A Collaborative Effort

One of the amazing things that came out of my time at PENCON, was the inspiration for my next project. There I sat, across the table from a seasoned editor, with pen and paper in hand ready to soak in every last detail, when it hit me. Ghostwriting. It was a familiar term, but not one I had ventured very far into. But as I listened to my new colleague and friend share about a woman who was looking for somebody to help write her book, I knew I was supposed to offer my services.

After getting home, I rushed over to the library to read everything I could find about ghostwriting. Writers Digest also had a great article on the topic. Then I took the leap and introduced myself to this budding author. She sounded very interested in moving forward, and I hit my knees for God's guidance. It's taken us some weeks to iron out the details, but this summer I will begin piecing this woman's book together so she can share it with the world.

I can't think of anything more exciting than to help somebody else tell their story. We've agreed to make this a collaborative deal, which was a new concept for me. It means that my name will still be on the book cover and title page as one who came alongside the author. But as far as the story goes, it will be all hers. Every word placed on the page will be a reflection of the way God showed up in her life. And I get to be a part of the process.

I will be attending a memoir-writing conference in the fall, as I think this format will suit her story best. My hope is to help guide my new client to a place of great success, and at the same time I will be building my own collaborative platform. One simple conversation in the scope of fifteen minutes brought about this amazing opportunity. I can't say enough about networking, and I will be posting about the benefits of it sometime soon.

Do you have a story inside of you that you'd like to share with the world? Perhaps you would benefit from the help of somebody like me who would love to help you tell it.

If so, let's talk.

The Little Succulent Who Could

It is a typical afternoon. A client just came in wanting information about how to book a wedding reception that will be happening a year from now. My boss is working on the schedule, tugging on a strand of her long blond locks, trying to make sure a staff member hasn't been over scheduled. I've just brought the finished touches of a BEO in. Aside from figuring out what we will have for lunch, a single question still lingers. Will the client want to add a bar for the dinner party on Saturday night?

I look over to my left, and there he stands. A succulent that was given as a gift just over a month ago stands a little bit taller than these kind of plants normally stand. D'arci looks over and we giggle at such audacity. His stem basques underneath the light of the desk lamp, bearing a bean-stalk quality. Doesn't this plant not know that succulents aren't supposed to stand so tall? 

Nobody ever told him.

I think this same boldness can be harnessed and duplicated for anybody who has set their mind to something. Whether you've decided to run that marathon, sign up for electoral office, or finally finish writing that book, I hope you will take this little plant's lead. He didn't need permission to grow beyond the invisible barriers our preconceived notions tried to impose on him. He simply gathered the resources he had within that padded patch of dirt, and reached with all his might for the light. 

What would you accomplish if there wasn't anybody telling you that you couldn't do it?

Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes

The New York Times Bestseller list has been operating since October 12, 1931. At the start, the books that were showcased came out of the Big Apple. They were the only ones considered, and they consisted of five fiction and four non-fiction books. As time went on, more cities were included. In the 1950's, a trade news magazine named Publishers Weekly stood as a close second to all of the hype, and the two became the preeminent lists of best-selling books in the United States. 

Writers all over the world strive to be placed on such a coveted list. When one reaches such heights, I can imagine it feels very much like receiving a gold star of recognition, letting the whole world know that you have finally "made it."

I had the privilege of getting lost in one of the beauties recently, and I'd like to share my review with all of you. Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes was breathtaking. There is a reason this piece made it to such a regal list. This story took its place on the New York Times Bestseller list for seven weeks. There has even been a film made about it. I just had to see the movie, and did so about halfway through my reading. Experiencing the ending on the big screen first, I delighted in the crescendo! And finishing the last pages shortly after, I felt fully satisfied. I strongly encourage you to find time to enjoy both.

Here is my review. It has been posted on both Goodreads and Amazon. 

A delightful read right from the first page, Me Before You captured my empathy and my imagination, making me not want to put the book down. Will Trainer, a man with everything going for him, steps into the street one rainy morning, only to lose everything he's ever loved about his life.

Louisa Clark come to his aide by mere default, after losing the only job she's ever had. As the family's breadwinner for this particular season, Louisa finds herself wary of Will's disposition but desperate for the money. Long hours with nothing to do but skirt around Will's paraplegia force the two of them into transparent companionship. The long hours start to fade as Louise realized Will's true intent. She does everything in her power to try and change his mind. Her growing love for the man she's been hired to care for forges a deep and unforgettable connection between the two of them. This life-altering connection stirred deep emotion in me, and it ended up saving them both in every sense of the word.

I decided to see the film as well, and I was so pleased with the way every character brought vulnerability and life to the screen. I found myself very nearly falling in love myself. I would highly recommend this book for anybody brave enough to ask themselves the deer questions about life's meaning. This story will stay with me long after I've turned the last page, and I'm grateful for the perspective it gave me.

Have you read anything recently that made it to the New York Times Bestseller list? If so, was it worth recommending?

The Five Benefits of Hiring an Editor

Everybody has a story. And while not everybody feels compelled to share it with the rest of the world, there is a good percentage of us out there who do. Whether you aspire to become a multi-published author, or you are simply somebody with an idea, there is hope for you. The journey from an imaginative idea to a polished piece of literature doesn't have to feel so daunting.

This is where an editor comes in. I had no idea how helpful a partnership like this could be. After attending PENCON a couple of weeks ago, I came away with a new understanding of the various services a freelance editor provides. Here are five reasons why anybody who is serious about writing should hire one.

An editor can ...

     ... help you put an outline together. (Developmental Edit)
     ... make sure the story arch is present. (Substantive Edit)
     ... re-write sentences to improve style and flow. (Line Edit)
     ... correct spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. (Copy Edit)
     ... polish the piece after the manuscript is typeset. (Proofread)

Aside from all of this, a freelance editor can provide coaching or mentoring services. She can even ghostwrite the entire manuscript for you, giving you all rights to the piece.

I am so excited to announce that I've begun training to become one of these sought-after professionals. I am working on putting a website together that will hopefully launch in early July. It is a deep desire of mine to pour into other writers as I build my own writing career. Freelance editing seems like a great avenue with which to do so.

What about you? Where are you in the process? Do you have the seed of an idea that feels too fragile to share? Or perhaps you've been writing the same book for years. Regardless of where you find yourself, I highly recommend hiring a freelance editor to help you get up and over that hump. I will be in business before too long. But if your project can't wait for my debut, I hope you will consider hiring one of the qualified professionals at the The Christian PEN or the Christian Editor Connection.

Have you had any experience with a freelance editor? And if so, what were the benefits?