This month we introduce you to Karen, a professional editor with a keen interest in travelling and a love for animals.
Karen, please tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a military brat, hence I’ve lived in various cities across the country and attended no less than 6 schools. Even if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t have it any other way; I had a great childhood! When I’m not working, I occupy myself by baking, reading and watching movies. One day I hope to travel to some of the countries I have read about while working for a travel guide publisher. But what gives me the greatest happiness is volunteering at animal shelters and looking after stray dogs and cats.
What motivated you to pursue editing as a career?
My interest in editing developed while I was in school, when I was a member of the school magazine board. Although my role then didn’t involve editing as much as it did layouts, it still aroused in me a curiosity about the publishing world and the possibility of becoming an editor in the future. After having studied English Literature, at both the BA and MA level, it only seemed natural to get into an industry that would allow me to play around with language on a daily basis.
How did you prepare for this career?
I never actually “prepared” to become an editor. I was told about an opening in the editorial department of a well-known company and applied for the job. Three years later I’m still in the same field.
What is it you like most about editing/proof reading?
I get immense pleasure from spotting grammatical errors and badly constructed sentences and an even greater satisfaction in correcting them. That is never going to change!
What qualities make you a better editor?
I believe an eye for detail and sentence construction and a willingness to consult a dictionary when in doubt are the qualities that enhance my editorial skills.
What is the best feedback you have received about your work?
The best feedback I have received till date is that I display an eagerness to learn more about the work I am involved with, very often taking the initiative to read up more on the project I am working on.
What tips would you offer a newbie editor?
The work can be boring at times but so is everything at some point of time. Nevertheless, persevere and you shall be rewarded.
Is there any particular genre that you enjoy editing?
I enjoy editing travel writing because I have always had a keen interest in history, culture and geography. Travel writing gives me an insight into people and places I may otherwise never get a chance to visit or it could spark an interest in a place I may never have thought about visiting.
What recommendations do you have for writers who are ready to submit their work for editing? What are pitfalls to avoid?
It’s easy to get tangled up when trying to make text sound more flowery so keep it simple, avoid convoluted sentences and retain the clarity of your thoughts during the process of writing.
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Comments:
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Commented by fanny
Karen loves to correct grammar and convoluted sentences. I’m reminded of Barack Obama campaigning for the Presidency. I was reading the numerous comments on him when I picked on one that said that she enjoyed his mastery of the English language.