How I Became a Developmental Editor
In which I describe the circuitous route to career change - i.e. the pivot.
How I Became a Developmental Editor
Funny you should ask.
After 34 years in many roles in higher education, including college classroom English instructor, I chose to stop teaching.
"Chose" to stop - there's a story there. A hostile student was in my face three days in a row until I pulled a desk between us as the students’ friends tried to pull her away while other students took videos on their phones. The hostile student was kept out of class for ONE day, no matter that her belligerence and hostility upset the normal functioning of the class.
In less than a week, the student was cleared to return to class. No one told me. I learned of the decision through an after hours email the day before the student was to return. After a meeting with everyone concerned - Director of the writing program, Chair of the department, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Director of Student Conduct, (the student was invited but was a no-show, of course), the Dean cleared the student to return to class, declaring the student "not a threat." When I asked why, the Dean said that the student had a right to return to class (no matter my concerns about workplace safety), because (wait for it) "the student had paid for the class."
Bad behavior condoned - as long as you pay!
This hostility occurred 20 miles from Sandy Hook, CT.
I wanted no part of this asinine decision or an institution that potentially risks the welfare of its students and employees.
I filed a complaint with HR about workplace safety. No one even called me about it.
There was only one problem: I loved teaching, and I was good at it.
I vowed to find another way to help students with their writing.
A couple years later, I happened upon Club Ed Freelancers, an organization that teaches people how to do developmental editing and how to run a successful freelance editing business.
After intense studying and challenging coursework, I am now mere weeks away from completing a certificate as a developmental editor. Thanks to Jennifer Lawler and all my colleagues at Club Ed Freelancers, I am entering the world of developmental editing with new skills and a new outlook in how to help writers achieve their goals.
My path to becoming an editor is not a straight line. My 30+ years of teaching experience helped get me here. But it's my love of language, writing, books, and helping writers achieve their goals that motivate me every day.
Hello. My name is Lee G. Hornbrook, developmental editor and owner of The Writing Prof Editorial Services.
I edit memoir, literary fiction, creative nonfiction and short story collections, general nonfiction, and academic writing and websites.
I offer editing, writing coaching, and ghostwriting/book doctoring.
Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project.
I’m also a writer. I’ve written an unpublished memoir, My Own Private Waste Land, which I’m in the process of querying. I’m at work on my second memoir as well as many other assorted writing projects.
Support my writing as I seek traditional publication for my memoir. You can also provide a subscription as a gift to other who may enjoy my writing.
On this substack, I write about:
writing, literature, and the writing life
writing process
memoir craft
mental illness - major depressive disorder, suicide, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder
sailing
alternative lifestyles - polyamory and kink
Until next time, I’ll . . ..
Just keep writing!
As always, thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated. Let me know what you think. Let’s get to know each other. All the best!