What is (are) your area(s) of focus, and why did you select it (them)?
I love fiction. I especially love the historical and mystery/suspense genres. However, most of the editing that has come my way in the last year has been academic in nature, and that has been interesting, too!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I make coffee or tea, turn on some non-distracting classical music (usually pieces by Chopin, Vivaldi, and I love Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile), and get started with work. I take a couple of breaks throughout the day to move around a little. I may spend a few minutes weeding my garden, tidying up the kitchen or prepping dinner to go in a crockpot, or plopping a few pieces together on our latest 1,000-piece family puzzle.
How do you manage your time?
I keep track of all my work hours using Toggl Track. I use it to manage my projects, and it helps keep me on task.
What is your favorite thing about being an editor?
A high school teacher was an encouragement to me with my own writing, and her gentle manner of critique left a big impression on me. In that same way, I like to use my words to build and encourage writers and guide in a way that promotes learning.
What is your biggest challenge in being an editor, and how do you work through this?
I would like to expand my clientele. I maintain a website and blog and connect through writing groups on Facebook, and I hope to reach new writers through those avenues.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently proofreading a Korean curriculum for high school and a set of devotionals.
What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their career as an editor?
Keep learning. Rules and styles are always in a state of flux, so stay informed on the goings-on in the editing world. Lastly, imposter syndrome is real—accept that it exists but don’t let it rob you of the joy that comes with the job.
Where can people find you on social media?
JamisWords.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Jami’s degree is in education with a focus in fine arts and humanities. She spent the last twenty years teaching grammar, literature, and writing in the classroom, in her home, and within homeschool co-ops. Opening an editing business in 2017 was a wonderful fit for Jami, and she loves to edit as much as she loves to teach. Jami’s communication with her clients reflects a direct and thorough—yet caring and encouraging—teacher’s guidance. What many of her clients appreciate most about working with Jami is her ability to balance critique with compliment, which leaves them with a positive overall experience.
Be a part of PEN Tips Featured Editor Series!
Are you a PEN Gold or Silver member? Want to promote your editing services’ online visibility? Be a PEN Tips Featured Editor! Once a month we’ll pull from submissions and feature a photo, bio, and details from the survey to showcase our wonderful PEN Gold and Silver members.
Submissions will be edited and proofread to follow CMOS guidelines and the CEN Style Guide.
Complete the survey to participate.
Email PEN Blog Coordinator Valerie Riese at blog@thechristianpen.com for more information.
