The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

editors

PENCON Editors Conference

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As writers, we know it is important to attend conferences. It’s where we make connection with other writers, literary agents, and acquisitions editors.

Several years back (2016, I think), I decided to attend an editors conference. I wanted and needed to connect with other editors. I don’t remember how I even heard about PENCON Editors Conference, but they were meeting in Colorado Springs that year. An ideal place for me because my son and granddaughter live there. I used to, so it would be like going home.

I met a lot of people there, and two have become key people in my work as a writer and editor.

If you are thinking about becoming a freelance editor to supplement your work as a writer, or you already are an editor, consider attending this conference. It’s virtual this year! So you’ll save on travel expenses.

“PENCON is the only annual conference for Christian editors. This year’s interactive virtual conference will be held July 8–10. Our seasoned faculty will help you brush up on your editing skills and learn new skills. Our broad range of workshops will cover coaching clients, contract essentials, developing an editorial voice, growing your business, and more. In other sessions, you’ll get specific tips on editing Christian nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books. Check out all the workshops at penconeditors.com. Conference fee of $169. Use code NONMEM when you register. For more information, please contact admin@penconedtiors.com.”

Ask the Editor–How do I know I have a good editor?

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Ask the EditorToday is part 2 of Ask the Editor and is a continuation of yesterday’s questions.

What clues can help authors in knowing they have a good editor?

What a great question. Many writers may wonder about this without ever really voicing the question even to themselves. Scams are everywhere in all arenas.

My take on this would be that the editor… [Read more…] about Ask the Editor–How do I know I have a good editor?

How You Can Save Money in the Editing Process

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save money using style sheetWe all know hiring a professional editor can be an expensive proposition. So finding ways to help your editor save time in editing your book is a good thing.

I can’t take credit for today’s idea. I learned this tool from author and publisher Mark Gilroy at a Heart of America Writers Conference I attended several years ago.

It’s a tool every writer should consider using because it’s tremendously useful for your editor and can save the editor a lot of time and work.

What is that tool? [Read more…] about How You Can Save Money in the Editing Process

5 Upcoming Writers Conferences

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Debra L. Butterfield
Photo courtesy of Carol J. Sharp

Writers conferences are not only great places to learn, but they are a lot of fun to attend!

I enjoy teaching at conferences as much as I enjoy attending them. That’s me in the pic above, teaching at the Called to Write Conference in Pittsburg, Kansas, this past April.

At conferences, you’ll learn about writing and the world of publishing as well as be able to present your work to agents and editors. You’ll also be able to network with other writers and make new friendships.

Upcoming writers conferences [Read more…] about 5 Upcoming Writers Conferences

How to Track Your Article Submissions

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Whether you submit with regularity or not, it’s important to track your submissions. How else will you follow up if you have no record of the magazines and editors (or agents/publishing houses) to whom you have submitted your work?

I keep a simple Excel file with the following info:

  • Date submitted
  • Magazine name
  • Editor’s name
  • Editor’s email
  • Editor’s phone number
  • Name of article submitted
  • Date to follow up. Most publications state a period of time to allow for review of your submission. Follow up with an email to the editor only after the stated time for review has passed.
  • Status (accepted or rejected)
  • Payment due. If accepted you need to know when your payment is due because some publications pay on acceptance and some on publication.
  • Payment rec’d date.  If you record this date as soon as the payment comes in, you won’t be left wondering later on if you got paid.

Not all of us are uber organized. I take advantage of the tools someone else has designed to help me. I just adjust them to suit my needs and circumstances.

Design whatever works for you, and be diligent to use it.