by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

Editing suspense and thriller novels requires a different approach than editing other genres. The primary objective of most suspense and thriller novels is to keep the reader captivated and engaged throughout the story. Editing is essential in achieving this goal, as it helps the author fine-tune their work.

Here are four steps that can aid in effectively editing suspense and thriller novels while ensuring the reader remains on the edge.

1. Understand the Elements of Suspense and Thriller Novels

Before an editor can effectively edit a thriller or suspense novel, they must first understand the unique elements of these genres. Suspense and thriller novels are characterized by their focus on tension, mystery, anticipation, and posing a question. They often involve a protagonist in danger, a villain actively working against the protagonist, and unexpected plot twists and turns. At its core, every story poses a question and provides an answer by the end. However, the suspense and thriller genres amplify the anticipation for that answer.

2. Focus on Pacing and Tension

To keep readers engaged, suspense and thriller novels must have a good pacing that builds tension throughout the story. Editors should pay close attention to the story’s pacing, ensuring that it ebbs and flows to keep the reader engaged and on their toes. They should also work with the author to heighten tension in critical moments, such as during a confrontation between the protagonist and the villain.

Suspense is derived from the verb “to suspend,” meaning to hold back or delay something. When we experience suspense, we know something will happen, but we don’t know when or how it will occur. This creates a sense of anxiety and tension that keeps the audience engaged and eager to find out what happens next.

While any book can introduce a character and give them a problem to solve, the editor of a suspense or thriller novel plays a vital role in supporting the author. The editor’s role is critical in maintaining reader engagement, especially when there are delays in resolving the main problem. By editing the manuscript, the editor helps maintain the suspense and keeps the reader hooked.

3. Ensure Consistency

Suspense and thriller novels frequently have intricate storylines and a large cast of characters. By working together, authors and editors can create a compelling and well-crafted story, where every character is fully fleshed out and the plot is coherent. Any inconsistencies or plot holes can easily break the reader’s immersion and spoil the suspense and tension the author has carefully built.

4. Pay Attention to Detail

When editing suspense and thriller novels, attention to small details can make all the difference. Editors should focus on elements such as the timing of events, placement of clues, and consistency of character motivations. Although these details may appear insignificant, they are crucial in determining the story’s success, so it is vital to meticulously scrutinize them to guarantee the book’s overall success.

When editing a suspense or thriller novel, a deep understanding of the unique elements that define these genres is required. The editor’s primary responsibility is to manage the story’s pacing while keeping the tension high. Consistency is key, and paying close attention to even the smallest details is essential to help authors create compelling stories that keep readers engaged until the words—“the end.”

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, EdD, is a writer/content editor. She works for Iron Stream Media as a book coach/editor. She’s a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines and an editor/contributor for Inkspirations. She is the board’s vice chair for the 540 Writers community. Her writing has been published in Guideposts.

By Ken Walker

Earlier this year, a fellow freelancer told me he had passed along my name to a publisher looking for some editing help. Before the man and I talked, I looked over his organization’s website and liked what I saw. In our conversation, I learned the job was strictly editing: condensing material from transcribed interviews and adding some background material about the interviewee. It appeared I could easily fit this into other ongoing projects. I suggested he send me an assignment and see how it went. He agreed. The way he talked, I expected it in a day or two.

When it didn’t come, I emailed to ask about it. I received an apologetic note several days later; the publisher had gotten busy and would send it that week.

That week never came. Why this man wasted my time and never had the courtesy to explain why is beyond me. But it happens, just like it did a couple years ago.

After a pleasant conversation, an editor asked if I were interested in editing a memoir that would be self-published. I told her if she sent it soon, I could start on it before we went on vacation. A week later, I emailed to ask about the manuscript. No reply. Another email. No reply.

There are other, similar experiences from my freelancing career that have taught me to be very specific when talking with an author or editor about a prospective job: 1) When can I expect to receive the material? 2) What kind of deadline is involved? 3) What is the fee? 4) Do you have any particular expectations? 5) Is there anything else I need to know? Making assumptions without nailing down details is a prescription for disappointment or disillusionment. While doing so doesn’t make the sting of folks who ghost you any easier, it helps to remember that God has your back.

To illustrate, on Aug. 1 I received a note asking if I could copy-edit a devotional. The editor would send it two weeks later and wanted it finished two weeks after that. Since I didn’t know if I would get the developmental editing job I had bid on, I said yes. I didn’t get the editing job, but the author did pay me (in advance) to clean up his endnotes. After bearing down to get the notes finalized, on the morning of Aug. 15 I emailed the editor to ask if she would be sending the devotional manuscript soon. At noon, she said no; the author had been hospitalized.

Fortunately, I had decided to not allow the 2023 Rollercoaster to upset me. Three days later, I received a note from an editor with a company I had worked for previously, asking if I could handle a developmental edit. A few weeks later, I had a healthy deposit in my bank account. I’m in the final stages of the manuscript as I write these words. It’s good to know that God never ghosts us.

Ken Walker is an experienced ghostwriter, coauthor, and book editor who has written, edited, or contributed to more than 90 books. They include a number of professionally published books in the fields of health, personal experience, and teaching, and self-published memoirs—the latter a growing niche in the publishing world. Ken is also an experienced freelance writer, having written for a variety of national publications. He is still a regular contributor to websites of two denominations. Ken enjoys using his writing and editing skills to help others relate what God has done in their lives. Samples of his work are available on his website, www.KenWalkerWriter.com, or you can email kenwalker33@gmail.com.

By Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

At the beginning of my teaching career, I focused on helping my students improve their writing skills. I created an editor’s table to meet with them one-on-one and provide feedback on their work to achieve this goal.

During these sessions, I emphasized the fundamentals of grammar and English and guided them in becoming experts at editing their work. I found spending time together this way invaluable, and I soon realized that my students were learning much more quickly than before. Their enthusiasm and motivation to improve stemmed from feeling heard, seen, and valued.

Little did I know I would become a professional editor years later. However, I still use the same techniques I used with my students, which proved very effective. When working with clients, I find it crucial to review their work together and explain why I made specific changes or suggestions. Additionally, I highlight the strengths and unique qualities of their writing, as I never want an author to lose confidence in their voice.

As editors, we can shape and refine the written word, helping our clients grow in their craft and confidence. Our job is both an art and a science. We must balance precision with creativity and maintain the author’s voice while making necessary changes to improve the work. However, editing isn’t just about fixing errors and making changes. It’s also about building relationships with authors and treating our work as a ministry where people feel heard, seen, and valued.

Here are five tips for winning hearts as an editor:

1. Approach our work with humility and compassion.

As an editor, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we know best, yet it’s essential to approach our work with humility and compassion. Remember, we’re working with real people who have poured their heart and soul into their writing. We should be kind and gentle in our feedback, always giving the author the benefit of the doubt.

2. Listen to the author’s needs and concerns.

Every author has a unique voice and vision for their writing. It’s our job as editors to help them achieve that vision. Listening to their needs and concerns helps to ensure we’re on the same page before making any changes. It also builds trust and respect between us and the author.

3. Be clear and concise in giving feedback.

When giving feedback, it’s vital to be clear and concise. Use specific examples to illustrate our points and avoid vague or overly critical language. Remember that our goal is to help the author improve their work, not tear them down.

4. Celebrate the author’s successes.

Editing can be a tough job, but it’s also gratifying. When an author makes progress or achieves success, be sure to celebrate their accomplishments. Take every opportunity to congratulate authors on a job well done and remind them that we’re there to support them.

5. Pray for the author and their work.

Finally, remember that editing is a ministry. As we work with authors, take time to pray for them and their work. Ask God to give them wisdom, creativity, and inspiration. Pray that their work would bring glory to God and touch the hearts of those who read it.

In conclusion, editing is more than a job. It’s a ministry that requires kindness, compassion, and a heart for serving others. By following these tips, we can win the hearts of authors and help them achieve their writing goals.

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, EdD, is a writer/content editor. She works for Iron Stream Media as a book coach/editor. She’s a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines and an editor/contributor for Inkspirations. She is the board’s vice chair for the 540 Writers community. Her writing has been published in Guideposts.

By Jayna Baas

Are you an editor who also writes fiction? Or do you have a fiction story burning inside of you? Fiction writing is a real challenge. Unlike editing, there aren’t established rules to follow to ensure success. We have to dream up creative ideas. We have to compete with thousands of other stories in our genre. We have to believe in ourselves—which may be the toughest obstacle to overcome. And we have to be persistent until we cross that finish line. Then we have to hope our book somehow bobs to the surface and is noticed in the vast ocean of published books.

It’s tempting to think it’s too hard to succeed. Is it worth it to invest vast amounts of time, money, and effort to publish our stories? Do people even read anymore with all the videos, movies, and gaming options they can turn to for entertainment? Will AI-generated books take over? Are original Christian novels dying out? Who can we ask?

A panel of highly acclaimed publishing experts are here to dispel rumors and address concerns in an outstanding conference called “The Art of Writing.” Experts from Revell, WaterBrook & Multnomah, Tyndale House Publishers, and ACFW, plus award-winning authors are ready to share their secrets with you. There is even an option to add on publisher consultations.

The virtual event, hosted by ECPA and the Christy Awards, will be held on Thursday evenings: Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m. CT. The price is $69, which includes both the live session plus access to recordings for all four webinars. But we have a special discount for you! If you are a member of The Christian PEN or Christian Editor Connection or have attended a PENCON conference, you can receive $20 off by using code CEAspecial when signing up. If you are not a PEN or CEC member or PENCON attendee, learn more about the divisions of Christian Editors Association here.

You will be encouraged and informed after listening to what these industry professionals reveal about fiction writing today. Check out the amazing speakers and sessions here: https://christyawards.com/conference.html.

The deadline for signing up is Nov. 9, 2023, but sign up before Oct. 19 to access the live sessions instead of replay.

Jayna Baas is the current PEN Director and has been in love with words ever since she learned to use them. As a freelance editor, she specializes in copyediting and proofreading for a polished reading experience. As a Christian fiction author, she is passionate about helping fellow writers present Christ-honoring messages with confidence and excellence. Jayna lives in northern Michigan, where she enjoys gardening, good coffee, and time with family.

Written by Denise Loock

If you still shop in a bricks-and-mortar store, maybe you’re first attracted to a book cover by its title or author. But what’s the next thing you do? Flip the book over and read the back cover copy (BCC). Those few paragraphs usually determine whether you take the book to cashier or put it back on the shelf.

If you shop for books on Amazon, as millions do, you may type in the author or title you want, purchase the book, and check out in minutes. But if you’re trying a new author or looking for a specific topic, the BCC often determines whether you’ll select that book or choose another.

As more and more of my clients choose self-publishing or hybrid publishing, I’ve added BCC to my list of services. Here are some common mistakes authors make, followed by some tips on creating effective copy.

Mistake 1

Too much information. Readers invest less than a minute on BCC, so don’t try to cover the whole plot (fiction) or all the key points (nonfiction). The more words your clients use, the smaller the font size must be, and the more crowded the cover will appear.

Solution

Focus on the main character’s central goal, motivation, conflict (fiction) or the key takeaways (nonfiction). Keep BCC short and engaging—150 words or less. Use short paragraphs, maybe even a one-sentence paragraph, to grab the reader’s attention. Don’t waste words by using meaningless sentence starters. Instead use specific nouns followed by vivid verbs and precise adjectives. Think movie trailer, thirty-second commercial, one-page magazine ad, or billboard.

 Mistake 2

Too much focus on the book’s content (nonfiction) or plot (fiction). In nonfiction, authors tend to summarize content in the BCC. In fiction, they may give too much of the plot away without helping the potential reader identify with and care about the protagonist.

Solution

In nonfiction, authors should emphasize how the content will benefit readers. Lead with a felt need, then demonstrate how the book will address that issue and provide specific, practical solutions. Readers should know what the author is promising and how the promise(s) will be fulfilled.

In fiction, the goal is to hook readers with the protagonist’s complex yet relatable problem. If readers can’t identify with the main character, they won’t invest time and money to find out what happens to him or her. The author doesn’t want to give away the ending either. Sure, if the book’s a romance, readers know the main characters end up together, but don’t focus on that in the BCC.

Mistake 3

Too much emphasis on the author. Especially in memoir or biography, the BCC can tell too much of the author’s story without demonstrating how the book benefits readers (see mistake 2).

Solution

Use the fiction techniques given above to engage readers—make them care about the author and relate to his or her story but clearly indicate how the book provides information, insights, and instruction that will enable readers to navigate similar life issues.

Like every other part of writing, BCC is a skill that requires practice, precision, and pizzazz. Encourage clients to read the BCC of books in their genre. What hooks them? What keeps them reading? Offer more than your clients expect by helping them write effective BCC.

Denise Loock is the owner of Lightning Editing Services. She teaches Editing Devotionals 101 and Sentence Diagramming 101 for The PEN Institute and is the director of PENCON, the only annual conference for Christian proofreaders and editors.

By Rebecca Faith

My previous posts in the Productivity series focused on ways to improve productivity by putting your brain in work mode, by taking care of yourself physically, and by future-casting and scheduling. This topic deals with the most effective way to derail your productivity: chasing butterflies.

Butterflies Are Harmless Beauties, Aren’t They?

No. They are evil witches dressed in gossamer costumes intended to fool you and draw you into a bottomless pit of lost time. A butterfly is anything that flits across your sight line and draws your attention away from the business at hand. These wispy temptations flutter by at an alarming frequency through the electronic tools we need to do our work—a double-winged assault on our time and productivity.

Have you, like me, sat down to read your Bible and a notification on your phone caught your attention? Did you pick up the phone “just to read one thing” and before you know it an hour has passed, it’s past time to start work, and you haven’t read a single Bible verse? Or you decide to read a few news stories from your phone while taking an afternoon coffee break, but the next thing you know it’s time to start dinner and you never made it back to your desk? One peek at an electronic butterfly more often than not grabs me by the throat and steals my focused work time. Whether they come from my smartphone, my desktop, or my television, they are insidious.

These are the very tools of my work, yet they have strong potential to kick me off track. We have wonderful tools to make editing so much more efficient than our predecessors, but I posit that society as a whole is more distracted than ever before. The responsibility for keeping the butterflies corralled and behaved rests squarely on me, and unless and until I get down and dirty with distractions, all my best intentions, my best business plan, and my best schedule will be useless.

Block the Butterflies

Solutions to the proclivity to chase butterflies must come from each individual because each of us knows where the butterflies show up in our lives, but here are a few ideas:

1. Let your family members and friends know your work hours. Set the expectation that you won’t answer phone calls or texts during those times. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” when you want to work. My iPhone allows me to silence all notifications except those I must see, such as a call from a child’s school or an elderly parent’s caregiver. Hide alerts to group texts and group chats.
2. Use whatever means necessary to make sure you get your act together in the morning to be at your desk at the time your schedule says to be there. We may not have to punch a time clock, but we can’t be productive if we aren’t punctual to our home office.
3. If you play computer games, get them off your work computer or do whatever it takes to remove the temptation to play “just a few minutes to relax.” A few minutes of relaxing solitaire is never either of those things.
4. Keep open on your work computer only the browser pages and files you need to do the work at hand. It’s very easy to see a new email or notification on the file tab and get sucked into lost minutes finding out what it is. Be ruthless in separating from social media during your work hours. Do whatever it takes to avoid checking Snapchat, Facebook, or X except during specified times when you aren’t working.

What strategy works best to keep you from chasing electronic butterflies? Perhaps you can share them in the comments.

Raising a border wall against distraction takes work and practice, but it can be done. As with any discipline, the more we consciously work at it the more proficient we become. In the same way, the longer we nurture a bad habit, the harder it becomes to kick. Tony Schwartz, CEO of the Energy Project, claims that “the more we allow ourselves to be distracted, the more diminished our capacity for absorbed attention becomes over time. Much like an unused muscle, our attention grows weaker and shorter with disuse.”[1]

True Confession

I’m presently struggling with these butterflies. This was a difficult and convicting piece to write.

[1] Tony Schwartz with Jean Tomes and Catherine McCarthy, The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance (New York: Free Press, 2010), 190.

Rebecca began editing engineering papers in 2010 through a providential set of circumstances that taught her to never underestimate what God can do. Although she still edits for the engineering client, she also edits nonfiction Christian material for individual clients, an independent publisher, the Truth For Life radio ministry, and a wide variety of nonfiction topics for university presses, PhD students, a laboratory press, and independent authors.

Rebecca lives in northeast Ohio and is active in her church and rural community. You can contact her at rebecca@faitheditorial.com.

Written by Jayna Baas

Welcome to our bimonthly blog series for “newbie” editors. You’ve finally taken the plunge into professional editing—congratulations! Or perhaps you’re still testing the waters. In either case, you may be wondering, Where do I start?

One of the first questions new editors ask is how much they should charge for their services. The Christian PEN is excited to announce our new Christian freelance editing rate chart! This chart includes ranges of rates, both per-word and hourly, that show the full spectrum of fees charged by Christian freelance editors, as well as “average” rates that show the fees most commonly charged for specific services. These averages are simply a guide to what is often an appropriate fee for a certain service.

There is no single “right” way to handle rates. Each editor is different, as is each project. Here are some things to consider as you decide your rates:

1. Experience.

It’s fine (and often wise) for new editors to charge less than experienced editors charge. You may also choose to take some jobs pro bono or for a reduced rate to get more experience or assist in a ministry opportunity. But never undersell yourself—your time is valuable, and clients who pay full price often have a higher respect for the editor’s recommendations. Surprisingly, editors who raise their rates often see an increase in clients.

2. Level or type of service.

Some forms of editing, such as developmental editing, usually warrant higher rates. Writing-for-hire services like ghostwriting have an especially high price tag. Other types of editing (proofreading, for example) may typically be “cheaper” but are worth higher rates if the work is very involved. Freelancers have the ability to adjust their rates for especially difficult or complex projects. If you would like to learn more about the levels and types of editing services freelancers offer, visit our new Editing Definitions page.

3. Type of client.

Similar to the previous point, some types of clients will require more complicated help even for standard editing needs. For instance, pastors or instructors who want to turn their lectures into books usually do not approach their projects from a writer’s perspective, so it’s normal for editors to charge a little more because of the extra work these projects entail. Some clients may also need extra help if they are new writers or if English is their second language.

You’ll also need to decide if you want to list your rates on your website or simply tell potential clients to contact you for a quote. No matter how you decide to charge, keep track of the time you spend editing. Even if you charge by the word, tracking your time will allow you to estimate how much you actually make per hour.

Freelancing gives you the flexibility to adjust your rates as you learn more about the business of editing. You’ll gain confidence as you gain experience and familiarize yourself with The Chicago Manual of Style and The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style. But even as you learn, your time and skill are valuable, and treating them that way is one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence.

Thank you for subscribing to PEN Tips, and we hope you continue to enjoy the education, tips, and inspiration we offer.

Jayna Baas is the current PEN Director and has been in love with words ever since she learned to use them. As a freelance editor, she specializes in copyediting and proofreading for a polished reading experience. As a Christian fiction author, she is passionate about helping fellow writers present Christ-honoring messages with confidence and excellence. Jayna lives in northern Michigan, where she enjoys gardening, good coffee, and time with family.

 Written by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

The past few years have presented unique challenges to me that I never saw coming, beginning with the sudden death of my younger brother with whom I shared a close relationship. My mother passed away eight weeks later, and the trauma of fractured familial relationships followed. My husband’s sudden acute illness threatened to take his life. A snakebite brought my daughter, a first-grade teacher, to the brink of death. These were times when I desperately needed soul care.

Most of us have heard of self-care but often neglect to pay proper attention to the care of our souls. Both involve rest and refreshment, but soul-care brings Jesus into the equation, which results in lasting change.

As editors, we often juggle various projects and clients while managing our complicated, messy lives. We might not be able to control our challenging circumstances, but we can work on purposefully caring for our souls.

During adversity, I’ve found it crucial to purposefully protect my relationship with God while pampering my soul.

5 Essential Soul Care Tips for Editors

Choose to Seek God’s Presence Actively

Coming into God’s presence means being aware of Him daily. We’re called instead to have the “mind of Christ” and keep our focus on the one who created us and knows every single aspect of our lives.

Actively Manage Stress

Part of having the mind of Christ is being a better gatekeeper of what we choose to allow into our lives. Some stress is inevitable, but we don’t need to add to it. We can use Philippians 4:8 as a guideline.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
(Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Read our Bibles Daily

Immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us recognize things, ideas, and thoughts that aren’t from God. Reading God’s Word helps us to stay educated, centered, and encouraged.

Continually Pray

Practice consistent communication with God. Prayer can be specific and bold. It keeps us centered on Him and His answers to life’s questions and dilemmas.

Practice Daily Gratitude

Being thankful daily helps us see the blessings we can easily overlook or take for granted. It gives us a contentment that doesn’t rely on our circumstances. Practicing gratitude helps us see God’s sufficiency and turns our focus to Him.

What Does the Bible Say About Soul-Care?

The ultimate purpose of soul-care is to center our lives on God. It focuses on Jesus, who brings lasting peace and joy. Instead of distracting ourselves from the stress, we focus on how God can meet our needs. Soul-care helps us fight daily temptations and have peace with Him. The term soul-care isn’t in the Bible. Yet, we can see essential concepts in Scripture highlighting why we need to care for our souls. A biblical definition of the soul is the immortal part of our physical body and involves our mind, emotions, and the ability to respond to God and others.

What Biblically Sound Soul-Care Isn’t

While there’s nothing wrong with treating ourselves to self-care practices like spa treatments, new clothes, and vacations, we must remember that constant preoccupation with ourselves and our interests is dangerous. We shouldn’t let them be our norm when we need to prioritize sacred rest, refreshment, and nourishment. It’s about balance and giving precedence to God, who truly satisfies our soul. If we obsess about self-care practices and neglect the care of our souls, we will defeat the purpose of how God intends us to care for body, mind, and soul fully and appropriately.

 Scriptures About Soul Care

In this letter from John to his friend Gaius, he showed his concern for his friend’s physical and spiritual health and

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
(3 John 1:2 NIV)

Our emotions live within our souls. Jesus said:

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”
(John 12:27 NIV)

“And Mary said, ‘My soul glorifies the Lord.’”
(Luke 1:46 NIV)

Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that losing their souls meant missing out on who God created us to be and an eternal life with Him.

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
(Matthew 16:26 NIV)

Our souls belong to God, who created us in His image.

“For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.”
(Ezekiel 18:4 NIV)

We reflect God’s nature and image and are priceless souls from Him. We often put great emphasis on the care of our physical bodies. We do things like eat healthy and exercise. However, the best approach to developing our spiritual growth is to care for our spiritual health.

Why Is Soul Care Vital for Editors?

Caring for our souls means working alongside the Holy Spirit to bring glory to God, who created us. Caring for our souls means consistently becoming more like Jesus. To become more Christlike, we need nourishment and renewal in our souls. God desires that our needs be met as we nurture a relationship with Him. This is where we find proper rest. Soul-care can also be considered an act of worship. Caring for our souls helps us focus on God while giving Him the glory in and through our lives. We fill ourselves with God to fulfill the greatest commandment.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
(Matthew 22:37–38 NIV)

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, EdD, is a writer/content editor. She works for Iron Stream Media as a book coach/editor. She’s a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines and an editor/contributor for Inkspirations. She is the board’s vice chair for the 540 Writers community. Her writing has been published in Guideposts.

Written by Ken Walker

If your home office is like mine, it’s a jumble of cords, cables, power-surge protectors, and other electronic minutiae. Yet these days my computer desk is less cluttered, thanks to two recent technology purchases.

The first is my wireless ink jet printer. After my corded version started acting up, tried to install itself as my default printer, and proved impossible for printing photos, I ran out of patience.

Since I prefer in-store purchases to online browsing, I headed for Office Depot. Ironically, they were out of the model I liked, but with free shipping I didn’t mind waiting a few days for it to arrive.

Ordinarily, I would have picked the one that used a USB cable, but the wireless version was more economical. Despite my trepidation over setting up a wireless printer, I forged ahead.

Describing my set-up mode experience would be akin to a Keystone Kops episode on technology. It required biting my tongue as I tried to decipher the instructions and longed for the days when they came on printed paper.

However, once I got the hang of it, I was more than pleased. My new inkjet is much faster and produces clearer, crisper copies when I need something in color.

As a bonus, just before buying this printer, the owner of the small computer shop I frequent said he only uses compatibles—cheaper, off-brand versions—with his printers. I followed his tip and now get ink and toner at a fraction of the cost of “authentic” containers.

Even better is the wireless mouse I purchased two months ago after I misplaced (yes, right in my office) the one I had used with laptop #2.

I keep two laptops on hand in order to use my main machine for transcribing notes from video clips or Zoom calls on my main laptop while using laptop #2 for video.

After searching for a week, I quit trying to figure out what I had done with the old mouse and headed back to Office Depot. I was close to selecting the $29 version when I noticed that the $34 model included the ability to use it with three separate computers. I liked the idea of retiring the corded mouse I had been using with my main computer.

The multi-machine aspect is a small bonus. The leading feature of my wireless mouse is the ease with which it glides across my desk (no pad needed). Its trackball moves the cursor up and down the monitor effortlessly, especially in comparison to the old model that required dogged determination.

Now, there were challenges. Especially trying to find the serial number, buried inside the mouse in teensy tiny letters, and only observable by removing the battery. I bit my tongue as much as with the printer setup, but the effort was worth it.

You may have to overcome fear and frustration to set up a new piece of tech equipment. But that’s why they make grandchildren.

Ken Walker is an experienced ghostwriter, coauthor, and book editor who has written, edited, or contributed to more than 90 books. They include a number of professionally published books in the fields of health, personal experience, and teaching, and self-published memoirs—the latter a growing niche in the publishing world. Ken is also an experienced freelance writer, having written for a variety of national publications. He is still a regular contributor to websites of two denominations. Ken enjoys using his writing and editing skills to help others relate what God has done in their lives. Samples of his work are available on his website, www.KenWalkerWriter.com, or you can email kenwalker33@gmail.com.

Written by Rebecca Faith

Of course, this is a dangerous title to use on a Christian blog site. As a Christian and a sole proprietor of my editing business, I do operate with prayer at the forefront. Merriam-Webster defines this informal phrase as an idiom meaning “without much chance of success.” When it comes to your freelance business, you want to avoid operating in a happenstance framework.

No corporation operates without plans and schedules to meet their deadlines, and neither should you. Whether you are in the process of establishing your business or are already established, you need an overarching business plan and a schedule to help that plan succeed.

Plan

My son is a pilot, and if he “flew by the seat of his pants,” he would end up where he didn’t want to be. Before ever getting into the cockpit, he writes a flight plan, files that plan with the FAA, preps the plane, flies it to each checkpoint listed in the flight plan, and lands where he wants to be on or about the time he intended to be there.

For some of us, work is the fun and easy part. Futurecasting, strategic planning to envision and plan for the outcome of your business, is much more difficult. Freelancers need to consider where they want to be in six months or a year; break down the steps needed to get there; and set monthly, weekly, and daily goals. Futurecasting will look different depending on whether you are just beginning, are transitioning from a full-time outside job to freelance editing, or are already established in your editing business.

What would this look like if, for example, you wanted to increase your editing income by $20,000 next year ($1,667/month)? If you are keeping track of your working hours and invoicing, you will be able to track how many hours you worked each month and the income you received from that work. (If you aren’t keeping track of those things, doing so is Step 1!)

• How many hours each month are you working for your current monthly income? How many more hours do you need to work to meet an extra $1,667 each month? How many hours per week and per day does that equate to?
• If your working hours are already full-time, then consider your rates. When did you last increase your rates? Are your rates commensurate with industry standards? How close to your monthly income goal can you get by giving yourself a reasonable raise?
• Are you willing and able to add an extra hour or two each day to reach the goal? Consider your physical and mental stamina seriously when deciding whether it is possible for you to work more hours.
• If working more hours is not possible, what else might increase your income? Can you write lesson plans and teach a class for The PEN Institute? Consider leading a community writer’s group, either independently or through adult community education, that pays you. Give a talk or seminar at your local library (most have a budget to pay per event). Add content to your website that your writers pay to download. Add advertising to your website that pays per click.
• If increased hours, rates, and passive income aren’t enough to reach your goal, consider where you can cut your business expenses. Do you need all the software subscriptions, or can you make do with fewer? Are you claiming all the possible business deductions on your taxes? A good accountant can make this happen. Look at last year’s business expenses and determine whether any can be eliminated.

If you are getting started in freelancing and have no work yet, this may seem like a pointless exercise. But futurecasting works for you too. What do you need to do to get your first client? What industry classes do you need to take? What can you do to gain experience before gaining your first paying client? Do you have a website? How many hours each day/week/month are you willing to dedicate to educate yourself and gain the tools necessary to succeed?

Schedule

Your daily work schedule is where the plan comes together.

My pilot son knows how long it takes to fire up the plane, what speed he must fly to reach each stop, how long it takes to refuel and take off again, and how many stops to make before he reaches his destination. All these steps, working from the destination backward, tell him what time he must be in the cockpit.

If you are getting out of bed whenever, working when you feel like it, and stopping when you feel like it, you will not succeed in meeting your goals. Make a work schedule for yourself. The PEN Institute’s class, “Establishing Your Freelance Business,” will help you do this. Ever since taking that class I’ve had an hourly schedule hanging above my work desk. Every hour is accounted for and includes every activity I do each day (devotions, dealing with the animals, eating, exercising, etc.). Yes, I’ve amended this schedule several times, and interruptions happen. In fact, owing to some delays and deadlines, I had to delay submitting this blog post by a week. Life events and unforeseen circumstances will always arise; in fact, my next productivity post will be about dealing with distractions. But having dedicated blocks of working time means that the most important work gets done.

Futurecasting will never perfectly realize your business plans, but it will help you think about your long-term goals and how you can work to make them come together. With God’s help—and yes, a lot of prayer—your business can be at a better place a year from now.

Rebecca began editing engineering papers in 2010 through a providential set of circumstances that taught her to never underestimate what God can do. Although she still edits for the engineering client, she also edits nonfiction Christian material for individual clients, an independent publisher, the Truth For Life radio ministry, and a wide variety of nonfiction topics for university presses, PhD students, a laboratory press, and independent authors.

Rebecca lives in northeast Ohio and is active in her church and rural community. You can contact her at rebecca@faitheditorial.com.