Shows
The Editor's Half HourDevelopmental Editing for World-BuildingDevelopmental editor and anthropologist Andrew Hodges shares his view of the editor’s role in shaping fictional worlds—especially in speculative fiction. He brings a unique perspective to the craft, blending editorial expertise with a background in cultural anthropology. We discuss:How editors can guide world-building without taking over the creative visionCommon mistakes writers make when creating new worldsApproaches to handling culture and social structures with nuanceTools and frameworks that make complex worlds easier to manageWhy developmental editing for world-building is really about strengthening the story’s coreIf you’re a developmental editor working...2025-07-0130 min
The Editor's Half HourEditing Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs)In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, Nadia Geagea Pupa welcomes editor Rachel Lapidow for an in-depth look at the role editors play in the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). From rulebooks and lore to quests and character creation, editing TTRPGs involves far more than just grammar—it’s about helping writers and designers bring expansive, interactive worlds to life with clarity, consistency, and heart.Rachel shares how she got started in this unique niche, the editorial challenges that come with blending narrative and game mechanics, and why attention to detail matters just as much i...2025-06-0137 min
The Editor's Half HourSTEM/Medical EditingIn this special double feature episode, I’m joined by two standout voices from this year’s ACES conference in Salt Lake City.First, I interview Heather Saunders, president of ACES: The Society for Editing and CEO of Nova Arc Content. Heather shares her perspective on leading in the editing world, the importance of advocating for editors in specialized fields like STEM, and how she’s working to build a stronger, more inclusive professional community. It’s a conversation about vision, leadership, and the evolving role of editors in today’s content landscape.Then, I sit down w...2025-05-0127 min
The Modern Editor PodcastEditor Self-Care: How to Use Affirmations in Your BusinessAffirmations are short statements that help anchor you to the present moment. I actually prefer to call them anchor thoughts for this very reason. I’ve found myself relying on anchor thoughts more than usual lately, so I thought I would share my favorites with you. I’m also going to share the purpose behind anchor thoughts. The world has been a stressful place recently, and these anchor thoughts are great tools that help me maintain perspective. Important Sections(1:52) What’s the Point of an Anchor Thought?(2:55) The TEARA Process(5:52) My Five Favorite Anchor Thoughts...2025-04-0210 min
The Editor's Half HourThe Newsletter Niche for FreelancersLet’s be real—promoting yourself can feel like a microfiber cloth snagging on dry skin. Ick. We’re editors, not salespeople! But fear not, because in this episode, I speak with marketing guru, and work and life coach, Colleen Newvine, all about how to feel more authentic and less cringey when it comes to self-promotion.Colleen’s approach to marketing makes you feel at ease, that promoting your brand is less selling and more serving, offering helpful and valuable services to those who need it. She soothes your worries and gives you comfort that you can do it! C...2025-04-0132 min
The Editor's Half HourCopy Editor's Lifestyle GuideWhat if copy editing was more than just a profession—what if it was a lifestyle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jamaal Pittman, author of The Copy Editor’s Life(Style) Guide, for a deep dive into the world of editing, career longevity, and what it really takes to thrive in the publishing industry.Jamaal’s book isn’t just another style guide—it’s an insightful, engaging, and often humorous look at the editor’s life, from mastering the mechanics of clean copy to navigating the unique challenges of a career built around precision and cl...2025-03-0142 min
The Editor's Half HourResponsible AI Content PoliciesAI is transforming the way we edit, write, and create—but where do we draw the ethical line? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ethics of AI in publishing to explore some of the biggest ethical questions editors and writers face in the age of AI. Are AI tools a helpful assistant or a threat to creativity? How do we ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity in AI-assisted editing? I interview Amy Frushour Kelly, editor and AI content policy consultant who is an advocate for the ethical use of generative AI in the...2025-02-0143 min
The Editor's Half HourLori Paximadis: Systems and Shortcuts to Increase ProductivityWelcome back to The Editor's Half Hour podcast! We're kicking off the year with an episode designed to help you work smarter, not harder. In this episode, I interview productivity expert and editorial pro, Lori Paximadis for a lively discussion about the systems and shortcuts that can revolutionize your workflow.Lori has been a successful full-time freelancer for more than half of her 33-year career in publishing. Her background in project management and production makes her a sought-after copyeditor and proofreader for fiction and nonfiction. Her clients range from Big Five publishers to indies. She has been...2025-01-0137 min
The Editor's Half HourMadeleine Vasaly: The Proofreader's Guide to Comic Book StyleIn this special episode and season finale, I interviewed Madeleine Vasaly, the author of the newly released book, “The Proofreader’s Guide to Comic Book Style.” This book offers an in-depth catalog of style traditions in comics and explains how they’re different from the standards in other types of media. In this interview, we discuss grammar, style, and the heroic art of editing dialogue balloons.Madeleine Vasaly is a developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, and consultant with over a decade of experience in publishing. Her comics background includes a temporary stint at DC Comics as a full-time proofrea...2024-12-0134 min
The Editor's Half HourMelissa Haskin: The Inside Scoop on Editing CookbooksWhen you pick up a cookbook, do you ever wonder how it all comes together? From the ingredients to the instructions to the tempting photos, a lot more happens behind the scenes than meets the eye. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the essential yet often-overlooked role of the cookbook editor.Join us as we chat with seasoned cookbook editor Melissa Haskin, who reveals what it takes to turn a chef’s vision into a polished, reader-friendly masterpiece. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Melissa works on recipes, resumes, and research. Most recently, she edited "The So...2024-11-0139 min
The Next PlaybookChip Away: How Fritz Nugent Became an AuthorSponsors
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Summary
Fritz Nugent, a former track and field athlete and coach, discusses his journey in the sport and the multidisciplinary approach he takes in coaching his athletes. He shares how he got involved with track and field, his experiences in various events, and his training for the decathlon. Fritz also talks about the importance of recovery and down-regulating the nervous system, including the use...2024-10-2249 min
The Editor's Half HourMekiya Outini: Working with EFL WritersIn this insightful episode, we dive into the nuanced world of editing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writers. It’s one thing to edit for grammar and flow, but how do editors balance maintaining a writer’s authentic voice while adapting the language for clarity and readability in English? This episode unpacks what it takes to work effectively with EFL writers, touching on topics like cultural sensitivity, linguistic diversity, and the unique challenges editors face when working with non-native English speakers.Whether you're an editor, writer, or just curious about the intricacies of language, this epis...2024-10-0133 min
The Editor's Half HourIsabella Furth: Emotional Labor of EditingIsabella Furth shares her insight about emotional labor and how it affects the editing process. Emotional Labor is defined as caring work or relationship work; it’s about managing emotional resources, but it can often become devalued or taken for granted.Isabella explains the importance of recognizing emotional labor because it isn't something that should be avoided or ignored. As editors, we must find the moments in our work where we are taking the extra steps necessary to make our clients feel comfortable and safe.In this episode, Isabella shares tips on how to factor em...2024-09-0139 min
Your Book, Your VoiceYour Book Your Voice - Special Guest: Book Professional Nadia Geagea PupaSuper excited to have one of the great movers and shakers in the book industry Nadia Geagea Pupa as my guest on the Your Book Your Voice Podcast!Nadia is not only an editor and CEO of Pique Publishing but she is a speaker and hosts her own podcast called The Editor's Half Hour.This is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know about the book industry and the audiobook world.If you're a published nonfiction writer, coach, entrepreneur, educator or poet and you want to narrate your own audiobook, schedule...2024-08-1655 min
The Editor's Half HourDebbie Berne: Book Design for EditorsFor about 20 years, the University of Chicago Press has been looking to publish a book about book design, and it has finally happened. In 2024, The Design of Books, written by Debbie Berne was officially published and it shares everything that authors, editors, and agents should know about book design. Debbie has been a professional book designer since 2002 and has designed hundreds of book interiors and covers in genres across the board.In this episode, Debbie walks us through the basics of book design. She explains how the design process differs from the freelancer’s perspective to an in...2024-08-0137 min
The Editor's Half HourRebecca Scharpf: Working with Neurodivergent ClientsRebecca Scharpf of Scrollwork Edits provides an abundance of information about what it takes to work with neurodivergent clients. She primarily works with fiction writers and specializes in editing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance novels.In this episode, she shares a variety of ways editors can create positive and affirming spaces for neurodivergent writers.Rebecca shares several resources for both writers and editors:Yo Samdy Sam (autistic and ADHD): https://www.youtube.com/@YoSamdySam/videosOrion Kelly - That Autistic...2024-07-0142 min
Business First w/Sonia Alleyne"Refining Words: The Business of Book EditingIn this captivating episode of **Business First**, we delve into the intricate world of book editing, uncovering its significance in the publishing industry. Our guest, Nadia Geagea Pupa, a seasoned professional in the field, takes us on a journey through the art and business of refining written words.
Join us as we explore the multifaceted role that book editors play in shaping the narrative landscape. From developmental editing that molds the story's structure to line editing that polishes each sentence, Nadia provides insights into the meticulous process of transforming raw manuscripts into literary masterpieces.
**Episode Highlights:**
- **The Art of...2024-06-1942 min
The Editor's Half HourKaren Yin: The Conscious Style GuideAward-winning editor, Karen Yin joins us to discuss her latest book, The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers (Little, Brown Spark). She provides insight and guidance on how to be more equitable in the way we communicate.Karen explains that this is not a book of dos and don'ts. In fact, it's the opposite of that! This book is a cornerstone guide that teaches us to be more aware and to use critical thinking as language continually evolves.She has also written several stories for children, including Whole...2024-06-0139 min
The Editor's Half HourCaTyra Polland: National Black Authors DayThere are several things that CaTyra Polland is known for, but the most notable is being the founder of National Black Authors Day, which is celebrated on May 4. In this episode, she shares valuable insight into how she started her editorial career, which led her to start her own business, Love For Words (love4words.com). She explains her mentality behind starting this national holiday and what it means for Black authors.CaTyra spends her time serving her clients as a guide and mentor for the publishing process—especially in writing and editing. She is an award-winning au...2024-05-0132 min
The Editor's Half HourErin Brenner: The Chicago Guide for Freelance EditorsIn this “STET Special” one-hour podcast episode with the award-winning copywriter, Erin Brenner, we take a deep dive into her latest book, The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-Up to Sustainability.We cover a variety of topics like branding, marketing, finances, setting rates, and last but not least, self-care. This book, published by the University of Chicago Press, has wonderful takeaways for newbies and seasoned professionals.Erin Brenner is an award-winning copywriter who has been a communications professional for two decades, but before runn...2024-04-011h 03
The Editor's Half HourSarah Calfee: The Universally Acknowledged Truth about RomanceThe Universally Acknowledged Truth About Romance examines the editorial approach to romance through the lens of Jane Austen. Our special guest, Sarah Calfee—founder and owner of Three Little Words Romance Editing—has been a fiction editor since 2018 and specializes in romance.In this episode, Sarah gets into the nuts and bolts of what it takes to provide dev editing and line/copy editing her way. With an MFA in creative writing and a deep, abiding obsession for Jane Austen, particularly Pride and Prejudice, Sarah gets to the core of what makes romance great. She shares her opin...2024-03-0132 min
The Editor's Half HourSonia Alleyne: Storytelling for your Editing BusinessUnlock the magic of what it takes to integrate your personal story with your business. In this episode, Sonia Alleyne shares advice that freelancers can take when they are forming their businesses or updating information on their websites. Potential clients need to be sold on an experience, but first, they need to be “seen.” Sonia got her start as an editor in New York and has interviewed high-profile business leaders including Ursula Burns, Oprah Winfrey, Don Thompson (former CEO of McDonald's), and Canadian billionaire Michael Lee-Chin. As press secretary, she has secured a significant and unprecedented amount of content plac...2024-02-0140 min
The Editor's Half HourTara Whitaker: Creating Community Among EditorsWhat does it mean to find your community?If there's one thing to be shared from my interview with Tara Whitaker, it's that there's power in numbers! Today more than ever, editors need to stick together, have more open conversations about what we do, and create a way to congratulate and encourage one another. Tara is pioneering a new wave of modern editors to create companionship, camaraderie, and community among editors. She is a book editor, business coach, and host of The Modern Editor Podcast.Through individual coaching and her membership community, the Freelance Editors...2024-01-0135 min
The Editor's Half HourErin Servais: AI for EditorsIn this captivating and final episode of 2023, Erin Servais and Nadia Geagea Pupa dive deep into the fascinating world of Generative AI. They discuss several capabilities of ChatGPT and how it's constantly changing. There is still "doom and gloom" surrounding the topic of generative AI, but Erin shares her positive outlook, opinions, and insight for the editorial community. Yes, ChatGPT has been replacing all types of jobs, but it's up to us as editors to learn how to embrace this new technology as a tool and resource to help, not harm, our editorial processes.Erin Servais is...2023-12-0138 min
The Editor's Half HourDan Letchworth: Posthumous EditingOne of the best things about being an editor is the interaction you get to have with your client. Developing this rapport can elevate your work immensely, but what do editors do when their client has passed away? What liberties is an editor allowed to take? How much is too much when editing in this way? What is an editor to do when they need clarification?We discuss all this and more in Episode 11: Posthumous Editing.In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, I am joined by Dan Letchworth of Desert Owl Press to...2023-11-0129 min
The Editor's Half HourMaria Carrillo: Part 2: Editing True CrimeThis episode is a continuation of PART I: Editing True Crime. In this Part II, Maria Carillo gives listeners a chance to explore the world of editing true crime (or narrative nonfiction). Maria Carrillo has edited several award-winning projects. She's the former enterprise editor at the Tampa Bay Times and Houston Chronicle and, before that, managing editor at The Virginian-Pilot. Maria is also a board member of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism and the National Press Photographers Association and a six-time juror for the Hillman Prizes.In this episode, Maria explains the significance of the editor-author...2023-10-0136 min
The Editor's Half HourCara Jordan: The Future of Academic EditingFor the editors interested in the inner workings of academia, or for editors already entrenched in the world, this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour is for you! We discuss the realistic side of working with academic clients and the important work they do, in addition to future opportunities for editors, and how generative AI is affecting the academic industry. We also talk about other tips and tools editors need to know, such as using citation managers.I interviewed seasoned professional, Cara Jordan, Ph.D., who worked as a freelance academic editor before co-founding Flatpage, an ed...2023-09-0131 min
The Editor's Half HourErika Weinert: Cursing with StyleErika M. Weinert (known as The Werd Nerd) celebrates the one-year anniversary of her book, Cursing with Style. The book contains more than 100 entries and is meant to aid editors in keeping expletives consistent throughout their clients’ manuscripts.Erika is a line and copy editor with more than a decade of experience in the industry. Having researched more bad words in her career than she cares to admit, Erika shares her knowledge with other authors and editors—especially those who edit fiction.In this episode, Erika explains how she started writing the book and what led...2023-08-0129 min
The Editor's Half HourIsobelle Lans: Embracing Instagram for Your Editing BusinessIt’s common for many freelance editors to get annoyed by having to maintain a social media account because it feels like another chore. It’s also uncomfortable having to be "salesy." But maintaining a social media account is a necessary thing for everyone—not just editors. However, there's one platform that many seem to neglect, or think is a waste of time, and that's Instagram!This episode sheds some light on an area that is unfamiliar to several editors who are avoiding creating an Instagram account. Isobelle Lans, owner of Inspired Creative Co. (https://www.inspiredcreativeco.com) s...2023-07-0132 min
The Editor's Half HourCaroline Malloy: The Business of Book CoachingBook coaches guide authors through the writing process from ideation to publication. They hold writers accountable and assist them as they develop content into fully formed manuscripts. In most cases, however, experienced authors write in isolation, finish their manuscripts, and find copyeditors. In this episode, we speak directly to copyeditors who instinctively provide feedback to authors on how to improve their manuscripts. Even though it’s not asked of them, copyeditors might offer specific advice on how to better develop characters in fiction, arrange content for educational material, or pinpoint areas in content that seem vague. In doing so, co...2023-06-0133 min
The Editor's Half HourAndréa Topper: Part 1: Editing True CrimeGiven its intense subject matter, it takes a special type of editor (or writer, journalist, etc.) to work on true crime. Throughout the developmental process, editors ask questions that often go much deeper than expected. We question the nature of content and how explicit it should be. And depending on your role in the project, you may be called to make ethical decisions when you least expect it.This episode is the first of two parts. In part one, I introduce Andréa Topper—a writing coach and editor—who has had a varied career in journalism, conte...2023-05-0131 min
The Editor's Half HourThe Business of Beta ReadingNot all beta readers are editors, but editors seem to be the best type of people to take on this task. This episode explains what it takes to perform this high-value task of providing writers with useful feedback. Beth Wojiski (https://www.bethwojiski.com) is an editor, writer, threshold singer, and artistic soul passionate about offering editorial support to other creatives. In addition to proofreading and copyediting, she provides beta reading as a professional service and explains how she discovered it, how to set rates, and most importantly, how it’s a fun and interesting way to supplement your ed...2023-04-0130 min
The Editor's Half HourAmy J. Schneider: The Chicago Guide to Copyediting FictionEditors around the globe have been waiting for the highly anticipated book The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction. With more than 500 novels and anthologies under her belt, Amy J. Schneider is a true expert when it comes to copyediting fiction. Amy’s book is a road map and go-to resource to help copyeditors navigate the world of fiction. In this podcast, we discuss the copyediting process for fiction, building your style sheet, and examining the copyeditor’s mindset when approaching the work.Amy J. Schneider founded Featherschneider Editorial Services in 1995. She copyedits and proofreads scholarly and trade nonf...2023-03-0132 min
The Editor's Half HourErin Willard: Copyediting a Series for FictionErin Willard, copyeditor, walks us through what it takes to edit a fictional book in a series, how to manage the characters in the stories, and the logistics of how the process should be managed. Erin's past projects have included editing manuscripts of award-winning novels, short stories, and memoirs. Working with independent authors and small publishers is her specialty, giving a light polish to the voices of new writers, seasoned professionals, and those in between. Erin received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from San Diego State University and her certificate in copyediting from UC San Diego Extended Studies. She...2023-02-0137 min
The Editor's Half HourEllen Polk: AI and the Future of EditingEllen Polk, copyeditor and proofreader, will explain her perspective on AI technology in the world of editing. What does this mean for editors, what are the pros and cons, and what are some of the things to pay attention to as AI gets more and more sophisticated?2023-01-0131 min
The Editor's Half HourWelcome to the PodcastLearn more about your host, Nadia Geagea Pupa, and the purpose behind the podcast.2023-01-0105 min
Genius Entrepreneur PodcastGenius Entrepreneur Podcast: A live writing retreat helps your book come to lifeUpcoming VIP book visioning and writing retreat, Let’s Get it Done, helps professional women authors get a plan for the book they have been waiting to write. Publishers, Susie Schaefer, Nadia Gaegea Pupa , and Tiffany Vakilian tell us about the benefit of this live writing retreat in January in gorgeous Temecula, California.Connect:Strategic Advisor Board: www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-advisor-boardRogue Publishing Partners: www.roguepublishingpartners.comShelby Jo Long: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-jo-long-9a7b0620/Susie Schaefer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8D%8D-susie...2022-12-1422 min
The Experts powered by Media StableA BIG review The Experts PodcastIt’s not the end of the year yet for The Experts podcast are having a look back at some of the guests that have come on the show over the year. There have been so many learnings, so much content, a full year of amazing experts and media in the room.
Nic and Carmen look back at the catalogue of interviews that caught their eye to discuss on why they are worth going back to have a listen.
Here are the links to cruise through the many guests that you might want to have a listen to on that lo...2022-11-2931 min
Strategic Advisor BoardEpisode 279 "Culture, Communication & Brand Moments": Marketing your book is all about connecting with your audience.The Rogue Publishing team gives aspiring authors tips on how to best market their books to their target audience. A book is an asset that you can use to market and promote your business, but connecting to your audience with concise messaging is essential. Rogue COO Susie Schaefer, Rogue VP Scott Sery, Rogue partner Nadia Gaegea Pupa, and Rogue CEO Shelby Jo Long discuss strategies for authors and business owners.Connect:Strategic Advisor Board: www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-advisor-boardRogue Publishing Partners: www.roguepublishingpartners.comShelby Jo L...2022-10-1920 min
Strategic Advisor BoardEpisode 275 "Culture, Communication & Brand Moments": A live writing retreat helps your book come to life.The upcoming VIP book visioning and writing retreat, Let’s Get it Done, helps professional women authors get a plan for the book they have been waiting to write. Publishers, Susie Schaefer, Nadia Geagea Pupa, and Tiffany Vakilian tell us about the benefit of this live writing retreat in January in gorgeous Temecula, California.Connect:Strategic Advisor Board: www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-advisor-boardRogue Publishing Partners: www.roguepublishingpartners.comShelby Jo Long: www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-jo-longSusie Schaefer: www.linke...2022-10-1523 min
Strategic Advisor BoardEpisode 90 "Culture, Communication & Brand Moments": Build your business through your brand and design - Nadia Geagea PupaIn this episode, we are joined by editor and designer, Nadia Geagea Pupa. She is CEO of Pique Publishing and has helped authors become more visible in their industry through her expert editing and design. Her entrepreneurial vision helps her combine her journalism and design talents to best serve her clients. Her team helps both corporate clients and independent publishers achieve a comprehensive vision for their message. Tune in to learn more about her editing and design services.Connect:Strategic Advisor Board: www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-advisor-boardShelby J...2022-06-0325 min