Times they are a’ changin’

www.inkthinkerblog.com — Last night I relaunched my two websites, www.kristenkingfreelancing.com and www.editingforeveryone.com. I’ve been working on them for weeks now, tweaking and fine tuning, and I finally feel like they’re just right.

I’m particularly excited about www.editingforeveryone.com. It started out as a way of splitting writing and editing into two separate ventures, but I realized that the two are so closely linked that it didn’t make sense. I also realized that there is an enormous need for solid academic editing services — and with my teaching background and all of the work I do on scholarly manuscripts every day, I’m well positioned to take it on and do it right.

And there’s a definite difference between doing it and doing it right. When I was researching this project, I examined dozens of academic editing services, and I discovered two common themes: high prices and mediocre quality OR low prices and even lower quality, and editors with questionable credentials. Before I go on, let’s get something straight: There are fantastic academic editing services out there, ones with amazing staff and very high professional standards. However, a lot of others are, in my opinion, taking advantage of students and academic professionals who may not realize exactly what they’re getting themselves into.

My goal as an editor is to make it so my clients don’t need me anymore. In nonacademic editing, at Kristen King Freelancing, I do that by going the extra mile on every project, offering resources to clients when I think it will be helpful, and making myself available to answer questions and provide guidance when the client wants it. At Editing for Everyone, I’m doing it by continuing those extras, by ensuring that I and any other editors who help me are 100% qualified to do the work the way it needs to be done, and by maintaining extremely high professional and ethical standards.

Corporate ghostwriting is one thing, but I don’t believe that there’s any such thing as academic ghostwriting in the context of writing something that another person will be graded on at which will contribute to their earning an academic degree. In my book, that’s just cheating. If I’m doing the work, I should be the one getting the degree! Instead, I want to help my academic clients to express their own ideas clearly and to gain confidence in their writing by giving them specific, constructive feedback and pointing them toward educational resources to give them a great start in future projects.

I’m really interested to see how this project develops. I did all of my search engine submissions today, and next week I’ll be starting the advertising blitz. Can’t wait!

Yours ’til the ink wells,
Kristen

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

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Let’s face it, it’s a love-hate relationship

www.inkthinkerblog.com — The top five things I hate about freelancing:
– Knowing that I’m the only one responsible for the failure of my business
– Following up with clients who don’t pay on time
– Getting rejection letters
– Having to “fire” clients I don’t want to work with
– Putting up with ageism from people who think that my being twenty-three years old and a woman means that I’m incapable of doing an amazing job for them

The top five things I love about freelancing:
– Knowing that I’m the only one responsible for the success of my business
– Taking checks to the bank and marking my invoices “paid”
– Seeing my name in print
– Receiving referrals from satisfied clients
– Turning a skeptical potential customer into a dedicated long-term client after wowing them with what I can do

What do you feel passionately about?

Yours ’til the ink wells,
Kristen

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

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…and Kristen takes the stage

www.inkthinkerblog.com — I’ve know my whole life that I wanted to be in publishing, either as a writer or an editor or both, so when I graduated from college and didn’t have a full-time job lined up right away, I decided, Hey, why not, and hung up my shingle (by which I mean that I started and advertised my website). I was working half-time at a daily regional newspaper, half-time at a quarterly statewide magazine, and nights and weekends at a so-so bar–in a way, I was freelancing already because I was all over the place! Both of my parents run their own businesses and have done so my whole life, so starting *my* own business was a pretty comfortable idea–I knew what I was getting myself into.

My first client was a guy who used to come into the bar all the time. When he asked me how my weekend was and I told him that I’d launched my website, he got really excited: he had about 30 children’s book manuscripts just sitting in his file cabinet, and he’d been thinking about trying to do something with them–would I be his editor? Uh, yeah! I charged him $25/hour.

About a month later, a nonprofit association that I’d send my resume to called me for an interview. The job was absolutely perfect, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do it, especially since I had just started freelancing and it was going well. However, because I was getting married a month or two later and was desperate for good health insurance, I decided to go for it. I told them in the interview that I had started freelancing recently and intended to continue doing so indefinitely, and even went so far as to give a business card to everyone who I met with, and they didn’t bat an eye, so I knew it was the place for me.

Now I’m working full time as a medical editor, going to school part time at night, which I mentioned before, and freelancing 30-40 hours a week. I’m not *billing* 30-40 hours a week–it’s a combination of billable hours, marketing, and maintaining my business (eg, website updates, invoicing, keeping up with client e-mail, etc). Last week, I finished editing a 100+ page dissertation proposal, and I agreed to edit some fiction anthologies starting in late spring/early summer. This weekend (in between getting my tax stuff ready for the CPA I just found), I’m writing a proposal for ghostwriting a series of 7-10 trade articles for a brand-new client whom I absolutely adore. Last weekend, I sent out sample edits and quotes for editing two novels and one memoir, and edited my first article for a new client, a major journals publisher in the Northeast.

Fortunately, my best friend, who is amazing, is a former bank teller and had a weekend free, so I had some help with the tax stuff. Translation: I gave her a mess of papers, invoices, notes written on scraps of paper, and a laptop computer with Microsoft Excel, and she turned it into a beautiful expenses/income spreadsheet that I can take right to my CPA. Voila. Color me grateful.

It’s snowing in Fredericksburg right now, the third year in a row that we’ve had a major snowstorm on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day. I’m looking forward to curling up in front the fireplace with a cup of tea and my laptop in the morning…

Yours ’til the ink wells,
Kristen

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

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Word on the Street

www.inkthinkerblog.com — “Kristen is a keen, savvy editor with an eye for accuracy, grammar and style. Not only does she remain consistent throughout the entire editing process, but she’s helpful and friendly. She worked with me to ensure that my book retained my editorial voice and stayed professional. Her comments were extremely useful and proved that you always need an extra editorial eye for any written material — she brought up ideas I hadn’t even thought of and I loved them all. I plan on writing more books, and I’ll be using Kristen to edit every single one! Thank you, Kristen! you made my book a masterpiece!”
– Kristen Fischer, freelance writer and author of Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs

“I am so lucky to have found Kristen, whom I consider a cool and clear coach for my not-always-so work. She is my strongest writing source, as well as the kindest.”
– Laura Souza Pillarella, personal trainer and author of Worked Over: My Cosmetic Surgery Takeover (Alban Editions, Paris, France, 2007)

“My working relationship with Kristen was pure joy. Not only did she blow me away with her exceptional editing skills and expert constructive feedback, but she made this first-time author feel at home with the sometimes daunting writing process. Kristen took me step-by-step through the editing process and helped me understand the many MS Word functions needed to make the job go smoothly and efficiently. She kept her word with every deadline. I also appreciated her warm, professional, enthusiastic style. She even took the time to answer questions not necessarily related to the project. I’d highly recommend Kristen to anyone in the writing business. I look forward to working with her again!”
– Gary A. Grahl, counselor and author of Skinny Boy (Fall 2007)

“Editing a 80,000 word non-fiction book requires a special editor with a keen mind, someone who can not only see the big picture, but remember minute details as they relate from page one to page 400. We thought we had a good manuscript, but now we have a great manuscript because of Kristen. She was proficient, skilled, timely and cheerful throughout the entire process. Additionally helpful was her capability of working electronically through MS Word, which has saved us precious time not having to transfer corrections manually from hard copy. My author loves working with her, and I have thoroughly enjoyed our professional relationship. I look forward to our next project!”
– Gary Toyn, executive director of American Legacy Media, LLC

“Kristen King has a gift for making the editing process fun and easy. She’s smart and works quickly, and her revisions are spot-on. Most of all I appreciate the attitude of optimistic collaboration she brings to a project, a sense of, ‘Ok, let’s see what we need to do to make this baby everything it wants to be.’ Thanks, Kristen!”
Joanna Gardner, writer

“Not often enough do people like Kristen come to the table with such professionalism, knowledge, interpersonal skills and a unique penchant to turn the most verbose run-on dialogue into perfectly crafted and easily digestible copy so that everyone can just ‘get it’ right away. I highly recommend her services to anyone.”
– Matthew Zachary, founder and executive director of Steps For Living

“This red-haired dynamo has no end of talent, and luckily she has an energy level to match. . . . Not only is she a skilled writer/editor, but also she shares her talents with others. Kristen epitomizes the community spirit that all freelance writers and editors should espouse.”
Lori Widmer, freelance writer

“Kristen King joined us at The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine in the summer of 2004. She’s a talented editor, with good insight into what makes a story work. Most importantly, Kristen possesses the skills to improve a writer’s voice without altering it. She will chip away at a piece helping a writer uncover and polish the gem inside. Kristen has promoted the e-zine to various literary communities on the web and has been instrumental in providing content and securing exposure for our newsletter. . . . She’s always willing to take on whatever needs to be done and I would recommend her services to anyone.”
– Barbara Quinn, publisher/managing editor of The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine, author of The Speed of Dark and Hardhead

“Kristen King . . . is hands-down the friendliest person I’ve ever met period. She is almost I-may-be-a-serial-killer-I’m-so-friendly but is not. A serial killer.”
Dana Loesch, writer

“Kristen King approaches the written word with an eye for diction and fluidity. Her talent and intelligence have brought a degree of clarity to my work that has enabled me to effect a true transition from primary draft to presentable draft.”
– T. Samuel-Siegel, poet

“My experience with Kristen King has been extremely brief, however, her insightful suggestions reflect her professional knowledge. It is obvious that Kristen has mastered literary art on many levels. She unselfishly gave me her private time to address questions I had been seeking answers to for months. Having searched internet message boards, read books designed to help authors, new and seasoned, I finally happened across Kristen. Kristen’s input has proved invaluable to my going forward with the editing process of my manuscript. I look forward to future experiences with her professional abilities and her wonderfully kind personality. Thank you Kristen.”
– Amber Pickle, aspiring children’s writer

“In a short amount of time, Kristen can take anything from a polished piece to a work in progress and transform your writing with a new level of clarity. Her vast knowledge of basic composition and her understanding of the creative process transcends your every day editor. Kristen is a creative crusader who wants every client’s vision realized to its greatest potential. And she’s cute too!”
– Meghan Archibald, poet and memoirist

“It’s been a genuine pleasure working with Kristen King. She has great instincts and a warmly encouraging tone. I appreciate both her perceptive editorial eye and subtle guidance.”
– Robert Friedman, president and owner of D.N.R. Communications

“I had a great experience with Kristen. I especially liked the way she used the Comments feature of Word docs. I have used the Tracking function with clients in the past, but not the Comments, and I think it’s a great, easy way to communicate between editor and writer. I’m glad that Kristen was open to any suggestions I had, but also firm (in a fair, polite, and well-reasoned way) in sticking to certain edits she wanted to make. I appreciate the time and care Kristen spent on the piece to improve its flow, and that she wasn’t overly demanding in any changes she wanted from me.”
Olivia Boler, author of Year of the Smoke Girl

“I first made contact with Kristen King in her capacity as an editor for The Rose & Thorn E-zine. One of my short stories was accepted by Rose & Thorn, and Kristen was assigned to help me edit it. What impressed me most was that she put her finger directly on several small matters of scene and characterization that had bothered me, but which I had hoped were good enough to slide by unnoticed. Kristen wouldn’t let me get away with it. . . . Kristen seems very good natured, has a sense of humor, and is easy to work with. I would recommend her without hesitation. I’ve learned much from this bright and talented woman.”
George Jansen, author of The Jesse James Scrapbook

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

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Query Challenge

www.inkthinkerblog.com — The 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge is in full swing, and the only thing that’s missing is you!

Join a group of writers determined to get out 120 queries before the end of the 2007 calendar year.

All you have to do is e-mail me your name and blog or website URL and let me know you’re in, and I’ll add you to the list of Query Challenge participants, below.

Not only will you have the satisfaction of giving yourself 120 opportunities for writing success, but as an active participant, but you’ll also be automatically entered for random prize drawings throughout the year, and you’ll be eligible for the grand prize in December, awarded to the participant with the most queries.

What are you waiting for? Read the official kickoff and FAQs.

Participants

UPDATED September 14, 2007, at 5:34 p.m. EST.

Here’s an alphabetical listing (by first name) of all of the registered 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge participants and their query totals:

  1. Alicia Sparks — 14 queries so far
  2. Andrea Stolarczyk — 42 queries so far
  3. Angela Giles Klocke — 9 queries so far
  4. Apryl Chapman Thomas
  5. Bonny Albo – 81 queries so far
  6. Brian Westover — 3 queries so far
  7. Cate Malek —
  8. Chryselle — 23 queries so far
  9. Colin Galbraith — 43 queries so far
  10. Colleen Vanderlinden — 4 queries so for
  11. David Rakowski
  12. Devon Ellington — 144 queries so far Devon met the challenge!
  13. Diana Bocco — 39 queries so far
  14. Diane Penna — 12 queries so far
  15. Dinsa Sachan — 40 queries so far
  16. Elizabeth Hoover
  17. Ellen Tichich — 34 queries so far
  18. Gaea Honeycutt — 9 queries so far
  19. Gale Martin — 18 queries so far
  20. Gloria Oren — 4 queries so far
  21. Griffin Lilly, Jr.
  22. Harmony Cornwell — 68 queries so far
  23. Haylie — 5 queries so far
  24. Hope Wilbanks — 23 queries so far
  25. Indyank
  26. Jennifer Perry
  27. Jessica Mousseau — 219 queries so far Jessica Met the Challenge
  28. Jessica Sand — 56 queries so far
  29. Jodi M. Webb — 111 queries so far
  30. Jonathan Bender — 13 queries so far
  31. Julia Temlyn — 27 queries so far
  32. Julie
  33. Julie O’Hara — 51 queries so far
  34. Kara Williams — 75 queries so far
  35. Karen Gaspers — 22 queries so far
  36. Kate
  37. Katharine Swan — 10 queries so far
  38. Kathy Hawkins — 21 queries so far
  39. Kathy Kehrli — 25 queries so far
  40. Lisa Bakewell — 55 queries so far
  41. Liz Laing — 16 queries so far
  42. Liz Lewis — 12 queries so far
  43. Lori Gertz — 22 queries so far
  44. Lori Widmer — 11 queries so far
  45. Lyncee Schillard —
  46. Marjorie R. Asturias
  47. Melanie Bucher — 5 queries so far
  48. Melissa Barton — 7 queries so far
  49. Nikki Smith — 48 queries so far
  50. Norman Kraft
  51. Rachel P. Langston — 12 queries so far
  52. Ryan Choate
  53. Sandy Sampson — 7 queries so far
  54. Scott Nesbitt — 39 queries so far
  55. Sheila Scarborough — 31 queries so far
  56. Sheri Hunter — 4 queries so far
  57. Sonja Cassella — 30 queries
  58. Susan Johnston — 121 queries so far Susan Met the Challenge!
  59. Tammi Reynolds
  60. Tammy Takahashi — 14 queries so far
  61. Tanja Awan —
  62. Terah Shelton — 150 queries so far Terah Met the Challenge!
  63. Tiffani Hill-Patterson — 26 queries so far
  64. Tina Marie Frawley — 98 queries so far
  65. Tracy Simmons — 29 queries so far
  66. Trish Lawrence — 45 queries
  67. Zach Garwood — 11 queries

If you’re a participant and your name isn’t on the list, please e-mail me right away so I can add you.

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

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