Developmental editor and anthropologist Andrew Hodges shares his view of the editor’s role in shaping fictional worlds—especially in speculative fiction. He brings a unique perspective to the craft, blending editorial expertise with a background in cultural anthropology. We discuss: How editors can guide world-building without taking over the creative vision Common mistakes writers make when creating new worlds Approaches to handling culture and social structures with nuance Tools and frameworks...
Jul 01, 2025•31 min
In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour , Nadia Geagea Pupa welcomes editor Rachel Lapidow for an in-depth look at the role editors play in the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). From rulebooks and lore to quests and character creation, editing TTRPGs involves far more than just grammar—it’s about helping writers and designers bring expansive, interactive worlds to life with clarity, consistency, and heart. Rachel shares how she got started in this unique niche, the editorial chall...
Jun 01, 2025•37 min
In this special double feature episode, I’m joined by two standout voices from this year’s ACES conference in Salt Lake City. First, I interview Heather Saunders , president of ACES: The Society for Editing and CEO of Nova Arc Content . Heather shares her perspective on leading in the editing world, the importance of advocating for editors in specialized fields like STEM, and how she’s working to build a stronger, more inclusive professional community. It’s a conversation about vision, leadershi...
May 01, 2025•27 min
Let’s be real—promoting yourself can feel like a microfiber cloth snagging on dry skin. Ick. We’re editors, not salespeople! But fear not, because in this episode, I speak with marketing guru, and work and life coach, Colleen Newvine, all about how to feel more authentic and less cringey when it comes to self-promotion. Colleen’s approach to marketing makes you feel at ease, that promoting your brand is less selling and more serving, offering helpful and valuable services to those who need it. S...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min
What if copy editing was more than just a profession—what if it was a lifestyle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jamaal Pittman , author of The Copy Editor’s Life(Style) Guide , for a deep dive into the world of editing, career longevity, and what it really takes to thrive in the publishing industry. Jamaal’s book isn’t just another style guide—it’s an insightful, engaging, and often humorous look at the editor’s life, from mastering the mechanics of clean copy to navigating the unique ...
Mar 01, 2025•43 min
AI is transforming the way we edit, write, and create—but where do we draw the ethical line? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ethics of AI in publishing to explore some of the biggest ethical questions editors and writers face in the age of AI. Are AI tools a helpful assistant or a threat to creativity? How do we ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity in AI-assisted editing? I interview Amy Frushour Kelly, editor and AI content policy consultant who is an advocate for the ethical us...
Feb 01, 2025•44 min
Welcome back to The Editor's Half Hour podcast! We're kicking off the year with an episode designed to help you work smarter, not harder. In this episode, I interview productivity expert and editorial pro, Lori Paximadis for a lively discussion about the systems and shortcuts that can revolutionize your workflow. Lori has been a successful full-time freelancer for more than half of her 33-year career in publishing. Her background in project management and production makes her a sought-after copy...
Jan 01, 2025•37 min
In this special episode and season finale, I interviewed Madeleine Vasaly, the author of the newly released book, “The Proofreader’s Guide to Comic Book Style.” This book offers an in-depth catalog of style traditions in comics and explains how they’re different from the standards in other types of media. In this interview, we discuss grammar, style, and the heroic art of editing dialogue balloons. Madeleine Vasaly is a developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, and consultant with over a de...
Dec 01, 2024•35 min
When you pick up a cookbook, do you ever wonder how it all comes together? From the ingredients to the instructions to the tempting photos, a lot more happens behind the scenes than meets the eye. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the essential yet often-overlooked role of the cookbook editor. Join us as we chat with seasoned cookbook editor Melissa Haskin, who reveals what it takes to turn a chef’s vision into a polished, reader-friendly masterpiece. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Meliss...
Nov 01, 2024•39 min
In this insightful episode, we dive into the nuanced world of editing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writers. It’s one thing to edit for grammar and flow, but how do editors balance maintaining a writer’s authentic voice while adapting the language for clarity and readability in English? This episode unpacks what it takes to work effectively with EFL writers, touching on topics like cultural sensitivity, linguistic diversity, and the unique challenges editors face when working with non-...
Oct 01, 2024•34 min
Isabella Furth shares her insight about emotional labor and how it affects the editing process. Emotional Labor is defined as caring work or relationship work; it’s about managing emotional resources, but it can often become devalued or taken for granted. Isabella explains the importance of recognizing emotional labor because it isn't something that should be avoided or ignored. As editors, we must find the moments in our work where we are taking the extra steps necessary to make our clients fee...
Sep 01, 2024•40 min
For about 20 years, the University of Chicago Press has been looking to publish a book about book design, and it has finally happened. In 2024, The Design of Books, written by Debbie Berne was officially published and it shares everything that authors, editors, and agents should know about book design. Debbie has been a professional book designer since 2002 and has designed hundreds of book interiors and covers in genres across the board. In this episode, Debbie walks us through the basics of bo...
Aug 01, 2024•37 min
Rebecca Scharpf of Scrollwork Edits provides an abundance of information about what it takes to work with neurodivergent clients. She primarily works with fiction writers and specializes in editing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance novels. In this episode, she shares a variety of ways editors can create positive and affirming spaces for neurodivergent writers. Rebecca shares several resources for both writers and editors: Yo Samdy Sam (autistic and ADHD): https://www.youtube.com/@YoSamdySam/videos Or...
Jul 01, 2024•43 min
Award-winning editor, Karen Yin joins us to discuss her latest book, The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers (Little, Brown Spark). She provides insight and guidance on how to be more equitable in the way we communicate. Karen explains that this is not a book of dos and don'ts. In fact, it's the opposite of that! This book is a cornerstone guide that teaches us to be more aware and to use critical thinking as language continually evolves. ...
Jun 01, 2024•40 min
There are several things that CaTyra Polland is known for, but the most notable is being the founder of National Black Authors Day, which is celebrated on May 4. In this episode, she shares valuable insight into how she started her editorial career, which led her to start her own business, Love For Words (love4words.com). She explains her mentality behind starting this national holiday and what it means for Black authors. CaTyra spends her time serving her clients as a guide and mentor for the p...
May 01, 2024•32 min
In this “STET Special” one-hour podcast episode with the award-winning copywriter, Erin Brenner, we take a deep dive into her latest book, The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-Up to Sustainability. We cover a variety of topics like branding, marketing, finances, setting rates, and last but not least, self-care. This book, published by the University of Chicago Press, has wonderful takeaways for newbies and seasoned prof...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The Universally Acknowledged Truth About Romance examines the editorial approach to romance through the lens of Jane Austen. Our special guest, Sarah Calfee—founder and owner of Three Little Words Romance Editing—has been a fiction editor since 2018 and specializes in romance. In this episode, Sarah gets into the nuts and bolts of what it takes to provide dev editing and line/copy editing her way. With an MFA in creative writing and a deep, abiding obsession for Jane Austen, particularly Pride a...
Mar 01, 2024•33 min
Unlock the magic of what it takes to integrate your personal story with your business. In this episode, Sonia Alleyne shares advice that freelancers can take when they are forming their businesses or updating information on their websites. Potential clients need to be sold on an experience, but first, they need to be “seen.” Sonia got her start as an editor in New York and has interviewed high-profile business leaders including Ursula Burns, Oprah Winfrey, Don Thompson (former CEO of McDonald's)...
Feb 01, 2024•41 min
What does it mean to find your community? If there's one thing to be shared from my interview with Tara Whitaker, it's that there's power in numbers! Today more than ever, editors need to stick together, have more open conversations about what we do, and create a way to congratulate and encourage one another. Tara is pioneering a new wave of modern editors to create companionship, camaraderie, and community among editors. She is a book editor, business coach, and host of The Modern Editor Podcas...
Jan 01, 2024•36 min
In this captivating and final episode of 2023, Erin Servais and Nadia Geagea Pupa dive deep into the fascinating world of Generative AI. They discuss several capabilities of ChatGPT and how it's constantly changing. There is still "doom and gloom" surrounding the topic of generative AI, but Erin shares her positive outlook, opinions, and insight for the editorial community. Yes, ChatGPT has been replacing all types of jobs, but it's up to us as editors to learn how to embrace this new technology...
Dec 01, 2023•39 min
One of the best things about being an editor is the interaction you get to have with your client. Developing this rapport can elevate your work immensely, but what do editors do when their client has passed away? What liberties is an editor allowed to take? How much is too much when editing in this way? What is an editor to do when they need clarification? We discuss all this and more in Episode 11: Posthumous Editing. In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, I am joined by Dan Letchworth of D...
Nov 01, 2023•30 min
This episode is a continuation of PART I: Editing True Crime. In this Part II, Maria Carillo gives listeners a chance to explore the world of editing true crime (or narrative nonfiction). Maria Carrillo has edited several award-winning projects. She's the former enterprise editor at the Tampa Bay Times and Houston Chronicle and, before that, managing editor at The Virginian-Pilot. Maria is also a board member of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism and the National Press Photographer...
Oct 01, 2023•36 min
For the editors interested in the inner workings of academia, or for editors already entrenched in the world, this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour is for you! We discuss the realistic side of working with academic clients and the important work they do, in addition to future opportunities for editors, and how generative AI is affecting the academic industry. We also talk about other tips and tools editors need to know, such as using citation managers. I interviewed seasoned professional, Cara ...
Sep 01, 2023•32 min
Erika M. Weinert (known as The Werd Nerd) celebrates the one-year anniversary of her book, Cursing with Style. The book contains more than 100 entries and is meant to aid editors in keeping expletives consistent throughout their clients’ manuscripts. Erika is a line and copy editor with more than a decade of experience in the industry. Having researched more bad words in her career than she cares to admit, Erika shares her knowledge with other authors and editors—especially those who edit fictio...
Aug 01, 2023•29 min
It’s common for many freelance editors to get annoyed by having to maintain a social media account because it feels like another chore. It’s also uncomfortable having to be "salesy." But maintaining a social media account is a necessary thing for everyone—not just editors. However, there's one platform that many seem to neglect, or think is a waste of time, and that's Instagram! This episode sheds some light on an area that is unfamiliar to several editors who are avoiding creating an Instagram ...
Jul 01, 2023•33 min
Book coaches guide authors through the writing process from ideation to publication. They hold writers accountable and assist them as they develop content into fully formed manuscripts. In most cases, however, experienced authors write in isolation, finish their manuscripts, and find copyeditors. In this episode, we speak directly to copyeditors who instinctively provide feedback to authors on how to improve their manuscripts. Even though it’s not asked of them, copyeditors might offer specific ...
Jun 01, 2023•34 min
Given its intense subject matter, it takes a special type of editor (or writer, journalist, etc.) to work on true crime. Throughout the developmental process, editors ask questions that often go much deeper than expected. We question the nature of content and how explicit it should be. And depending on your role in the project, you may be called to make ethical decisions when you least expect it. This episode is the first of two parts. In part one, I introduce Andréa Topper—a writing coach and e...
May 01, 2023•32 min
Not all beta readers are editors, but editors seem to be the best type of people to take on this task. This episode explains what it takes to perform this high-value task of providing writers with useful feedback. Beth Wojiski (https://www.bethwojiski.com) is an editor, writer, threshold singer, and artistic soul passionate about offering editorial support to other creatives. In addition to proofreading and copyediting, she provides beta reading as a professional service and explains how she dis...
Apr 01, 2023•31 min
Editors around the globe have been waiting for the highly anticipated book The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction . With more than 500 novels and anthologies under her belt, Amy J. Schneider is a true expert when it comes to copyediting fiction. Amy’s book is a road map and go-to resource to help copyeditors navigate the world of fiction. In this podcast, we discuss the copyediting process for fiction, building your style sheet, and examining the copyeditor’s mindset when approaching the work....
Mar 01, 2023•33 min
Erin Willard, copyeditor, walks us through what it takes to edit a fictional book in a series, how to manage the characters in the stories, and the logistics of how the process should be managed. Erin's past projects have included editing manuscripts of award-winning novels, short stories, and memoirs. Working with independent authors and small publishers is her specialty, giving a light polish to the voices of new writers, seasoned professionals, and those in between. Erin received her undergra...
Feb 01, 2023•37 min
