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Published by Tara Whitaker - Coach for Freelance Editors
The Modern Editor Podcast, hosted by Tara Whitaker, goes behind the scenes of what it takes to run an editorial business in today’s world. From practical editing tips and insights into book editing, she explores the real experiences of working as a freelance editor. Whether you’re a book editor or simply curious about the world of freelance editing, this show offers an honest look at the skills, decisions, and behind-the-scenes processes that shape an editing business. Listen in to hear conversations on how to edit books, improve your editing workflow, and develop the confidence needed to thrive as a professional freelance book editor.
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If you want to become a better editor without using generative AI, I’ve got your back. In this episode of The Modern Editor , I’m sharing another tool I’ve used for years to help me be productive and efficient: wildcards. Listen in as I share what wildcards are, my opinions on them, and how they can help us in our editing. Important Sections: (0:58) Explaining the Pushback Against Using Wildcards (4:19) What Is a Wildcard? (5:49) How to Use Wildcards (6:45) Helpful Wildcard Examples (10:54) What Are Caret Codes? (12:34) Use the Tools That Work for You (14:54) Learn More Inside the Freelance Editors Club Resources Mentioned Brave New World by Chris Ryder Wildcard Cookbook for Microsoft Word by Jack Lyon Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Ever ignored a gut feeling about a potential client and ended up regretting it later? Trust me, I’ve been there. After fourteen years in the freelance editing business, I’ve seen my fair share of red-flag and beige-flag clients. In this episode of The Modern Editor, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from not-so-great client experiences so you can avoid some of the mistakes I made early on. At the end of the day, you should always pay attention when your spidey senses start tingling. Important Sections: (1:14) You Can’t Avoid All Red Flags (1:45) Don’t Pay for Anything Up Front (2:46) Don’t Accept Payment in Royalties (5:23) Avoid Clients Who Want to Argue Over Your Rate (9:14) Always Maintain Your Boundaries (11:00) Contracts Are Nonnegotiable (11:46) Avoid Clients Who Lie to You (13:12) Don’t Work with Clients Who Ghost You (15:26) Pay Attention to How They Behave Online (17:13) Avoid Clients Who Hate Feedback (18:40) The Freelance Editors Club is Reopened! (19:20) New Client Beige Flags That Could Turn Into Red Flags (22:26) How to Protect Yourself from Client Red Flags Resources Mentioned: Editorial Freelancers Association ACES directory Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Do you pass the mantle or mantel? In this episode of The Modern Editor, I’m back with more commonly confused words I’ve come across in my years of editing. Some of these might be easy for you to spot, while others are trickier. Either way, it’s important to keep an eye out so these words don’t fall through the cracks. In case you missed it, listen to part one here! Important Sections: (1:15) Mantel and Mantle (2:00) Medal, Metal, Meddle, and Mettle (3:30) Affect and Effect (5:07) Compliment and Complement (5:53) Course and Coarse Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
As an editor, I see commonly confused words all the time . There are the super common ones we all know (to/too/two, etc.), but lately I've been spotting a handful of less commonly confused words over and over again while copyediting manuscripts. Whether it's the result of speech-to-text software, typing too quickly, or our brains simply filling in what we expect to see, these mistakes seem to be popping up for me lately. I figured I should highlight them in an episode of The Modern Editor so that you can watch out for them too! Important Sections: (1:32) Stock and Stalk (2:17) Break and Brake (2:45) Phase and Faze (3:21) Peak, Peek, and Pique (4:06) Casualty and Causality (4:42) Keep a List of the Commonly Confused Words You Encounter While Copyediting Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
If you know me at all, you know I’m all about efficiency and becoming a more effective editor. There are so many repetitive tasks in editing that can steal your time and attention, which is why I’m sharing my favorite time-saving tool with you in today’s episode of The Modern Editor. Allow me to introduce you to TextExpander, one of my favorite editing tools that doesn’t use generative AI. Important Sections: (1:07) What is TextExpander? (3:51) How TextExpander Works Resources Mentioned: TextExpander Espanso aText Writing With Color blog Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Curious about what my copyediting process looks like? I’m giving you a sneak peek in this episode of The Modern Editor Podcast . Listen in as I share the 10 quick searches I run every single time I start a new copyediting project. Something I love about editing is that everyone has a different process, and I appreciate learning from others. This is a glimpse into the process that works for me, so take what you like and see if it works with your own process. There’s no one right way to edit. Important Sections: (1:35) Why I Like to Run Prechecks (3:35) Extra Spaces (4:25) -ly Adverbs with Hyphens (5:00) Further and Farther (5:33) Halves (6:19) Compounds (6:51) Words That End in “Like” (7:46) Commonly Confused Words (8:45) Comma With Internal or Terminal To, Either, or Though (9:47) Double Punctuation (10:28) Straight Apostrophes and Straight Quotes Work with Me Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
What does it really take to become an editor? In this short-and-sweet episode of The Modern Editor Podcast, I’m sharing how I got into the editing biz fourteen years ago. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t for the best reason 😅 This episode is for new and hopeful editors who want to learn from my experience and build a successful editing business. However, I think there are some good reminders for veterans, too. Listen in as I share the good, the bad, and the vulnerable! Important Sections: (1:05) I Could Find Typos Everywhere (2:09) Did You Know There Are Different Types of Editors? I Didn’t! (4:34) The Freelance Editors Club Membership Price is Going Down (5:21) Four Steps to Getting Started as a Professional Editor (10:54) Fourteen Years in and I’m Still Learning Resources Mentioned: The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors by Erin Brenner Editorial Freelancers Association ACES: The Society for Editing Editors Canada Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading Northwest Editors Guild San Diego Professional Editors Network Freelance Editors Club The Chicago Manual of Style AP Stylebook Developmental Editing by Scott Norton Editing Fiction at Sentence Level by Louise Harnby (line editing) The Copyeditor’s Handbook and Workbook by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction by Amy J. Schneider Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Are you the right editor for the job? In this episode of The Modern Editor, I’m flipping the script and taking on the author’s POV. Listen in as I list what I think are the most important things authors should look for when hiring an editor. This episode is directed toward authors, but editors will benefit from it too. You’ll learn whether or not you’re marketing yourself correctly so that the right authors hire you to work with them. Important Sections: (2:27) Number One: An Editor's Education (4:51) Number Two: Does the Editor Work with Your Type of Content? (7:46) Number Three: Look for Testimonials, Referrals, and Word-of-Mouth Recommendations (9:28) Number Four: Ask for a Sample Edit (13:16) Number Five: Values Alignment (14:56) Number Six: Do They Use a Contract? (15:57) Number Seven: Rates (21:22) Number Eight: Deadlines and Availability Resources Mentioned: Writing With Color Descriptions Guide: Skin Color Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
I don’t know about you, but I could use a pep talk right about now. Things are feeling bleak in the editing and publishing industries, not to mention everything else going on in the world. If you’re currently feeling defeated, bitter, exasperated, or annoyed about the state of our industry right now, you’re not alone. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge what we’re going through in this episode of The Modern Editor Podcast . Listen in for a pep talk from yours truly, along with how I’m staying hopeful and focused through the muck. Important Sections: (0:56) The Current (Meh) Landscape of the Editing Industry (4:03) How to Cope With These Challenges (10:25) Keeping Hope Alive Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
If you thought I was done talking about generative AI, I’ve got news for you: I’m not 😅 Things are changing and advancing extremely fast, and I think it’s important for editors to be vocal about their stance on generative AI. Recently, I came across something that piqued my interest: a database of creatives who do not use generative AI in their work. The concept got my wheels turning, and I debated starting my own database for editors. In this episode of The Modern Editor, I’m going through my thought process and sharing where I eventually landed with these databases. Listen in to learn why I ultimately decided against the idea and some crucial questions you should ask if you’re considering joining a database. Inside the Freelance Editors Club, we do have a directory of members who now have the option to include a tag that labels them as an editor who does not use generative AI with editing. Important Sections: (0:40) What Are “No Generative AI” Databases? (5:32) Why I Got The Ick (10:18) Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Join a Database (12:42) What I’m Planning to Do Instead Mentioned in this Episode: Freelance Editors Club Member Directory Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
It’s been three years since I first talked about ChatGPT on the podcast, which is a lifetime in the tech world. How has generative AI progressed in those three years, and what do freelance editors need to do to protect themselves? That’s what we’re diving into on this episode of The Modern Editor. Before we get started, it’s important to note that I hate generative AI with a fiery passion. If you’re looking for a balanced approach to the topic, you won’t find that here. However, I’m also not going to spend the whole podcast ranting about it. I’m here to provide practical tips you can implement in your editing business in the age of generative AI. Important Sections: (2:00) You Need to Have a Stance on Generative AI (3:02) A Recap of the Last Three Years of Generative AI (6:25) What We’ve Learned About AI Since 2023 (12:13) My Predictions For the Future of Generative AI (16:18) How to Protect Yourself Against Generative AI as an Editor (21:34) Communicating Your AI Stance With Clients (30:04) What Do You Do When Your AI Policy is Violated? (33:13) What to Do if You’re Accused of Using Generative AI (35:16) You’re Not Behind if You Don’t Use AI Resources Mentioned: Episode 21: Will ChatGPT Replace Editors and Authors? Mystery Humming Noise Heard Across US States Bartz v. Anthropic Settlement: What Authors Need to Know AI's Effects On The Brain Is AI dulling our minds? BBC Finds That 45% of AI Queries Produce Erroneous Answers Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Do you understand the difference between working ON your business and working IN your business? As a freelancer filling multiple roles, it can take time to figure this out. First things first, you’re an editor, and editing is your bread and butter. However, you’re also the head of marketing, CEO, sales rep…the list goes on. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one thing that can help is understanding the difference between working on your business versus in your business. Today, we’re revisiting one of the very first podcast episodes I ever released where I explain this difference and offer tips to make it all work. This episode is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released, so let’s dive in. Important Sections: (1:09) Why is it Important to Know the Difference? (2:32) What Does it Mean to Work in Your Business? (3:34) What Does it Mean to Work on Your Business? (4:08) Working on Your Business Helps You Avoid Burnout (8:03) The Perfect Balance Doesn’t Exist (10:08) Time-Blocking Tips (17:00) The Importance of Accountability Partners Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
I’ve been thinking a ton about different seasons of life lately, and it’s made me realize there are also different seasons we go through in our businesses. The ugly truth is that not all seasons in our businesses are positive. Just like in life, it’s completely normal to go through hard times. Unfortunately, it’s easy to feel like a failure for experiencing a less-than-incredible season, which is a narrative that needs to be rewritten. In this episode of The Modern Editor Podcast, I’m walking you through the variety of seasons you may experience in your editing business so that you can normalize it instead of wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Important Sections: (1:44) Not All Business Owners Experience the Same Seasons (3:07) The Learning Season (3:50) The Planning Season (4:23) The Networking Season (7:25) The CEO Season (9:02) The Pivot or Expansion Season (9:58) The Maintenance Season (11:23) The Dry Season (14:29) The Back-End Season (15:52) The Front-End Season (16:50) The Burnout Season Resources Mentioned: Women in Publishing Summit Episode 5: Working ON Your Business vs. Working IN Your Business Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Springtime comes with a sense of renewal and new opportunities that always make me feel reinvigorated. To celebrate, this episode is a re-air of a previous episode where I offered six tips to refresh your editing business. Of course, you don’t have to wait for a certain season to follow these tips, but it’s natural to feel the itch to do a little spring cleaning at this time of year. Taking advantage of that fresh spring energy is the perfect way to set yourself up for success in quarter two. Consider this your spring cleaning checklist for your editing business. Important Sections: (2:23) Clean Up Your Workspace (3:56) Declutter Your Desktop (5:23) Refresh Your Bookmarks and Extensions (6:10) Clean Up Your Email Subscriptions (8:13) Organize Your Subscriptions and Memberships (9:29) Declutter Your Social Media Following (10:52) Spring Cleaning Your Business = Quick-and-Easy Wins Resources Mentioned: You Need a Budget app Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Welcome to our fourth and final episode in our editor wellness series! In this episode of The Modern Editor Podcast, we’re talking all about social and intellectual wellness for freelance editors. There’s a lot to mull over in this episode, including the difficulty of making friends as an adult, cultivating critical thinking skills, and why you shouldn’t outsource your brain. As always, this episode could bring up some emotions. Please take what works for you and leave the rest. Give these concepts time to sink in so you can apply them to your life in phases rather than all at once. Important Sections: (2:08) The Social Downside of Working Solo (8:50) The Challenge of Making New Friends as an Adult (11:33) What Is Intellectual Wellness? (14:56) Don’t Outsource Your Brain (19:11) Our Brains Are Our Superpower (20:14) Your Wellness Is the Core of Your Editing Business Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Welcome back to our series on self-care! Our last few episodes covered physical/environmental wellness and financial health. In this episode, we’re diving into mental and emotional well-being tips for freelance editors. Specifically, I’m talking about how our thoughts and emotions show up in our businesses and how I process my emotions. I’m also going to share some self-care ideas that can benefit your mental and emotional health. It goes without saying that this can be a loaded topic, so please remember that I’m not a medical or mental health professional in any way. I’m simply sharing what I’ve learned from fourteen years of running my own editing business so that you can take the insights you like and make them work for you. Resources Mentioned: Jessica Stong Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media by Amelia Hruby Hood Wellness by Tamela J. Gordon The Cure for Burnout by Emily Ballesteros Quiet by Susan Cain National Institute of Mental Health Calm app: How to regulate your nervous system and restore calm: 12 proven techniques Episode 3: Why Mindset is More than Just a Buzzword Episode 7: Why You Need Boundaries in Your Business Episode 26: How to Avoid (or Recover from) Burnout Episode 47: Editor Self-Care: How to Use Affirmations in Your Business Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
If you want to confront your relationship with money, start a business. Have you heard this saying before? I couldn’t agree with it more. Nothing makes you get up close and personal with your finances than running your own editing business. In this episode of The Modern Editor, we’re continuing our editor wellness series on self-care, but this time we’re talking all things money for freelance editors. I think it’s safe to assume that most of us didn’t learn about money the way we should’ve and likely have complicated relationships with our finances. We’re diving into how our upbringing affects our relationship with money, how to improve our money mindset, and I’m giving you practical tips on how to run your freelance business as financially effective as possible. Important Sections: (2:45) The Systemic and Political Issues Involved in Owning a Business (4:23) How to Improve Your Money Mindset (8:09) Money Tips For Freelancers (16:15) Take Your Business Finances Seriously (18:00) How Often Should You Change Your Rates? (19:52) It’s Okay to Seek Financial Aid (20:48) Buy Back Your Time (21:52) Three Money Mantras Resources Mentioned: Keeping Finances Personal by Ellyce Fulmore Moving Beyond Broke by Dasha Kennedy Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers Editorial Freelancers Association YNAB Quickbooks IRS website Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Welcome to a brand-new editor wellness series on The Modern Editor Podcast all about health, wellness, and self-care. (I kind of hate those words, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important 😂) As freelancer editors, it’s easy to let our health fall by the wayside, especially in busy seasons. In this episode, we’re exploring physical and environmental health and how we can take care of ourselves in a holistic way. Content warning: We’ll be talking about food and exercise. Important Sections: (0:56) Why You Need to Take Care of Yourself as a Freelancer (3:51) The Importance of Sleep (9:56) Drink Your Water (10:56) Eat to Feel Good (16:00) Move Your Body (18:00) Fix Your Posture (20:31) Take Care of Your Eyesight (22:22) Take Deep Breaths (23:22) Creating a Healthy Work Environment (27:00) How to Incorporate Positive Health Changes With Tiny Habits® Resources Mentioned: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
Instead of a typical goal-setting exercise to kick off the new year, I’m walking you through some writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Think of it more as a new year vibe check to help you ease into the year. If you want to set some goals for 2026, I encourage you to join us inside the Freelance Editors Club, where we’re running those exercises! Important Sections: (0:14) Why Writing Prompts? (2:45) Prompt One (3:17) Prompt Two (3:42) Prompt Three (3:58) Prompt Four (4:23) Prompt Five (5:29) Prompt Six (5:55) Prompt Seven (6:18) 2026 is Not a Race Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
I can’t believe I’m typing this, but we’ve made it to the final episode of The Modern Editor of 2025. Naturally, I decided to use this episode to reflect on what I’ve learned this year, both personally and in my business. I could easily talk about all the things that went wrong and the goals I didn’t hit this year, but I want to focus on the good instead. Two things can be true at once: The world can feel like it’s on fire, and I can be excited about my business. I can feel proud of what I’ve built and also wish it were growing faster. I think it’s important to hold space for the good and the bad, but celebrating the good doesn’t mean you're ignoring the bad. So without further ado, let’s celebrate the best of 2025. Important Sections: (4:07) Lesson One: The Importance of Systems (7:00) Lesson Two: It’s Okay for Priorities to Shift (9:53) Lesson Three: My Business Comes After My Family and Loved Ones—Always (11:25) Lesson Four: Things Are Going to Take Longer than You Expect or Want (13:48) Lesson Five: Find Something Outside of Your Business That Lights You Up (16:05) Lesson Six: Action is Always Going to Win Work with Me: Grab the Editing Contract Template Join the Freelance Editors Club
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