It’s summer! I love this time of year. The sun comes out, the gloom and rain lift, and I can spend a few hours a day outside, reading or making notes. It’s also the time when a lot of authors and publishers reach out with unfinished projects, deadlines, or work they still want to accomplish this year. Lately, one of the most common client calls I’ve had are from busy professionals looking to finish books and meet deadlines. The challenge? If they’re publishing on their own, they haven’t reserved the time or financial resources they need for professional editing.
Do you want your book to be successful? A professional editor brings time, talent, and energy, which is a professional service. Some editors charge by the word or the page and their rates can be lower than mine, but they also don’t provide advice, suggestions, or necessarily care about your vision. Beware editors who don’t want to meet and hear your story, and beware those who simply send a rate card, perform the work, and send your manuscript back to you. Your editor should be a publishing professional with previous publishing experience. Operating with editors who work with professional authors and publishers is an investment. It’s not a shortcut for cost cutting.
Hobby Businesses vs. Full Time: I had a potential client inquire if I was a full-time editor or if this was just a side-hustle for me. I’m not sure why it hit me in a strange way, but it made me pause. I am a full time editor, ghostwriter, and content collaborator, but I’ve worked with a lot of talented industry professionals who edited or wrote books as a sideline. But does it make a difference? I’m not sure it does unless you’re concerned you editor has over-committed him or herself and your project will suffer. Authors and publishers should look for editors who present themselves and conduct business in a professional way. Most importantly look for an editor that connects you and your project.
Prescribing Connection: I’ve been working on a lot of health-related books this spring. There’s a lot of groundbreaking research translating into real consumer solutions in the world these days, so I was especially struck by this article from Axios Health on connections, or more specifically, that in some countries, doctors are beginning to prescribe the cure to patients that they get out into the world. The hope is that by prescribing classes, activities, walking groups, and social gatherings, doctors can combat the societal impacts of the loneliness epidemic and keep people out of hospitals and health care systems, especially as they age. The data is beginning to trickle in and early results of social prescribing already show lower rates of depression and prescription drug use. Want to learn more about how this is working in the US? Social Prescribing USA is championing the movement.
The Great Walking Cure: I’ve long been a happy advocate of the long walk. (The 12-Hour Walk and Cal Newport’s Deep Work). Lately Solopreneur Coach Jenni Gritters has ended many of her newsletters with a “Walk With It Prompt” — a question to ponder similar to a yoga intention. Maybe it’s zooming out to focus on what you do well or reviewing your lessons learned for the week. The long walk is a proven technique both for thinking and, as The Culturist notes, lifting brain fog. Or, Friedrich Nietzsche once said “never trust a thought that occurs to you indoors”.
The Power of Handwriting: The only class my mother only made me take in high school was typing. She didn’t see the computer age coming, but rather wanted me to have a fall-back skill. In her mind, I would always be employable if I could type. She was also, though, a stickler for handwriting. Thank you notes, calendars, lists, and more — she taught me to “write it down” — on paper. And while I definitely use the notes app on my phone for those thoughts I don’t want to lose, I find value in the literal written word. For me? I still keep a handwritten planner so I can jot notes or insight. I find value in making call notes, manuscript analysis, or even to-do lists on the famous yellow legal pad. I love sending handwritten thank you notes and post cards, and I journal. But why aren’t more people joining the handwriting bandwagon? Some people never learned handwriting in school — or rather, they learned to print which is more time consuming than cursive writing. Others have a sole belief in the digital, paperless record. But we are now learning that the bring interacts different with pen and paper. Handwriting stimulates different parts of the brain and, quite literally, changes the way we think. There are hosts of articles but this is a clear one from Marie Claire on the cognitive benefits of connecting your brain to paper.
Writing in a Journal, Perhaps? What are some easy ways to get started writing your thoughts by hand? Elisabeth Andrews’ essay on why we’re afraid to journal is great insight about overcoming the fear of self-inquiry. A great pen and journal are great inspiration to start your handwriting journey. Try writing down your weekly plan or project list by hand or even create a weekly summary of your wins and lessons learned. Commit to handwriting a thank you or “just because” note to a friend or family member each week. Or use your new handwriting project as an excuse to treat yourself to a really great pen or pocket-sized notebook. Have your gone back to handwriting and do you see a difference? I’d love to hear your experience!
Samual Pepys Diary: I’ve long had this popular daily diary of 17th century London on my to-read list, but now, everyone can follow the day-to-day doings of this popular diarist by reading his daily entry from today’s modern date (right now, we’re in 1663). As he makes his daily visits and rounds, he notes the goings-ons with businesses, people, the king, and theater. He even touches on food, wine, and fine living! It gives us a glimpse today from the inside of the life of a man-about-town with the latest in gossip and news. You can view the site daily or ask it to delivery your daily entry by email. (It’s pronounced “Peeps” by the way.)
I’m deep in writing several book proposals for authors and agents so look for some new books this fall! I’m also taking on a substantial fiction project that is teaching me new problem solving skills every day. If you’re looking for an editor who can develop your ms, help you with titling, positioning, and the structure of your chapters, you want an editor who will work with you as a resource and share your vision. Let’s talk about your project!
Renee
Web: connectorcreator.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewilmeth/
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What Am I Reading Right Now? The Count of Monte Cristo! What a ride and a reminder of why it’s such a cherished classic.
What Am I Cooking? Over Memorial Day weekend, I made the Kentucky Butter Cake that’s been making the rounds. Delicious! And perfect with summer strawberries.
What Am I Watching? Oh, come on now, you know I’m halfway through the Yellowstone spin-off Dutton Ranch on Paramount Plus. Beth, Rip, and Ed Harris. The perfect summer guilty pleasure television.
Connecting. Creating. 
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