book website: https://comicbookstyle.com• Madeleine’s website: https://madeleinevasaly.com• "Resources for Comics Editors and Proofreaders" blog post: https://www.madeleinevasaly.com/blog/2024/9/25/resources-for-comics-editors-and-proofreadersAnd social media:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleinevasaly• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madeleinevasaly.com

When you pick up a cookbook, do you ever wonder how it all comes together? From the ingredients to the instructions to the tempting photos, a lot more happens behind the scenes than meets the eye. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the essential yet often-overlooked role of the cookbook editor.Join us as we chat with seasoned cookbook editor Melissa Haskin, who reveals what it takes to turn a chef’s vision into a polished, reader-friendly masterpiece. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Melissa works on recipes, resumes, and research. Most recently, she edited "The Solo Stove Fire Pit Cookbook." She offers coaching for freelance editors and will be launching her first course, Recipe Editing 101, in March 2025. In this episode, you'll learn why editing is essential—not just for correcting grammar but for refining recipes, ensuring accuracy, and creating a seamless flow that makes readers feel right at home in their kitchens. Discover the magic of balancing clarity with creativity, making dishes look delicious, and keeping flavors authentic.Below is a list of resources mentioned in this episode:The Modern Proper Website: https://themodernproper.com/The Modern Proper Book: https://themodernproper.com/cookbookWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/Melissa’s website: https://www.melissa-haskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahaskin/Recipe Class (March 2025): https://www.melissa-haskin.com/courses.htmlFull price: $497 (similar in price to Erin Servais' AI for Editors Course and the Toronto Metropolitan University course)Automatic 10% discount for early registration (through February 1)Extra $25 off at any time for listeners of your podcast with code Nadia25 (valid for the March 2025 course) Currently slotted to be a 6-week course over Zoom/video call at a set time each week. Will be offered as a self-paced course in the future. Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/melissa-haskinRecipe Editing class through the Toronto Metropolitan University (no affiliation) Other Resources:The Romantasy Cookbook: Epic Recipes Inspired by Great Romantasy Novels and Their Fearless Heroines Hardcover – May 27, 2025by Gabriela Leon (Author)Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of BreadNorthwest Editors Guild Red Pencil ConferencesRecommended Books:The Complete Recipe Writing Guide: Mastering Recipe Development, Writing, Testing, Nutrition Analysis and Food Styling, Raeanne Sarazen, MA, RDN, FANDThe Recipe Writer's Handbook, Revised and Updated Paperback – March 30, 2001, by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann (Author), Jane L. Baker (Author)The Food Lover's Companion 5th Edition/The Deluxe Food Lover's Companion 2nd Edition 

In this insightful episode, we dive into the nuanced world of editing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writers. It’s one thing to edit for grammar and flow, but how do editors balance maintaining a writer’s authentic voice while adapting the language for clarity and readability in English? This episode unpacks what it takes to work effectively with EFL writers, touching on topics like cultural sensitivity, linguistic diversity, and the unique challenges editors face when working with non-native English speakers.Whether you're an editor, writer, or just curious about the intricacies of language, this episode sheds light on how editors approach the delicate yet crucial task of working with EFL authors. Tune in for expert tips and fascinating stories from Mekiya Outini—an award-winning author and editor with over ten years of experience providing editorial services to EFL writers, authors of literary fiction and creative nonfiction, and international students and scholars. He holds an MFA in fiction from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he met his wife and collaborator, Itto Outini. Together, the Outinis have garnered support from the MacDowell Foundation and the Steinbeck Fellowship Program at San Jose State University and co-founded The DateKeepers, a full-service author support platform dedicated to serving artists and creators around the globe.Website: https://www.thedatekeepers.comMekiya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekiya-o-1157b9184/The DateKeepers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-datekeepers-–-a-hub-for-writers-and-creators-372831275/The DateKeepers LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/names-dates-7147355807444049920/

Isabella Furth shares her insight about emotional labor and how it affects the editing process. Emotional Labor is defined as caring work or relationship work; it’s about managing emotional resources, but it can often become devalued or taken for granted.Isabella explains the importance of recognizing emotional labor because it isn't something that should be avoided or ignored. As editors, we must find the moments in our work where we are taking the extra steps necessary to make our clients feel comfortable and safe.In this episode, Isabella shares tips on how to factor emotional labor into your costs, and most importantly, how to recognize and manage it.For more information about emotional labor, read the blog that covers this topic at www.sdpen.com. Search for "Editing and Emotional Labor."Isabella's vast editorial experience includes journal articles, scholarly books, doctoral theses, biographies, textbooks, test prep materials, and general interest non-fiction. She also has more than 12 years of experience in policy research, writing, design, and structured dialogue. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and the San Diego Professional Editors Network (which she served as co-president from 2018 to 2020).To learn more about Isabella, please visit her website at http://www.bluefisheditorial.com.

For about 20 years, the University of Chicago Press has been looking to publish a book about book design, and it has finally happened. In 2024, The Design of Books, written by Debbie Berne was officially published and it shares everything that authors, editors, and agents should know about book design. Debbie has been a professional book designer since 2002 and has designed hundreds of book interiors and covers in genres across the board.In this episode, Debbie walks us through the basics of book design. She explains how the design process differs from the freelancer’s perspective to an in-house designer at a major publishing house. She also talks about timing and conversations with authors. When should the conversation about a book’s interior begin, and how involved should the author be throughout the design process? According to Debbie, it depends. Listen to this episode to gain valuable insight into what goes on behind the scenes of creating good book design.

Rebecca Scharpf of Scrollwork Edits provides an abundance of information about what it takes to work with neurodivergent clients. She primarily works with fiction writers and specializes in editing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance novels.In this episode, she shares a variety of ways editors can create positive and affirming spaces for neurodivergent writers.Rebecca shares several resources for both writers and editors:Yo Samdy Sam (autistic and ADHD): https://www.youtube.com/@YoSamdySam/videosOrion Kelly - That Autistic Guy (autism as it presents in men): https://www.youtube.com/@orionkellyPurple Ella (nonbinary, autistic, and ADHD, parent to a neurodivergent child): https://www.youtube.com/@PurpleEllaHow to ADHD (ADHD in women): https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoADHDI am MindBlind (autistic / ADHD / mother / aphantasia / memory disorder): https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoADHDAlso, check out Meg McIntyre’s blog that shares additional tools and resources for both writers and editors: https://mcintyreeditorial.com/blog/tools-resources-neurodivergent-writer-editorTo learn more about Rebecca and her business, please visit: https://www.scrollworkedits.com/

Award-winning editor, Karen Yin joins us to discuss her latest book, The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers (Little, Brown Spark). She provides insight and guidance on how to be more equitable in the way we communicate.Karen explains that this is not a book of dos and don'ts. In fact, it's the opposite of that! This book is a cornerstone guide that teaches us to be more aware and to use critical thinking as language continually evolves.She has also written several stories for children, including Whole Whale (Barefoot Books), So Not Ghoul (Page Street Kids), Doug the Pug and the Kindness Crew (Scholastic), Nice to Eat You (Scholastic), and “My Kinda Sorta Badass Move” (Boundless: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities, Inkyard). Acclaim for her writing includes a 2021 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship, a 2020 SCBWI/Smithsonian Nonfiction Grant, selection of her flash fiction by the Los Angeles Public Library for its permanent collection in 2020, and a 2015 Lambda Literary Fellowship.Karen was also the winner of the 2017 ACES Robinson Prize (Editor of the Year). She founded several acclaimed digital resources, including Conscious Style Guide, The Conscious Language Newsletter, and the Editors of Color Database. Conscious Style Guide was named by Poynter as one of the top tools for journalists in 2018 and is recommended by Poets & Writers, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and countless others, including NASA. The Editors of Color Database was one of Writer’s Digest’s Best Websites for Writers in 2023. Karen serves on the advisory board of The Chicago Manual of Style.Find her online at KarenYin.com and her book recommendations at DiversePictureBooks.com.

There are several things that CaTyra Polland is known for, but the most notable is being the founder of National Black Authors Day, which is celebrated on May 4. In this episode, she shares valuable insight into how she started her editorial career, which led her to start her own business, Love For Words (love4words.com). She explains her mentality behind starting this national holiday and what it means for Black authors.CaTyra spends her time serving her clients as a guide and mentor for the publishing process—especially in writing and editing. She is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, editor, creator, poet, and international speaker. After being recognized for her ambition, community service, and literary expertise in the Rochester area, CaTyra continues to build a legacy.She also shares details about why she created the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students, which is a way to empower young kids to write, edit, and pursue their dreams.Last but not least, she is also the host of the Editor Knows Best, which is an international podcast for literary creatives. In between running her business and speaking at conferences, she also volunteers her time as the grant reviewer for the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, chairwoman for the Innova Girls Academy (the first and only all-girls elementary school), and as a grant writer for the Rochester Black Authors Association.