by Karin Beery
Happy Holidays!
If you’re like me, you finished Christmas shopping a week ago. If you’re like my sister, however, you’re just starting to think about gifts for your loved ones. If you’re buying for a writer or editor, you can’t go wrong with gift cards to bookstores or office supply stores, but what if you want to give something more personal?
That’s how I can help. Whether you have a few dollars to spend or a few hundred, you can find something fun (and practical!) for the writer in your life. Here are a few ideas:
Ergonomics: Writers and editors spend a lot of time at their computers. You can make it more comfortable for them by buying ergonomic supplies for them. Keyboards, computer mice, chairs, and even risers for computer monitors—any one of these will make the writing and editing experience more comfortable.
Memberships: Professional memberships are invaluable to publishing professionals—connecting with others is both encouraging and educational. You can go broad with general memberships (Editorial Freelancers Association, Christian Poets and Writers, etc.) or be more specific if you know their writing/editing niches (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, The Christian PEN, ACFW, etc.).
Resources: Writers and editors can never have too many books on writing and editing! Must-haves for editors include the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook. There are too many books to list for writers, but a quick search for “how to write” will yield plenty of options.
Beverages: Writers and editors are notorious coffee and tea drinkers. You can make someone’s day with a simple box or bag of their favorite brew.
Pens: I’ve never met a writer or editor who complained of having too many pens, and these days there’s something better than a ball point—erasable pens! These are better than the pens of old that didn’t erase very well. This next generation not only truly erases, it also comes in lots of fun colors!
Buy a Book/Leave a Review: One of the nicest things you can do for a publishing professional is to buy his or her book and leave a review. They spend months (sometimes years!) working on a story. Even if it’s not your favorite genre, pick up a copy—read it yourself or give it to someone you think will like it. Then, leave a review. Spread the word. Your writer and/or editor will appreciate it!
If you have any other great gift ideas, please leave a comment below.
Happy Holidays!
Owner of Write Now Editing, Karin Beery is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Christian Editor Network, where she teaches several editing classes through the PEN Institute and serves as the coordinator for the Christian Editor Connection. She is the Managing Editor of Guiding Light Women’s Fiction, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Her sophomore novel, Practically Married, is a 2020 INSPY Award semi-finalist.
Great ideas! Thanks!