What My Dog Taught Me About Running an Editing Business
I never planned to become an editor. I earned my social work degree, obtained my clinical license, and worked with hospice patients and people with dementia. But then I decided to pivot and explore what it would take to become an editor, and I ended up starting my own business. That’s how life goes. Unexpected things happen all the time.
I also never planned to adopt a dog who tried and failed to be a therapy pet at the memory care community where I worked, but again, that’s how life goes. Roxy was one of the best unexpected things in my life, and I detailed her unconventional adoption story in “Roxy the Editorial Assistant.”
Roxy navigated the ups and downs of running an editing business with me—with the love and loyalty that only a dog can give. She was a dedicated editorial assistant who taught me many valuable lessons (without meaning to). I don’t want to be selfish, so I’m sharing her wisdom with you.
Roxy’s lessons
Get your feet wet.
Try different things, whether you’re a new editor or looking to shake things up. You never know what you’ll discover you love (or hate) doing.
Patience is key.
Inquiries and paid editing projects might not come your way immediately. Keep building your business, and the right clients will find you.
Build relationships.
Take the time to meet and connect with others. Referrals and opportunities can come from even the most unlikely sources.
Share the love.
If you’re not the right fit for a project, share opportunities with your network and pay it forward.
Consider all angles.
You should always look at opportunities from different angles to determine if they’re right for you.
Sometimes you’ll have your “ducks” in a row.
There are times when you’ll be organized and on top of everything and things will be running smoothly.
Sometimes you won’t.
Other times, everything will be a mess and you’ll have to figure out what you’re doing. That’s part of running a business.
Comfort is important.
Comfortable office furniture and accessories will help you while editing and doing administrative tasks.
Go for #StetWalks.
Editing is a sedentary job, so be sure to take breaks and go for walks if you can.
It’s okay if you can’t keep all the balls in the air (or any).
Do the best you can. Start with one, then go from there. You’ve got this.
Celebrate your wins.
It can be easy to focus on the negatives or the day to day, but don’t forget to celebrate your wins, both big and small.
And finally, there are more important things in life than work.
Things like her.
Content note: The rest of this post contains references to the death of a pet.
My steadfast editorial assistant crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 7, 2022. Roxy showed me what it meant to receive a dog’s unconditional love, and she set the bar impossibly high. The lessons she taught me will live on like the fur that will inevitably be found in this house years from now. If you have a furry friend, please hug them in Roxy’s memory. If you don’t, feel free to eat your favorite snack. She would’ve loved sharing it with you.
