Hello, and welcome to my brand new blog! We’re kicking off this blog, this month, this celebration with an editor interview (which will be featured the first Monday of every month). I’m so excited to introduce you to DJ Mynatt, owner of S&G Publishing. She began working as an editor in 2013 and specializes in fiction editing. I’ll let her tell the rest of the story, but please stick around for the giveaway at the end – thanks!

Why did you want to be a freelance editor?

I have been a proofreader for many years as part of my full-time job; when a couple of author friends asked if I’d proof their work, I began thinking of getting more into freelance editing.

What’s your specialty/focus?

My favorite genre to edit (and read) is Amish fiction, but I’m gaining ground in the speculative and non-fiction genres, too.

What’s your favorite part of this kind of work?

Taking a good story and doing my part to make it a better story!

What’s your biggest challenge?

The rules… writing has specific rules to follow, but most well-known authors frequently break some – or all – of the rules. The challenge is to know when it’s okay for an author to break a rule, and when it will hurt their story – or their future.

What’s surprised you the most during your career?

I still use an editor to check my own writing.

If you could give a new freelance editor one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t charge too little – or too much.

If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it be?

I would have started my career much earlier.

What’s your favorite kind of work? Why?

My favorite work is writing – losing myself in a story and letting it go in a different direction than I would have planned.

What does your work space/office look like?

I have a pretty desk, but rarely use it. Mostly I sit at the dining table or on the courch (with my feet up). I enjoy being surrounded by posters and signs about writing (and live flowers on occasion).

What is your go-to snack when working?

Chips, salsa and bean & cheese dip. My drink is cold water with fresh lemons.

If you could only recommend one editing resource, what would it be? Why?

The Chicago Manual of Style (16^th edition) – it’s the best resource available for editors.

If you could only recommend one writing resource, what would it be? Why?

Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King – it’s the best resource available for writers.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I am blessed to work with an amazing staff at S&G Publishing!

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

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DJ mentioned one of my favorite resources, so today I’m going to give away a copy! If you’d like to win Self-editing for the Fiction Writer, leave your name and email address in the comment section. And if you don’t edit fiction, please consider giving this book a read – it’s full of great information that will improve any type of editing.

Good luck!