Pique Publishing

10/17/2026

My next guest on The Editor’s Half Hour is Sophie Playle of Liminal Pages. Sophie Playle

We’ll discuss fiction editing topics like identifying continuity errors, developing the author’s voice, assessing character arcs, and understanding the difference between using frameworks to guide an edit and relying on formulas that might flatten a story. She will provide her insights on both developmental and copyediting.

Stay tuned for a thoughtful conversation for anyone who edits fiction—or wants to!

10/14/2026

I’ve been selected as a Finalist Judge for Writing Battle—an international writing competition that brings together creative writers to challenge themselves, share their stories, and celebrate the craft of storytelling. I’m looking forward to reading the finalists’ work and being part of a community that celebrates creativity and storytelling!!

If you’re curious about Writing Battle, visit writingbattle.com to learn more about the competition and how you can participate!

10/09/2026

Some of the most meaningful moments in publishing happen away from the manuscript.

Today, I had the pleasure of having lunch with my client, Molly Kennedy (Molly T. Kennedy | Leader With a Disability), and it reminded me just how important it is to make time for genuine, in-person connections.

Molly and I have been working together on her book about leadership, purpose, and what it really means to create opportunities for others. Her story is remarkable, but what makes this project especially meaningful to me isn’t simply what she’s accomplished. It’s why she wants to share her experiences.

Molly isn’t writing a book to celebrate her achievements. She’s writing it because she believes the lessons she’s learned throughout her career can help others become better leaders, challenge assumptions, and make a lasting impact.

And somewhere along the way, our relationship has become so much more than that of an editor and author. I’ve come to care deeply about Molly, her story, and the legacy she’s working to build.

As much as I love the work we do together on the page, there’s something irreplaceable about being across the table from someone. If you know me, conversations tend to wander! But meeting in person is a reminder that behind every manuscript is a person who has entrusted you with something incredibly important.

That’s a privilege I never take lightly.

Molly and I still have work ahead of us, but I’m so proud of what we’re creating. I can’t wait for the day when Molly’s words make their way into the hands of readers who need to hear them.

For now, I’m grateful for this project, the friendship, and a lovely lunch together. ❤️

❤️

10/01/2026

What happens when two editors start asking whether we’ve had enough screen time?

Apparently, we start a mail club! The latest episode of The Editor’s Half Hour is live, and this one is especially personal because Riley O’Connell and I are finally sharing the story behind Pique Post: The Mail Club for Editing Pros(e).

Pique Post started with a pretty simple idea: physical mail is fun. But it quickly became something bigger. We wanted to create an experience for editors that gives us a reason to step away from the screen, pick up a red pencil, and reconnect with the tactile side of our craft.

In the episode, Riley and I talk about how the idea came together, what we’ve been creating behind the scenes, and what we hope Pique Post can become for the editing community. Think paper, proofreading marks, editorial nerdery, and a few fun surprises.

The first issue mails out on October 15, and we are ridiculously excited to finally start sending these out into the world!

Listen or watch the new episode (https://lnkd.in/gqCEUNh8) and come see what we’ve been building: https://lnkd.in/guWeD9E2.

(The cutoff date is Oct. 10, so if you’re interested, be sure to subscribe before then.)

FreelanceEditors SnailMail

09/25/2026

It turns out, the mailbox can still be exciting—not the inbox, but your actual mailbox.

Riley O’Connell and I have been working behind the scenes (basically all summer) on something for editors who still appreciate a hard copy proof, a sharp pencil, and a perfectly placed proofreading mark.

It’s called Pique Post: The Mail Club for Editing Pros(e). And in the upcoming episode of The Editor’s Half Hour, we’re finally talking about how this slightly old-school idea came to life, why we think editors are ready for a little more analog in their lives, and what we’ve been putting together for your mailbox.

Pique Post is coming out on Oct 1—the same day as the podcast episode release. Mark your calendars and subscribe to my newsletter to get updates: tinyurl.com/editorshalfhour

SnailMail

09/14/2026

On October 1, we will officially launch Pique Post: The Mail Club for Editing Pros(e). Pique Post

The genius behind the magic is Riley O’Connell, who will explain how opening a Pique Post envelope will feel like taking a small break from the workday. Riley O’Connell Editorial | SF-based manuscript editor Riley

We thought it’d be great to launch the mail club and a podcast episode on the same day! Be sure to tune in for a lovely discussion on going analog. We will talk about why there seems to be a growing trend in this direction—especially among Gen Zers.

Inside our mail club, you might find something that makes you think, teaches you something, and gives you an excuse to pick up a red pencil. We hope it simply reminds editors and writers why they fell in love with this work in the first place!!

Sign up for the podcast newsletter for updates: tinyurl.com/editorshalfhour.

09/12/2026

09/10/2026

On November 10-11, 2026, I’ll be speaking at the first International Conference for Advanced Editorial Professionals (ICAEP) in Toronto, Canada.

The ICAEP has developed a great concept that I always wished existed, and now it finally does. If you’ve been editing for 8 years or more, consider applying to attend this two-day conference. This is a great opportunity to connect with advanced editors in a fun and engaging environment.

Seats are limited to 44 editors, so if you’re interested, you’ll want to apply soon! The conference fee includes coffee breaks and lunch for both days. Visit https://sites.google.com/view/icaep/home/ to apply!

09/04/2026

I’m presenting at ACES VCON this month!

My presentation topic explores what editorial leadership looks like when it extends beyond the copyediting work. Today, copyeditors are working across websites, PDFs, emails, ads, course modules, and other digital assets—and often coordinating people, priorities, deadlines, and quality along the way.

My presentation will explain how my PACT Framework can give editors a practical structure for managing the work, strengthening collaboration, and putting a name to the silent work we do as editors.

I’m especially looking forward to sharing it with the ACES community and continuing the conversation about the expanding role of editors.

I present on Friday, September 18.

Visit aceseditors.org to register!

09/01/2026

The latest episode of The Editor’s Half Hour is now available!

Crystal Yang of Rabbit with a Red Pen Crystal Yang | Book Editor shares what it really takes to work with the Big Five publishers. She talks about the practical side of breaking into major publishing: building experience, making professional connections, preparing for editorial tests, understanding house style, and proving that you’re someone a publishing team can rely on again and again.

Crystal also shares an important reminder that getting the first opportunity is only part of the story. Doing solid work, communicating well, and being easy to work with can be what leads to the next assignment—and the one after that.

If working with a Big Five publisher is something you’ve wondered about, this conversation offers a realistic and encouraging look at how editors can prepare for that possibility.

Listen to the new episode of The Editor’s Half Hour now: piquepublishing.com/podcast