Good morning! Today we’re talking with Nan Snipes from Faithworks Editorial and Writing Inc. Like many editors, she stumbled into editing, but it’s become a passion for her. The key to Nan’s success – versatility. Here’s how she makes it work.

Hi, and thanks for your willingness to appear on my blog! I’m looking forward to sharing your knowledge and advice with the rest of the world (at least with the small portion of it that follows my blog). When did you start writing/editing professionally?

I started writing professionally more than thirty years ago, and I’ve written mostly stories for compilation books (more than sixty) and articles. I began editing eleven years ago after my husband was laid off for the second or third time.

Why did you want to be a freelance writer/editor?

I have always loved writing, even as a child. But in high school I was discouraged after writing a story for class. My teacher announced, in front of the class, that I had not written it. Later that year, I wrote another story, and he had to admit he was wrong. Editing came along when my husband was laid off, and the regional magazine for which I had freelanced asked if I was interested in proofreading twenty to twenty-five monthly newsletters. I was, and I have been doing it for eleven years.

What’s your specialty/focus? Why/how did you pick this?

In editing, my specialty would be memoirs. I’ve pre-edited six or seven royalty books for one author, and a number of other self-published books. I didn’t pick this specialty. It picked me!

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

In memoirs, I enjoy helping to convey a specific voice. I enjoy reworking specific areas to make the characters’ thoughts clearer and cleaner.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome during your career?

Time. I’ve had to juggle two weeks of newsletter proofing with book projects. The newsletters have to be proofed by the AP Stylebook, while my book projects have to be copyedited using CMOS and the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.

What’s surprised you the most during your career?

That I absolutely love editing!

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

For a freelance writer, I would say never give up. Be persistent, you will get published. For a freelance editor, be versatile. Learn as much as you can in book editing, as well as business editing. By being versatile, you will always have work.

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

I would have started editing much sooner.

What’s your favorite kind of work? Why?

When I work with authors who write inspirational books, I become uplifted as well.

What does your work space/office look like?

When I’m working hard, the office is kind of chaotic. Once I come to a stop, though, I reorder everything.

What is your go-to snack when working?

Several snacks: salsa and chips; oranges; cashews.

Excluding the CMOS (that’s a given) what one editing resource would you recommend? Why?

Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide.

 

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

Click here to learn more about Faithworks Editorial Services.