Pique Publishing

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

08/29/2026

I got a little teary-eyed when this book arrived yesterday. When I first met Debbie Berne before we recorded our podcast episode, it felt like I had known her for years. We instantly clicked, laughed about a lot of nerdy book design things, and even made plans to meet up in the Bay Area someday. Her laugh was infectious!

When she told me she was battling cancer, she kindly asked that we not mention it during the episode, and I respected that. She wanted to keep the discussion focused on “The Design of Books,” which is still one of my favorites. After we finished the recording, we laughed and cracked even more nerdy jokes about ugly book designs, and then she shared something that felt like a secret. “I’m working on my next book. It’s about cookbooks and design!” I squealed like an idiot, and of course, she laughed at my ridiculous reaction!

She passed away last year on Dec. 24—five days before her 56th birthday. We never got to have that lunch date we talked about, but I will certainly remember her for a long time. She left such a positive impression on me. I will miss her.

Here’s a link to a wonderfully written article about her: tinyurl.com/DebbieBerne-Obit

Here’s a link to listen to our episode: tinyurl.com/DebbiePodcast

08/26/2026

Did you know that September is Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month? I love that this is a thing.

Editors notice the smallest details and always work quietly behind the scenes. But it can get lonely sometimes—especially for freelancers. This is why I created the first-ever Affirmation Cards for Editors. They’re meant to help boost an editor’s confidence and squash that self-doubt.

I thought I should celebrate a little early by offering free shipping for the entire month of September starting today! Use promo code BEKIND2026.

If you’ve been meaning to get these cards for yourself—or surprise another editor in your life—September seems like a perfect time to do it.

piquepublishing.com/shop

08/24/2026

Getting your foot in the door is one thing. Being invited back is another!

In my conversation with Crystal Yang | Book Editor about working with the Big Five publishers, she made a point that applies far beyond major publishing:
“I think once you do your first project and show them you’re reliable, and you do a good job, and you’re easy to work with, the more likely it is that you’ll get more and more project offers.”

I love this because we spend so much time talking about how to get the opportunity—the right résumé, the right connection, the right experience. Of course, strong editorial skills are important, but so is being dependable and professional.

Stay tuned for my conversation with Crystal Yang on what it takes to work with the Big Five publishers!

Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates (tinyurl.com/editorshalfhour) and consider joining my Patreon for $5/month to get access to the exclusive interview (an additional half hour) and learn more about Crystal’s first Big Five publisher job (Patreon.com/editorshalfhour). You won’t want to miss this!