About the Editing Soprano
Helping authors publish their best work
is what I do best!
Super-Editor Origin Story
I should’ve known the editing life was for me when editing and proofreading my second novel was waaaaayyyy more fun than writing it.
And formatting. 😍 I made my books in Word back then, and I tell you what—the absolute euphoria of exact spacing and practically-perfect layout is something else!
(Those of you cringing at the thought and praising God for Vellum may not understand my brand of crazy yet, but I bet you’ll love my attention to detail!)
Until 2020 (we all remember what happened back then, right?) I was also a voice teacher and singer. Which I had been doing since 2011 and 1974, respectively. (I will fight anyone who says the 90’s were more than 20 yrs. ago)
In God’s economy, though, nothing’s wasted, right?! There are loads of overlaps between guiding a voice student and guiding a writer—it’s remarkable how similar music lessons and editing are!
The main difference is that now my feedback is “on paper” instead of delivered in real time while we’re in the same room. Although, believe it or not, you’re still gonna get some “real time” feedback from me when we work together! 😊
Three Reasons Editing and Voice Lessons are the Same
- Encouragement? Check. ✔️ Decades of training as an artist taught me how to coach artists—correction without humiliation (especially this!), genuine delight when things are going well, kindness always.
- Mechanical instruction? Check again! ✔️✔️ Decades of reading taught me the intricacy of language—how to intuitively manage the music of words with a broad vocabulary—as well as a deep understanding of story, and an absolute genius for spotting typos! (is that a humble-brag, or what?)
- Directing the voice without erasing out individuality? Triple check! ✔️✔️✔️ You should always sound like YOU. The editor’s job—my job—is to make you sound like your most fabulous self, not like what I would sound like if I were you.
A Peek Inside the Brain Behind the Editing Soprano
Spiritual Gifts Assessment Top Three
(highly recommend “The Real You,” LivingontheEdge.org)
I’m first and foremost an Encourager (just call me Barnabas), which is often expressed through teaching, team-building, and mentorship. Guess what great editors like to do? Teach, work toward a common goal with others, and mentor writers to hone their craft.
CliftonStrengths Top Five
If you know anything about CliftonStrengths, you’ll recognize right away I’m a Relationship Builder. With a little strategic thinking thrown in for fun… 1. Empathy 2. Adaptability 3. Intellection 4. Relator 5. Developer.
Your Ideal Editor (IE)—is it me?
Why Christian Romance Editor?
Answering God’s Call
I serve Christian Romance authors looking for someone who understands the Faith woven into their stories as well as how to fix punctuation. Yes, The Editing Soprano expertly refines romantic comedies, sweet and cozy stories, suspenseful tales and fantasy sagas. For a lifelong reader, it’s the best job ever!
And, I have studied Scripture for years. I understand your Gracenotes and want readers to catch a glimpse of the Kingdom in your stories as much as you do.
It’s what makes me not only a general Romance editor, but your first choice for a Christian Romance editor.
And Being Who He Created Me to Be
Your IE will feel like part of your Dream Team instead of your worst nightmare, Miss Judgy McJudgypants.
My clients throw around words like helpful, thoughtful, accurate, detailed, personal, amazing, communicative, positive, and thorough. How’s that for dreamy? And honestly, I’m a delight to work with. 🦖 You don’t have to take my word for it either!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I CANNOT tell you how much I appreciate your editing style. The comments are super helpful, the corrections well-placed while also guiding me through why I should do things differently. And I LOVE your real-time feedback as you read through it. Your amazing personality really shines through, and I am SO excited to work with you!
Jessica Ashley, Christian Romantic Suspense Author
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So what are you waiting for? Connect with me on Instagram, schedule a consult, or sign up for my monthly newsletter. Three no-risk ways to talk about your books to an enthusiastic listener!