Reviews (23)

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Reviews (23)

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:

Clarence L. Haynes, Jr - The Pursuit of Victory

"Working with Blair was a pure delight. She was able to take the words I had written and add those special touches that brought the message I was trying to deliver in the book to life. I also loved her fairness as an editor in recognizing and acknowledging when something I wrote was good and needed no editing. She was able to help reshape words without losing my voice in the process. In my opinion, she is highly recommended, and I will definitely use her again for my future projects."

Michelle Schacht - Five-star Reedsy Editor

“Blair is one of the more thoughtful and caring editors that I know. She truly has the best interests of her authors at heart and works hard to make sure their manuscripts are the best they can be. Plus, her writing skills and technical knowledge are top-notch. I will forever choose to work with Blair.”

Alexandra Pena - Kick the Sugar Habit

Services - Line Editing for sentence revision and improving flow of sentences.

"I enjoyed working with Blair. She helped me edit my new book, "Kick the Sugar Habit," creating a healthier lifestyle through the journey of breast cancer. She was a pleasure to work with and she answered my questions when I needed her."

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."

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Languages

English (US)

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs

Christian Non-Fiction

Health & Wellbeing

Inspirational

Fiction

Romance

Certifications

None

Awards

None

Copy Editor

Charisma Media

August, 2021 – March, 2022 (7 months)

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.

Editorial Manager/Senior Editor

Salem Author Services/Xulon Press

May, 2013 – August, 2021 (over 8 years)

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.

Freelance Editor

4 Horseman Publications

March, 2022 – Present (about 1 year)

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.

Freelance Editor

High Bridge Books and Media

November, 2021 – Present (over 1 year)

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.

Freelance Editor

The Ghost Publishing

August, 2021 – Present (over 1 year)

Edited unpublished manuscripts, from minor changes to major developmental changes in the manuscript, all to help authors make the most of their books.

Freelance Writer

Salem Web Network

March, 2018 – Present (about 5 years)

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.

Freelance Writer

Southwest Orlando Bulletin

March, 2015 – Present (about 8 years)

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.

Feasting on the Words of Christ

Stroud, Melanie, Parke, Blair, Publishing, E n' S

Professionalism

Professionalism

Quality

Quality

Value

Value

Communication & Punctuality

Communication & Punctuality

My experience with Blaire has been WOW! When I read about her service, among others, I knew she would be the one. I was so happy she accepted my proposal. Blair can articulate my experiences in a profound way. I have no desire to look any further.

Asavina3 Lucas, March 2023

Great job! Many thanks

T Gemmer, March 2023

Thank you, T; it is a pleasure to work with you.

Reply from Blair Parke

Blair is so kind and helpful!

Kristen Crump, March 2023

As a new author, working with Blair was a delight. Blair’s keen insight and sense of professionalism make for a first-rate experience. She was able to help me shape my book without losing my voice. I highly recommend her and gladly work with her again.

Douglas Wisniski, March 2023

It was a pleasure working with Blair and I have no concerns about the editing/review work she completed. You should feel confident about her ability to deliver on your project. James Fox

James Fox, March 2023