As I near the completion of my first novel, or so I hope: and by complete I mean as far as I am able to take it on my own, my thoughts turn to seeking a professional editor. Why, I wonder, aren’t there any editors who donate their time and skills to the literary world and to novice hopefuls? (Me, me, pick me, pick me!).
One can find volunteers in just about every profession, and organizations such as AARP and the Small Business Administration offer freebies for tax-returns, employment, business start-ups, and other services. Colleges allow Senior Citizens to take free courses. Even law firms provide free legal aid.
I sigh and look up at the white, blank like my bank account, ceiling. The 70s hit parade blasts on my radio playing, ‘Wanted, young man single and free.’ It inspires me to consider writing an ad of my own.
Wanted: Editor, faithful and cheap. Experienced with Kid-Lit and YA. Dowry small. Pro bono preferred. Let’s tie the knot.
I imagine a reply and picture the Statue of Liberty waving at me with her torch and calling out, “Give me your bedraggled manuscript yearning to be perfected.”
With my thumb and pinky I hand signal and mouth, ‘Call Me.’
Her torch lights up.
I leap, arms stretched upward, and yell, “It’s a match!”
See you next time on April 22nd.
Veronica Jorge
Manager, Educator, and former High School Social Studies teacher, Veronica credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York. Her genres of choice are Historical Fiction where she always makes new discoveries and Children’s Picture Books because there are so many wonderful worlds yet to be imagined and visited. She currently resides in Macungie, PA.
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She’s done it again! In her new cozy mystery, Five Belles Too Many, Debra H. Goldstein once again shows her mastery at creating a tangle of secret lives and ambitious hearts where she hides the killer in plain sight within the story. And though we meticulously follow the clues she scatters for us, we’re always thrown for a loop because the killer is never who we think.
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March was World Poetry Day, and April was National Poetry month. During a recent webinar sponsored by the Highlights Foundation, the authors Margarita Engle and Padma Venkatraman expressed the following thoughts:
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This month, I’d like to share with you a few of the books that have moved, inspired, and touched my life. They are the voices of fellow-women across the globe; sisters, friends, women.
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Picture books, that welcoming world of imagery and words that capture the heart and the imagination. And most wonderful of all, when the story is true and reveals a hidden gem.
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“Books can’t be used as weapons. They can’t fill a hungry stomach or quench thirst. They can’t cure illnesses, loneliness or prejudice.”
Or can they?
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Featured Books
THE CASE OF THE QUESTIONABLE QUADRUPLET
A patient shares a puzzling secret with Dr. Darcy—and then someone kills her.
More info →
A LADY’S POINT OF VIEW
Being nearsighted in Regency London isn’t a crime—but it feels like one to a lady in disgrace.
More info → 
It’s a wonderful thought but editors need to make a living. I couldn’t do what they do and I am grateful to my editor every day for the many, many, many hours she pours over my manuscript. I bet if I broke it down hourly she’s not even making minimum wage for the amount of love she gives my work. Colleges have income from paying students so they can afford to help seniors for free. Most law firms also have paying clients to defray the cost of helping those who can’t afford help. Editors live one client to the next. Love your dream, though and can’t wait to find out if it comes true.
Hi Rebecca, The realist in me agrees with you 100%. The dreamer in me likes to entertain wishful thinking. But—who knows? I’ll let you know if the hope comes true. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
What Rebecca said! But it is a wonderful dream—grants for new authors to finance their indie-pubs. Best of luck!
Hi Alina,
Yes, hope my dream comes true. Thanks for writing!
Veronica, it sounds like your dream is to be published by a traditional publisher, rather than doing indie publishing.