Overview
Since childhood, there wasn't a time where you didn't find a book in my hand or at least five books stuffed into my suitcase while traveling. I have always loved books, which transitioned well into my career as a magazine writer and, later, the senior editor at Salem Author Services, the Christian self-publishing company for Salem Communications and copy editor at Charisma Media.
My editing knowledge reached a new level when I wrote my first book, "Empty Hands Made Full," a Christian-focused book to encourage couples dealing with infertility using my journey (and others I interviewed) and stories of the Bible dealing with infertility. Writing my own book, with the struggles and triumphs that come with it, gave me new insight on how to help my authors best in achieving their writing dreams.
When I am working with someone on their book, I want the person to feel as comfortable as possible and know that their story is worth sharing. Communication is key between author and editor and authors will get my full attention with editing their book. My suggestions are only to enhance their book and are, in no way, to make them feel their writing is inferior.
Testimonials:
Kathy Jenkins - author of Fear No Pink
"I wholeheartedly recommend Blair's services for any new writer eager to elevate their craft. As a first-time author, I found Blair's feedback not only constructive but deeply encouraging. Despite the writing process being both painful and tedious at times, she inspired me to rewrite my work, preserving my unique voice while enhancing it. Blair's keen eye and meticulous attention to detail transformed my thoughts into a polished final manuscript."
Nick Savage - author of The Fairlane Series and The Nation Series
"Even as a seasoned author, Blair has done wonders for everything from grammatical errors to overall narrative tone to catching the little things authors otherwise miss. I am delighted to have found her and look forward to seeing what she does with at least my next six books. Highly recommend, highly qualified."
Amy Hobbs - author of The Bucket List Journey
"Blair exceeded my editing expectations in every way. As a first-time author, she gave me a sense of peace with the editing process, and the courage to share my story and see my book through to completion. From the start, she was extremely professional, personable, and timely."
Daniel Herman Jr. - Reedsy author
"Blair was incredibly professional and a pleasure to work with during our discussions of editing my book. She provided thoughtful insights, answered all my questions with patience and clarity, and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping me achieve my goals. Her professionalism and attention to detail stood out, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to others looking for a skilled editor."
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- None
Certifications
- None
Work experience
Charisma Media
Edited news and magazine stories to be published for online websites with Charisma Media, Charisma News and Charisma Magazine.
Edited hard copy of the print form of Charisma Magazine before it would go to production.
Salem Author Services/Xulon Press
Led a team of in-house editors and freelance editors in reviewing, editing, and writing for up-and-coming authors writing Christian fiction and non-fiction (Xulon Press imprint), non-Christian fiction and non-fiction (Mill City Press), and political content (Liberty Hill Publishing).
Reviewed unedited manuscripts and edited manuscripts as well, from basic editing of punctuation, grammar, and spelling to line editing with sentence revision to developmental editing with paragraph sectioning and improving story flow and transitions.
Wrote back covers for authors as well as social media keywords to help with their books being noticed online.
Assisted in developing the style guide for Salem Author Services and becoming well-versed in Bible translations limitations and key terminology for Christian content.
Talked with authors by phone for coaching calls regarding questions they had about suggestions or corrections made and ways they could improve upon those changes without losing their voice in the manuscript.
Self-employed
Sole owner and editor of Parke Place Editing, which provides book editing services, from proofreading to developmental editing, as well as editorial assessment/reviews and book cover copy writing.
4 Horseman Publications
Edit unpublished manuscripts to prepare them for publication.
Interact with authors via Zoom, email, and phone to answer questions and uncover areas to improve the impact of their books on readers.
High Bridge Books and Media
Edit unpublished, Christian manuscripts to prepare them for production.
Leave editorial comments for the authors on ways to improve upon their content to make their books compelling to readers.
The Ghost Publishing
Edited unpublished manuscripts, from minor changes to major developmental changes in the manuscript, all to help authors make the most of their books.
Salem Web Network
Wrote several Christian-focused topics that were published for Salem Web Network's affiliated websites, Bible Study Tools and.
Researched and wrote topics based on the Christian faith, stories of the Bible, and even handling every-day topics, such as grieving a loved one or enduring infertility, through the guiding force of the Bible.
Southwest Orlando Bulletin
From interviewing notable Orlando names such as Harris Rosen of Rosen Hotels and Pam Landwirth of Give Kids the World to writing local business profiles for several popular Orlando businesses, I have had the privilege of speaking to and writing about the individuals that help make Central Florida a great place to live. Speaking to and writing about someone's business, community involvement, or extraordinary path in life has made every article written an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the uniqueness in all of us.
Portfolio
Blair has 72 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Dalon H.
Dec, 2024
Che'kema S.
Nov, 2024
Mary Elisabeth D.
Nov, 2024
Kristen C.
Nov, 2024
Michelle T.
Nov, 2024
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