Jaclyn Ann Lee was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2007
she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with an Associate's
Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Social Sciences and
Humanities. Currently she is enrolling in Southern New Hampshire
University where she plans to complete her Bachelor's Degree in English
and Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing. Jaclyn has been
deeply passionate about literature her entire life and recently found
the courage to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an author and an
editor. Her name and face are still fresh to the industry but she has
been received with high regard by her fellow industry professionals and
those who have chosen to work with the new editor. She is working as a
freelance editor, with two completed professional jobs and many more
booked for the upcoming months. Her developing Indie company, Darling
Willow Creative, is currently in the works and will be used as the label
under which she publishes her own work, as well as offers her
freelancing services.
What type of stories do you most enjoy editing?
I am not biased when it comes to the type of story I edit, provided I do
not find the harmful to the public or it does not go against my
personal morality. I love all genres of literature, for each have their
own charm and appeal characteristic of the style. As I reader, again I
do not have a preference, though I do tend to favor fantasy, horror, and
classical literature.
Do you work for a company or are you a freelance editor?
I am a freelance editor currently, working from my own rates and
guidelines. Someday it may be nice to be a part of a company, but for
now I am happy with the position that I am in. I do, however, work for
an online literary magazine, The Oddville Press, as a volunteer editor. I
love it!
What book are you most proud of having edited?
What book are you most proud of having edited?
As of this interview I have completed two professional novel edits (with
more booked), and while I cherish each and every one of the authors I
work with equally, I am proud of the first job I obtained. After
reaching out to the good people on the public forums of Good Reads, a
new author approached me with the opportunity to edit her debut novel. I
am incredibly grateful for the chance she took with me, as she only had
my passionate self-description and desperate pleading to use as
reference. I enjoyed my first experience immensely! She is a fabulous
person and author, and if it were not for her kind words I would not be
experiencing the overwhelming success I am today.
What does your editing process look like from start to finish?
When I begin editing a manuscript I insist on doing a read through first
so I can gain a better understanding of the author and the story he or
she has bled from their heart and souls to share with literature
enthusiasts. I believe that you have to understand the author, the plot,
and the characters (if a fiction piece) to be able to deliver a
successfully edited manuscript. I discuss what kind of editing the
author would like, whether it's basic proofing or detailed line-by-line
editing, the turnaround time they hope to have the edits received,
address any concerns or questions, and do what I can to earn their trust
and prove that I am qualified to edit their piece. I offer sample edits
at the beginning so they may see how I work. It's important that I
establish some sort of relationship with my clients, so they do not feel
that they are just another job. They are more than a job to me. Once I
understand the needs of the author and their story, and once I have
delivered a satisfactory sample edit, I use Microsoft Word tracker so
they can see a side-by-side comparison of what changes I suggest. I add
side notes to many of the edits so they understand why I have suggested
the change, and often tell them the phrases I love, my feelings on a
particular passage (good or bad), and offer more than just a critical
analysis. As a reader I like to point out more than just the mistakes; I
like to point out the things that I enjoy. Once I have finished the
edits I deliver them to my client and ask that they take the time to
read through what I have done and let me know if there is anything there
are not happy with. I try to do a final read through to make sure
everything is sound for publication.
Are you rates affordable for Indie authors?
Absolutely! At this point in my career I am looking to build a
reputation through a list of clients who enjoy working with me. My
credibility is more important than breaking anyone's bank. My authors
will tell you that I work hard to find a price that works for them. I do
have set rates, but I am always willing to negotiate. I will not turn
away an author simply for monetary reasons.
How do you decide your pricing?
I base my pricing off of the type of editing requested, as well as the
length of time it takes for me to complete the editing process. I wish
to offer the best edits at competitive pricing and therefore will always
discuss what the author is able to pay.
What are some of the typical mistakes you see writers make?
Punctuation, run-on sentences, confusion of tense, and passive voice
seem to be the most common mistakes. I often find that while authors
know what they want to convey in their minds, it doesn't always
translate to paper. That's where I come in! Some authors know what they
want to say but they aren't sure how to say it. I also find what I call
"phantom objects", which are items used in the scene that seem to come
out of nowhere.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Believe in yourself and your ability. If you aren't going to believe in
yourself, who else will? Don't take no for an answer and don't allow
anyone to make you feel as though you can't be successful in the
industry. If writing is what you are truly passionate about, NEVER give
up! Passion is the most important ingredient in the recipe for success
in the industry. Every book you write may not be a best seller, but that
doesn't mean it's not exceptional in it's own way. When you aim I write
a novel, write about things that you are interested in. Indifference
regarding a subject matter comes across clearly to a reader if an author
is writing just for the sake of writing. Write for yourself, and write
from the heart.
What do you think makes a good editor?
A good editor will have excellent punctuation, grammar, spelling,
obviously. It couldn't hurt if the editor is a writer as well, or
perhaps even an avid reader. That makes the editing more enjoyable and
more personal than someone that is simply looking to make a quick buck
and who happens to be skilled with grammar. Above all things an editor
should listen to their author and consider their feelings above all
other things. Listen to your client, address any concerns or desires
they may have. Get to know the author as a person and offer yourself for
open communication whenever they may need to contact you about
anything. Never try to change an author's writing style and when you
suggest changes do so because it is what is best for the author and the
book--not for you. Always keep your client and their feelings in mind.
Don't think of the author as simply someone to make money off of. They
trust you with the manuscript that they have poured their
heart and soul into and often their writing feels like their children.
They wouldn't trust their children with just anyone, and so it's your
job to take good care of their precious words.
When you're not editing what do you like to do?
When I am not editing I am usually writing or reading. My desire to be a
part of this industry stems from my love of literature, and therefore I
immerse myself within the world as much as possible. I also love music
and movies (especially Old Hollywood classics). I'm a pretty big nerd so
I love video games, science fiction, and astronomy. I am currently
learning about table-top gaming, which I find incredibly interesting! I
enjoy cooking and baking, being active outdoors, and visiting museums
and local hotspots. I love football and baseball (go Cincinnati!!!).
You can find the two novels I have edited on Amazon for download, and I highly recommend them to anyone! I endorse these books not just because I worked on them, but because I believe in them and the author.
Look for the debut novel, "Root Song", part of the Natural Wonders Saga by Anna Edwards.
and "Speak Tenderly to her" by Ruth E. Griffin.
and "Speak Tenderly to her" by Ruth E. Griffin.
Also stayed tuned for the publication of "Death of Winter", written by talented new author Lori-Anne Sparks, set to be released in August.
Twitter- @jaclynalee
Personal website- Currently developing
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