Meet Tara Whitaker
she/her
From grammar-infatuated to community-invested
I didn’t grow up thinking, “Hey, I want to be an editor someday.”
In fact, I majored in marketing with a minor in special event planning (with a hefty side of student loan debt), planning a long and happy career in the corporate world.
Except I wasn’t happy. The young adult book blog I started for fun ended up saving me from the misery of my last 9 to 5, introduced me to the bookish community that I love so much, and launched my freelance editing career in 2012.
It was exhilarating.
Also…it was lonely. I struggled. A lot.
So when I met other budding freelancers who wanted autonomy and freedom but were struggling to get started because they didn’t fit a certain stereotype, have the “right” connections, or have a degree in publishing, I felt for them. I was them. And I decided to stand up and do something about it.
From that point on, I’ve happily split my time between continuing my freelance editing business, offering business coaching for freelance editors, and running my membership, the Freelance Editors Club.
I’ve supported more than 400 editors by helping them access the tools, knowledge, community, and encouragement they need to be successful. And we’re only just getting started!
“I can’t imagine a better person to help me get my business feet settled firmly beneath me.”
— Kharysa
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What I stand for
I have no expectations of perfection. Including for myself. Sometimes I’ll screw up, but I’m passionate and dedicated enough to continuously learn, grow, and keep trying. Let’s treat each other like the beautiful, imperfect humans that we are!
I believe in the power of community.
I practice radical inclusivity: holding space, giving opportunity access, and amplifying marginalized voices. No matter your identity, you are wanted and welcomed with me and within the community I’ve cultivated.
I believe in social justice, and using our businesses to facilitate our activism.
I stand for the underdog and helping freelance editors thrive in their businesses no matter their background, training, or industry connections.
What I won’t stand for
Racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia or transphobia, marginalization, or gatekeeping (ick)
The elitism and intentional exclusion that is often found in the publishing world
Stealing people’s intellectual property through the use of generative AI
People who are intolerant, rude, and not willing to learn and change with the world
People who are anti-work: You have to do the work to expect results. Sometimes that means shifting your mindset and rewriting the stories you’re telling yourself, and that isn’t always comfy.
“Tara took the time to get to know who I am as a person before she coached/advised me. This is not a generic one-size-fits-all deal—it’s a gift she’s given me and she sees the person I really am—not just another participant who signed up.”
— Janice
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How can I help?
No matter the challenge you’re facing, I’ll bet I’ve covered it on my podcast. My advice? Pour a glass of something yummy (a crisp sauvignon blanc is my fave), listen up, and take some notes. You’re not going to find free advice tailored to freelance editors like this anywhere else.