We wanted to get to know Jennia D’Lima (NAIWE’s Creative Nonfiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How do you determine which life moments deserve to be written about and which should be skipped over to maintain momentum?

The answer to this mostly boils down to what is the focus and/or theme of your piece. If a moment doesn’t support either, that is usually a sign that it doesn’t belong and that it’s being shared from a place that benefits the author more than the reader. However, much like when writing fiction, you can also ask yourself, “What happens to my story if I remove this?” If cutting the moment doesn’t result in a loss of clarity or weaken a character arc, it likely isn’t bolstering the piece as a whole.

How do you balance “showing” (scenes) and “telling” (reflection) to keep a memoir engaging?

There isn’t a magical formula for this balance, but do be on the lookout for a passage that reads as though it is describing a chain of events rather than inviting the reader into the experience. There will be times when exposition serves the purpose better than showing can, but the trick here is to be aware of your pacing. If it drags when you’re revisiting that section or feels like it’s jumping from one statement to the next, consider revising at least some of the passage so it’s “showing” rather than “telling.” This is where early readers and trusted writing friends can be especially helpful.

What is your advice for authors struggling to articulate why their personal story matters to the world?

First, ask yourself why it mattered to you. How did you change, or how did you change your perspective, beliefs, understanding? What personal transformation occurred as a result? Identify who you were both before and after, and now think of all the other people out there who may be in a similar “before” position who are perhaps in the “after” spot but feel alone and as if no one else could possibly grasp what they went through. When you question whether your story matters, think about those people and how you could help them feel seen by reading your story. These are no longer anonymous members in your book’s audience; they are now a personalized “why” behind why you’re writing.

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The shortest stories are sometimes the ones that stick with us the most. But while many of us are familiar with the many ways fiction can be written in a condensed format, we may not be aware of a trending market in creative nonfiction—the micro memoir.

The webinar will begin by defining what this form of creative nonfiction is and what it isn’t and what separates it from similar subgenres. Participants will then be shown how tips and tricks for writing short stories and flash fiction can be applied to creating micro memoirs. Examples, resources, and suggested reading will be supplied so that attendees will leave with the necessary tools and understanding to craft their own pieces.

You can join in this conversation on February 19 at 7:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Jennia D’Lima is a full-blown logophile. She joined her high school’s newspaper in ninth grade, winning statewide awards for her writing, and expanded her journalism skills by continuing to write and edit throughout her high school years and as a college freshman. While earning her BA in psychology (and minoring in cultural anthropology with a focus on precolonial Mesoamerica) and her MA in applied developmental psychology, her writing and editing naturally skewed toward all things academic. Writing for and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, editing papers for classmates, and writing parenting resource guides honed her research skills. Jennia joined multiple professor-led research groups and completed four internships throughout her academic career. After graduating with a master’s, she worked at a national nonprofit in Washington, DC, and as an assistant researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle. Jennia gradually transitioned to full-time editing. As the host of the Writing & Editing podcast, she loves connecting with others in the community. Jennia enjoys traveling, volunteering, and taking creative photos of books and book-related items in those rare moments when she is not reading or editing.

We wanted to get to know Laura Pennington Briggs (NAIWE’s Business of Writing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

You’ve mentioned that in nonfiction, the first chapter is often written last. Why is this “reverse” process more effective for business authors?

For business authors, the first chapter is not just an introduction, it is a positioning document. It does several jobs at once: define the problem, establish credibility, clarify who the book is for (and who it is not), and create the momentum to keep reading.

That is extremely difficult to do before you fully understand what the book will become.

Most business books evolve during the writing process. As you draft later chapters, patterns emerge. You discover which ideas are foundational versus supporting, where readers are likely to get stuck, and what language you naturally return to when explaining your core framework. Writing the first chapter last allows you to reflect on the book’s true thesis rather than an early, conceptual version of it.

In practice, this “reverse” process leads to a first chapter that is sharper, more confident, and more aligned with the outcomes the reader will get. Instead of promising everything, it promises the right things. For business authors especially, that clarity is what builds trust and keeps readers engaged beyond the opening pages.

You’ve admitted to taking on too much during your first book launch. What are the “few key things” that move the needle for nonfiction sales in 2026?

In hindsight, the biggest mistake most first-time nonfiction authors make is confusing activity with impact. Launches can easily turn into a long list of tasks that feel productive but do not meaningfully affect sales.

In 2026, the needle is moved by a surprisingly small set of actions.

First, clarity of audience and problem. Books sell when readers instantly recognize themselves and their pain on the back cover, the Amazon description, and the opening pages. No amount of promotion can compensate for a vague promise.

Second, sustained visibility rather than launch-week intensity. One strong channel where you show up consistently, whether that is email, LinkedIn, podcasts, or speaking, outperforms a scattered presence everywhere. Readers buy when they hear the same message multiple times, not when they see a one-week blitz.

Third, authority transfer. Nonfiction sales accelerate when someone else’s credibility points to yours. That might be a well-placed endorsement, a strategic podcast interview, or a single respected partner sharing your book with their audience.

Everything else, the graphics, the countdowns, the elaborate launch sequences, is secondary. The authors who sell steadily are the ones who focus on message, repetition, and trust rather than trying to do everything at once.

In your discussions on strategic generalists vs. experts, where does “author” fit into that hierarchy for a service provider?

Author is not a job title, it is a positioning layer.

For service providers, being an author often functions as the bridge between expert and strategic generalist. The book does not replace the service, it reframes it. It elevates the provider from “someone who does the work” to “someone who defines how the work should be done.”

Experts are hired for execution. Strategic generalists are hired for perspective and judgment. An author sits closer to the latter because a book signals synthesis, pattern recognition, and long-range thinking. It tells the market that you are not just solving individual problems, you understand the system those problems live in.

That is why authors often move up-market without changing their core skill set. The book becomes intellectual leverage. It allows a service provider to step out of reactive delivery and into a role that includes advising, shaping strategy, and setting the agenda for conversations in their field.

In that sense, authorship is less about writing and more about authority architecture. It changes how people approach you before you ever get on a call.

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Feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re “supposed” to do to launch a book? This webinar breaks down the nonfiction book launch process into clear, manageable phases. You’ll learn how to map out a 4–6 month marketing plan, what actually moves the needle, and how to tailor your approach based on whether you’re traditionally published or self-published. Perfect for authors who want clarity, structure, and realistic expectations

You can join in this conversation on January 29 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Laura Pennington Briggs is the founder and CEO of the Freelance Coach. A three-time TEDx speaker on how freelancing is changing the economy, Laura has helped over 15,000 freelancers start and scale their businesses. She’s an expert on systems, project and client management, marketing a solopreneur business, delegating to team members, retainers, and developing multiple income streams for writers of all stripes. Laura is the author of five books, including the Six-Figure Freelancer, How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business, and award-winning Remote Work for Military Spouses. She’s currently preparing to defend her dissertation for her doctorate in business administration.

We wanted to get to know Rachel Bradley (NAIWE’s Branding and Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

What led you to transition from a legal career to becoming a freelance editor?

I had come into a radically life-changing experience with God’s grace and had fallen in love with grace over justice. I sought the Lord for a change in careers, and at an unlikely and unexpected moment, he dropped into my heart that I was a freelance copyeditor. At that point, I pursued training in the field and two years later, “hung up my shingle.”

How does your legal background inform your editing work?

As a legal assistant, I had to analyze documents for logical arguments and holes in the presentation. Every preface had to have proof, and conclusions had to follow the evidence. I use a similar skill to analyze a manuscript for a solid plot line and elements of strong writing as well as continuity of ideas and flow.

How did you go from wanting to become a freelance editor to obtaining your first client?

I dedicated one of my journals to my journey and committed to writing down each day at least one thing I did to advance my goal of becoming a freelance editor. Some days were so busy with other things that the only item I wrote down was “Prayed for my business today.” But tracking each day like that really helped alleviate the overwhelm of everything that needed to be accomplished to get my business off the ground. The PEN Institute online gave me the additional training I needed to enter the freelance editing field. And I also attended writers’ conferences and offered my services as an editor-in-training for free until I had enough experience to begin charging clients.

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You can join in this conversation on December 11 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on maintaining and growing a copyediting business. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Rachel E. Bradley holds a BS degree in paralegal studies from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and graduated summa cum laude in 2006. She is a gold member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, is an established freelance editor with the Christian Editor Connection, is an instructor with the PEN Institute, is a judge for the Editors’ Choice Award, and has served as faculty for PENCON, the only conference for editors in the Christian market. After serving nine years in the legal field and becoming an advanced certified paralegal, Rachel started her business as a freelance editor and indexer. She now owns Revisions by Rachel Inc. In 2018, Rachel lost her first husband, Matthew, after an intense battle with brain cancer. This life experience carried over into her editing and gave her a new understanding and a fierce compassion for people who feel broken and hurt. In celebration of continued life and hope, Rachel became a licensed skydiver and takes to the skies with her rainbow canopy, “Promises,” any chance she gets. In early 2021, she asked God to choose her next husband. In an incredible tale of trusting God and giving him her yes without exception, Rachel is now joyfully married to Alexander Bradley. They have been assigned the awe-inspiring and continually humbling task of raising two incredible children. Beyond reading, Rachel enjoys Bible studies, dancing during church worship, skydiving, swing dancing, rock climbing, reading, teaching, discussing important issues, watching Star Trek, sewing, cooking, Pilates, horseback riding, water sports, playing guitar, and snow skiing.

We wanted to get to know Jeanne Grunert (NAIWE’s Branding and Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How do you define “generative search” and “GEO” in a practical way for freelancers?

Generative search is a new way of searching online that uses artificial intelligence to give you direct, conversational answers instead of just a list of links.

For example, if you ask, “What’s a good laptop for college students?” a traditional search engine might show you 10 websites. A generative search engine, however, reads through those websites and gives you a summarized answer like a helpful friend who already did the research for you.

Now the new term is “GEO” or generative AI search engine optimization. It’s similar to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but instead of helping websites rank higher on Google, GEO helps businesses make sure their content is included in AI-generated answers.

In traditional SEO, companies try to get their websites to appear at the top of search results. In GEO, they want their brand or product to be mentioned when an AI gives an answer to a user’s question. People are asking longer, more complex questions. AI is becoming the main way people get answers. Freelancers need to adapt so they stay visible in this new kind of search

When someone searches “Who’s a good freelance writer for tech blogs?” generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity don’t just list websites — they summarize answers. That means your name or site might not appear at all unless the AI sees you as a trusted source. Zero-click searches are rising — users often read the AI’s summary and never visit any links. Authority and clarity matter more than keywords — AI wants to quote reliable, well-structured content.

So instead of just optimizing for Google rankings, you now need to optimize for AI-generated answers.

AI models prefer content that sounds natural and easy to understand. Therefore, you should avoid jargon and write like you’re explaining things to a smart friend.

In your work with B2B tech and SaaS companies, what specific challenges and opportunities does generative search present?

Because so few companies are prepared to optimize their websites for GEO/gen AI search (many are taking a “wait and see” approach), there are enormous opportunities now to improve rankings. The trick is to focus on brand-aligned, unique topics that are difficult for AI to summarize quickly. The challenge for most companies is to pivot and scale quickly. Few companies are ready for this massive shift in how to optimize for AI. And it changes so quickly — that adds to the challenge!

How will generative search and AI-generated answers affect local businesses?

Generative search and AI-generated answers are changing how people find local businesses by shifting from short keyword searches to longer, conversational queries. Instead of showing a list of websites, AI tools often provide direct summaries, which can reduce clicks to individual business sites. This means local businesses need to adapt by creating clear, helpful content that answers common questions, maintaining strong local SEO through platforms like Google Business Profile, encouraging detailed reviews, and using structured data to help AI understand their services. While AI is becoming a major source of information, traditional local search tools still play a key role, especially for location-specific needs. Local businesses should continue using traditional SEO resources but add conversational, helpful, unique content, too.

BONUS TIP

Check “under the hood” of your website — your technical SEO. Make sure your site is responsive, fast to load, and has few, if any, errors. Google now simply skims or skips sites with a lot of technical errors, broken links, and problems. Don’t forget to resubmit your site map to the major search engines (Google, Bing) after making updates, too. Every little bit counts!

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Generative AI is reshaping how people discover content online—and traditional SEO tactics alone won’t cut it. In this webinar, we’ll explore how AI-powered search is changing the digital landscape and what that means for your website. Learn how to optimize for AI-driven engines, adapt your web strategy, and stay ahead of the curve in a world where search is smarter, faster, and more conversational than ever. For independent writers, editors, and others, this is a must-attend webinar to learn the latest best practices for building your personal brand and attracting web searchers to your virtual doorstep.

You can join in this conversation on October 23 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on AI and generative searching capabilities. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Jeanne Grunert is the president and founder of Seven Oaks Consulting, a business-to-business content marketing agency. She is an award-winning writer and direct marketing expert with over 30 years of writing, marketing, and business experience. Prior to founding Seven Oaks Consulting, Jeanne led marketing for divisions of McGraw-Hill Education, Teachers College Columbia University, The College Board, and retail, publishing, and financial service companies in the New York City area. Known worldwide for her exceptional leadership and communication skills, Jeanne works seamlessly across cultural and corporate barriers to achieve outstanding results. She holds an M.A. in writing and an M.S. in direct and digital marketing (awarded with distinction) from New York University, as well as certifications in social media marketing, content marketing, and adult education. Originally from the New York City area, Jeanne currently resides with her husband, John, and many pets on a 17-acre farm in rural Virginia. When not leading marketing teams through her work at Seven Oaks Consulting, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and writing mystery novels.

We wanted to get to know Jake Poinier (NAIWE’s Freelance Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.

How did you get started in ghostwriting, and how did your previous experience in editing inform your approach?

My first ghostwritten book opportunity happened out of the blue. I’d interviewed someone for a magazine feature, and when I asked him if he’d ever written a book, he responded, “No, but I’ve got a great idea for one. Can you help me write it?” I’d already been writing and editing for a long time, so the main challenge was working in a much longer format and structuring my time over an extended period. Having been a managing editor of a magazine was helpful in that respect: You need to drive the project, because the client is looking to you for guidance.

For writers just starting out, what would you say to them about building a reputation as a ghostwriter when they can’t publicly claim their work?

This is a tricky one if you have a nondisclosure agreement. On my website and LinkedIn, I list “ghostwriting” as a service. My portfolio simply says what type of book or client it was, without giving details, and I will say the same thing verbally if I am talking to a potential client. My business has always been word of mouth, and that’s a good way of getting these types of projects: Let everyone know that it’s something you offer, whether it’s existing clients or new prospects. You might not be able to jump right into books without a background, but smaller steps like blogging or speechwriting can be a stepping stone.

How do you adapt your voice to match that of a client? What is your process for learning their communication style?

Nothing can replace spending an ample amount of time talking with someone, preferably in person but over the phone or video can work too. I record every conversation, which allows me to pay full attention to their speaking style without taking notes. I run the conversations through Otter.ai for transcription, and listen to the whole thing again. From there, it’s a matter of mimicking word choice and cadence, hearing how they convey themselves, and areas where they feel passionate or put emphasis on.

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Not everyone has the time or talent to write for themselves — but that can spell opportunity for freelancers. In this webinar, Jake “Dr. Freelance” Poinier discusses how ghostwriting can open up new business avenues for you by crafting content in a client’s voice and style, in whatever platform they need: books, speeches, articles, blogs, and videos.

You can join in this conversation on September 24 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Jake Poinier made the leap into freelance writing and editing in 1999 after a decade of positions in the publishing industry, giving him key insights from both sides of the desk. As the founder and owner of Boomvang Creative Group, he has worked with a diverse array of Fortune 500 and small businesses, consumer and trade magazines, and independent authors. Jake is committed to helping freelancers improve their businesses and shares his knowledge and experiences frequently as a speaker at industry conferences, through webinars, and on his blog.

We wanted to get to know Laura Pennington Briggs (NAIWE’s Business of Writing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

Do publishers favor freelancers who have agents for their nonfiction books?

Although some publishers may accept proposals for books from writers directly, this is actually quite uncommon. Agents essentially serve as gatekeepers to traditional publishers, which means that in order to get the most possible exposure for your book to publishers, it is critical to find an agent who has experience in your book’s niche. An agent shows that someone has already pre-vetted your work and believes it is appropriate for a traditional publisher.

Are there different types of agents or levels of agents for nonfiction books?

Some agents will have extensive experience at a high level and may be harder to access as a beginning author. This includes anyone who has placed New York Times bestsellers or works consistently with high-profile nonfiction authors.

However, almost all agents perform the same tasks for their clients, including evaluating book proposals and helping shape them into a compelling narrative, preparing the author for the submission process, submitting the book, and negotiating deals on behalf of their clients. It is important to find someone who believes in your work and someone who will advocate for you and handle communication. Since you are giving up a portion of your advance and book royalties to an agent, you want someone who is going to take some of the pressure off of you and get you the best possible deal at the best publisher.

Is it a best practice to have a backup agent?

It’s important to realize that when you sign a contract with an agent to place a particular book, you are obligated to work with that agent. This is why it is so important to thoroughly vet and query agents who you believe to be a good fit for your work and to communicate with them before signing any contract.

You cannot have multiple contracts with numerous agents trying to place the same book. And this would reflect very poorly on you if someone discovered it. It is far better to query your book to all prospective agents at the same time and then have conversations with the interested agents to decide on the right fit for you.

That being said, it is a good idea to have a short list of agents as some agents will never get back to you, some will decline the opportunity to work with you, and you may have multiple agents interested in your work at which point you could narrow down your list more closely. Bear in mind that many nonfiction agents only take on between one and three authors per year. So the effort you put into your book proposal and your query submission are critical for success.

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Interested in traditional publishing for nonfiction? Getting an agent to represent you may help you get the best offers and consideration from top publishers. Discover the most important tips for writing a book proposal, how to create an agent shortlist how to note and keep track of agent requests, what to ask when meeting with agents, and more. You’ll be prepared to start your query prep process!

You can join in this conversation on March 20 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Laura Pennington Briggs is the founder and CEO of the Freelance Coach. A two-time TEDx speaker on how freelancing is changing the economy and the host of the weekly Advanced Freelancing podcast, Laura has helped over 15,000 freelancers start and scale their businesses. She’s an expert on systems, project and client management, marketing a solopreneur business, delegating to team members, retainers, and developing multiple income streams for writers of all stripes. Laura is the author of five books, including the Six Figure Freelancer, How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business, and award-winning Remote Work for Military Spouses. She’s also the founder of Operation Freelance, a national nonprofit providing free entrepreneurship training to military spouses worldwide.

We wanted to get to know Jennia D’Lima (NAIWE’s Creative Nonfiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How do writers find out if their journey has an audience?

No matter what you’re writing, it never hurts to browse the bookshelves (at a bookstore, either an online or physical location, or the local library) and see both what’s already out there and what isn’t.

But first, ask yourself why the size of the audience matters; what do you hope to achieve by writing this piece? To share your unique adventures with close friends and family, to show others why this location shouldn’t be missed, or to make the bestseller lists? Doing further audience research after this question has been answered will guide you toward determining whether or not the chosen topic and/or format will need to be adjusted to reach your publication goals. For instance, if you dream of your book reaching bestseller status and a quick online search shows that the market is already flooded with books about hiking the Appalachian Trail, that might be a sign that your book would be lost amongst all the others—unless you have such a one-of-a-kind approach or experience that it’s bound to stand out.

The above question will also lead to the next question that will help determine whether your book has an audience: who is my ideal reader? If the answer is “everyone,” it’s time to niche down since there isn’t a single book that appeals to everyone (and it would be impossible to market, because how do you find out where “everyone” hangs out/what “everyone” is interested in and what appeals to them?). Once you’ve pinned down your reader, go to the places they go (hiking clubs, wine tastings, online forums) and see what the participation level is like. This could be an indicator as to the expected audience size of your published piece.

What style guide is the most conducive for travel writing?

That will largely depend upon the chosen structure of the writing. For example, a blog post doesn’t need to worry about style guides so much as basic grammar and spelling, while a travel memoir will likely want to refer to the Chicago Manual of Style.

Can authors of all genres expand their stream of income through travel writing?

Absolutely! The key is to be passionate about your chosen topic. After that, finding the right “home” for your work will ensure it reaches its intended audience. Maybe that’s on YouTube, where the text (which could be converted into a spoken component) is accompanied by photos and videos. Or perhaps you’ve created a series of shorter pieces that could be used on a pay-to-read platform. There are multiple opportunities out there, and we’ll be exploring how to find some of those in the webinar (including options for posting your work for free if turning it into a money-making endeavor isn’t your priority).

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Writers interested in recounting their journeys have various options available to them, including travelogues and multimedia accounts of globe-spanning adventures. But which form is the best fit for what they’d like to share? Does an account of cheese tasting across France need the same amount of depth and detail as a story about a six-month long retelling of a hike through each of Canada’s provinces? In this webinar, we’ll learn about some of the most popular forms of travel writing and look at how narrowing down your topic will help you choose a form and identify your audience.

You can join in this conversation on February 24 at 7:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on travel writing. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Jennia Herold D’Lima is a full-blown logophile. She joined her high school’s newspaper in ninth grade, winning statewide awards for her writing, and expanded her journalism skills by continuing to write and edit throughout her high school years and as a college freshman. While earning her BA in psychology (and minoring in cultural anthropology with a focus on precolonial Mesoamerica) and her MA in applied developmental psychology, her writing and editing naturally skewed toward all things academic. Writing for and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, editing papers for classmates, and writing parenting resource guides honed her research skills. Jennia joined multiple professor-led research groups and completed four internships throughout her academic career. After graduating with a master’s, she worked at a national nonprofit in Washington, DC, and as an assistant researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle. Jennia gradually transitioned to full-time editing. As the host of the Writing & Editing podcast, she loves connecting with others in the community. Jennia enjoys traveling, volunteering, and taking creative photos of books and book-related items in those rare moments when she is not reading or editing.

We wanted to get to know Karin Beery (NAIWE’s Fiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

Why do writers get caught in a telling cycle?

It depends on which type of telling you’re referring to, as there are two types, which I refer to as “big” telling and “little” telling. Big telling refers to info dumps — any time an author stops the story to explain something, usually back story. In most of those cases, I don’t think the authors trust themselves or their readers: they don’t trust themselves to weave the details into the story and they don’t trust their readers to notice and remember those details. Little telling is often a case of rushing. It’s faster (and easier) to write she was beautiful than to describe her through the point-of-view of the character’s eyes.

Do you recommend that writers develop characters before writing the scenes?

It depends on the writer. If the writer is okay making revisions to the story, then it’s okay to draft scenes before knowing all the details about a character (I’m a better editor than writer, so I rewrite a lot). If the writer doesn’t want to make a lot of revisions to the story, it’s crucial to understand as much as possible about a character before beginning to write the story. In either case, having a basic knowledge of characters is a must.

Would you suggest writers work with developmental editors to help fix mistakes?

Again, it depends on the writer and their goals. If writers are in a rush to finish a story and submit it, developmental editors can speed up the process, as it takes years to develop fiction-writing skills. I do recommend developmental editors to new writers who aren’t getting any responses to their query letters–a good editor can help them spot any plot/character issues that might be turning away agents and publishers.

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Take your self-editing skills to the next level.

• Have you eliminated all the telling?
• Are the characters complex?
• Is every scene necessary?

Most authors will answer “yes!” to these questions. But then editors and readers tell them the descriptions don’t engage them, the characters are stereotypical, and the story dragged.

How do you fix it? By training your writer’s brain to read with an editor’s eye and by recruiting some outside help. In this workshop, we’ll look at common mistakes novelists make, then learn how to identify and fix them.

You can join in this conversation on January 13 at 7:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on improving your self-editing skills. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Karin Beery is an award-winning author and editor with experience in traditional and self-publishing, freelance editing, and editing for publishers. She is an active member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network. Karin’s specialty is substantive fiction editing with an emphasis in romance and women’s fiction.

We wanted to get to know Rachel Bradley (NAIWE’s Copyediting Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

What does working efficiently entail for you?

Working efficiently means being able to produce the highest quality work in the shortest amount of time. Not only does this require an understanding of how to use software tools, but it also requires knowing how to take care of your most valuable assets—your brain and body. So not only do we need to be familiar with MS Word and CMOS Online, but we also need to know how to prioritize the things in life that will promote brain health and mental health.

Would you turn down a project that has the same deadline as another project that you have already accepted?

Sure, and no. It depends on the situation. I include in all of my contracts that deadlines are dependent upon Kingdom of God priorities per James 4:13–17. My whole life belongs to Jesus Christ, and I have an active and vibrant relationship with him. So I literally ask him which jobs he wants me to take and which jobs he wants me to pass on. I attribute the success of my business entirely to this relationship. If a second job came along with the same deadline as the first, I would check my schedule and let the Holy Spirit speak to me about whether I’ll be able to fulfill the commitment or not. I often have multiple projects going at the same time, as I plan and schedule my days to allow for more than one project.

How do you respond to daily stress and turn it into a motivator in your freelance business?

Interesting question. I’ve been very intentional to not allow stress to motivate me in any way, although sometimes I fail at that. I live my life counter culture. When stress manifests as a form of pressure, fear, or worry, I check my heart to see what I’m afraid or worried about or where the pressure is coming from, and I talk with my Heavenly Father about the truth of his love until we drive that fear or pressure out. You see, creativity doesn’t flourish in an environment of stress and worry. Writing and editing are creative endeavors and require us to be relaxed and feel safe in order to produce our very best. So finding a way to produce our best, while also doing it as fast as possible is the secret to efficiency.

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In this webinar, Rachel Bradley will teach you how to use online tools like Microsoft Word 365 and The Chicago Manual of Style Online to streamline your copyediting process. In addition to being a professional editor, Rachel is a follower of Jesus Christ. In this webinar she will also share how her relationship with Father God through his Holy Spirit plays a vital role in working efficiently, meeting proposed deadlines, and running a business with minimal stress. Rachel’s spiritual beliefs do not reflect the position of NAIWE as an organization. Instead, they are inherent to her personal identity and success as an expert in her field.

You can join in this conversation on December 18 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on maximizing your marketing efforts. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Rachel E. Bradley holds a BS degree in paralegal studies from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and graduated summa cum laude in 2006. She is a gold member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, is an established freelance editor with the Christian Editor Connection, is an instructor with the PEN Institute, is a judge for the Editors’ Choice Award, and has served as faculty for PENCON, the only conference for editors in the Christian market. After serving nine years in the legal field and becoming an advanced certified paralegal, Rachel started her business as a freelance editor and indexer. She now owns Revisions by Rachel Inc. In 2018, she lost her first husband, Matthew, after an intense battle with brain cancer. She now edits with a new understanding and a fierce compassion for people who feel broken and hurt. In celebration of continued life and hope, she became a licensed skydiver and takes to the skies with her rainbow canopy, “Promises,” any chance she gets. In early 2021, she asked God to choose her next husband. In an incredible tale of trusting God and giving him her yes without exception, she is now joyfully married to Alexander Bradley. They have been assigned the awe-inspiring and continually humbling task of raising two incredible children. Beyond reading, Rachel enjoys Bible studies, dancing during church worship, skydiving, swing dancing, rock climbing, reading, teaching, discussing important issues, watching Star Trek, sewing, cooking, Pilates, horseback riding, water sports, playing guitar, and snow skiing.