The Modern Editor Podcast

Are you on the fence about joining a book club? Over the years, I’ve had both good and bad experiences with book clubs, and I currently host one inside the Freelance Editors Club. In this episode, I’m sharing my top five reasons to join a book club and tips on finding the right one for you.I’d love for you to join us in the Freelance Editors Club and be part of our book club. We mostly read books that center around editing, writing, business building, and personal development. We also read a fun fiction book every December. You can find out more about it and join us here. Important Sections(1:04) 1: Educational Opportunities(2:00) 2: Community and Connection(3:31) 3: Accountability(4:38) 4: Reading Outside Your Usual Choices(5:42) 5: Hearing New Perspectives(6:48) How to Find a Book Club(11:37) Create Your Own Book Club(12:31) Join the Freelance Editors Club Book ClubResources MentionedFreelance Editors Club Book ClubWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Do you see other entrepreneurs seamlessly taking on new clients while you’re piecing together your processes like a puzzle? In today’s episode, Akua Konadu, host of the Independent Business Podcast, joins us to share valuable insights on how you can grow your business. Listen in as she breaks down some of the major findings that came out of the research behind Honeybook’s 2025 Growth Guide, along with key takeaways that’ll help you harness more business growth in 2025.Important Sections(1:34) The Quick and Dirty Summary of Honeybook and How it Can Help Grow Your Business(7:02) Understanding Honeybook’s Growth Guide(10:03) The Importance of Diversified Revenue Streams(14:13) Why You Need to Build Client Loyalty(19:48) How to Use the Revenue Benchmarking Tool(21:51) How Editors Can Leverage Retainer Clients to Grow Their Revenue(25:47) The Future of EntrepreneurshipResources Mentioned2025 Growth GuideThe Harris PollHoneybookConnect with AkuaWebsite: https://akuakonadu.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akuakonadu_/Work with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Are you ready to expand your offerings? Maybe you've elevated your skill set and you want to add a different type of editing, or maybe you want to create a product that'll meet more of your clients’ needs. In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to think through before you introduce a new product or service to your editing business. Is now the right time? How do you create new products? Then, how do you launch them? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!Important Sections(1:03) Why Not to Launch a New Product or Service(3:19) Do You Really Want to Create a New Product or Service?(5:27) Is the Product or Service Needed in the Industry?(7:57) Does This Product or Service Fit Into Your Existing Business(10:16) How to Create Your New Product or Service(13:56) Picking a Launch Date(15:42) Promoting Your New Product or Service(19:47) Assessing Your New Product or ServiceResources MentionedEditing Contract TemplateCanvaEpisode 14: 11 Ways to Market Your Editing Business Outside of Social MediaWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Have you ever felt “stuck” in your business or personal life? I’ve experienced this lately, so I wanted to share some tactics I use to help myself feel unstuck. I’m sharing these tips to illustrate that even coaches need coaches, just like editors need editors. I want to normalize the fact that everyone needs help.Sometimes I need someone else to tell me something in a different way or from a different perspective. I want to be up front that while I’m using these tactics I’m sharing with you, I’m also talking to my two coaches about my situation. I want this podcast to be supportive and help you move forward, but I also encourage you to ask for help when you need it.Important Sections(2:03) Start With Getting Curious(3:26) Tactic One: Take a Break(4:53) Tactic Two: Do a PITA Audit(9:04) Tactic Three: Create a New Habit(11:25) Tactic Four: Try Something New(14:58) Get Coached by MeResourced MentionedNotionTiny Habits CertificationTiny Habits by BJ FoggCanvaWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Do you have clear boundaries for your business? In this episode, we discuss what boundaries you should have as an editor, why they’re important, and how you can enforce them using contracts. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. I’m not a lawyer, but I am related to one, and we created an editing contract template that you can use with your editing clients. Find it here.Important Sections:(1:48) Do Boundaries Destroy Creativity?(3:28) The Basic Definition of a Contract(4:58) Adding Boundaries to Your Contracts Through Scope of Work(6:52) Setting Boundaries With Payment Arrangements(8:36) Creating Boundaries Around Deadlines(10:42) Boundaries Around Communication(13:15) Setting Boundaries Around Generative AI(15:31) Defining Boundaries Around Acknowledgments(18:31) How to Handle Contract Termination(19:52) Introducing My Editing Contract TemplateResources MentionedEpisode 7: Why You Need Boundaries in Your BusinessEditorial Freelancers AssociationEditors CanadaThe Paper It’s Written On bookMy new Editing Contract TemplateWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Should you review books as an editor? Back in the day, I used to be a book blogger (which is now called a book reviewer), but I stopped when I became an editor. Why? In today’s episode, I’m telling you exactly why.Disclaimer: I am not saying that editors cannot review books. Some people can do both and it works really well for them. I think you should do what feels right for you and your business. I’m simply sharing my experience and thoughts with you, and this is a judgment-free zone. This episode was inspired by the discourse I saw on Threads about this subject, so I hope my experience can add to the discussion.Resources MentionedEpisode 35 with Alex TembladorWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

When authors write about characters from different backgrounds, it’s important they do the research to understand why they’re writing the way they do—avoiding biases they may not realize they have. It’s our job to review this work, and today’s guest has created the tool and resource to make you a better editor. Alex Temblador joins us to share about her new book called Writing an Identity Not Your Own.This is Alex’s first nonfiction book, but she’s previously published two fiction books: Secrets of the Casa Rosada and Half Outlaw. She received her MFA in creative writing from the University of Central Oklahoma and is a contributor to Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America, and Speculative Fiction for Dreamers: A Latinx Anthology.She is an award-winning travel, arts, and culture journalist who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, publishing in the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, Outside, and Travel + Leisure, and speaking about such topics at SXSW, the Society of American Travel Writers, and the World Travel Market.Alex lives in Dallas, Texas, where she runs a literary panel series called LitTalk and is the executive director of Write Here DFW.Want a chance to win her book? St. Martin’s has kindly given me a copy to give away to a lucky podcast listener. Click here to enter.Important Sections(0:38) Meet Alex Temblador(2:53) Alex’s Writing Journey(9:17) How to Feel Confident Writing Other Identities(15:33) Confronting Your Biases to Grow as a Writer(20:58) The Editing Process For Writing an Identity Not Your Own(27:08) The Responsibility of Editors(31:29) How to Approach Writing Different Identities Based on Genre(39:16) Confronting Your Biases is a Continual JourneyConnect with AlexWriting an Identity Not Your Own on Bookshop.orgAlex’s website: https://www.alextemblador.com/Book website: https://www.writinganidentitynotyourown.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_temblador/X: https://twitter.com/alex_tembladorThreads: https://www.threads.net/@alex_tembladorEnter the giveaway to win the book here!Work with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

What do kids and editing have in common? In this episode, I’m sharing five nuggets that my kids have taught me that have helped me become a better editor and business owner. I always say that my kids teach me more than I teach them every day, but I didn’t expect there to be an overlap with my business.Disclaimer: you don’t need to have kids, want kids, or even like kids to get anything out of this episode. Now let’s dive in!Important Sections(0:56) Lesson One: Practice Makes Progress(3:28) Lesson Two: You Don’t Know How to Do Something…Yet(6:20) Lesson Three: Approaching New Things With a Growth Mindset(8:19) Lesson Four: Nothing Will Go According to Plan(10:31) Lesson Five: Things Don’t Take as Long as I Think They Do(13:44) Episode 35 TeaserResources MentionedEpisode 3: Why Mindset is More Than Just a BuzzwordEpisode 33: How to Take Time Off as a FreelancerParkinson’s LawWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Do you struggle with taking time off as a freelancer? When you’re your own boss and wear several hats, vacation time often gets put on the back burner. However, it’s up to us to take care of ourselves.In this episode, we’re talking about how to take both planned and unplanned time off as a freelancer. We’re going to talk about how to arrange your schedule so it's more conducive to taking breaks, how to work with some trusted colleagues, and how to honor your time off.Important Sections:(1:08) Taking Time Off is Easier Said Than Done(1:43) How to Schedule Time Off and Communicate it With Your Clients(6:05) Prepping For Your Time Off(8:50) Budgeting For Your Time Away(10:47) How to Take Unplanned Time Off(14:39) Give Yourself Grace and Honor Your Boundaries(17:55) Time Off Doesn’t Have to be a VacationResources Mentioned:YNAB appWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

Do you struggle with comparison? I believe we all compare ourselves to others throughout our lives. However, my hot take is that it’s not always a bad thing. In this episode, we’re talking about the positives and negatives of comparison. We’ll dig into when comparison hurts and discuss when and how to compare yourself to others in a beneficial way.Important Sections:(1:00) Why Am I Talking About Comparison?(4:44) Is Comparison the Thief of Joy?(7:03) How to Avoid Negative Comparison(8:43) How to Use Comparison in a Positive WayResources Mentioned:James ClearAtomic HabitsEpisode 3: Why Mindset is More Than Just a BuzzwordWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a great book to read. Over the past few months, there have been a lot of amazing new books published about editing, writing, and the publishing industry, and I wanted to share my recommendations with you today. The following books are listed in order of publication dates, and they’re linked to my Bookshop.org affiliate account. However, make sure you check out your local library or bookstores too. I chose books that can be read at any stage of your editing career. Some of them may seem like they’re for a specific type of editor, but I always encourage editors at all stages of their business to read outside of their specific skill set or preferred genre. For example, even though I’m a copyeditor, I still read books about developmental editing because a well-rounded editor makes for a great editor.Important Sections:(1:08) Why you should read all types of editing books(1:44) Book One: How to Enjoy Being Edited by Hannah de Kieijzer(2:25) Book Two: Developmental Editing by Scott Norton(3:06) Book Three: The Design of Books by Debbie Berne(3:38) Book Four: The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors by Erin Brenner(4:25) Book Five: The Conscious Style Guide by Karen Yin(4:57) Book Six: Writing an Identity Not Your Own by Alex Temblador(5:40) Book Seven: The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th EditionResources Mentioned:How to Enjoy Being Edited by Hannah de KaeijzerDevelopmental Editing by Scott NortonThe Design of Books by Debbie BerneThe Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors by Erin BrennerThe Conscious Style Guide by Karen YinWriting an Identity Not Your Own by Alex TembladorThe Chicago Manual of Style, 18th EditionWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

There is a fine line we walk when we approach burnout. I know this all too well, which is why today’s episode is our first release in seven months. After facing my own spout of burnout and still actively recovering from it, I knew I had to ask for help in my business and it has made all the difference. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a little about that journey and what you should consider if you’re ready to ask for help!Important Sections of the Conversation:1:04 - Discussing Burnout and Recovery3:58 - The Importance of Asking for Help6:40 - Tips for Delegating and Hiring Help16:19 - Personal Life and Final ThoughtsMentioned in This Episode:Episode 25: How to Find Time to Get Things DoneEpisode 26: How to Avoid (or Recover From) BurnoutThe Cure for BurnoutFreelance Editors Club Book ClubWork with Me:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubBook a 1:1 coaching session

With so much turmoil going on in the world, it can be hard to stay focused and find the motivation to continue with business as usual. Recently, I’ve often found myself asking, What’s the point? Who cares where this Oxford comma goes? None of this matters when atrocities are happening every day. We can feel helpless and hopeless. So, how do we keep moving forward? In this episode, I’m sharing some of the things that I’m doing to help me move forward every day. A few highlights from today’s episode are:04:11 – Remembering the things we can control05:07 – Finding joy and positivity in the small things08:07 – How our work as editors does matterConnect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

As a coach for freelance editors, one of the most common questions I get asked is about how many hours a day editors should be editing. And the answer is one of my favorites—it depends! In this episode, we’ll dive into specific questions you need to ask yourself that’ll help you figure out how many hours you should be editing in a day. Because (surprise, surprise!) it varies greatly for everyone. Here are some highlights below:03:49 – Looking at what a typical workday looks like for you, including downtime, interruptions, and caregiving requirements, and how they’ll play a factor in your editing hours08:05 – One question that may seem funny and irrelevant but is super important!16:01 – How you can use your editing hours to help determine your editing rate*Disclaimer: The math I attempted in this episode makes zero sense. I’m an editor, not a mathematician 🤣Connect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

In this short-and-sweet episode, we’re going to talk about what “booked out” means to you and if it’s something you even want to work toward (it might not be!). I want to stress that being booked out is not bad or wrong. And for anyone new here, when one of us succeeds, we all succeed!In this episode, I’ll touch on the following:03:20 – What does being “booked out” mean?04:05 – Why it doesn’t help to play the comparison game09:32 – How one of my coaching clients realized being booked out wasn’t even a goal for herConnect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

*Content warning: This episode discusses depression, anxiety, and eating habits.*When you’re a solopreneur and wear all the hats, you can get too much on your plate very quickly. It accumulates fast, sneaks up on you, and suddenly you’re stretched way too thin. Your energy, motivation, and capacity quite literally burn out. In this episode, I talk about my recent experience with burnout, some warning signs and symptoms to look out for, and provide you with some tips that helped me return to my version of normal. You’ll hear the following:03:23 – Why I ignored the signs and kept adding to my plate11:56 – Why it’s important to learn to recognize your signs and symptoms of burnout13:08 – My two biggest takeaways from my recent burnoutConnect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

It’s the million-dollar question: Where does all our time go? To help answer that question, I’m going to walk you through my process for figuring out where our time goes, what we spend our time doing, and how we can “earn” some of our time back.Here’s what we’re going to cover:What’s a time audit, and how I use it to see where my time is spentGetting real with the results of your time audit. Is this really how you want to be spending your time?How a time audit can help you discover areas you can redistribute your time Discussed in this episode:TogglHarvest Connect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

It’s time to put on your CEO hat! I’m walking you through my monthly process of how I review my business in order to stay organized and wrap up each month.We’re going to cover a lot in this episode, but keep an eye out for these highlights:02:37 – How I ensure that a particular CEO task gets done every month06:18 – The financial tool I use that gives me peace of mind11:30 – The 3-2-1 backup rule that you may not have heard of15:49 – A small trick that has been a game changer for me when it comes to decision-making and sticking to my goalsDiscussed in the episode:The Visibility MethodYou Need a Budget (YNAB) (affiliate link)Connect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

Tax season—that time of year dreaded by most. And while filing your taxes as a freelance business owner is a much different ball game than doing them as a W2 employee, if you get organized, stay organized, and follow my tips, tax time will go smoother than you think.In this episode, you’ll learn the following:04:37 – My number one tip to keep your finances organized from the beginning08:07 – What’s a deduction, and what the IRS considers an expense11:38 – A surprising expense that can be deducted from your taxes if you work from home (I had no idea!)15:43 – Books are considered a business expense?! (Use your common sense and good judgment and ask your accountant first)Discussed in the episode:California AB5IRS estimated taxesIRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) applicationConnect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook

It’s always helpful to get a glimpse into how others approach their editing projects. No two editors are the same, and there isn’t one right way to get the job done. So whether it’s for new tips, things you haven’t thought of, or just to make your process more efficient, I’m sharing ten prechecks I do at the beginning of every copyediting project I take on.In this episode, you’ll learn the following:03:35 – The number one rule I check for and we should all be following in 202305:58 – One tool in CMOS that is going to be your best friend08:30 – How to get your hands on my 60-page Elevate Your Editing Resource Guide, which includes 300+ commonly confused words10:43 – A quick way to switch out straight quotes and apostrophes for curlyConnect:Book a free 15-minute callJoin the Freelance Editors ClubTara on InstagramTara on Facebook