Category Archives: writing

First-Time Presenter: Writers Conference

Well, the Houston Writers Guild annual conference went really well, according to everyone. I was one of the breakout speakers and did a presentation called “Preparing to Work with and Later Working with an Editor.” I was super nervous and felt I messed up a good amount, but I got great feedback about it afterward. The audience was perfect: they took notes, laughed in the right spots, and asked questions. Below is the title page of my PowerPoint presentation.

PP screenshot

I also had a little table set up that I stayed at for most of the rest of the conference, and people came by to ask advice about their books and get information about the editing process. I tell you, it’s such a rewarding feeling doing what you love, being able to help others reach their goals, and having people look to you for guidance.

Later in the day I participated on a panel with a few literary agents and one other editor. That was definitely helpful to a lot of writers. Those agents were available during the day to hear book pitches, and I got to hear all about several people’s encouraging sessions with the agents. Such excitement all day.

So, though I was a nervous wreck for a good part of the day, it was totally worth it. I’m looking forward to next year’s conference already.

Editor Amy

Houston Writers Guild Annual Conference

Tomorrow will be a big day for this editor! I’m going to be a speaker at the Houston Writers Guild annual conference. My presentation is called “Preparing to Work with and Later Working with an Editor.” It was an honor to be asked to speak. I’ll also serve on the Q&A panel again with a few literary agents.

This conference is a big event in the Houston writing community, and it offers so many great resources for writers (both beginners and pros). Some writers set up tables to promote their latest works, other professionals in the publishing industry feature their skills and services, and a few agents make themselves available to hear pitches from writers. Registration is available via the link above. Come say hi if you see me!

Editor Amy

HWG

A Great New Children’s Book

I had the pleasure of working with author Denise Ditto Satterfield on her first book in the series The Tooth Collector Fairies. It’s truly a sweet, special children’s book, and I’m so happy that it came out how it did. Check it out here.

Here’s a brief description:

“In the magical land of Brushelot, it is Batina’s first day collecting teeth. She is determined that her humongous wings will not interfere with her mission. But on her way back, with a tooth secure in her pouch, her wings cause her to tumble, and the tooth is lost. Batina must call on her best friends, Lainey the brainiac and little Lulu, to work together to save the day.”

This book is even coming to life as a musical at a local performing arts center!

https://i0.wp.com/toothcollectorfairies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Batinas-Best-First-Day.jpg

I enjoy keeping up with many clients, even after our work together is done. Many of them have produced amazing works and are on their way to making even more. There are a lot of great ideas out there, and I’d love to help as many authors as possible reach their goals.

Editor Amy

Another Successful Client

I just love when my clients meet their ultimate writing goals. It’s a great feeling when they come back to me and excitedly tell me that their books (that I edited) have been published. I know how important their work is to them, and it’s a privilege to help shape those books into even greater works.

This children’s book was written by Cathey Nickell, and it’s such a unique concept and has beautiful illustrations to go with it. It’s available here.

Here’s a description: “Arthur Zarr is a quiet man with few friends. His life is rather plain, and his car is plain too. But not for long! Mr. Zarr finds happiness and makes friends by building an amazing art car. In this whimsical story, children learn about recycling, community, friendship building, and the power of imagination. The book includes a History of Art Cars page for readers who’ve never heard of this creative form of artistic expression.”

Those of you still working toward publishing goals, keep at it! And if you’d like my help, please let me know.

Merry Christmas!

Editor Amy

Funnies

OK, I promise that I am working on blog posts with more words in them. I’m actually working on a two- or three-part series about book publishing, but that’s taking a while in between editing things. They’ll be awesome when I do complete them, though!

Moving on. I love funnies (cartoons, puns, pictures, etc.) about grammar, writing, editing, and all that good stuff. Sure, some may be groaners (or just lame, according to many), but if they’re about my passions, I’m likely to love them. Makes sense, right? So today, I want to pass some on to you in case you feel the same way. Here are just a few that I really like. If you have some great finds of your own, please share!

Editor Amy

Homonyms--EditorAmy
Ex and q marks--EditorAmy

McDonald's--EditorAmy

Onomatopoeia--EditorAmy

Do You Need an Editor?

NeedEditor

I’m sure it’s no surprise that I love this graphic. I don’t know whom to give credit, but it’s great. I wish I could show it to everyone who writes, whether professionally or on the side and in hopes of being published. Every type and piece of writing can be improved with professional editing. “Professional” is the key word.

Many people think they don’t need editors, I believe because they know how to read and write, took English classes, and maybe consider themselves to be good at spotting their own mistakes or errors on signs. They must think that’s enough. It’s strange coming across that. Some people are downright adamant and insist that they don’t need editors. I doubt many surgeons come across the same thing. How many of us would feel confident that we could put a screw in someone’s broken limb or even close a wound with stitches or staples (at surgeon standards)? I took biology and a health-tech. class in high school. Am I semi-qualified? Could anyone who likes to debate and knows a handful of laws do a lawyer’s job? I seriously hope that people would seek professionals for those services.

Should editing be an exception? I’ve learned so much as an editor, and when training to be an editor, that I never would have learned in regular, daily life. (Now, not all editors meet the standards, but I won’t go into that. I will upon request, though.) I don’t want to come across as having no sense of humor or discourage those with a love of language; it brings a smile to my face when I see that someone likes what I posted about writing or editing on my Facebook page, and I encourage people to keep learning about what they love. I just wish more people acknowledged editing as something truly professional–like it is. Let the pros handle your novels, your graduate theses, your business proposals, your websites. If you find a great editor, you’ll love the results. Sure, it takes some work on your part to find and hire the right editor, and there will probably be revisions to work on, but it’s worth it for something you care about–something you want to look its best.

Now, look at the funny graphic again and laugh!

Editor Amy