Written by Jayna Baas

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When we ask our Silver and Gold members about their favorite benefit of PEN membership, the number-one answer is always the PEN Loop. If you’re a Christian editor looking for networking opportunities, the PEN Loop may be your favorite benefit too!

What is the PEN Loop and how does it provide networking for Christian editors?

The PEN Loop is The Christian PEN’s email loop, a benefit of the Silver and Gold membership levels. It’s a place for editors to swap questions and expertise and to encourage each other in the challenges unique to Christian freelance editing.

Have you ever had a burning question about where to put a comma? Wondered how to set boundaries with a cantankerous client? Ask the PEN Loop! In this thriving email loop, you can

• ask questions about all things related to freelance editing,
• get advice from longtime professional editors about best business practices,
• use your experiences and expertise to help fellow editors,
• find insight for tricky grammar questions or difficult clients,
• share prayer requests and receive encouragement from like-minded professionals.

While job leads aren’t the primary purpose of the PEN Loop, you can also find referrals from time to time as editors share projects they personally manage or ask for help with a client’s specific needs. Even more importantly, you can learn how other editors have built their client base and created a sustainable freelance business.

This email loop provides opportunities for networking among Christian editors and creates an environment of “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

How to get the most out of the PEN Loop

You’re automatically added to the PEN Loop when you become a Silver or Gold member of The Christian PEN. After you receive the email welcoming you to the loop, post a brief introduction of yourself. Then start asking—and answering—questions as the opportunity arises.

The PEN Loop guidelines ask members to cite actual references from The Chicago Manual of Style, The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, or Merriam-Webster.com to support their answers, so you can be sure you’re getting sound advice. Does your inbox feel a little busy? You can change your PEN Loop settings to digest mode so you receive only one PEN Loop email per day with a digest of that day’s messages, or you can even silence messages altogether and just check the forum online. All messages are archived on your PEN Loop membership page, so you can search for previous questions and answers at any time.

Are you in the loop?

If you’re a Silver or Gold member of The Christian PEN, you already have access to the PEN Loop. If you’re a Bronze member, or not a member at all, you can easily become a Silver member by filling out the application on our Silver membership page and submitting payment. Here’s what current Silver members say about the PEN Loop:

“I’ve met great people, love the PEN Loop and have learned so much through it, and feel blessed to have found such a warm, supportive group of people who share my Christian faith.”

—Lori Price, grammarfanatic.com

“I deeply appreciate . . . the daily conversation that takes place on [PEN’s] email loop. Editing can be a solitary career at times, but being a part of The Christian PEN has given me a friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful community in the midst of my work!”

—Jessica Snell, jessicasnell.com

“What I’ve discovered over the years is that the camaraderie among the members is the greatest benefit. The ability to ask questions and receive insightful answers from a whole bevy of talented editors and writers . . . it’s invaluable.”

—Robin Patchen, robinpatchen.com

“I love knowing I have a place to ask questions and share ideas with other editors. This community has become such an important part of my experience in the editing world, and I highly recommend it to others as well!”

—Becca Wierwille, beccawierwille.com

Thank you for reading the PEN Tips blog and for striving to give your clients the best expertise you can. See you in the Loop!

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