Episode 1: Welcome to Pen To Profit & How to Find the Editor of Your Dreams

The Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips

Show Notes: **"How to Find the Editor of Your Dreams"**

Hey there, literary aficionados and word-smithing aficionados! If you've ever wondered how to snag that perfect editor, who's more in tune with your work than a conductor with his orchestra, well, you're in for a treat. Because in today's episode, we're doing a deep dive into the mystical world of editors – the unsung heroes of literature, and trust me, the rabbit hole is as intriguing as a murder mystery novel.

**What's this episode about?**

- Our host's love affair with words, from a young age, getting bitten by the Michael Crichton bug.

- The realization of a superpower: Editing (No cape required)!

- The evolution of a word warrior during college – from free beer gigs to an undying commitment to excellence.

- The pursuit of that elusive creature: A top-tier editor. Yeah, they're out there, lurking in the literary wild, ready to be found. Sort of a like a Pokemon.n

**Why should you care?**

If you're an aspiring author or even a seasoned one, your work deserves the best treatment. And this, my friend, is your guide to getting that glitzy red-carpet polish for your manuscript.

**What problem does it solve?**

Finding the right editor is like finding a needle in a haystack while wearing oven mitts. But fret not! We're providing a detailed map (with a Dennis Miller-esque flair) on navigating the editing landscape.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **The "Sample Edit" Strategy:** A literary Costco. Always sample before you buy, and be discerning. It’s like speed dating for words.
2. **The Professionalism Check:** The Wyatt Earp of editing—do they respond quicker than a cat meme goes viral?
3. **The Holistic Jackpot:** Need more than an editor? Find a one-stop-shop for all your literary needs. It's your novel's value meal.
4. **Dedicated Project Management:** Your manuscript deserves its own entourage, minus the drama.
5. **Hidden Costs & Communication:** Navigating the Bermuda Triangle of editing deals and staying connected.
6. **The Complaints Policy:** Because sometimes, things go more sideways than a crab walk.

**Bonus: Editor Associations - The Avengers of Editing**

Ditch the capes and dive into associations like the Editorial Freelance Association or ACES. Think of it as speed-dating for editors. Check our show notes for direct links to get started.

**Conclusion:**

Tune in, take notes, and let’s embark on a journey to find the Obi-Wan to your Luke Skywalker in the writing universe. Because every word counts and every story deserves to shine like a disco ball at an 80s party.

RELEVANT LINKS:

Editorial Freelance Association Job Submission:

https://www.the-efa.org/hiring/job-submission-form/

ACES Society for Editing Job Submission Form:

https://aceseditors.org/resources/job-bank/add/new/

Request a sample edit from Ray Evans:

http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html