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Blog

NAIWE Training Your Way

April 18, 2025 Post a comment

NAIWE enjoys helping its members to improve their skills and speed up their hourly processes.

One of the ways we do this is through our training. Each year, we offer live classes and webinars on topics such as macros and marketing. These classes help NAIWE members save time, increase their hourly rate, and reach their ideal clients! In addition, many of our training courses are recorded, allowing members to learn at times when it is convenient for them!

 

 

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 four books.

Categories: News

Book Review: Network Apprentice

April 14, 2025 Post a comment

2024 NAIWE Book Cover Design Winner

 

Network Apprentice

Author: Graydon Hubbard

A well-done book cover design! The beauty shown in the large image of a woman in a dress made from the American flag is eye capturing! The title of the book is in a large typeface and matches the grandness of the dress, and the contrast in colors is strong enough for the title to be easily read.

As the cover is surveyed, the money and the crowd are detected and become a second focal point, but even just the American flag alone hints at what topics will be discussed and challenged within this book.

 

Comments from professional book designer Tamian Wood:

“I like this compilation a LOT. Nicely done making her dress out of a flag! And while the rest of the details are small, and won’t be seen at thumbnail size, the money and crowds will be a nice bonus for anyone who looks closer.

The typography is a bit hard to read because of the serifs and the busy background. And while I’m not a fan of an all white all centered title/sub-title/author, it can be done, if it’s done well. A bolder, san serif font would stand out against the busyness of the dress, and would go a long way to improving this lovely cover. All in all, this one is my winner!”

Congratulations, Graydon Hubbard’s Network Apprentice for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Categories: Book Award Winners, Book Reviews

Member Benefit: Discount on EZRA

April 11, 2025 Post a comment

Member Benefit #26

Easy Relationship Application (EZRA) is a database to house all of the information for your small business! EZRA was developed by Editorial Inspirations to meet the record keeping needs of freelancers and their businesses. And there’s a free 30-day trial available.

NAIWE members receive a $50 savings annually!

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

Categories: Member Benefits

Book Review: The Six-Figure Freelancer

April 7, 2025 Post a comment

The Six-Figure Freelancer

Laura Briggs

 

Many people have excellent skills to sell, but are still not making it as successful freelancers. While a freelancer may be a top-notch writer, that person may lack the skills to be a successful business owner. The Six-Figure Freelancer can help you better manage your business!

Written from personal experience, Laura Briggs tells her proven strategies of going from a side hustle to a full-time freelancer in 13 months, and then to becoming a six-figure freelancer, even topping $200,000 after just four years.

However, she does leave the door open to modify her method to fit your personal situation. While Laura Briggs is a freelance writer, she brings in 19 freelance experts from other industries to contribute from their experience, providing numerous freelancers in a wide variety of professions with opportunities to share how they made six figures. Also, Laura explains how the reader’s goal may not be six figures, but how one can alter her method to reach your business goal.

Chapter 1 begins with evaluating where your business currently stands and setting realistic goals on where you want to go. While you may ultimately want to be a six-figure freelancer, this chapter shows how that may not be a realistic goal at this moment.

Once you have set your goals, chapter 2 helps to define your mindset, and perhaps change a few items that are limiting your current capabilities.

While only chapter 5 is directly related to marketing, all of the chapters relate to what a freelancer can do to maximize his time to make more money with better-paying clients.

The Six-Figure Freelancer is an excellent read that helps the reader to analyze all aspects of their business, assisting professional freelancers who are looking to take their business to the next level.

Categories: Book Reviews, Member Benefits

Book Review: Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption

March 31, 2025 Post a comment

Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption

Lem Moyé

 

Doctor Jon DeLeon and his team of eccentric CiliCold researchers continue their work, though now they exist in a hidden location. With good intentions, Meredith Doucette, Triple S Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, has reallocated her salary to the company’s charity branch, which some have seen as a controversial move while Cassandra Rhodes, Triple S Pharmaceuticals’ lead attorney, has been found not guilty of the murder of Cristen and is then hired by CiliCold.

For those who read volume 1 in this series and grew attached to some of the characters, this book continues the story with many of the same characters. However, Dr. Lem Moyé has written this book so that it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption will be an entertaining read for those with a love of science and the corporate world. Written by a physician who has taught graduate classes in biostatistics, this novel has a realistic view of the scientific research world as it intertwines with corporate pharmaceutical companies, providing some great insights for the reader with a twist.

Categories: Book Reviews, Member Benefits

Days to Celebrate in April

March 28, 2025 Post a comment

April: English Language Month. A month-long celebration of the uniqueness of the English language and all the learners working hard to master it.

April: National Poetry Month. Spend time this month writing, reading, and studying poetry.

April: National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties, and the largest cities would not function without volunteers.

April: Records and Information Management Month. This event celebrates good record keeping and information management and emphasizes the importance of having organized records.

April: Stress Awareness Month. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high.

April 4: National Hug a Newsperson Day. Say thank you and send a hug to your local newsperson.

April 4: National School Librarian Day. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized, helping our children find the resources they need to encourage learning, and are dedicated to creating an environment children can learn in every day of the year. Set aside some time to honor school librarians.

April 5: National Play Outside Day. Spend a few minutes outside today enjoying the beauty and the fresh air.

April 7: National No Housework Day. Freelancers working from home sometimes choose to be distracted by housework rather than work on a challenging project. On this day, it is not allowed, so find something else to distract you–or rather, sit down and work on that challenging project.

April 7-13: National Public Health Week. The week focuses on prevention and reducing unhealthy activities.

April 6-12: National Library Week. Visit your local library in person or online, and give your library card a workout.

April 8: National All Is Ours Day. This is a day to appreciate everything we have, rather than dwelling on what we don’t have.

April 8: National Library Workers Day. Library workers do so much more than keep track of the books we can borrow nearly any time of the day or night. Today, library workers are masters of research.

April 10: National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Do you know a young person who has a vivid imagination, maybe someone who likes to tell stories and reads a lot of books? Encourage them to pursue their goals and develop their writing skills.

April 14: National Reach as High as You Can Day. Review and plan your goals for the upcoming quarter or the rest of the year as you reach for your dreams or goals.

April 14: Look Up at the Sky Day. Look for inspirations and beauty by looking up at the sky.

April 15: National Rubber Eraser Day. Celebrate the invention of erasers by acknowledging that we all make mistakes.

April 16: National Bookmobile Day. Honor the access to information and resources our nation’s bookmobiles make available to our communities and the professionals who work diligently to provide these services.

April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day. Let go of the stress of deciding what to wear for a day by wearing your pajamas to work.

April 17: National Haiku Poetry Day. Try your hand at this creative form by writing about what you see outside.

April 17: National High Five Day. Spend a moment on social media, and give a virtual high five to someone who has recently helped you out.

April 17: Get to Know Your Customers Day. Select a customer and get to know them a little better.

April 20-26: Administrative Professionals Week. Celebrate the administrative professionals and secretaries who keep businesses going.

April 20-26: National Volunteer Week. Provide support by offering your services to a local organization you feel passionate about.

April 23: National Administrative Professionals Day. Some freelancers have virtual assistants, and we didn’t want you to miss this day! Celebrate your VA and show how much you appreciate this person.

April 24: National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Take some time to mentor your sons and daughters and aspire their writing to new heights!

April 25: National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Memorize a poem or two to share with the people you meet throughout the day.

April 27: National Tell a Story Day. Share a story with fellow word lovers.

April 28: National Great Poetry Reading Day. Celebrate distinguished poetry and the notable poets who wrote them.

Categories: National Days

Book Review: Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough

March 24, 2025 Post a comment

Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough

Lem Moyé

 

Doctor Jon DeLeon is on an adventure of a lifetime: he thinks he can cure the common cold. In his personal life, Doctor DeLeon has a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, but he is devastated to discover that she is engaged and pregnant. Nevertheless, he tries to swallow this news and continue pursuing his dreams.

Yet, obstacles abound! With limited funds, the researchers at CiliCold, Doctor DeLeon’s research lab, push forward to a cure that other researchers gave up on years ago. The research lab is filled with quirky researchers, many of whom have lost credibility in the scientific community, leading to some entertaining scenarios and small talk.

Doctor DeLeon being preoccupied with his personal life and the financial instability of his lab is oblivious to the betrayals that take place inside his research lab.

Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough is an enjoyable read, especially for those with a love of science. Written by a physician who has completed over 30 years of research, this novel has a realistic view of the scientific research world, providing some great insights for the reader.

Categories: Book Reviews, Member Benefits

Caring by Connection

March 21, 2025 Post a comment

Through the NAIWE discussion list, members can discuss important topics with fellow publishing professionals, and they can also reach out to others who have had similar experiences and who may offer the same type of work.

However, NAIWE members like to have fun too! NAIWE members chat about funny signs they saw while at the park or in a store and funny moments they had with a client.

NAIWE members are here to support and laugh with one another!

 

 

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 four books.

Categories: Member Benefits, News

Book Review: A Reunion of Death

March 17, 2025 Post a comment

A Reunion of Death

Patricia Crandall

 

Mavis and Trevor Gordon are hosting a four-day Christmas celebration at their renowned mansion for their friends. However, the celebratory mood is quickly replaced with tension when Mavis discovers the theft of a valuable bracelet and a priceless heirloom.

Mavis Gordon asks a guest, Darby Potter, who is also a member of the Security Task Force, to investigate, but when a murder occurs, Trevor Gordon brings in a private investigator to assist.

A Reunion of Death is a thriller written in the style of Agatha Christie’s writing. Although there is murder and mystery, it is fun and entertaining to read as well.

The design of the book cover, and even the interior of the book, gives the feeling of an Agatha Christie read. The front cover displays a snowy mansion with a golden bow in the left corner to emphasize that this book is set at Christmastime. The front cover includes a photo of Agatha Christie herself, and the back cover includes an image of an insightful detective. Inside, each chapter begins in the same typeface as the book title on the book cover, with its flowing cursive. The feeling the reader has even before setting eyes on a word provoke an appropriate feeling for this beautiful read!

Author Patricia Crandall writes in a light-hearted manner while developing the characters and giving them their own quirks. It is a quick read that will bring the reader along for an amusing ride!

Categories: Book Reviews, Member Benefits

Member Benefit: Discount on The Chicago Manual of Style

March 14, 2025 Post a comment

Member Benefit #22

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) Online is the undisputed authority for style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Completely searchable and easy to use, CMOS Online is available to individuals and small user groups, as well as academic, private, and public libraries, through annual, IP-based subscriptions. Subscribers receive full access to the latest two editions of CMOS, as well as access to the online CMOS Users Forum.

NAIWE members receive 20% off the book or online subscription!

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

Categories: Member Benefits

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Latest Posts

Member Benefit: Discount on Fictionary’s An Insider’s View of Story Editing Course

June 13, 2025

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

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