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 copyeditor and proofreader for fiction and nonfiction. Her clients range from Big Five publishers to indies. She has been presenting and training on the topics of systems and efficiency since 2016.In this episode, Lori shares:🛠️ Her favorite tools and tech for streamlining editorial projects🕒 Time-saving hacks for managing client communication, deadlines, and revisions🧠 The mindset shifts that can help you avoid burnout while staying on top of your gameWhether you’re a seasoned editor or just starting out, you’ll walk away with practical tips to implement right away—plus, a peek into Lori’s productivity playbook.📚 Mentioned in this episode:Text Expander: textexpander.comCalendly: calendly.comLori's website: systemsandshortcuts.comLori’s socials: about.me/loripax2025 Inaugural Editors Calendar: https://2025-editors-calendar.printify.me/product/15393711/2025-inaugural-editors-calendar📩 We’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to systems or shortcuts? Share your thoughts and tips on social media using #EditorsHalfHour or drop us a message.Sign up to receive the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iXaVBUConsider joining the podcast Patreon: patreon.com/c/editorshalfhour/postsVisit piquepublishing.com/podcast to view or listen to other episodes.

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 decade of experience in publishing. Her comics background includes a temporary stint at DC Comics as a full-time proofreader in addition to freelance work for DC, IDW/Top Shelf, Yen Press, Tapas, and other publishers. She has proofread and copyedited series, one-shots, anthologies, graphic novels, and collected editions across all age ratings, and created company-wide style guides for publishers.Outside her work in comics, Madeleine has edited and proofread hundreds of prose books and countless articles for online newsrooms. She has served on the board of the Professional Editors Network since 2018.• Book website: https://comicbookstyle.com• Madeleine’s website: https://madeleinevasaly.com• "Resources for Comics Editors and Proofreaders" blog post: https://www.madeleinevasaly.com/blog/2024/9/25/resources-for-comics-editors-and-proofreadersAnd social media:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleinevasaly• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madeleinevasaly.com

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, Melissa works on recipes, resumes, and research. Most recently, she edited "The Solo Stove Fire Pit Cookbook." She offers coaching for freelance editors and will be launching her first course, Recipe Editing 101, in March 2025. In this episode, you'll learn why editing is essential—not just for correcting grammar but for refining recipes, ensuring accuracy, and creating a seamless flow that makes readers feel right at home in their kitchens. Discover the magic of balancing clarity with creativity, making dishes look delicious, and keeping flavors authentic.Below is a list of resources mentioned in this episode:The Modern Proper Website: https://themodernproper.com/The Modern Proper Book: https://themodernproper.com/cookbookWorld Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/Melissa’s website: https://www.melissa-haskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahaskin/Recipe Class (March 2025): https://www.melissa-haskin.com/courses.htmlFull price: $497 (similar in price to Erin Servais' AI for Editors Course and the Toronto Metropolitan University course)Automatic 10% discount for early registration (through February 1)Extra $25 off at any time for listeners of your podcast with code Nadia25 (valid for the March 2025 course) Currently slotted to be a 6-week course over Zoom/video call at a set time each week. Will be offered as a self-paced course in the future. Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/melissa-haskinRecipe Editing class through the Toronto Metropolitan University (no affiliation) Other Resources:The Romantasy Cookbook: Epic Recipes Inspired by Great Romantasy Novels and Their Fearless Heroines Hardcover – May 27, 2025by Gabriela Leon (Author)Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of BreadNorthwest Editors Guild Red Pencil ConferencesRecommended Books:The Complete Recipe Writing Guide: Mastering Recipe Development, Writing, Testing, Nutrition Analysis and Food Styling, Raeanne Sarazen, MA, RDN, FANDThe Recipe Writer's Handbook, Revised and Updated Paperback – March 30, 2001, by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann (Author), Jane L. Baker (Author)The Food Lover's Companion 5th Edition/The Deluxe Food Lover's Companion 2nd Edition 

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-native English speakers.Whether you're an editor, writer, or just curious about the intricacies of language, this episode sheds light on how editors approach the delicate yet crucial task of working with EFL authors. Tune in for expert tips and fascinating stories from Mekiya Outini—an award-winning author and editor with over ten years of experience providing editorial services to EFL writers, authors of literary fiction and creative nonfiction, and international students and scholars. He holds an MFA in fiction from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he met his wife and collaborator, Itto Outini. Together, the Outinis have garnered support from the MacDowell Foundation and the Steinbeck Fellowship Program at San Jose State University and co-founded The DateKeepers, a full-service author support platform dedicated to serving artists and creators around the globe.Website: https://www.thedatekeepers.comMekiya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekiya-o-1157b9184/The DateKeepers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-datekeepers-–-a-hub-for-writers-and-creators-372831275/The DateKeepers LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/names-dates-7147355807444049920/

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 feel comfortable and safe.In this episode, Isabella shares tips on how to factor emotional labor into your costs, and most importantly, how to recognize and manage it.For more information about emotional labor, read the blog that covers this topic at www.sdpen.com. Search for "Editing and Emotional Labor."Isabella's vast editorial experience includes journal articles, scholarly books, doctoral theses, biographies, textbooks, test prep materials, and general interest non-fiction. She also has more than 12 years of experience in policy research, writing, design, and structured dialogue. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and the San Diego Professional Editors Network (which she served as co-president from 2018 to 2020).To learn more about Isabella, please visit her website at http://www.bluefisheditorial.com.

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 book design. She explains how the design process differs from the freelancer’s perspective to an in-house designer at a major publishing house. She also talks about timing and conversations with authors. When should the conversation about a book’s interior begin, and how involved should the author be throughout the design process? According to Debbie, it depends. Listen to this episode to gain valuable insight into what goes on behind the scenes of creating good book design.

Rebecca Scharpf, an editor from Scrollwork Edits, specializes in supporting neurodivergent fiction writers. She discusses creating positive spaces for clients, emphasizing effective communication techniques like using text-based formats. Rebecca shares insightful resources for both writers and editors, including YouTube channels focused on neurodiversity. The conversation highlights her journey of self-discovery through storytelling and reveals her innovative affirmation cards designed to motivate and empower editors.

In this insightful conversation, award-winning editor Karen Yin shares her expertise on equitable communication from her latest book, The Conscious Style Guide. She emphasizes the importance of language sensitivity and collaboration in fostering understanding. The discussion touches on the controversial evolution of the name 'Karen' and its cultural implications. Karen also advocates for forgiveness in dialogues about race and diversity, and wraps up with the exciting launch of affirmation cards designed for editors.

CaTyra Polland, founder of National Black Authors Day, shares her journey in the editorial world and the inspiration behind creating the holiday. She discusses her commitment to supporting Black authors through scholarships and community events. Additionally, she highlights her work as an editor, author, and mentor, emphasizing the importance of diversity in literature.

Award-winning copywriter Erin Brenner discusses branding, marketing, finances for freelance editors. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and shares insights on setting rates and navigating entrepreneurship. The podcast delves into vetting editors, branding strategies, camaraderie at editor conferences, and balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship.