Blogging

CIEP2025 Conference for Editors and Proofreaders

Blog post is CIEP2025 Conference for Editors and Proofreaders – The Value of the Editorial Profession

I attended the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) in Milton Keynes in September.

Tall Tartan Talks here … I have gone to every conference since I started my freelance proofreading business in 2017, so 2025 was my 9th conference!

Why I attend the CIEP conference

I really enjoy being back among fellow editors and proofreaders in person. I was an online delegate in 2024. Both versions of the conference offer great opportunities for networking and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

As the sessions are recorded and run concurrently, there is the added benefit of watching missed sessions later.

Participating in whole conference sessions

All delegates gathered together for three main events:

  • A virtual Q&A with Susie Dent, the Honorary vice-president of the CIEP, interviewed by Denise Cowle, vice-chair. Susie described what it was like to have her first fiction book edited. She was relieved that her editor was going to be a human she could trust and was not going to be an AI tool.
  • Viewing the film called ‘Rebel With a Clause’: Ellen Jovin was filmed by her husband Brandt Johnson taking her Grammar Table around all 50 states of the USA. People passing asked her questions about grammar and punctuation. Her responses were sympathetic. Her book of the same name recounts those conversations. The film trailer can be found at: https://www.rebelwithaclause.com/
  • Closing discussion panel moderated by Jennie Seitz with three editors sharing their conference takeaways. It gave us all a warm fuzzy feeling as they revelled in what they had seen and heard.

Choosing sessions

I chose the following sessions to attend because I proofread non-fiction and will be training in copyediting by the end of the year:

  • Editing as a Vocation or Ikigai: Reclaiming Our Humanity in the Age of AI, presented by Dr Sara Kitaoji
  • Style sheet with editorial report, presented by Lisa de Caux
  • Why bother proofreading magazines?, presented by Louise Ellins
  • I, Human. Using your website to showcase the value of a human editor, presented by Debbie Emmitt
  • Articulating your value in the elevator, presented by Claire Beveridge
  • Beyond grammar and spelling: Ten nonfiction copyediting interventions that improve clarity and readability, presented by Marieke Krijnen.

Learning from sessions

Editing as a Vocation or Ikigai: Reclaiming Our Humanity in the Age of AI

Dr Sara Kitaoji showed us enthusiastically how to find the ‘why’ of what we do as editors. How we stay true to our authentic selves and present the human side of our business.

She asked questions such as: What brings you joy? What motivates you? She reminded us to practise self-care, to connect with other humans, and to become a trusted advisor.

Style sheet with editorial report

Lisa de Caux showed us why it is important to create a style sheet for a client and why it is quicker to work from a template to customise it for specific clients. She explained about the Editorial Report she includes as part of the SSER and took us through tailoring her template.

Why bother proofreading magazines?

I edit and proofread my local parish magazine voluntarily. I have done it since 2017, so I know this topic well. I attended this session to support another magazine proofreader. Louisa Ellins told us why she loves magazines and gave us an idea of her remit. The key with how to deal with deadlines? Diary organisation.

I, Human. Using your website to showcase the value of a human editor

Debbie Emmitt has vast expertise in this area; I always learn something new from her. Key takeaways from her session included: show yourself (include current photos and contact form / contact email address); be unique with your own selling point – bring your background to your editing niche; show your social proof in terms of testimonials. To summarise, use your website to show that you are a human editor who can be trusted.

For my part, I spend an hour weekly checking the backend of my website, checking for updates, and tweaking (adding/editing). If you look after your shop window, it will look after you.

Articulating your value in the elevator

Claire Beveridge asked us to list the objections that authors give against using an editor. Then we considered how to turn them around to give solutions to the clients’ problems; to state the value of our skills as editors, emphasising the advantages we bring.

Beyond grammar and spelling: Ten nonfiction copyediting interventions that improve clarity and readability

Marieke Krijnen showed us many ways to untangle unclear, complicated sentences to make them more concise and easier to follow. Her strategies included keeping related elements together, rearranging clauses, and removing sprawl. Her session was very enthusiastic!

I went to this session as it was a very useful resource to add to my skills of copyeditor training.

Catching up on sessions

Here are the sessions which ran concurrently. It will be useful to watch the recordings, even if they are not my subject areas. Unexpected learnings always happen which can be applied to any line of work.

  • Setting new standards for PDF markup – but what should they be?, by Sarah Sodhi. I have been well-trained in the use of PDFs – as a proofreader it is my default software program. But I have heard such good things about this session, it will be the first on my watch list.
  • Cleaning up a messy Word document, by Margaret Hunter
  • The importance of terminology in NATO, by Vicky Drew
  • I wish I could have seen that text earlier! Structured social writing, by Kate Sotejeff-Wilson
  • Human in the loop: the evolving role of editors in the age of AI, by Magda Wojcik
  • An introduction to marketing your editing business to indie fiction authors, by Manda Waller
  • Developmental Fiction Editing Roundtable: Strategies in a Changing Landscape, by Sarah Calfee, Andrew Hodges, Sophie Playle and Aimee Walker
  • 6 Lyrical tools for fiction line editors, by Louise Harnby
  • An extra trick up your sleeve: adding book indexing to your editorial skills portfolio, by Paula Clarke Bain
  • Authenticity in publishing: a crucial service to improve content, by Davina Bhanabhai.

Goodness, such a wealth of knowledge!

Reasons for conferencing

I was keen to meet old friends, make new ones, and to learn with laughter. Freelancing and working from home can be a lonely business. I am grateful that I belong to a collaborative and supportive network of fellow editors and proofreaders.

The CIEP conference is the best way to do CPD – I recommend it!

Many thanks to the conference team for a successful event.

I am looking forward to conferencing again in 2026!

CIEP2025 conference delegate lanyard

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

Annie signature

Reading further

Here is the link to the last conference I wrote about … in Milton Keynes … in 2022. It contains links to my posts about previous annual conferences: CIEP2022 Conference – Editing in a Diverse World

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CIEP directory entry

Annie Deakins

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing Author Queries

Blog post called The Dos and Don’ts of Writing Author Queries

When editing or proofreading the writing of a client, there will be times when you want to query their use and consistency of styles in punctuation, spelling, or context. Here are some dos and don’ts for writing author queries.

Querying is a subtle skill and requires training, diplomacy and empathy.

Tall Tartan Talks here … The freelancer must be aware of the client’s style and to be self-aware.

Querying situations

There are several scenarios involving querying which depend on whether you have direct contact with the author or not. If you edit for indie, self-publishing authors, your contact will be solely with the author.

When I proofread for publishers, I usually have no contact with the author – all communication is with the project manager, or equivalent. On completion, I return my marked-up PDF and invoice. And move on.

One of my proofreading jobs for a publisher was unique, for me so far, because it involved liaising with the author via the desk editor. As the non-fiction book was substantial, I was to send queries in batches to the author, collate their responses written on their version of the PDF with my typesetter instructions on my PDF. Then send my final, annotated PDF proof to the desk editor. Intriguing.

Responding with comments

For context, my querying while proofreading happens when I am commenting on PDFs using the tools in Adobe Acrobat Reader. I mark up anything that trips me up. If it trips me up, it will trip up other readers.

The tips which follow also apply when copyediting using Track Changes in Microsoft Word.

The abbreviation AQ means Author Queries. When collating and indicating the author responses as separate to my typesetter instructions, I use AU to introduce each author response. That way the responses are easily seen.

When considering whether to query or not, consider these three main response types:

  1. Mark errors for change as per the agreed publisher’s style guide or freelancer’s style sheet.
  2. Query for the author to stet (keep) or change. Perhaps suggest alternative phrasing.
  3. Flag issues to make them aware.

Querying clearly

❌ Don’t be vague in your queries.

✅ Do be clear and concise.

When writing queries, put one issue and write one clear sentence with one point. Avoid adding too much detail and making the query overwhelming. Asking or suggesting is standard practice and gives the author control over how they respond. It is their book after all.

Giving pointers as to your editing schedule is helpful to the author so they know when you expect their responses to your queries.

Querying with diplomacy

❌ Don’t be pushy.

✅ Do be polite.

I learnt from many established editors and proofreaders about the art of writing author queries, during my proofreading training, when attending conferences run by Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and by networking with colleagues.

Diplomatic phrasing includes starting sentences with:

  • Could … ?
  • Perhaps … ?
  • Should …?
  • I suggest …

Rather than writing, ‘This sentence needs to change’, write an alternative solution to the issue: ‘I suggest changing (X) to (Y) because …’

Your effort will be appreciated and it may spark the author into writing their own solution if they don’t take up your suggestion. It is their book, after all.

Using a text expander with access to your bank of standard queries will make it quicker to write and tweak them for individual clients, especially for those comments that require more thought.

I use ‘please’ with most queries because … it’s polite.

Querying efficiently

❌ Don’t send emails in daily, random messages with no system in place.

✅ Do query in batches.

When a desk editor asked me to query the author in batches, I remembered a process that a fellow editor used as a way to send queries. They recorded them in a table. It gives the author the opportunity to write their response next to the query. (See the link at the end.)

Here is my template. Remember, I am proofreading PDFs so my headings may look slightly different to a copyeditor’s queries using Word.

Author Queries Template in Word

Querying selectively

❌ Don’t fight every battle of style.

✅ Do look for the most consistently used style and apply.

The author’s voice will be in the author’s preferred style. Some style issues won’t be worth a battle.

Some queries need to take spacing into account at final proof stage when working with publishers. Major changes this late in the process will have a knock-on effect, so should be considered carefully.

Collaborating and compromising

I have learnt a great deal about being diplomatic when writing queries and asking questions. It is pleasing when the respect is mutual.

Clients appreciate having errors and issues spotted and are grateful. It gives them publishing confidence.

Communication and compromise are key. Their book, their choice. Collaborating with authors gives a sense of pride for a job well done.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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BitmoAnnie Fairy sprinkling publishing confidence
BitmoAnnie Fairy sprinkling publishing confidence

Further reading

Blogging on a similar theme

Here are links to blog posts I have written that started the topic of collaboration.

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Teaching Children About Money

Blog post: Teaching children about money. Helping children develop good money habits can set them up for a lifetime of financial well-being.

When I was completing my tax return for my freelance business, I reviewed my income and expenses spreadsheets.

Tall Tartan Talks here … I saw expenses where I knew I hadn’t got the full value. I reviewed my direct debits and made strict decisions about what to keep and what to drop, deciding to buy only when my business would benefit, and when my income would support those purchases.

It dawned on me that, when I was in the classroom teaching children about money, having common sense is important. We can learn from what we teach children.

Effective ways for children to use money

To involve children, incorporate money into everyday activities, like giving them money to spend in shops, and encouraging them to learn about savings and spending.

Helping children develop good money habits early on can set them up for a lifetime of financial well-being.

Using physical savings tools

Piggy banks or savings jars are classic methods to allow children to visually see their savings grow. Clear jars can be especially effective. Decorating their jars can make saving more fun.

Using three separate jars, ‘Spend, Save, Give’ Jars, helps children learn to allocate their money for different purposes.

Setting and tracking spending goals

Goal setting encourages children to set specific, achievable, savings goals, e.g. a new toy, a game, a special outing. This provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Visual tracking involves creating a savings chart or using an app to track progress toward their goals. Seeing their savings increase can be very rewarding.

Earning money

A regular allowance provides an opportunity to practice budgeting and saving. Earning pocket money for completing age-appropriate chores teaches the connection between work and money. This also teaches them the value of money.

As children get older, part-time jobs offer valuable experience in earning and managing money.

Using banking tools

Opening a savings account at a bank introduces children to the concept of interest and how money grows over time.

Debit Cards / Apps for children can help children learn to manage their money digitally, track spending, and set savings goals. Many of these tools also have parental controls, so parents can monitor spending.

Learning through maths activities

Money games including board games and online games that involve money management can make learning fun.

Shopping trips involve children in grocery shopping. Comparing prices teaches them about value. Help them to understand the difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ during shopping trips.

Considering factors in children’s use of money

Ensuring saving consistency

Regularly reinforcing saving habits is crucial. Use positive reinforcement with praise and encouragement which can go a long way to motivate children to save.

Is it age-appropriate?

Matching saving strategies to the child’s age and understanding is key.

Teaching children the value of money

My Money Week

In my teaching days, our primary school did a national My Money Week as a whole school theme every June. It is run by Young Enterprise. The motto of the charity is ‘Spend a little. Give a little. Save a little.’

Their website says, “We help teachers to:

  • Develop their knowledge and confidence in delivering applied learning opportunities.
  • Embed employability and financial education initiatives across the curriculum through high quality tools, resources and support.
  • Provide young people with opportunities to develop employability skills.
  • Raise aspirations – helping young people discover their talent, potential and ambitions.
  • Bring the world of work to life for young people.
  • Develop the financial literacy of the young people they work with.”

Here is their website: https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/teachers-hub/financial-education/financial-education-programmes/my-money-week2/

Talks Money by Deborah Meaden

A useful book on money for children is Deborah Meaden Talks Money. It is aimed at age 11 upwards. From the reviews I have seen on bookshop websites, I am looking forward to buying this one!

Her blurb says:

“Money is such a huge part of our lives, so learning how to make it work best for you is a crucial skill.

Knowledge is power! Whether you want to earn money, save money, set goals, or set up and grow a business, Deborah will be your personal guide, demystifying the world of finance, and sharing the knowledge and insights that have made her one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs.

Fearful of finance? You are not alone! TALKS MONEY is packed with podcast-style interviews with ordinary young people, as well as top businesspeople and personalities who reveal the secrets to their success – and the mistakes they’ve made along the way.

Create great money habits! With Q&As, quizzes, tips and challenges, TALKS MONEY is the only guide you need to build the skills and confidence you need to manage finances and reduce money worries.

The empowering finance book that every young person needs right now.”

Banking apps

GoHenry

Strapline: Where kids go to learn money

About: “We want our kids to be smart with money, understand wants vs. needs, create savings habits, make investment decisions, use money to help others, take responsibility and understand when it’s gone, it’s gone. We created GoHenry with the goal of helping kids and teens learn about money in a practical, fun way, and provide all the tools to help parents nurture healthy financial habits in their children.

Our community believes that good money skills come from empowering and trusting our kids to learn by doing.

Our story:

Back in 2012, we were funding our kids’ online gaming accounts with our own credit cards and paying extra here and there— all in between scrambling around for their weekly allowance and trying to help them learn about money in a way that resembles the world they are growing into.

We needed a simple solution that was easy for parents and practical for kids, and designed specifically for families. We struggled to find something, so we started GoHenry.

Website: https://www.gohenry.com/uk/home/

Other apps

Greenlight: https://greenlight.com/

Starling Kite (from Starling Bank):

https://www.starlingbank.com/current-account/kite-debit-card-for-kids/

Now for the adults in the room …

Money resources for adults

I get my favourite dollops of common sense from Martin Lewis, especially following his motto, ‘Buy what you need, not what you want.’ Here is the website for the Money Saving Expert.

I also enjoy listening to Money Box on BBC Radio 4 for useful financial advice. Hear previous episodes on BBC Sounds.

To sum up, doing your tax return is a good time to review your finances and help the children in your life do the same.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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BitmoAnnie Fairy sprinkling publishing confidence
BitmoAnnie Fairy sprinkling publishing confidence

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How Editors Can Help Self-publishing Children’s Book Authors

Blog post: How editors can help self-publishing children’s book authors

It’s easier than ever for first-time authors to self-publish children’s books but the process can still be confusing. I demystify my role as an editor, explain how I can support authors in other ways, and offer some tips to both prospective writers and editors.

The email begins, ‘Hello, I found your website and see that you proofread children’s books. I have written my first children’s book. Can you help me to publish? I need the grammar, etc, to be perfect. How much do you charge?’

I need more information.

Using my education background

I proofread children’s books using my knowledge from 30 years of teaching in the primary classroom. I know what makes a good children’s story, whether it’s a picture book, chapter book or another format.

When I taught children to read, I showed them how to understand and value stories with words chosen for effect. When I taught writing, I guided them to improve their writing using modelling – dissecting how the stories were written.

Supporting indie authors

When I retrained as a freelance proofreader and started my business, I had no idea about the area of self-publishing. But the process has grown in a way that makes getting their books out to readers attainable for new independent (indie) authors. And my knowledge has grown with them.

As it can be easier to self-publish than to go down the traditional route, it seemed logical to offer my services to indies. Half of the weekly enquiries I receive through my website are from new children’s book authors asking for help.

So, back to that email. What is my response?

The author hasn’t indicated the genre or word count, or attached their manuscript, so I request the current file of their book and ask some questions. I can’t provide a quote unless I’ve seen the material.

The author replies with their book file. As they have asked for a proofread, I’d hoped to see the finalised, illustrated manuscript as a PDF. However, when I open the file, it is a Word document with no illustrations.

When I read the manuscript, I am excited by the writing. I feel I would be a good fit for the author, so I explain my packages.

By this point I realise that this author, like many new indies, doesn’t understand the process involved in publishing. They have asked for proofreading, but they realise they need more than that. They need an editor; they need advice. As a first step, I refer them to the resources on the website of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), where there are written guides and author forums. I am a Partner Member of ALLi, offering editorial services.

Finding the right package

I offer three packages:

My basic proofread is checking for typos and errors of grammar and consistency. In traditional publishing, this would take place at the end of the publishing process when the manuscript has been copyedited, illustrated and typeset.

My proof-edit is a proofread plus tweaking the text with edits or suggestions for improvement. I guide the author on the use of appropriate language for the age of the child. For example, is the book aimed at 4–7-year-olds, 8–11-year-olds or another age group? Is the topic suitable? Is the vocabulary appropriate?

My advanced package includes the tasks outlined in point 2 but I add my consultancy service. I give indies advice on how to get their manuscript ready for self-publication. It includes a proof-edit in Microsoft Word, and a second proofread of the final proof of the book as a PDF just before it is published. By this time, a book designer has formatted and designed it to fit in the illustrations. It has a separate book-cover file which includes the front, back and spine.

To help this latest author to find the right package for their needs, I offer to do a sample proof-edit to show how their manuscript can be improved. I take different parts of their manuscript and demonstrate: a) a proofread and b) a proof-edit. As always, the author sees the value I add with my edits and chooses my consultancy rate. Then I invoice them for the deposit (usually 50%) so that their slot can be booked in my schedule.

Helping to find an illustrator

As their picture-book story lacks illustrations, I ask the author if they have an illustrator in mind. They say they want the story checked first to make sure it is ‘okay’ and ask if I can recommend an illustrator.

It’s a good idea for an author to have researched the kind of illustrator they want to use by, for example, looking at book covers of children’s books in the same genre and/or looking at the portfolios of illustrators to find one who uses the style they prefer. I recommend they look in the Directory of Partner Members in ALLi to find an illustrator.

Building the book

I’ve often been asked if I put the book together by combining the illustrations with the story. No, I don’t offer design, layout or typesetting as a service, yet. The skills of a book designer are in demand with the increase in self-publishing.

Book production involves a variety of specialists. We all respect each other as trusted colleagues. On LinkedIn, I’ve found several skilled typesetters and designers who work with indie authors who I recommend to my clients. I also direct them to the ALLi Directory of Partner Members.

Offering sympathetic support

I am usually the only editing professional who sees the manuscript. When I am asked a question about self-publishing to which I don’t know the answer, it’s not a problem. I say I’ll find out. Answers can be found in the CIEP guide How to Work with Self-Publishers (once logged in to the Knowledge Hub), or in the CIEP forums, or … on the ALLi website. Can you see a pattern emerging?

Considering the author’s marketing strategy

Lastly, when I return the proof-edited manuscript to the indie author, I ask if they have thought how they are going to advertise and market their children’s book. The answer, as always, is no; they are so pleased they have got this far. This is the end, isn’t it? Can I help?

I explain that if an indie author sells their children’s book on their website and social media channels, they will reach more readers, parents, teachers and other authors. As with any marketing strategy, it is best to start with the product at the end and work backwards.

Resources for editors

Could you offer an editing consultancy to indie authors?

Reflect on your skills and recognise that you have knowledge that is in demand, and that you can offer trust and value. You are a safe pair of hands for a client who does not know the self-publishing area. Your skills are an asset that prospective clients are willing to pay for.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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This blog post was first published in 2023 on the blog of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, ciep.uk).

See my proofreading training on my Meet Annie page.

Further reading

I have written other posts on my website related to the subject of indie children’s book publishing. Here are the links:

Are you writing a children’s book?

Punctuating Children’s Fiction

How does a book designer work with an indie author?

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How editing is like long-distance cycling or any endurance sport

Blog post: How editing is like long-distance cycling or any endurance sport

By the time you read this, my husband and son will have cycled 400km from Essex to York for a medal. They have a hobby called long-distance cycling. Each event is called an audax.

Tall Tartan Talks here … In this blog post I compare editing and audaxing, though you could substitute any other endurance sport.

Audaxes are arranged by an organisation called Audax UK which is affiliated to the world-wide organisation. Here is their website: audax.uk

2025 will be a big cycling year for Tom and Dan. As they prepare and train, they aim to participate in one of the longest cycling journeys in the UK in August called London-Edinburgh-London (LEL) – 1,500km over 5 days and 5 hours. Tom is a veteran; Dan is his apprentice.

Finding common features

As I have watched them prepare it dawns on me that both editing and sport have the following in common:

  • Choosing equipment
  • Preparing for the job ahead
  • Training
  • Building friendships and trust
  • Sustaining a physical / mental mindset
  • Experiencing highs
  • Experiencing lows
  • Feeling the joy of a job well done.

Tom and Dan on Easter Arrow
Tom and Dan – Departure from Essex on Good Friday at 8am. (Photo: Owen Wood)

Choosing equipment

The basic need of editors is a laptop or desktop, word-processing software (Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader are the publishing industry standards), access to broadband, and furniture that helps avoid RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

Cyclists can choose from a range of equipment, including bike designs (not all want or can afford titanium frames), types of tyres, saddles, lights, and GPS software.

Preparing for the job ahead

Editors do sample quotes with a part of the text to get an idea of what the text looks like before accepting a job. Once a job is agreed, an editor carries out ‘preflight’ checks to note style choices before delving deep into the text.

Cyclists need to maintain their bikes and tools. They don’t have to be mechanically minded, but it helps to know how to pump up a tyre or mend a puncture to ensure the bike runs efficiently. My husband’s strength is bike fettling and bodging repairs to bike and kit with gaffer tape and cable-ties.

Training for confidence and endurance

It is advisable that editors do training in proofreading and copyediting. They don’t know what they don’t know. I advise any editor to display their training on their website and / or LinkedIn profile to build trust. Clients will feel safer with a trained editor, even if they are more expensive. Trust and confidence are key.

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, ciep.uk) and other editing organisations provide a high standard in editorial training. The biggest thing I learned from my training was to spot inconsistencies in styles of punctuation and spelling, not just typos.

Also, editors may be overwhelmed by the high standards of training. It can seem hard and confusing, but it will make you a better professional.

Cycling over long distances can’t be done without training. The strategy is to build up to them. Don’t cycle 600km without doing smaller distances first, e.g. 50km > 100km > 200km > 300km > 400km. You don’t know how your body is going to react after cycling 100km or cycling overnight … The mind plays different tricks altogether.

Building friendships and trust

The editors I know in my networking groups have been there for support and motivation, and for venting and cheering. It is vital to be able to discuss facets of your business with people who know what you are talking about. Do you need advice? Someone will know the answer or seen it somewhere and can point to it.

The cyclists in my husband’s network (ACME cycling club) have been there for each other to support, motivate, for venting and cheering. It is vital to be able to discuss every facet of audaxing with people who know what you are talking about. Need advice? Someone will know the answer or seen it somewhere and can point to it. My husband ran a pubinar (a webinar in a pub) in February to discuss how to survive LEL … and have fun. Many newbies came to marvel at the experience of the veterans.

Sustaining a physical / mental mindset

To sustain and endure the challenge of a long job and substantial books, an editor needs to build a schedule of how much text they will cover in one hour, one day, one week, etc. Having an overview of what the project looks like will assist in how to tackle each part of the job. It is important to stop regularly for breaks to look away from the screen, to stretch, to breathe fresh air, to eat and drink.

Cyclists, to avoid overwhelm, need to establish a flow or pattern of pedal-pushing which can be maintained. It’s not about speed or being the fastest – an audax is a marathon not a sprint. It is important to get off the bike regularly, to stretch, eat and drink. Sleep before you get the snoozies and fall off.

Experiencing highs

The kinds of highs that an editor feels:

  • When a quote is accepted by the client that is worth the value of the project.
  • When an editing job is interesting and enjoyable, we learn a lot from what we read!
  • When a testimonial is received from a very happy client.
  • When a client turns into a repeat client.

The kinds of highs that a cyclist feels:

  • A ride is completed in good weather. They especially love a good sunrise anticipated during the dark wee hours.
  • There are no mechanicals.
  • There is good company and good conversation.

Experiencing lows

The kinds of lows that an editor feels when things go wrong:

  • With I.T. when software goes wrong; saved work disappears.
  • A client is not happy.
  • Late payment or non-payment.

The kinds of lows that a cyclist feels when things go wrong:

  • Experiencing punctures and mechanical failures, especially if there has been rain.
  • Strong headwinds or crosswinds.
  • Forgetting vital clothing meaning that, when the cold hits at 2am, borrowing items from fellow audaxers may be inevitable.
  • Grumpiness is often caused by low blood sugar – take a break and eat!

Feeling the joy of a job well done

There is nothing like the highs of an editor’s job just as there is nothing like the fun that a cyclist gets from an audax. I am told that the cyclists’ highs make up for any lows which can become Type II (2) fun.

Even better … getting to a Wetherspoons pub for an 8am opening after a cycling overnighter when a Full English Breakfast and tea, coffee and beer are on tap. Chapeau to all the teams!

Audax team arrive at The Postern Gate, York, at 7.30am on Easter Saturday 2025
Arriveée at The Postern Gate, York, at 7.30am on Easter Saturday after 24 hours on the road.

To see Dan’s photos of each stage of the event, see his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/dandeakins93/

Disclaimer: These experiences have been told to me by those that cycle. I am not a cyclist, merely a supporter, reader of WhatsApp Group posts, and a good listener.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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Further reading

If you a cycling fan, here is a blog post written by an audaxer about the same event on the Carradice website: Easter Fleché to York

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How to do a SWOT Analysis of your Business

Have you carried out a SWOT Analysis? SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. By using this planning tool to identify your SWOTs you help to build a robust business.

Tall Tartan Talks here … When I started my freelance proofreading business in 2017, my mentor at the job centre recommended the first two things I should do to qualify for instalments of the Business Enterprise Allowance. The first was to build my website. The second was to provide evidence that I had written a business plan, including analysing my SWOTs by using the template provided.

Carrying out a SWOT Analysis

I still find it useful to review my SWOTs, usually quarterly. Even an annual review helps.

Now that we are at the end of the first quarter of the year, I am using the first three months to review my business plan.

Keeping my SWOTs in mind, I have used five question prompts to review, develop and direct the progress of my business travel: what, when, where, how and why?

Celebrating Strengths

I provide efficient proofreading services to my clients who are indie authors of non-fiction and children’s books, and publishers. I am organised, efficient and diplomatic.

Experience

I am a good fit if you have written a children’s book. I gained vast experience after 30 years teaching in primary classrooms. My other strengths and specialisms include education and religion.

Training

Another strength is that I trained extensively in proofreading with the CIEP. I can use Track Changes in MS Word. I know my way around tools in Adobe Reader when proofreading PDFs (thanks to a course called How to Mark Up PDF Proofs from Denise Cowle Editorial – other courses are available). With these skills I sprinkle publishing confidence.

Reviewing Weaknesses

What are my subject areas of weakness? What are the weaknesses in my business and how do I accept those weaknesses?

The weaknesses in my business include reasons why you shouldn’t hire me to proofread your book …

Not a good fit

My specialisms do not include adult fiction, but fiction for children up to age 11, and middle grade novels (aimed at up to the end of Key stage 3, that is, 14 year olds). If you are a fiction author or publisher, I know other editors that have those strengths and can recommend a better fit.

Alos, if you have written in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), I am comfortable saying that I do not know enough about those subjects. I know far better-suited proofreaders and copyeditors.

Wearing many hats

Wearing many hats can be a superpower or a weakness, depending on your skills!

As a business owner I am responsible for all of its parts. Those include IT, accounts, marketing, etc. If I feel unable to do one of those roles because I don’t have the skills, e.g. accounts, the wise thing to do would be to hire a specialist.

If you can pay to outsource the parts of your business that you don’t have the skills for, do it. Remember to talk to other freelancers about problems you are having.

Seizing Opportunities

What are the opportunities that I want to seize in my business? Where will I find them? How can I grasp them and use them to grow my business while maintaining control?

Training

Continual Professional Development (CPD) – training – is one opportunity to add to my skills. One course that I hope to sign up for this year is Copyediting 2: Headway with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, ciep.uk). Another is learning how to use a design program, i.e. InDesign (part of the Adobe Package).

Cold emailing

Cold emailing potential clients is one way to find new work and new opportunities. Remember to do your research and tell them, briefly, why you would be a good fit. See more tips in my blog post: 8 Steps for Reaching Out to New Clients

New clients might ask you to proofread a subject that you hadn’t considered before – why not grasp the thought of being a little outside your comfort zone? Sprinkle publishing confidence.

Defending against Threats

What are the threats facing my business? Where do problems come from? How can I defend against these threats?

Collaborating not competing

I used to think that the most obvious threat facing my business was other freelancers. Then I discovered networking, collaborating, and sharing joys and woes. Remember others when you need to refer another editor to a client and they will remember you. Keep networking and marketing to get yourself known so that you will be remembered.

Learning about AI

The biggest threat to editors out there is Text-Generative AI. The advice is to keep an eye on developments and what they could mean for your business. Being aware is crucial. I have added to my Terms & Conditions telling indie authors that I will not work on any AI-generated writing. Also, I will not use AI tools to help me edit my writing.

The tools I use help me find inconsistencies in writing. I have control over what I choose to change or not. PerfectIt and macros are examples of those tools. Read about them here in my blog post: 4 Tools for Writing and Editing Efficiency. Sprinkling publishing confidence.

Try a SWOT Analysis

Does this guide give you clarity on seeing how to develop your business? Look at how far you have come and look forward in your business.

To remind you, the reason you became self-employed was to have control over your business. By following the SWOT Analysis strategy, you should not only celebrate your milestones, but break down each part of your business plan into smaller, achievable steps.

Make time for the non-urgent, important tasks too, when working on your business rather than in your business.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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How to do a SWOT Analysis of Your business. I am your fairy godmother sprinkling publishing confidence.

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How does a book designer work with an indie author?

Blog post: How does a book designer work with an indie author?

This case study explores how a book designer planned and designed a children’s chapter book for an indie author I worked with.

Tall Tartan Talks here … The designing of a children’s picture book needs specific planning because there are more images to incorporate than in adult fiction.

In the case of Sping by Nicholas Roberts, his children’s picture book had many images which needed to be planned around the text.

How I helped the author

When booking my services, Nick wanted to tap into my teaching experience; he valued my knowledge of children’s books.

I proof-edited the first draft of his manuscript by tweaking the vocabulary and language used for the age of his target audience. He found his book designer, Glen Holman; then came back to me for the final proofread before publishing.

Author finds illustrator

I saw on Instagram that the author had tagged his designer when promoting his book. There’s an opportunity for me to make contact with his designer, I thought …

I have supported many indie children’s book authors when they are self-publishing. One question I am asked often is where they can find an illustrator / book designer. I am fascinated by how a client decides if they are a good fit for the professional.

Having got on well with Nick when working on his book, I felt comfortable approaching the designer through him.

I was keen to find out about the process from planning to self-publishing. When I contacted Glen Holman, he was happy to write about his experience with Nick.

Case Study – Glen Holman

“Nick posted in an agency where somebody who wants illustration can post their job. When I first got in touch with Nick, he was already quite keen and was eager to share his ideas. We arranged a lunch meeting near where I’m based in Loughborough to go through everything. I had just had a child around this time so it was hard to navigate around that, but Nick was very accommodating!

We went back and forth discussing the ideas for Nick’s book, Sping, and his plans to also locate a singer for the songs he was going to pepper through the book, which I thought was a fantastic unique selling point.

Planning the ilustrations

Nick sent me through his manuscript; we planned out how many illustrations we needed and where they would go, and the physical size of the book – and I was ready to begin.

The first stage is the roughs, where I did basic, scratchy, and quick scribbles of each illustration, mostly to block out who will be where and what they’ll be doing. At this stage I also lay out all of the text, with the chapter titles, headings, sub-headings, title page, publishing information and everything else – the very bare bones of the book are complete.

Developing the illustrations

Once Nick signed off on this, then the next step was doing the linework and basic colouring; going over all of the rough sketches with a fine line and blocking out the colours to make sure there were no weird contrasts or clashes. And that it’s visually interesting. Any refinements and corrections to text and page layout are done at this stage. Once that’s approved, it all got the final touches: shading, highlighting, texturing, with all the fine details and the other whistles and bells to bring the book to life.

Finally, we decided on the cover. I drew that up in the same way, and we were done.

There was a little delay whilst Nick finished up the musical side of things and generated the QR codes with the music tracks, which I slotted into the book at the end of the chapters.

Supporting the self-publishing process

With the self-publishing stage, this used to be my full-time job doing assisted self-publishing, so, thankfully, I have had the time and generated the knowledge to penetrate the wall of jargon that often accompanies self-publishing.

It required Nick to create the Amazon KDP account that he wanted to use as his publishing hub. Then I was able to upload the book, fill out the meta-data and, as the book designer and illustrator, I was able to correct any issues that popped up.

I always insist to everyone who self-publishes to get at least one physical copy, as there are sometimes issues that do not show up in the digital proofs or during creation and only once it’s printed.

But Sping went off well and ended up looking great. Nick was a pleasure to work with. I would absolutely work with him again.”

Sping, children's chapter book. Front cover.
Sping, children's chapter book. Back cover.

Buying the book

Here is the Amazon link to buy Sping: https://amzn.eu/d/2yr3ZWq

Contacting Glen

Finding an illustrator

Glen has a particular style of art. There are many styles of art and design to choose from when selecting an illustrator for your book.

If you are an author or an illustrator, a directory I recommend when searching for the perfect-fit client is the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). I am a Partner Member

I offer professional services through the directory with other members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP; ciep.uk). They are editors, designers, etc.

If you are interested in joining as a freelance professional, here is my Affiliate Link: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=11189

Alliance of Independent Authors Partner Member

Are you interested in being featured?

If we have worked together and you would like to be featured as a case study on my blog, please email me to let me know.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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Further reading

Here are blog posts I have written on the theme of self-publishing to support indie authors:

What are the signs of a good listener?

Blog post: What are the signs of a good listener?

Good listening is a lost skill, in my opinion. How well do you listen to others? How well do they listen to you? I have noticed more and more that people don’t listen well. By good listening I mean active listening.

Tall Tartan Talks here … whether you are talking to colleagues, clients, family or friends, whether you are in-person or on-line, is each person in the conversation taking notice of what the other is saying, without interrupting, or … (insert your pet peeve)?

In this blog post I share my tips on good or active listening.

Techniques for active listening

Removing distractions

Create an environment for listening by minimising distractions. Put away your phone, turn off notifications, and choose a quiet space. This lets you to focus entirely on the speaker without interruptions.

Keeping eye contact

Use eye contact to show interest in what the speaker is saying. This nonverbal cue helps show that you are attentive and invested in the conversation.

Using open body language

Face the speaker with an open posture and lean slightly forward. This body language signals that you are open to their message and prompts them to share more.

Avoiding interrupting

Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts without intruding while they talk. This demonstrates respect for what they are saying and gives them the space to express themselves.

Practising reflective listening

Summarise what the speaker has said to confirm your understanding. For instance, you might say, “What you’re saying is …” This method not only clarifies the message but also shows that you value their input.

Asking questions

If something is unclear, ask open-ended questions to encourage the speaker to elaborate. Questions like “Can you explain that further?” or “What do you mean by … ?” help to deepen your understanding. See my blog post: What is a good question?

Practising patience with silence

Use pauses effectively; allowing silence after someone speaks can encourage them to share more thoughts and feelings. It shows that you are considering their words rather than rushing to respond.

Reflecting emotions

Acknowledge the speaker’s feelings by reflecting on their emotional state. For example, if someone shares a frustrating experience, you might respond with, “It sounds like that really upset you.” This confirms empathy and connection.

Staying present

Focus on the moment and resist the urge to think about your next response or other distractions. Being fully present increases your ability to understand and engage with what is being communicated.

By using these strategies in your conversations, you can develop stronger connections, improve understanding, and create a more supportive communication habit.

Understanding Mental Health First Aid

Active listening was in one of the modules in a course I studied called Understanding Mental Health First Aid. As I read it, I realised that listening with compassion and curiosity is vital in relationships. It is often missing, leading to misunderstandings and resentment. (Source: NHQE Level 2, sponsored by The Skills Network)

Researching active listening

Active listening was described in a book I proofread called Compassion-based Language Education by Sarah Mercer (see book link at the end). In it she describes four different ways of listening and responding to what is being said.

These are:

  1. active destructive mode: when a listener responds negatively to what they have been told.
  2. passive destructive mode: when the listener does not show any interest in what is being said or dismisses it as irrelevant.
  3. passive constructive mode: the listener is paying attention and is trying to understand but lacks any genuine enthusiasm.
  4. active constructive mode: when listeners actively pay attention, show their enthusiasm and interest, and also ask follow-up questions to find out more about what they have been told.

Perhaps you recognise these in the conversations you have?

Benefits of active listening

Building trust and strong relationships

Active listening is a crucial communication skill that enhances relationships and encourages effective communication. It helps create an environment of trust and loyalty.

When you feel genuinely heard, you are more likely to share your thoughts and feelings, which is especially important during challenging times. This not only strengthens personal bonds but also leads to better teamwork and engagement.

Improving communication skills

Practising active listening strengthens your communication abilities. It teaches you to focus on understanding rather than merely responding.

This leads to more meaningful conversations and reduces the likelihood of miscommunication. Read my blog post: How to Communicate Clearly

Communicating with clients

These days, in my freelance life, very few communications with proofreading clients involve a telephone call or Zoom meeting. I would much rather email my work processes, thoughts and questions than talk on the phone.

But reading an email from a client has an element of ‘listening’: answering their questions, and reading between the lines. Even being diplomatic when I composed a reply to a barrage of questions (sent in separate emails) that I experienced recently from a client.

Meeting on Zoom

It is even more important to listen actively if meeting people on Zoom, whether it is networking or with clients.

The delays with sound and, perhaps, a participant with their camera off, make it more difficult to listen, never mind with reflection and empathy. The techniques listed above are vital.

Listening well

I bet you know people in your life that are good listeners. I am in freelance networking groups where there is active listening.

It is about taking an interest in others beyond the self. You need to care about the person who is talking to you. Developing empathic skills can help you become more curious about others and take a greater interest in the lives and stories of others.

Take the opportunity to reach out to someone that you are worried about. And listen to them.

Sprinkling publishing confidence,

Annie

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Further reading

Source: Compassion-based Language Education by Sarah Mercer, published by Oxford University Press, 2024. Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.eu/d/63gH9ro

My blog posts:

What is a good question?

How to Communicate Clearly

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2024: Review of My Year

As I review 2024, I realise how eventful it was for me because I achieved things I hadn’t done before in my freelance life.

Doing new things

Tall Tartan Talks here … A quick snapshot of my achievements this year: I self-published my non-fiction ebook in April; completed a course called Understanding Mental Health First Aid; did more freelancing proofreading work for publishers than in previous years, and took on work from new-to-me publishing clients. I turned 60 halfway through the year; and one more event happened that I shall reveal later …

Reflecting on 2024

Looking back, here’s my review through the blog posts I wrote.

Winter and spring

I spent the first three months, during a very quiet period of work, collecting my blog posts into a non-fiction business book for self-publishing.

I copyedited my manuscript from the single, individual blog posts that I had written in MS Word, starting in 2017 all the way up to 2023. Then I spent time proofreading the manuscript.

However, it is really tricky to proofread your own writing, so a  very kind edibuddy offered to proofread it.

Finally, it was ready to upload to Amazon KDP as an ebook. Here is the link to Tall Tartan Talks – My Collection of Blog Posts: Tips on Running a Business if you haven’t seen it yet: https://amzn.eu/d/csKQohb

I described the process in How I self-published my Business Book.

Summer

In June, my blog post explored the concept of questioning in education and business by asking What is a good question?

My July blog post reflected on how to cope with periods of time without freelance work. By this time, I had marketed myself repeatedly without, seemingly, much success. I know that the results of cold emailing take time. But it is really hard to be patient … Therefore, I wrote tips on how to use time productively in Taking Breaks in Your Business.

Autumn

By September, with the return to work for most people, I felt urged to promote methods of effective communication called How to Communicate Clearly.

In October I shared my tips for preparing for and writing cold emails to potential new clients: 8 Steps for Reaching Out to New Clients

Tutoring

I was able to provide tuition for a primary school child, on Zoom, with reading, handwriting, spelling and writing for six months.

Not having tutored for a couple of years, I missed the contact with young people and the regular income. A fellow edibuddy got in touch to ask if I was available … Could we work with the time difference with her granddaughter being in Australia?

The arrangement worked well! I was pleased to observe how well the child responded to my teaching. See the testimonial from the parent on my Primary Tutoring page.

Upgrading in the CIEP

And so to my news – I am excited that my application to upgrade from Intermediate Member to Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP; ciep.uk) was approved in December.

I proved my professionalism by taking editorial training, showing 500 hours of proofreading experience with clients, and providing a reference from a client that I have done over 50 hours for and who could judge my proofreading skills. Here is my profile page in their directory.

What an amazing way to end the year!

CIEP Professional Member logo

Seeing flaws as part of the process to achievement

To finish, I share a metaphor about Kintsugi that spoke to me about growth mindset and running a business.

I found it in a book that I proofread this summer. It is now published and available to order (details at the end).

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. The idea is to make something more beautiful by embracing the flaws; and something unique and beautiful in its imperfection. The flaws are emphasised and celebrated.

See the picture of kintsugi-repaired pottery below. The lines of gold show where the repairs have been done and show them off in a positive light.

I love this metaphor because it challenges perfectionism and opens our minds to the ideas that every part of us makes us into something special and magnificent – just as we are, including all the past mistakes we have made.

Kintsugi china

In summary, my tips for owning a business are to persevere, persist, and be patient.

How has the year 2024 been for you?

See you in 2025!

Annie

Sprinkling publishing confidence

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Source for Kintsugi: Compassion-based Language Education by Sarah Mercer, published by OUP, 2024.

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