The Editor's Half Hour

What does it really take to become a freelance editor for a major publishing house?In this episode, I talk with Crystal Yang, owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen, about the skills, experience, and professional relationships that can help editors break into Big Five—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan Publishers.Crystal shares how she built her career as a copyeditor, proofreader, and authenticity reader and explains why there is no single path into working with a major publisher. We discuss how editors can strengthen their résumés, expand their networks, prepare for editorial tests, and position themselves for opportunities when they arise.Whether working with a Big Five publisher is a long-term goal or simply one possible direction for your editing career, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging look at how to prepare for the opportunity.Visit https://www.rabbitwitharedpen.com/ to learn more about Crystal and her business.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter for $5/month to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

Editing a memoir requires more than shaping a compelling narrative. It also requires sensitivity, trust, and a deep respect for the writer’s voice. In this episode, Barbie Halaby of Monocle Editing discusses the unique responsibilities that come with helping writers transform personal experiences into stories that connect with readers.We explore how memoir editors approach structure, emotional truth, and sensitive subject matter without taking control of the writer’s story. Barbie also shares how she helps clients make difficult decisions about what belongs on the page, how editors can offer honest feedback with care, and why strong communication is essential when working with such personal material.Whether you edit memoirs, write them, or are curious about the relationship between an editor and a memoirist, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how editors can help writers strengthen their stories while remaining true to the experiences behind them.Learn more about Barbie and her business by visiting https://monocle-editing.com/  Resources mentioned in this episode:Mary Karr's The Art of Memoir: https://www.marykarr.com/the-art-of-memoir.htmlMarion Roach Smith's The Memoir Project: https://marionroach.com/2011/06/the-best-book-on-how-to-write-memoir/The Grammar Girl podcast episode that talked about villains and monsters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyone-has-a-story-to-tell-and-why-your/id173429229?i=1000769976704Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter for $5/month to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

Jess Haskins, game editor and narrative designer who founded The Game Editors and teaches at NYU Game Center. She talks about editing dialogue, UI writing, and crafting style sheets for games. She explains workflows across indie to AAA, timing edits before voice and localization, and why editorial roles are gaining visibility in game development.

Jess Stampe, an experienced technical editor who moved from academic editing into reports, user guides, and technical documentation. She talks about translating complex material for real readers. They cover working with subject-matter experts, attending meetings to gather context, handling reluctant writers, and why technical knowledge and ongoing learning matter.

Steph Thompson, freelance editor and owner of Ink and Insight Word Smithery, specializes in narrative nonfiction and is branching into fiction. She explains what a manuscript evaluation looks like and how it differs from line editing. They discuss spotting structural and pacing issues, delivering clear written reports plus debriefs, and how to set boundaries and price evaluations for real-world author needs.

Tia Ross, a professional editor and author with 30+ years in publishing, explains why editing is a skilled, disciplined craft. She tackles industry unregulation, the harm of unqualified editors, and how technical knowledge, judgment, and ongoing learning define true editorial work. Topics include building the Black Editors directory, spotting ‘hijacker’ rewrites, legal risks from poor editing, and practical paths for aspiring editors.

Barbara Gastel, physician, professor, and seasoned medical editor who wrote Medical Editing, discusses the nature and myths of medical editing. Short takes cover what medical editors do, how diverse backgrounds fit, ethical challenges like inadvertent plagiarism, practical ways to gain skills, and the collaborative, service-oriented mindset the work demands.

Editing RomantasyRomantasy is having a moment—and for good reason.In this episode, I’m joined by editor Brenna Bailey-Davies for a thoughtful conversation about what makes romantasy so compelling for readers and editors alike. We explore the genre’s emotional pull, immersive worlds, and beloved tropes, while also discussing the editorial considerations that help these stories truly shine.Together, we talk about:·       Why romantasy continues to dominate reader demand·       The tropes readers love—and why they work·       How editors can approach romantasy with intention and confidence·       Balancing high emotion, power dynamics, and character agency·       Editing romantasy as a reader-first genreThis conversation is a celebration of romantasy, grounded in craft and curiosity. Whether you’re actively editing in the genre or simply want to understand why it resonates so deeply, this episode offers insight into the editorial lens behind today’s most popular fantasy romances.If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit.com and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.To learn more about Brenna’s editorial business and her published books, visit www.bookmarteneditorial.com or www.brennabailey.com.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour 

Jane Friedman: The Business of Being a Writer (and a Freelancer)In this episode, I talk with publishing expert, educator, and author Jane Friedman about the realities of building a writing or editing career in today’s shifting marketplace.Jane has spent more than two decades working across traditional publishing, digital media, and higher education. Her insights cut through industry myths and offer a clear, practical look at what it really takes to sustain creative work—especially for freelancers.We explore the principles behind her book The Business of Being a Writer, how to position yourself in a crowded market, and why understanding your value is essential, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We also discuss common misconceptions around agents, the submissions process, and why packaging and pricing matter just as much as skill.Jane shares a thoughtful perspective on AI in the exclusive interview—its potential, its limits, and what writers and editors should pay attention to as technology evolves.This is a grounded, generous conversation for anyone navigating the business side of creative work.Topics We CoverWhy positioning matters for freelancersPricing, packaging, and communicating your valueHow editors can strengthen their visibility and reachResources & LinksJane Friedman’s Website: https://janefriedman.comThe Business of Being a Writer (Book): https://janefriedman.com/book/the-business-of-being-a-writerJane’s Substack Article: There Is No Such Thing as a Good Editor https://janefriedman.substack.com/p/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-goodIf you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

For the Season 3 finale of The Editor’s Half Hour, I’m joined by a truly extraordinary guest: Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster. With the highly anticipated 12th edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—the first major update in more than two decades—Peter gives us a rare look behind the scenes of how our language is shaped, refined, and recorded.In this conversation, Peter takes us inside the meticulous world of lexicography: how new words earn their place, how usage guides definition, and how the dictionary reflects the culture around us. We talk about nuance, evolution, clarity, and the responsibility of capturing the living nature of English—while honoring history, accuracy, and meaning.This episode is a celebration of everything editors love about language. Whether you’re an editor, a writer, or a full-on word nerd, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the dictionary you’ve trusted for years.In this episode, you’ll learn:·       What goes into updating a major dictionary edition·       How lexicographers track evolving usage and cultural influence·       The surprising ways words shift meaning over time·       What gets added and what gets revised in the 12th edition·       How editors and lexicographers share similar instincts for clarity and precision·       Why dictionary work is both deeply technical and beautifully humanAnd because this is the season finale, the episode begins with a special announcement: the winner of this season’s listener giveaway! Become a sneak “Pique” Patreon supporter to get access to exclusive content.Visit https://www.merriam-webster.com/collegiate-dictionary-twelfth-edition to get your copy of the latest 12th edition.If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour