National Association of Independent Writers & Editors
Facebook Instagram Linkedin twitter

Search

SubscribeLogin

  • About
    • About NAIWE
    • Board of Experts
    • Amazon-Affiliate Book
    • FAQs
    • Advertising
  • Join Us
    • Join NAIWE
    • Benefits
    • Reasons to Join an Association
  • Training
  • Find a Professional
  • Blog
  • News & Events
    • The Edge
    • Conference
    • Podcasts
    • Summer Challenge
    • Words Matter
      • Words Matter Week
      • How to Participate
      • Media
  • Post a Job
  • Contact
  • Member Sites

Blog

Book Review: Pebbles and the Biggest Number

January 29, 2024 Post a comment

2023 NAIWE Children’s Book Winner

 

Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Author: Joey Benun

Children love to learn, and children love color, and Pebbles and the Biggest Number plays into both elements, attracting kids of a variety of ages. Even before opening the book, the attractiveness of the cover easily catches a reader’s attention, and the illustrations show that this will be a fun book about big numbers.

Readers will quickly find out that the copyright page is the insightful navigator of the book as it includes questions for children to ponder, tips on how to explore the book, and ideas for interacting with the numbers.

This is not a typical book that teaches children about numbers. The book does not begin with the number one and continue through a handful of numbers. Instead, Pebbles the butterfly loves numbers but is bored with the small numbers that surround him. And so he set off on a journey to find the biggest number.

On his journey, Pebbles asks his animal friends for the biggest number they know, each sharing a number and relating that number to another learning concept.

As if learning about numbers wasn’t enough, the book includes additional information to pique the interest of readers. Science Spot teaches about the insect and animal characters. Number Note teaches about another way to think about the number explored on the given page. Did You Know teaches a concept related to the scene on the page. Fun Fact adds even more information for the readers to learn.

Pebbles and the Biggest Number concludes with a Dig Deeper section, which includes new words for the reader to learn. These pages continue with the colorful theme and include images of the friends Pebbles has met along his journey. This section ends with a nice summary chart of the numbers learned throughout the book, showing them in another format to help the reader understand them even better.

This was a delightful book to read, and the effort that went in to making this book highly educational and extremely inviting and entertaining was obvious. Such an informative read even for the parents who can learn about the big numbers of life!

Congratulations, Joey Benun’s Pebbles and the Biggest Number for being a NAIWE 2023 Book Award winner!

Categories: Book Award Winners, Book Reviews

Days to Celebrate in February

January 26, 2024 2 Comments

February: National Self-Check Month. Take charge of your health, and increase your odds of avoiding chronic diseases or other preventable diseases.

February: Free and Open Source Software Month. Recognize the cooperative approach to computer programming, open licensing, and free distribution of software.

February: National Library Lover’s Month. Enjoy your library, but also consider volunteering your time this month in a library.

February 1: National Get Up Day. This is a day to persevere, to pick ourselves up when we’ve fallen. We never know when our efforts to seek a goal or overcome an obstacle will encourage another person.

February 4: National Thank a Mail Carrier Day. As a small business, you likely work your mail carrier a little harder. Let’s take time out of our day to thank the mail person who is responsible for getting your mail in your mailbox six days a week.

February 5-11: National Freelance Writers Appreciation Week. Celebrate these hardworking writers by showing some gratitude, highlighting a fun behind-the-scenes moment.

February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day. Send a note to a colleague or client to let them know you are thinking about them.

February 8: National Giving Hearts Day. Make a donation from your business to a charity that you love.

February 11: National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. Think positive. Don’t worry and don’t stress over the little things. Life is too short.

February 11: National Make a Friend Day. Get to know one of your clients a little better. Meeting new people can help sharpen our social skills and keep us from becoming lonely.

February 12: National Clean Out Your Computer Day. Over time, files and programs that are unused clog the memory of your computer. This is a day to take some time to do the needed care on your computers. Organize your files and folders. Delete junk files. Delete duplicate files. Delete old files and programs that are not being used.

February 17: National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Write a note or do something nice for one of your clients today.

February 20. National Leadership Day. Throughout every day, someone influences another person in every interaction. Take a moment today to thank someone who has had a positive effect on your life.

February 20. National Comfy Day. Spend a few moments today to get comfy and enjoy a good book!

February 26: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Share a favorite fairy tale with friends or family.

Categories: National Days

Illuminating My Profession

January 19, 2024 Post a comment

I recently received a call from a woman looking to become a proofreader. She wanted advice to break into the field. It had been a while since I have received this type of call, but this is a call that I do receive periodically.

When I receive this type of call, I recommend they join at least one association and in the discussion list and any trainings the association may offer. While rarely is a degree or certificate involved with the completion of the training, these classes are beneficial because they are taught by professionals in the field who have direct, regular, and current experience and knowledge in the industry.

In addition, I recommend they attend in-person events so they can network with colleagues and pass out (and collect) business cards.

Finally, I recommend they review my resume. I don’t know their entire background, but I share my resume so they can see how I got where I am. Then they can use my resume to gain ideas about where to go next. My resume includes potential conferences to attend, classes to take, certificates to complete, or degrees to pursue.

When someone looking to enter your field contacts you, what are some recommendations you share?

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

 

Categories: News, Proofreading

Member Benefit: NAIWE Discussion List

January 12, 2024 Post a comment

Member Benefit #11

The NAIWE discussion list is a respectful and professional community where members can express their views, share tips, ask for guidance on a project or client situation, discuss style and usage, ask controversial questions, learn from others’ experiences, become working partners, and think out of the box together. The NAIWE discussion list is tailored to publishing professionals as a valuable resource for connecting with one another and sharing ideas and feedback.

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Categories: Member Benefits

Laura Pennington Briggs, NAIWE’s Business of Writing Expert

January 5, 2024 Post a comment

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.

Consistent client service and automation, how do these align for today’s freelancer?

It’s important to provide a good client experience to everyone, but it’s hard to do when you’re busy marketing and also serving clients. When you get more of your time back, you show up more effectively for your clients and also feel better about your work.

 

Most freelances may not know that a sales pipeline system and outstanding client service go hand in hand, but do they?

They do! The more you can automate and systematize your pipeline and how you handle current clients, the more you maximize everything you do and get the most out of your time.

 

Is there a routine yet creative way to drive clients to your services/products?

It’s actually not super creative. Pick a platform or method of marketing and show up to do it everyday, even if only for five minutes. This can really help build consistency and snowballs over time. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold pitching, scanning job boards, TikTok, LinkedIn, or circling back with a former client, they are all valuable when you take little actions over time.

——————

In this training, we’ll discuss key ways to provide outstanding and consistent client service while building automation or systems that save you time, as well. We’ll discuss three big ones worth upgrading or creating for 2024: sales pipeline systems, onboarding, and offboarding. Make a better impression on your clients and earn repeat business and referrals while spending more of your time on billable work.

You can join in this conversation on January 17, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on streamlining your client service to save you time and make clients happier. 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 business. 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 and How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business. She’s also the founder of Operation Freelance, a national nonprofit providing free entrepreneurship training to military spouses worldwide.

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

Days to Celebrate in January

December 29, 2023 Post a comment

January 2: National Science Fiction Day. American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry Isaac Asimov was born on January 2, 1920. He was best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books.

January 5: National Screenwriters Day. Inside the industry, screenwriters are well known for their ability to crack the story, create great roles for actors, and write memorable dialogue.

January 6: National Technology Day. From the wheel to smartphones, technology has been changing the world. Recognize those achievements and look to the future for more advancements in technology.

January 8: National Clean off Your Desk Day. This day is an opportunity to begin your new year with a clean and organized work space. Whether your desk is in a private or shared office, cubicle, home, or a make-shift desk on the counter, having your work space uncluttered, organized, refreshed, and clean will help you work more efficiently and give you a sense of serenity.

January 18: National Thesaurus Day. Whether you are looking for a new word or trying to complete a sentence, the thesaurus can be your best friend. Expanding your vocabulary improves both written and spoken communication skills and creative writing abilities and can be helpful in advancing your career.

January 18: Get to Know Your Customers Day. When businesses get to know your customers, you also get to know more about what you need to grow.

January 23: National Handwriting Day. Reintroduce yourself to a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, it is a chance for all to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

January 24: National Compliment Day. What a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day or to give credit for a job well done!

January 26: National Fun at Work Day. Many people spend a good portion of their lives at work, so why should they not try to enjoy it?

January 30: National Plan for Vacation Day. It takes planning to work hard, but many people forget to plan to play hard as well. Spend a few moments deciding where you want to go on vacation this year.

Categories: National Days

Member Benefit: Guest Articles in The Edge

December 8, 2023 Post a comment

Member Benefit #10

The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work with Words is the NAIWE monthly newsletter that encourages and equips publishing professionals. It features information about NAIWE, professional development opportunities, and engaging material written by NAIWE members. NAIWE welcomes and reads all submissions to the newsletter of completed articles written by NAIWE members in good standing with a developed member website. For more information, see the writer’s guidelines.

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Categories: Member Benefits

Days to Celebrate in December

November 24, 2023 Post a comment

December: National Write a Business Plan Month. As a freelancer, you are a business owner, so consider writing a business plan this month!

December 26: National Thank-you Note Day. It is a day to get some note cards, paper, pen, envelopes, and stamps to write special thank yous.

December 29: No Interruptions Day. This is a day set aside for getting organized for the new year by cleaning up your workspace without interruptions.

Categories: National Days

Member Benefit: Guest Posts on the NAIWE Blog

November 10, 2023 Post a comment

Member Benefit #9

As a NAIWE member, you may guest post on the NAIWE blog. Articles should be between 500 and 1,250 words and of interest to our members. All guest posts will include a member byline and a link to the member’s active NAIWE website.

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Categories: Member Benefits

Why Two?

November 6, 2023 Post a comment

We encourage everyone in the publishing industry to belong to two professional organizations. The first is a large, general, career-building association such as NAIWE, and the second is a smaller craft- or genre-focused association that will help develop additional skills in the minutiae of your craft.

Each type of association offers different benefits, and the individual can benefit from both!

A large association can offer a wider perspective of a discussion topic with more people able to chime in from a variety of physical locations. The association can also offer training on topics with speakers you wouldn’t otherwise be able to learn from. Larger associations sometimes offer conferences as well, so take advantage of your ability to meet those speakers and network with your colleagues!

A smaller craft- or genre-focused association will have training that goes into a lot more detail on a given topic. Writers who write primarily in one genre, for example, may benefit from joining a genre-focused association in conjunction with a larger association such as NAIWE.

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

Categories: News, Publishing, Writing

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • …
  • 38
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Vampire Grooms and Spectre Brides
  • Days to Celebrate in June
  • Book Review: Sinking Your Teeth into Proper Dental Care
  • Book Review: Words Left Unspoken
  • Member Benefit: Discount on Fictionary’s StoryTeller Software

Categories

Links

  • Member Area
  • NAIWE Bookstore
  • NAIWE- The Association Site
  • Words Matter Week

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Latest Posts

Book Review: Vampire Grooms and Spectre Brides

June 2, 2025

Days to Celebrate in June

May 30, 2025

Book Review: Sinking Your Teeth into Proper Dental Care

May 26, 2025

Book Review: Words Left Unspoken

May 12, 2025

Member Benefit: Discount on Fictionary’s StoryTeller Software

May 9, 2025

Book Review: Good Grief

May 5, 2025

Contact Us

  • 804-476-4484
  • P.O. Box 412
    Montpelier, VA 23192-0412
Facebook Instagram Linkedin twitter

© NAIWE. All rights reserved. Designed by My House of Design.