Written by Jayna Baas
“Marketing” is a word that makes some editors cringe. Christian editors often feel that self-promotion is a necessary evil.
But that perspective needs to shift. If you have a skill that can truly benefit the writers of the world, why wouldn’t you want to share it? That’s where marketing comes in.
Your website is your most important online marketing tool. A well-optimized website can result in clients finding you through Google searches or recommendations from AI services.
Your online presence also benefits from connections elsewhere on the web: links from other sites, guest articles on reputable blogs, and descriptions of your services in places people look for editors.
The Christian PEN offers a number of ways for Silver and Gold members to increase their online presence and advertise their services.
Silver member listings
Silver members of The Christian PEN can choose to have their names and websites listed on PEN’s Silver members page. This page has multiple categories so potential clients can easily find editors who fit their needs.
In addition to providing another place for authors to find you, having your website linked on the Silver members page helps search engines recognize your website as reputable.
Note that having a website isn’t a requirement for PEN membership or for being listed on the Silver members page. However, if you don’t have a website or other online point of contact, potential clients won’t have a way to contact you and will most likely move on to another editor.
Wondering how to start a website? This free course from Thomas Umstattd Jr. is designed for author websites but is also extremely helpful for editors.
Gold member bios
Gold members of The Christian PEN have had at least two years of paid editing experience and passed one or more editing tests from Christian Editor Connection. In recognition of this additional vetting, Gold members have their headshot and bios posted on PEN’s Gold members page.
Each Gold member bio includes any links the member provides and ends with a brief description of the member’s services, making it easy for potential clients to choose the right editors for their projects.
If you’re not comfortable including your own photo in your Gold member bio, you can choose to use your business logo instead. Once again, a website isn’t required but is highly recommended.
“Find an Editor” ads
Both Silver and Gold members can purchase ads to post on PEN’s Find an Editor page. Ads run for a full calendar year. Now is a good time to plan for an ad to post in January, which will give you the most bang for your buck.
Members can choose to provide their own ad graphic or ask to have a simple graphic made for them using their website information. Ads are divided into fiction and nonfiction categories as well as options for mentoring/coaching, academic editing, and other services.
Learn more about posting ads here.
Write for PEN Tips
Publishing guest articles on reputable blogs is a great way to get your name out there and show potential clients your expertise. Silver and Gold members can sign up to write blog posts for PEN Tips and include their bio with links of their choice.
Our 2026 blog schedule will open soon. PEN members, watch your inbox for the scheduling announcement and signup link. We would love to showcase your talents on PEN Tips! Thank you for reading the PEN Tips blog and for advertising your services so more authors are aware that skilled Christian editors can make all the difference.
Jayna Baas (pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep”) is the award-winning author of the For Liberty & Conscience series and serves as director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She writes and edits from beautiful northern Michigan, where she strives to give readers faith-filled adventures bursting with courageous characters and biblical truth. Learn more at booksbyjayna.com.