PODCAST · arts
The Editing Podcast
by Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor)
Join two professional editors, Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle, on The Editing Podcast for a regular exploration of practical tips and guidance for editors and proofreaders who want to improve their practice and grow their businesses.
Episodes
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The proofreader’s toolkit
Get tips on building a proofreading toolkit - the tools, checklists and techniques that support consistency and accuracy. Listen to find out more about Why a toolkit matters Core proofreading tools Checklists – your secret weapon Proofreading techniques Combining tools, checklists, and techniques...
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File management and version control for editorial freelancers
Learn about managing your files and folders containing editing and proofreading work. Listen to find out more about Why file management matters Setting up a logical folder system Naming files like a pro Sensible version control that won’t drive you bonkers Backing up your work Cloud storage and...
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Dealing with editorial scope creep and client boundaries
Learn how to manage scope creep and set healthy boundaries in your editorial work. Listen to find out more about What is scope creep? Why scope creep happens How to prevent scope creep Spotting scope creep early Setting and communicating boundaries How to say no (nicely) When it’s time to…
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Building an editing portfolio that converts browsers into buyers
Learn how to create an editing or proofreading portfolio that wins you clients. Listen to find out more about Why Your Portfolio Matters What Makes a Portfolio Convert What to Include in Each Portfolio Entry What If You Can’t Show Client Work? Writing for Your Ideal Client How to Design and...
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How to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading
Learn about how to use AI tools ethically when editing or proofreading. Listen to find out more about What do we mean by 'AI tools' in editing? The ethical questions Protecting client confidentiality Being transparent with clients Accountability Respecting authorship Staying informed and critical...
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8 copyediting essentials
Learn about 8 tips that will make your copyediting life easier. Listen to find out more about Understanding the power of Microsoft Word’s Styles pane Knowing how to use consistency-checking software Being able to use macros Using Word’s Navigation pane. Knowing how to find and use the pilcrow…
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Why CPD matters for editors and proofreaders
Learn about CPD and why it's core to professional editorial practice. Listen to find out more about What CPD actually means Why CPD matters The professional confidence factor Types of CPD CPD on a budget Tracking and reflecting on CPD How CPD supports career development Overcoming barriers to CPD...
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Why editors should review their businesses annually
Learn why doing an annual editorial business review is a good, professional habit. Listen to find out more about What an annual business review is Why regular reviews matter Checking your financial health Reviewing clients and projects Realigning services and goals Reviewing marketing and…
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Do editors and proofreaders need insurance?
Learn about insurance and what you might need for your editing and proofreading business. Listen to find out more about Why insurance matters Common risks that editors and proofreaders face Insurance policy options How to choose the right insurance How much does insurance cost? Book series: Notes...
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Reflections on the CIEP annual conference
Denise and Louise reflect on the 2025 Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) conference. Listen to find out more about the buzz at the conference how well the hybrid structure worked the value of the editorial profession our core takeaways from the sessions Book series: Notes from...
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Notes from the Podcast: New book series!
Liv Cowle interviews Denise and Louise about their new book series, Notes from the Podcast. Listen to find out more about Turning 140+ episodes of audio content and written transcripts into a 5-book series Overcoming project overwhelm Extracting relevant content systematically Recognising the...
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Should you make changes to your editing business?
Denise and Louise discuss why your editorial business offering might be ripe for some changes. Listen to find out more about Signals that it’s time to make changes What change looks like How to make change strategically Resource Is Your Website AI-Friendly? The 8-Point Checklist for Keeping AI...
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15 types of materials that academic editors work on
Explore a selection of the different types of materials you might consider working on if you’re an academic editor. Listen to find out more about Books and monographs Conference materials Grant proposals Journal articles Peer review reports Reference lists Research reports Review articles…
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What are editorial reports, and should you write them?
Learn about editorial reports, and whether you should provide them to clients. Listen to find out more about What an editorial report is Why not all clients need editorial reports What to include in an editorial report How long editorial reports take to write Why editors should create editorial...
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How to find the perfect academic editor or proofreader
Learn how to find a professional academic editor or proofreader who's the ideal fit for you. Listen to find out more about Different levels of editing Searching editorial societies' directories Internet searches Academic networks Social media Subject portfolios Sample edits Testimonials Editorial...
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Free bonus episode: Editorial websites
Welcome to this sneak peek behind the curtain of our Patreon ‘Second Cup’ tier, where members get exclusive access to bonus episodes of The Editing Podcast. Patreon is the only place you will ever hear these bonus episodes, but we are making this one – and only this one - free to everyone, so you...
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When should an editor build their website?
Learn more about editorial business-owner websites, and when you should start building them. Listen to find out more about Why having a website is important Common misconceptions about timing Signs you're ready to build your editorial website What if you're just starting out? Website timing in…
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10 pieces of content that get editors noticed by academic writers
Learn how to make your academic editing business more visible. Listen to find out more about content marketing showing rather than telling your skills using subject-based keywords ideas for titles for you to steal Book series: Notes from the Podcast Want to hone your editorial business skills?…
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Assessing a non-fiction editing project: With Hester Higton
Learn how to assess a non-fiction editing project with special guest Hester Higton. Listen to find out more about Time required for different aspects of a project The different parts of a project The different types of editing Counting and assigning time The order of editing work Recording…
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Efficient editing: With Hester Higton
Learn about how to be an efficient editor, with guest Hester Higton. Listen to find out more about The goals of efficient editing Preparing for efficient improvements The order for tackling a project Batch editing Technology for efficient editing Multi-author projects Resources Resources…
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Academic editing: With Hester Higton
Learn about becoming a professional academic editor with guest Hester Higton. Listen to find out more about The journey from academia to editing How editors support academics Specific skills needed Acquiring training Different types and sources of clients Academic voice Ethical issues and AI…
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Editorial events: 10 practical tips for beginner presenters
Learn how to hone your presentation skills at online and in-person conferences, professional awaydays and webinars. Listen to find out more about Starting with a strong title Mapping out the structure Clarifying learning outcomes Numbering session sections Keeping slides decluttered Offering a...
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Why not having client testimonials could be damaging your editing business
Learn about why including testimonials in your online spaces is likely to do lovely things for your editing and proofreading business. Listen to find out more about How to ask for testimonials Making it easy for clients Effective testimonials Where to put testimonials Visibility Different...
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7 tips for compelling titles to captivate your audience
Learn how to create engaging titles for conference sessions, blog and podcast headings and email marketing subject lines. Listen to find out more about Being specific Using numbers Being short and snappy Choosing verbs wisely Piquing curiosity Targeting your audience Sign up for alerts about our...
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The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): In conversation with Russell Harper
Russell Harper of The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) talks about the changes to the 18th edition. Listen to find out more about The international appeal of CMOS Balancing editorial logic and real-world usage Revision decision-making process Reversing stylistic decisions in CMOS Capitalization of...
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How to use an editorial marketing buddy to conquer overwhelm
Discover how to use a marketing buddy to conquer overwhelm and get your editing and proofreading business promotion moving. Listen to find out more about Sharing the problem of marketing inertia Why feeling nervous about marketing with someone else can be empowering Finding a marketing buddy:...
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Human vs AI: How editors and proofreaders can remain relevant
How can human editors and proofreaders remain relevant when AI capability is improving exponentially? Listen to find out more about: Emotional intelligence and sensitivity The ability to be subjective Focusing on the writer as well as the writing Service opportunities Being present in person…
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A checklist for proofreading designed page proofs
Learn about what to check when proofreading page proofs prior to publication. Listen to find out more about What designed page proofs are What to check in the prelims What to check in the main text What to check in the end matter Which sections to check first Get a free checklist when you sign up...
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Fiction lingo: 5 character roles and their purpose
Find out about 5 core character roles within a novel, and how the purpose they serve ensures the story stays focused. Listen to find out more about: 5 key character roles in fiction The character role hierarchy Why protagonists aren't always heroes Why antagonists aren't always villains Why even...
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Should editors offer free discovery calls?
Should editors offer free discovery calls? Our three-step discovery process will help you deliver the process effectively. Listen to find out more about What a discovery call is Benefits of discovery calls Time and money considerations Managing unqualified leads Scope creep Emotional labour...
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Editing and proofreading ELT materials
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle chat about editing and proofreading ELT materials. Listen to find out more about: What is ELT? Who does this work? How does an editor work? What's different about ELT editing? How are the materials formatted? What kit do you need? How to find out more Sign up for...
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Scene technique: With Lisa Poisso
Learn about scene technique with our special guest, editor, book coach and story consultant Lisa Poisso. A must-listen for editors and authors alike. Listen to find out more about What is a scene in a novel? Why are scenes important? What’s their purpose? Is there an ideal structure for a scene?...
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How are opportunity costs affecting your editing business?
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle chat about opportunity cost, and why editors and proofreaders need to keep an eye on this part of their business. Listen to find out more about: What opportunity cost is An opportunity cost management framework Knowing your business goals and objectives Example 1:...
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What should I include in my editor services agreement?
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle chat about what editors and proofreaders might include in a services agreement. Listen to find out more about Parties involved Scope of the job Rates and fees Payment terms and methods Timelines and deadlines Revision and feedback process Confidentiality and…
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Does my editing business need a newsletter?
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle talk about newsletters and whether your editing or proofreading business needs one. Listen to find out more about: Beating the search engines Building community Showcasing expertise Staying top of mind Business promotion Beating the social media algorithms...
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10 brand design tips for editors and proofreaders
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle discuss ten brand-design tips that every editor and proofreader can consider in their business. Listen to find out more about: Websites Favicons Editorial reports Style sheets Email signatures Presentations Community signatures Social media Business cards Invoices...
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7 ways for editors to get paid faster
Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle talk about 7 different ways to speed up the payment process when you're invoicing for editing and proofreading work. invoicing promptly well-structured contracts or services agreements clear and transparent processes incentives for early payment online payment...
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The pros and cons of niche editing and proofreading
Find out about the pros and cons of being a niche editor or proofreader, and whether it's right for you. Listen to find out more about different degrees of niche-ness using specialized knowledge getting paid for what you enjoy easier targeted marketing charging more lack of variety narrower…
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How to build relationship marketing into your editing and proofreading business
Discover 7 tips on how to grow your business by fostering long-term relationships. Listen to find out more about what relationship marketing is personalized communication active listening quality service transparent pricing and policies following up content marketing networking Sign up for alerts...
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7 reasons to advertise in editorial society directories
Discover why you should be advertising in professional editorial society directories. Listen to find out more about audience targeting increased visibility credibility and trust niche recognition competitive advantage improved SEO cost benefits Sign up for alerts about our publications Want to…
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5 irresistible lead magnets for editors and proofreaders
Discover how lead magnets can help editors and proofreaders build trust and visibility. Listen to find out more about what a lead magnet is target audiences and pain points 5 irresistible lead magnets what to do with the leads why you shouldn't give it all away promoting your lead magnet Lead...
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Editing translated materials: With Andy Hodges
Find out about the artistry of editing translated materials with Denise Cowle, Louise Harnby and Andy Hodges. Listen to find out more about Types of translated materials The difference between editing a translation and editing a text written in English by a multilingual author Stylistic editing…
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Worldbuilding in science fiction and fantasy: With Andy Hodges
Find out more about worldbuilding in science fiction and fantasy with fiction editor and book coach Andy Hodges. Listen to find out more about What is worldbuilding? How is worldbuilding different from setting? Common problems with worldbuilding that writers face How to improve worldbuilding…
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5 ways editors can use text generative AI as a business tool
Discover how editors and proofreaders can use text generative AI as a business tool that enhances marketing, increases productivity and reduces stress. Listen to find out more about Simplifying complex information Creating content ideas for business marketing Generating outlines for editorial...
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Proofreading symbols: Do we still need to learn them?
Find out what proofreading markup symbols are and why they're still relevant to professional practice. Listen to find out more about What are proofreading markup symbols? BSI standards and other national guidelines Is proofreading markup language still relevant to training? Communicating...
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3 tips for developing an editorial business mindset
Louise and Denise discuss three ideas that help editors and proofreaders develop or enhance an editorial business mindset. Listen to find out more about Aim to make progress instead of achieving perfection. Develop a money mindset that focuses on ownership and growth. Decide what your goals are…
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How to manage a hectic editorial business schedule
We talk about tips to manage your editorial business life when the schedule feels just a little bit too hectic! Listen to find out more about Is the problem short term or long term? Identifying what absolutely must get done Extending a deadline: When to ask, how long to ask for, and what's...
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When to say goodbye to an editing client
Thinking about saying goodbye to an editing client? Here's what to consider before you jump ship. Listen to find out more about when the client’s budget means the rate doesn’t work when the client pays late when the client’s terms of service have changed shifting your editorial brand the client’s...
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When is a price for editing ‘too low’?
When is a price for editing work too low or unfair? And do those terms even make sense universally? Listen to find out more about The narrative of the universally acceptable price and why it's problematic Why every editor needs to do the maths Understanding your own needs and wants How everyone…
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5 ways to be a more efficient editor and proofreader, part 2
Louise and Denise discuss 5 more tools that will help any editor or proofreader work more efficiently. Listen to find out more about Searchable online dictionaries Searchable online style guides Templates Styles palette in Word Wildcards, and find and replace in Microsoft Word Resources mentioned...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join two professional editors, Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle, on The Editing Podcast for a regular exploration of practical tips and guidance for editors and proofreaders who want to improve their practice and grow their businesses.
HOSTED BY
Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Editing Podcast have?
The Editing Podcast currently has 156 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Editing Podcast about?
Join two professional editors, Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle, on The Editing Podcast for a regular exploration of practical tips and guidance for editors and proofreaders who want to improve their practice and grow their businesses.
How often does The Editing Podcast release new episodes?
The Editing Podcast publishes regularly with 156 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Editing Podcast?
You can listen to The Editing Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Editing Podcast?
The Editing Podcast is created and hosted by Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor).
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