The Editor's Half Hour

Barbara Gastel, physician, professor, and seasoned medical editor who wrote Medical Editing, discusses the nature and myths of medical editing. Short takes cover what medical editors do, how diverse backgrounds fit, ethical challenges like inadvertent plagiarism, practical ways to gain skills, and the collaborative, service-oriented mindset the work demands.

Editing RomantasyRomantasy 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.Together, we talk about:·       Why romantasy continues to dominate reader demand·       The tropes readers love—and why they work·       How editors can approach romantasy with intention and confidence·       Balancing high emotion, power dynamics, and character agency·       Editing romantasy as a reader-first genreThis conversation is a celebration of romantasy, grounded in craft and curiosity. Whether you’re actively editing in the genre or simply want to understand why it resonates so deeply, this episode offers insight into the editorial lens behind today’s most popular fantasy romances.If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit.com and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.To learn more about Brenna’s editorial business and her published books, visit www.bookmarteneditorial.com or www.brennabailey.com.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour 

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 offer a clear, practical look at what it really takes to sustain creative work—especially for freelancers.We explore the principles behind her book The Business of Being a Writer, how to position yourself in a crowded market, and why understanding your value is essential, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We also discuss common misconceptions around agents, the submissions process, and why packaging and pricing matter just as much as skill.Jane shares a thoughtful perspective on AI in the exclusive interview—its potential, its limits, and what writers and editors should pay attention to as technology evolves.This is a grounded, generous conversation for anyone navigating the business side of creative work.Topics We CoverWhy positioning matters for freelancersPricing, packaging, and communicating your valueHow editors can strengthen their visibility and reachResources & LinksJane Friedman’s Website: https://janefriedman.comThe Business of Being a Writer (Book): https://janefriedman.com/book/the-business-of-being-a-writerJane’s Substack Article: There Is No Such Thing as a Good Editor https://janefriedman.substack.com/p/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-goodIf you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

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 conversation, Peter takes us inside the meticulous world of lexicography: how new words earn their place, how usage guides definition, and how the dictionary reflects the culture around us. We talk about nuance, evolution, clarity, and the responsibility of capturing the living nature of English—while honoring history, accuracy, and meaning.This episode is a celebration of everything editors love about language. Whether you’re an editor, a writer, or a full-on word nerd, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the dictionary you’ve trusted for years.In this episode, you’ll learn:·       What goes into updating a major dictionary edition·       How lexicographers track evolving usage and cultural influence·       The surprising ways words shift meaning over time·       What gets added and what gets revised in the 12th edition·       How editors and lexicographers share similar instincts for clarity and precision·       Why dictionary work is both deeply technical and beautifully humanAnd because this is the season finale, the episode begins with a special announcement: the winner of this season’s listener giveaway! Become a sneak “Pique” Patreon supporter to get access to exclusive content.Visit https://www.merriam-webster.com/collegiate-dictionary-twelfth-edition to get your copy of the latest 12th edition.If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

Aryn Van Dyke, founder of Book Rockstar and former HarperCollins marketer, helps authors build authentic, sustainable book marketing. She discusses why editors should care about marketing. Short, practical takes cover metadata and keywords, writing book descriptions, messaging exercises, packaging marketing add-ons, and using Kickstarter for discovery and funding.

Marie Ellis, founder of Muse Content, brings her expertise as a developmental editor and ghostwriter to the conversation. She explores what it means to find joy in editing while balancing precision and creativity. Marie emphasizes the vital role of confidence and connection in building an editorial career. She shares practical tips on staying motivated through overwhelming projects and highlights the importance of financial safety nets for making joyful project choices. A must-listen for aspiring and seasoned editors alike!

Laura Poole, founder of Archer Editorial Services, brings decades of experience in scholarly nonfiction editing to share her signature approach to concise editing. She delves into her popular 'snip snip' method, showcasing how trimming excess can enhance writing's clarity and impact. Laura discusses editing nuances, teaching strategies, and the importance of preserving author voice. With insights on managing complex content and the power of succinctness, she empowers listeners to confidently refine their edits and elevate their writing.

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 experience copy editing business collateral, academic writing, proposal content, marketing materials, and anything else that’s been put in front of him. Dave has been with Dragonfly Editorial since 2017. He began as a contractor, editing and writing proposal content for several of Dragonfly’s health care and IT clients. Today, as the deputy editorial manager, he works closely with the editorial manager to develop and maintain Dragonfly’s high editing standards. He also edits and proofreads proposal content and other communication for key clients. He’s especially proud of his super-nerd-level love of style guides. Ask him any question about the Associated Press Stylebook or The Chicago Manual of Style, and you’ll have a hard time shutting him up. In this episode, we challenge the myths (yes, including that infamous “don’t end a sentence with a preposition” rule), and discuss how modern communication—think texting, TikTok, and Threads—is reshaping our understanding of language.We also tackle hot topics like:·       Is autocorrect helping or hurting our grammar brains?·       Why punctuation in texts can sometimes feel like a secret message.·       How grammar rebels from history inspire today’s editors.·       Why editors might want to broaden their skill sets beyond traditional copyediting.Plus, for exclusive content, Dave dives into the future of grammar in an AI-driven world. From how editors might become language ethicists to the challenge of editing algorithm-generated voices, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the craft of language. (Visit patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour to become a Patreon supporter to get access to the exclusive content.)You can find Dave on LinkedIn and Bluesky:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nelsen-0551588/ @thegrammargeek.bsky.social Visit https://dragonflyeditorial.com/resources/top-4-english-myths/ to read the “Top 4 English Language Myths,” which is one of Dragonfly’s Field Guides written by Dave. Visit https://dragonflyeditorial.com/training/ to learn more about the webinars they have to offer.Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcastConnect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_HourSubscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

In this enlightening discussion, Andrew Hodges, a developmental editor and cultural anthropologist, delves into the critical role editors play in shaping fictional worlds, particularly in speculative fiction. He shares insights on the balance between guiding world-building and preserving a writer's creative vision. Andrew tackles common mistakes in crafting new worlds and emphasizes the importance of nuanced cultural representations. He also offers practical tools and frameworks for managing complex worlds, making the editing process intentional and story-driven.

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, consistency, and heart.Rachel shares how she got started in this unique niche, the editorial challenges that come with blending narrative and game mechanics, and why attention to detail matters just as much in imaginary realms as it does anywhere else. Whether you're deep into the TTRPG space or just curious about unconventional editorial careers, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse behind the screen.What You’ll Learn:·       What editors actually do on TTRPG projects·       How to balance creativity with consistency·       Common pitfalls and continuity challenges in collaborative storytelling·       Why editors are essential to immersive, playable game narratives·       Rachel’s advice for editors interested in gaming and narrative designRachel Lapidow is a freelance editor with a passion for TTRPGs, collaborative fiction, and genre storytelling. Her work focuses on helping teams bring complex, interactive narratives to life—ensuring that even the most magical worlds stay grounded in clear, player-friendly language. Since 2019, she has been a freelance proofreader for DC Comics and has worked on more than 20 comic collections. Visit RachelLapidow.com to learn more about Rachel and the types of projects she’s done.During this episode, we made reference to another podcast, Tech Lounge, where Rachel discussed her work on TTRPGs:https://chrischinchilla.com/podcast/copy-editing-game-rules-with-rachel-lapidow/The idea to cover this topic on the podcast came from Rachel Fowler, magazine editor for the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. Thank you, Rachel, for your input and ideas! Find Rachel Fowler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fowler-1b523675/Since this episode was released, Rachel Lapidow has written an article that outlines what it takes to develop an intricate stylesheet. She shares a truncated version in her latest blog post titled, “Getting it Righ (Whale): A Reef-erence to a Whale of a Style Sheet”: https://www.rachellapidow.com/writing/2025/9/10/getting-it-right-whale-a-reef-erence-to-a-whale-of-a-style-sheetLove the Show?💬 Leave a review to help others discover the show!📢 Share this episode with your fellow word nerds and editing enthusiasts!🎙️ Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast✍️ Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour⭐ Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHourBecome a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour