How did you become an editor? Or in today’s parlance, what is your origin story?

Do you have a favorite story or work that forever changed your view of writing?

In your view, what is the difference between line editing and other forms of editing, like copyediting and proofreading? And what’s your favorite type of editing?

For line editing, how do you tackle or approach a work once it’s in your hands?

How do you decide what needs to be changed, what should stay or go (on the word, sentence, and/or structural level)? And how do you balance giving critique while staying true to the writer’s voice?

Do you mostly work with people online or do you see clients in person as well? What forms of communication do you use most often, and how much back and forth is involved in editing a work? How do you navigate this process? Any best practices?

As an editor, you are presenting yourself as an authority of some sort, someone who knows words and writing, right? How did you get the confidence to put yourself out there as someone who knows what needs to be done? (Asking for the sheepish folks like myself who want to get into the field!) Or if you don’t see yourself as an authoritative voice, how do you like to see and/or present yourself when it comes to being knowledgeable?

What are your favorite reference books for editing?

In “THIS NEEDS JUST A LITTLE WORK: On Line Editing” George Witte gives an overview of line editing. In a memorable section of the essay, he mentions the many roles of the line editor: publishing guide, cheerleader, writer’s advocate, sometimes friend, etc., but above all most attentive and honest reader. What roles have you played, and which is the most challenging? Which is your favorite?

How do you build relationships with your clients?

And lastly, what is your editorial creed?