Today, I am delighted to be bringing you my first interview. Meet Chrissy Wolfe from EFC Services. Chrissy gives us an insight into her work as an editor. So, let's get straight to it.
How long have you worked as an editor?
I have been working as an editor for eight years. Prior to editing, I was a family law attorney.
Tell me about your love for the written word?
I have always loved to read. I was one of those kids who read by flashlight under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping. Now, I read every free chance I get, and I always have a book with me.
What do you like about your job?
I work with authors from around the world. Every author is different and has a different style, which makes every job unique. When I do a developmental edit, I love learning each author’s process for writing a book and watching the final story take shape. When I’m copy editing, I love the mechanics of writing and figuring out the best way to punctuate or phrase a sentence in order to get the author’s message or tone across accurately.
How do you manage your workload?
I use lists and calendars to keep track of current jobs, expected jobs, and tasks for each job.
Can you explain the process of copy editing a manuscript? Copy editing is reading the manuscript to correct grammar, punctuation, style, sentence structure, and spelling as well as reading for consistency and redundancy. I have a list of tasks I do at the beginning of every job, such as delete double and extra spaces, correct commonly misspelled words, correct ellipsis and em dash spacing, etc. After that, I read line by line, word by word, punctuation mark by punctuation mark to be sure everything reads well, is spelled correctly, and is grammatically correct. I create a style sheet as I go along to help with consistency, and I always have my reference materials at hand.
You are also a book reviewer and love to read. What do you like to read, and what was one of the best books you read last year?
I read just about every genre, but it depends on my mood and what I’m working on. I try not to read the same genre that I am editing. For example, if I’m editing chick lit or inspirational fiction, then I’ll read fantasy or professional development, or if I’m editing fantasy or science fiction, then I’ll read women’s fiction or young adult. One of the best books I’ve read so far this year was Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown. Last year, I really enjoyed Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella and The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli.
Lastly, can you tell me about yourself, and what do you enjoy doing when you are not editing or have your head buried in a book?
I am married, and we have three kids. They keep me pretty busy with activities. I love cooking and baking, swimming, and walking my dog.
Thank you to Chrissy for giving us an invaluable insight into her work. Chrissy provides, copy editing, manuscript appraisal, proofreading, and book formatting services. If you are looking for editing services, you can find Chrissy and her team at the Website below. You might also like to check out her book reviews at Every Free Chance Books.
Thank you for interviewing me for your blog, Hayley! I appreciate it!