Write Now Editing

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Editing Services
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Copywriting
  • Contact Me

Editor Interview: Christi McGuire

October 5, 2015 by Karin Beery 3 Comments

View More: http://benjohnsoncreative.pass.us/christimcguireToday I’m speaking with Christi McGuire (www.ChristiMcGuire.com), from Creative Consulting. An editor-by-accident, she’s your girl for book proposals. Here’s her story:

When did you start writing/editing professionally?
I began as a copyeditor in the magazine department at LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN.

Why did you want to be a freelance writer/editor?
I kind of fell into it. I started teaching English out of college, and after a couple years I applied for a copyediting job at LifeWay. I was so green—they took a big chance on me! I discovered that editing in the publishing industry was my true calling. When we moved from Tennessee to Florida, I began working as a freelancer. My experience at Lifeway helped me be able to do that.

What’s your specialty/focus?
Although I’ve written and edited magazines, devotionals, curriculum, and children’s books, my specialty is editing nonfiction adult books and book proposals.

What’s your favorite part of this kind of work?
Partnering with people to help them achieve their writing and publishing dreams.

What’s your biggest challenge?
Working with writers who have no knowledge or experience with the craft of writing and the publishing industry. Most authors dig in to learn everything they can about writing and publishing. But there are some who do not want to improve or learn; they just want me to “fix” their manuscripts. My heart is that of a teacher, so it’s hard for me to edit without teaching and guiding all my clients.

What’s surprised you the most during your career?
How much of a “mother hen” I am! I am very protective as if they were my own kids. When I receive copies of clients’ published books, I am brought to tears. I am so proud of them, and I think I am more excited for them than I would be if it were my own book!

If you could give a new freelance writer/editor one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t stop learning! Always continue pursuing experience, knowledge, and new information.

If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it be?
Have more confidence in my skills at an earlier age and realize my time and talent are valuable. But I guess we all go through a maturing process!

What’s your favorite kind of work? Why?
I love to work on book proposals. There’s something exciting about it, and it gets my adrenaline pumping. It’s all the author’s hopes and dream boiled into one business plan. It’s exciting and scary (for the author) all at the same time. And I’m blessed to be a part of that!

What does your work space/office look like?
Both my husband and I work at home, and our desks are back-to-back. Sometimes we bump into each other! He likes to listen to music or talk radio when he’s working, and I must have it quiet. So I often take my laptop and head to my bedroom to work!

What is your go-to snack when working?
Coffee and protein bars.

If you could only recommend one editing resource, what would it be? Why?
I have Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide with me at all times. It lists the most-used CMOS rules, and it’s easier to find what I need instead of searching the huge print edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

If you could only recommend one writing resource, what would it be? Why?
I’ve just started reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. She addresses the creative process, how to pursue a creative life, and how to understand the creative mind. It doesn’t specifically address writing, but authors do lead a creative life, so this book is helping me understand how we (the creative types) can balance our creativity and pursue our passions.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I think everyone struggles with doubt, fear, and validation. But I know that I can’t not do what I do—live the creative life as an editor and writer. When you know that your life’s work is something you can’t not do . . . then you know you’re doing the right thing!

Thank you so much for appearing on my blog! Have a blessed day!

Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: Christi McGuire

Comments

  1. Nancy Sarson says

    October 6, 2015 at 6:27 am

    Christie I am so very proud of what you have accomplished. You have always been a great mentor to so many people. Your love for God and all shows in all that you do. You are a beautiful person. God Bless

    Reply
  2. Christi McGuire says

    October 5, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    Karin, thanks for the opportunity to be featured!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Featured Editor - Christi McGuire says:
    October 6, 2015 at 11:29 am

    […] Enjoy some tips and inside scope of my interview here. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 Times You Should Be Sending a Press Release

Download this 2-page, easy-to-read PDF that will show you how often you can get your name out there - don't miss another opportunity to promote yourself!

Enter your email address to sign up and receive your FREE copy today!

ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

Contact Me

Connect

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copywriting

Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

Editing

Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

Author Page

Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

Resources

Press Release Tool Kit Stop waiting and hoping for people to notice you and your organization! With this Press Release Tool Kit, you’ll learn to apply the step-by-step process I use to … [more]

© Copyright 2015 Write Now Editing · All Rights Reserved · Design by Pink Haired Pixels/Carol Jones Media

· All Logos & Trademark Belongs To Their Respective Owners·