This client was referred by another book editing client. He was a retired coach, professor, and political leader in our community. For decades, he had written articles, columns, and stories for his radio show. He was always sharing his stories with town visitors and long-time residents alike. One of my clients told him, “You need to get these stories written in a book, and I know just the person to help you.”
I was humbled that he entrusted me with his vault of writings, all of them typewritten, the only copy. As I read each page of wisdom through his years of coaching and serving the community, I was grateful to play a part in preserving his words for posterity.
My client knew he would have four books, and he knew what he wanted to title each one. I typed his pages into the computer, jotted down common themes, and formed chapters by those themes. When the articles were organized, I did a round of editing, asked my client for any clarifying information, and then edited again.
Then his proofreader reviewed the copy, and I made final changes. I prefer that my clients bring a proofreader into the team. The editor should not be the last person to look at the copy. Effective proofreading requires a fresh pair of eyes that have never seen the material. For his proofreader, my client chose a well-regarded retired teacher in the community, so it was a privilege to work alongside her as well.
I helped my client through the self-publishing process. He was so excited to pick out his book covers, colors, designs. We continued this process for his total of four books.
For the next few years, he walked around town, as he always did, greeting visitors and regaling them with stories. But this time, he also carried copies of his books to show visitors. I would often work at an outdoor table at Starbucks on the university campus, one of my client’s hangouts. Whenever he talked with a visitor about one of his books, he’d point to me at the end of the patio. “That’s my editor.” I’d wave and smile.
Sadly, my client passed away a year after we completed his fourth book. I am grateful that his legacy lives on, not only in the hearts of those who loved him, but also in his words that continue to encourage readers.
Here is my client’s testimonial:
“Janet is the best editor and more. Through my years of serving as a university professor, wrestling official and coach, as well as mayor, city councilman and county commissioner, I also wrote 1,600+ articles, published my own syndicated columns, created a collection of motivational slogans, and wrote scripts for my radio broadcasts.
“Janet helped me turn all of these writings into four published books. I handed her all my notebooks that contained several hundred articles and scripts written by typewriter. She typed them into the computer, organized them by topic and presentation, edited them, keyed in the final proofs, and took these manuscripts through the process of being published as four paperback books on Amazon. Now I can share these motivational books with a new generation of athletes and leaders.”
— Dr. John Raber, Author of 200+ Mind/Body Explosions, Unwrap the Sticky Wrapper, Sweet Honey ‘Er Sour Vinegar and 800+ Marvelous Motivational Quotes
Janet Eriksson 