The Editor's Half Hour

Technical editing is often overlooked in conversations about the publishing and editing industry, but it plays a critical role in how readers understand complex information. In this episode, we are joined by Jess Stampe of Just Ask Jess (https://justaskjess.work/) about what technical editing actually involves and why it requires far more than simply correcting grammar. Together, we explore the ba...

Technical editing is often overlooked in conversations about the publishing and editing industry, but it plays a critical role in how readers understand complex information. In this episode, we are joined by Jess Stampe of Just Ask Jess (https://justaskjess.work/) about what technical editing actually involves and why it requires far more than simply correcting grammar. Together, we explore the ba...

Most writers think they’re ready for editing. Most manuscripts say otherwise. In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour , Nadia Geagea Pupa explores one of the most misunderstood—and often skipped—stages of the editorial process: manuscript evaluations, alongside Steph Thompson. This conversation gets to the core of what writers actually need before line editing begins. Steph shares how she approa...

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, I’m joined by Tia Ross to talk about the realities behind one of the most misunderstood professions in publishing. At the center of our conversation is her book, "So You Want to Be an Editor... But Can You Edit?," which challenges the idea that editing is a casual or easily acquired skill. Tia breaks down what it actually takes to do this work wel...

In this episode, I interviewed Barbara Gastel about the evolving field of medical editing—and the persistent myths that keep talented editors from stepping into it. Barbara is the author of "Medical Editing: A Guide for Authors and Editors," published by the University of Chicago Press. Drawing on decades of experience in science and medical communication, she offers a grounded, practical...

Editing Romantasy Romantasy is having a moment—and for good reason. In this episode, I’m joined by editor Brenna Bailey-Davies for a thoughtful conversation about what makes romantasy so compelling for readers and editors alike. We explore the genre’s emotional pull, immersive worlds, and beloved tropes, while also discussing the editorial considerations that help these stories truly shine. Togeth...

Jane Friedman: The Business of Being a Writer (and a Freelancer) In this episode, I talk with publishing expert, educator, and author Jane Friedman about the realities of building a writing or editing career in today’s shifting marketplace. Jane has spent more than two decades working across traditional publishing, digital media, and higher education. Her insights cut through industry myths and of...

For the Season 3 finale of The Editor’s Half Hour , I’m joined by a truly extraordinary guest: Peter Sokolowski , editor at large at Merriam-Webster . With the highly anticipated 12th edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary —the first major update in more than two decades—Peter gives us a rare look behind the scenes of how our language is shaped, refined, and recorded. In this conve...

Book Marketing for Editors What happens after the edits are done? In this episode, I interview Aryn Van Dyke, founder of Book Rockstar and former HarperCollins marketing expert, about how editors can better understand the world of book marketing—and why it matters more than ever. Aryn shares how her background in corporate publishing led her to create Book Rockstar , a boutique agency dedicated to...

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour , Nadia Pupa talks with Marie Ellis , founder of Muse Content and an experienced editor and content strategist. Marie shares how she helps authors and organizations shape their ideas into clear, meaningful content while staying grounded in the joy of editing. Together, we explore: ·       What it means to find your “happy place” as an editor ·       How to...

If you’ve spent any time on LinkedIn, you may have seen this episode’s guest in action—Laura Poole. She’s become known for her signature ‘snip snip’ posts, where she takes a sentence, trims the excess, and shows how just a few smart cuts can transform writing into something sharper, cleaner, and more powerful. In this episode, we discuss the art of concise editing: how to cut the clutter, keep the...

In “ Not Your Grandma’s Grammar,” we dive deep into the evolving landscape of language, exploring what’s truly worth holding onto from the old-school grammar playbook and what’s time to retire. Dave Nelsen shares what he thinks Grandma did get right, the most common mistakes he still spots out in the wild, and the grammar “hills” he’s ready to defend fiercely. Dave has more than two decades of exp...

Developmental editor and anthropologist Andrew Hodges shares his view of the editor’s role in shaping fictional worlds—especially in speculative fiction. He brings a unique perspective to the craft, blending editorial expertise with a background in cultural anthropology. We discuss: How editors can guide world-building without taking over the creative vision Common mistakes writers make when creat...

In this episode of The Editor’s Half Hour , Nadia Geagea Pupa welcomes editor Rachel Lapidow for an in-depth look at the role editors play in the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). From rulebooks and lore to quests and character creation, editing TTRPGs involves far more than just grammar—it’s about helping writers and designers bring expansive, interactive worlds to life with clarity,...

In this special double feature episode, I’m joined by two standout voices from this year’s ACES conference in Salt Lake City. First, I interview Heather Saunders , president of ACES: The Society for Editing and CEO of Nova Arc Content . Heather shares her perspective on leading in the editing world, the importance of advocating for editors in specialized fields like STEM, and how she’s working to...

Let’s be real—promoting yourself can feel like a microfiber cloth snagging on dry skin. Ick. We’re editors, not salespeople! But fear not, because in this episode, I speak with marketing guru, and work and life coach, Colleen Newvine, all about how to feel more authentic and less cringey when it comes to self-promotion. Colleen’s approach to marketing makes you feel at ease, that promoting your br...

What if copy editing was more than just a profession—what if it was a lifestyle? In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jamaal Pittman , author of The Copy Editor’s Life(Style) Guide , for a deep dive into the world of editing, career longevity, and what it really takes to thrive in the publishing industry. Jamaal’s book isn’t just another style guide—it’s an insightful, engaging, and often humo...

AI is transforming the way we edit, write, and create—but where do we draw the ethical line?  In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ethics of AI in publishing to explore some of the biggest ethical questions editors and writers face in the age of AI.  Are AI tools a helpful assistant or a threat to creativity? How do we ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity in AI-assisted editing?  I inte...

Welcome back to The Editor's Half Hour podcast! We're kicking off the year with an episode designed to help you work smarter, not harder. In this episode, I interview productivity expert and editorial pro, Lori Paximadis for a lively discussion about the systems and shortcuts that can revolutionize your workflow. Lori has been a successful full-time freelancer for more than half of her 33-...

In this special episode and season finale, I interviewed Madeleine Vasaly, the author of the newly released book, “The Proofreader’s Guide to Comic Book Style.” This book offers an in-depth catalog of style traditions in comics and explains how they’re different from the standards in other types of media. In this interview, we discuss grammar, style, and the heroic art of editing dialogue balloons...

When you pick up a cookbook, do you ever wonder how it all comes together? From the ingredients to the instructions to the tempting photos, a lot more happens behind the scenes than meets the eye. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the essential yet often-overlooked role of the cookbook editor. Join us as we chat with seasoned cookbook editor Melissa Haskin, who reveals what it takes to...

In this insightful episode, we dive into the nuanced world of editing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writers. It’s one thing to edit for grammar and flow, but how do editors balance maintaining a writer’s authentic voice while adapting the language for clarity and readability in English? This episode unpacks what it takes to work effectively with EFL writers, touching on topics like cultu...

Isabella Furth shares her insight about emotional labor and how it affects the editing process. Emotional Labor is defined as caring work or relationship work; it’s about managing emotional resources, but it can often become devalued or taken for granted. Isabella explains the importance of recognizing emotional labor because it isn't something that should be avoided or ignored. As editors, we...

For about 20 years, the University of Chicago Press has been looking to publish a book about book design, and it has finally happened. In 2024, The Design of Books, written by Debbie Berne was officially published and it shares everything that authors, editors, and agents should know about book design. Debbie has been a professional book designer since 2002 and has designed hundreds of book interi...

Rebecca Scharpf of Scrollwork Edits provides an abundance of information about what it takes to work with neurodivergent clients. She primarily works with fiction writers and specializes in editing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance novels. In this episode, she shares a variety of ways editors can create positive and affirming spaces for neurodivergent writers. Rebecca shares several resources for both...