We wanted to get to know Rachel Bradley (NAIWE’s Copyediting Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

What does working efficiently entail for you?

Working efficiently means being able to produce the highest quality work in the shortest amount of time. Not only does this require an understanding of how to use software tools, but it also requires knowing how to take care of your most valuable assets—your brain and body. So not only do we need to be familiar with MS Word and CMOS Online, but we also need to know how to prioritize the things in life that will promote brain health and mental health.

 

Would you turn down a project that has the same deadline as another project that you have already accepted?

Sure, and no. It depends on the situation. I include in all of my contracts that deadlines are dependent upon Kingdom of God priorities per James 4:13–17. My whole life belongs to Jesus Christ, and I have an active and vibrant relationship with him. So I literally ask him which jobs he wants me to take and which jobs he wants me to pass on. I attribute the success of my business entirely to this relationship. If a second job came along with the same deadline as the first, I would check my schedule and let the Holy Spirit speak to me about whether I’ll be able to fulfill the commitment or not. I often have multiple projects going at the same time, as I plan and schedule my days to allow for more than one project.

 

How do you respond to daily stress and turn it into a motivator in your freelance business?

Interesting question. I’ve been very intentional to not allow stress to motivate me in any way, although sometimes I fail at that. I live my life counter culture. When stress manifests as a form of pressure, fear, or worry, I check my heart to see what I’m afraid or worried about or where the pressure is coming from, and I talk with my Heavenly Father about the truth of his love until we drive that fear or pressure out. You see, creativity doesn’t flourish in an environment of stress and worry. Writing and editing are creative endeavors and require us to be relaxed and feel safe in order to produce our very best. So finding a way to produce your best, while also doing it as fast as possible is the secret to efficiency.

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In this webinar, Rachel Bradley will teach you how to use online tools like Microsoft Word 365 and The Chicago Manual of Style Online to streamline your copyediting process. In addition to being a professional editor, Rachel is a follower of Jesus Christ. In this webinar she will also share how her relationship with Father God through his Holy Spirit plays a vital role in working efficiently, meeting proposed deadlines, and running a business with minimal stress. Rachel’s spiritual beliefs do not reflect the position of NAIWE as an organization. Instead, they are inherent to her personal identity and success as an expert in her field.

You can join in this conversation on December 18 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on maximizing your marketing efforts. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

 

Rachel E. Bradley holds a BS degree in paralegal studies from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and graduated summa cum laude in 2006. She is a gold member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, is an established freelance editor with the Christian Editor Connection, is an instructor with the PEN Institute, is a judge for the Editors’ Choice Award, and has served as faculty for PENCON, the only conference for editors in the Christian market. After serving nine years in the legal field and becoming an advanced certified paralegal, Rachel started her business as a freelance editor and indexer. She now owns Revisions by Rachel Inc. In 2018, she lost her first husband, Matthew, after an intense battle with brain cancer. She now edits with a new understanding and a fierce compassion for people who feel broken and hurt. In celebration of continued life and hope, she became a licensed skydiver and takes to the skies with her rainbow canopy, “Promises,” any chance she gets. In early 2021, she asked God to choose her next husband. In an incredible tale of trusting God and giving him her yes without exception, she is now joyfully married to Alexander Bradley. They have been assigned the awe-inspiring and continually humbling task of raising two incredible children. Beyond reading, Rachel enjoys Bible studies, dancing during church worship, skydiving, swing dancing, rock climbing, reading, teaching, discussing important issues, watching Star Trek, sewing, cooking, Pilates, horseback riding, water sports, playing guitar, and snow skiing.

We wanted to get to know Jeanne Grunert (NAIWE’s Branding & Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How many micro niches should a freelancer serve?

I recommend focusing on no more than three micro niches. This helps you develop a positive reputation in each niche, which naturally leads to recommendations and more work. If you choose to focus on more than one niche, it is helpful if the other niches are related. For example, I focus on two niches: my micro niche is content marketing for SaaS (software as a service) companies, but I added several micro niches around manufacturing software, enterprise integration, and education software (before opening my own company and going independent, I led marketing for large education companies, so it was natural niche extension for me). Spreading yourself beyond 1-3 micro niches dilutes the marketing effect. It is the focus and the area of specialization that helps build recognition quickly among potential customers. Diluting that focus confuses the market, and anytime potential customers are confused, they walk away.

In fiction, it is common for writers to use pen names to more easily develop brand recognition in a micro niche and more easily attract loyal readers eager to read their next work. A good example is Nora Roberts, whose work I enjoy reading. She writes under the name J.D. Robb for her sci-fi murder mystery series “In Death” and under her own name, Nora Roberts, when she writes what I would consider traditional contemporary romance novels. It might confuse loyal  Nora Roberts fans, who expect a small town girl to attract the bad boy newcomer to town (her typical plot) to open a book with the sci fi elements of the “In Death” series.  Instead of risking alienating readers by publishing in a vastly different genre, she developed a second pen name and micro niche, with the result that she has a loyal following in both niches. That’s just one example, but I think you get the idea of why both nonfiction/business writers and fiction writers can benefit from tapping into micro niches.

 

Do micro niches lend to a regular income stream?

Yes! The best part about finding your micro niche and gaining the first few projects in that niche is that once you develop a reputation within that niche, work comes to you – you don’t have to chase after freelance opportunities. As you develop a positive reputation as the “XYZ Expert” or expert in your micro niche, it becomes easier to attract the right clients to your doorstep.

For me, it was a game changer. I was first introduced to the concept of micro niches around 2020 and decided to take two weeks to reorganize my business at the end of 2020 around my chosen micro niche (I’ll go into details of how to find a potential niche during our webinar). Within four months, I had increased my existing work with clients in the micro niche AND landed two major monthly retainer clients! I no longer had to send out pitches, look for freelance writing work, etc. I now get good leads through my website and referrals. I firmly believe in the power of micro niches and personal branding within a micro niche to build a strong online presence that helps independent writers and editors attract and retain their ideal clients.

 

Are micro niches new to the publishing industry?

Not really – my Nora Roberts example is a good indicator that they have been around a while. She published the first time under the pen name “J.D. Robb” in 1995.  I think within the publishing industry micro niches have become more prevalent and popular with the rise of e-books because readers who love a specific micro niche can find and purchase them more easily.

For freelance writers who may focus on business writing (articles, blogging, marketing or sales materials, etc.), micro niches aren’t really new, but they can be a challenging area for independent writers/freelancers to understand and undertake with confidence. Many freelance writers get nervous when they hear that they should specialize, or focus on a micro niche. They fear they will lose work if they put their stake in the ground and market themselves exclusively as writers who specialize in SaaS platforms, medical manufacturing, cat dental health, and so on (each of these are examples of micro niches). I’ve found it to be the opposite – by focusing on a specific area within a niche, and developing a solid client list, samples, and highly specialized knowledge, I’ve gotten more business than I did before.

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Are you a freelance writer or editor looking to stand out in a crowded market? Join us for an insightful webinar on “Discovering Your Micro Niche” and learn how to carve out a unique space for yourself in the industry.

In this webinar, you’ll gain:

• Understanding of Micro Niches: Learn what a micro niche is and why it’s crucial for freelancers.
• Market Research Techniques: Discover effective methods to identify underserved and profitable micro niches.
• Tailoring Your Services: Find out how to adapt your writing or editing services to meet the specific needs of your chosen niche.
• Building Authority: Learn strategies to establish yourself as an expert in your micro niche, attracting more clients and higher rates.
• Case Studies: Explore real-life examples of successful freelance writers and editors who have thrived by focusing on micro niches.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your current offerings, this webinar will provide you with the tools and insights needed to find and dominate your micro niche. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your freelance career!

You can join in this conversation on October 24 and then November 7 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on maximizing your marketing efforts. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

 

Jeanne Grunert is the president and founder of Seven Oaks Consulting, a business-to-business content marketing agency. She is an award-winning writer and direct marketing expert with over 30 years of writing, marketing, and business experience. Prior to founding Seven Oaks Consulting, Jeanne led marketing for divisions of McGraw-Hill Education, Teachers College Columbia University, The College Board, and retail, publishing, and financial service companies in the New York City area. Known worldwide for her exceptional leadership and communication skills, Jeanne works seamlessly across cultural and corporate barriers to achieve outstanding results. She holds an M.A. in writing and an M.S. in direct and digital marketing (awarded with distinction) from New York University, as well as certifications in social media marketing, content marketing, and adult education. Originally from the New York City area, Jeanne currently resides with her husband, John, and many pets on a 17-acre farm in rural Virginia. When not leading marketing teams through her work at Seven Oaks Consulting, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and writing mystery novels.

We wanted to get to know Pamela K. Kinney (NAIWE’s Paranormal Writing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How did you learn to write a book blurb?

For my first book I went with the publisher Schiffer Publishing, and at that time, they looked to the authors to write their own book blurbs. The publisher edited the authors’ blurbs into the format needed while educating the authors. The next blurb I wrote was for my own self-published novel, How the Vortex Changed My Life.

 

What is the normal length of a book blurb?

100–200 words. Any more than that, readers will be catching the quickest ride off your page . . . by jumping to another author’s page and buying their book instead. You only have 7 seconds to impress a reader, especially one reading it online.

 

Are book blurbs written differently for different formats?

When it comes to writing book blurbs, each genre has a different style. I know how to write for nonfiction ghost books and horror, science fiction, and fantasy. In the long run, writing a synopsis/blurb for a book is selling your story/article/nonfiction book to a reader, tempting them to read your book.

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I had to learn to write the book blurbs for my nonfiction ghost books. When self-publishing my urban fantasy/horror novel, I wrote the blurb for the back of my book. Since then, I have continued writing blurbs for my books, including for my latest, a YA dark fantasy novel.

Readers check out the cover first, then they read the blurb. It is all about selling your book, capturing readers’ interests with that blurb. In this webinar, writers will learn how they can write effective blurbs.

You can join in this conversation on September 30 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on writing marketing material for your books. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

 

Pamela K. Kinney gave up long ago ignoring the demanding voices in her head and has been writing ever since. Her horror short story, “Bottled Spirits,” was runner-up for the 2013 WSFA Small Press Award and considered one of the seven best genre short fiction for that year. Pamela has various short stories and poems published in fiction and nonfiction anthologies, magazines, and online zines, a science fiction novella, an urban fantasy novel, five nonfiction ghost books, and a nonfiction cryptid book. Her horror poem, “Dementia,” got her mentioned in Best Horror of the Year, Volume Thirteen. Pamela has stories and poems in two horror anthologies to be released in 2024, plus a YA dark fantasy novel, Demon Memories, the first book in the Moon Ridge trilogy.

We wanted to get to know Amy Waters Yarsinske (NAIWE’s Nonfiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

Is it considered professional for an editor to start a conversation with, “since I have not seen the manuscript, the price I am quoting is based on a manuscript in good condition”?

Absolutely yes. This is the way to professionally preface any conversation with someone who might want an editor’s services.

 

How often have you had a manuscript portrayed in better condition than it is?

Almost always. Whether I take the project as a professional courtesy or from an unsolicited query normally couched as “could you take a look?” the condition is relatively lower quality or just very bad. The services of a book doctor would be unnecessary if such manuscripts were in fair to good shape. Publishers’ in-house editors can handle those (in most cases, although publishers are increasingly kicking some of those to outside resources such as firms offering ghost/by-line writers to clean up a promising project).

 

Before accepting a project, do you advise that editors ask if the manuscript has been looked at by anyone else?

Yes, and when one of my publishers asks me to look at another writer’s work, it indicates they have had in-house editorial review at least once and attempted an edit to great frustration. Once such an in-house review rejects that editorial process, and if the publisher still wants the work, they either recommend the submitting author(s) engage a book doctor at their own expense or the publisher engages the same, as was the case more recently with me, to do an overhaul of the work. There are very few publishers who would pay for a book doctor on their own dime.

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A funny thing happened on the way to editing a large manuscript . . . A case of first impressions – not good ones – ended the editing effort before the end of the first chapter . . . section . . . it was hard to tell. The submission had come from someone who was not a writer but the publisher was anxious to acquire the subject matter for publication. This meant, for me, a book doctoring job more than an edit but it was proposed as a straight edit, oh, and sight unseen. But the manuscript was in bad shape on arrival and impossible to follow. When it takes months to plow through one “chapter” of a book of undefined scope, it is not an editing gig. This book forced me to wear two hats: developmental and copy editor – in basic terms – a book doctor with a patient on life support. Let’s talk about it.

You can join in this conversation on August 21 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on self-editing for your editor. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

 

Amy Waters Yarsinske is the author of several best-selling, award-winning nonfiction books, published regionally, nationally, and internationally. Amy’s proposal technique was featured in literary agent/author Peter Rubie’s Telling the Story: How to Write and Sell Narrative Nonfiction; she also did a National Press Club panel with Rubie during the No One Left Behind press tour. She has been a regular contributor with international, national, and regional media, to include continued guest spots on national radio. An American in the Basement: The Betrayal of Captain Scott Speicher and the Cover-up of His Death won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for General Non-fiction in 2014, and No One Left Behind: The Lt. Comdr. Michael Scott Speicher Story earned her literary awards, an incredible press tour, and national/international recognition. With over 30 years in the publishing industry, Amy has published over 85 nonfiction books, most of them spotlighting current affairs, the military, history and the environment with a few biographies and corporate histories interspersed. Amy graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she earned her bachelor of arts in English and economics and the University of Virginia School of Architecture, where she earned her Master of Planning and was a DuPont Fellow and Lawn/Range resident.