You're an editor? What does an editor do?

An editor comes alongside a writer, collaborating and giving advice with the aim of provoking a creative response in the writer. I work to make a writer's project the very best that it can be. I do not simply "correct" or criticize writing; I help shape it and smooth it, always ensuring that the writing still belongs to the writer but does its work to meet the writer's goals.

For whom do you work?

I am an independent contractor and small-business owner. 

Many people who hire me are seeking an agent or a traditional publisher, and I help them get their manuscripts into a clean, marketable, polished shape. These days, agents and publishers will not consider manuscripts that still need work, unfortunately. I often also help clients assemble query packages. My master's in book publishing helps me keep an eye toward marketability.

Others start out or later decide to self-publish, and these clients may need more work, since they will not have a publisher's editor or proofreader. I also help self-publishing clients consider their marketing goals and plans, if desired.

I also work with various governmental or private organizations, writing curriculum, doing technical writing and editing, proofreading materials, and ensuring regulatory documents are consistent and clear.

Are you an agent or a publisher?

Sometimes I contract with publishers to clean up manuscripts they have already accepted for publication. This does not, however, mean that I can sell publishers manuscripts.

I help with the writing process. An agent is a business representative who sells manuscripts to publishers, often for a commission. A publisher coordinates the parties who turn a manuscript into a book, possibly including an editor, designer, proofreader, marketer, and printer. However, I am able to help clients query agents and publishers.