The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network equips and empowers Christian editors. But is The Christian PEN for writers too?
You know that hiring an editor can improve your manuscript and your skills as a Christian writer. As Terri Blackstock says, “Behind every good writer is a great editor.” But what might you gain from joining an editors’ network?
Community
Christian writers can benefit tremendously from networking with other people who work with words. Join as a Silver member and get access to a thriving email community where members ask questions and share their expertise. As a member, you can ask any question and receive almost instant responses from professional editors.
Then, when you’re ready to look for an editor for your latest book, Christian Editor Connection, one of PEN’s “sister divisions,” is designed to help Christian writers find qualified Christian freelance editors. You can also research The Christian PEN’s member listings or reach out to the new friends you’ve made in the email loop.
Knowledge
As a Christian writer, you (hopefully) have a good grasp of basic English grammar—if English grammar is ever basic. But maybe you’ve wished for an even better understanding of its intricacies or a source you can measure your work against.
Rubbing shoulders with editors can raise the standards you use for your writing and change how you apply those standards. The Chicago Manual of Style and The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style are the measuring line for grammar and usage questions like confusing commas, sneaky homonyms, or capitalization of religious terms.
Discounts
All members of The Christian PEN receive a discount on The Chicago Manual of Style Online. Silver and Gold members also receive a discount on PerfectIt software from Intelligent Editing. Linking the two can tell you whether you’ve observed Chicago style consistently throughout your manuscript.
PEN members at every level receive discounts on registration for PENCON, our annual virtual conference, and on courses from The PEN Institute, a “sister division” that offers education in various aspects of the editing and publishing process. Sharpen your self-editing skills and learn from industry professionals by using your member discounts on these resources.
Training
Do typos jump off the page for you? Can you feel it in your bones when a climax isn’t working? You can use your wordsmithing skills to help others, and The Christian PEN can give you what you need to make that happen. Courses from The PEN Institute will walk you through the fundamentals of editing and freelancing, and a PEN membership will surround you with support for your journey, resources for your new business, and a team that has your back.
Is the Christian PEN for writers too? Yes! Whether you’re a longtime writer or just starting out, PEN can strengthen your writing through connections with professional editors, resources to raise your standards, and discounts on tools for better writing.
Join us here, or contact the PEN Director at director@thechristianpen.com if you have questions about how The Christian PEN can benefit you.
