Editorial Stepping Stones

When you're aspiring to be an editor and you have the internet at your fingertips the first thing you do is go to your preferred search engine (mine is the Google man) and ask:

"what do you need to become an editor?"

The first thing that comes up is obtaining a Bachelor's in English. That is because a bachelors degree is what most publishing agencies are looking for while on the hiring hunt for an addition to their team. It also goes on to tell you all the smaller details you need to possess. For example: strong time management skills/ability to meet deadlines, proficiency in software like Microsoft Word but also understanding the literary guidelines of publishing as well.

In my personal experience, I had already achieved an AA in English and Writing, when I started my web searches for what to do now. I originally tried switching to studying Anthropology, when I initially started for my Bachelors, which is another love of mine. Loving it and making it your whole life is completely different things- which I had quickly found out. After my self discovery, I took some more time off from school and kept researching potential careers and opportunities that would be a better fit for who I am as a person.

This search continued until one summer when I picked up a beautiful pink novel that was recommended to me by my aunt and it changed my life. It has gained much more attention for doing the same in other's lives as well, and everyone in the literary world knows something about it.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

There I was ignited with a passion for reading I thought I had lost, which slowly morphed into "maybe I should start writing again," then to "I should help others edit their works, too."

So here we are. Just under two years later, I am three months away from officially obtaining my bachelors degree in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction.

I will admit, like most almost done or freshly graduated students, I am struggling in my search for positions or fellowships or actually an opportunity to get myself out there an into the world of publishing. Did you know that most positions require 3-5 years of experience? Yes. This is what I am finding for entry level openings.

This is an accurate representation of me staring at my computer screen every time I think I found the perfect opening to then scroll to look at the qualifications.

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In the mean time I have been networking and trying to build a solid base for my editing (and writing) portfolios. That is because portfolios count as experience. So creative mind to creative mind- PUT YOUR PORTFOLIO TOGETHER! Yes, it matters. Yes, you're good enough. Yes, your work is good enough. I know what you're thinking because it took me years to muster the courage to think it was remotely worth it and now here I am gathering each piece of work like I am a detective finding evidence and trying to solve a crime.

Also, if no one has told you this before-

learning is cool and you can also teach yourself things, too.

I will forever say that espceially since I have also took it upon myself to dive deeper into my literary addiction and refine my editing skills on my own. I have signed up for Skillshare (not sponsored) to get some nitty gritty's about editing out of the way, I read books about editing, I watch YouTube videos in my free time about editing. I am consumed by literature on a daily basis, thus I consume all aspects of literature on a daily basis.

Through all of my crazy efforts, I was able to help C.G. Evans edit her debut novel, Psychosis, in the final stages of her self-publication journey. I aided her with proofreading her novel, which is the final step of editing before publication. I did spell checks, looked for plot holes that might have gotten overlooked, and looked for any remaining layout issues.

Psychosis Blurb-

Jordan wakes up trapped inside a secretive institution where psychiatric treatment masks a far darker experiment. Stripped of identity and autonomy, he is subjected to isolation, invasive procedures, and carefully engineered hallucinations meant to dismantle his mind. As reality fractures and something monstrous begins to emerge within him, Jordan realizes escape may be possible—but only at the cost of his humanity.

Psychosis is a claustrophobic psychological science fiction horror novel about control, transformation, and the terror of becoming what your captors designed you to be.

You can buy her book here.

I have also been asked to aid in the editing process for another debut author who is still working on their manuscript. (Hint: it is in a completely different genre than I have been working in! A fun and exciting challenge.)

I have also worked on many stories outside of the classroom for classmates- friends- that asked for outside help on other short stories, beginning of novels, and essays.

This is a basic overview of the editorial stepping stones, I have been able to work on throughout my time at Southern New Hampshire University while working on my bachelors degree. Until I started building my portfolio, now that I am at the end of my bachelors, I thought I had little-to-no experience to show. So here is your final reminder to START YOUR PORTFOLIO, it is so worth it!

Happy writing, you nerds*

xx,

Kylie Rose

*(tone = adoring)