Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Whitaker.

Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi there! I’m Tara Whitaker, and I wear a lot of hats in the freelance editing world. I’m a book editor, the founder of the Freelance Editors Club, a business coach for freelance editors, and the host of The Modern Editor Podcast. I’m also a wife, mom of two, and an avid reader and Netflix connoisseur.

My path to freelance editing was not a straight line, as is common for many freelancers. I graduated college with a degree in marketing and a minor in special event and meeting planning. I started my career as a meeting planner, then pivoted into a role as a web content manager when I realized the hospitality industry wasn’t the best fit for me. While writing and editing hotel content all day in the web content role, I got incredibly bored and started looking for a creative outlet. A college friend introduced me to book blogging, and I started my own young adult book blog in 2010.

I absolutely fell in love with the book community and realized people could make a career out of helping create and publish books—and they didn’t have to live in New York City. I was sold! I’ve always had an eye for detail, and I knew I could excel as an editor. I had no idea where to start, though, so I put on my research hat and read every website, blog post, and book I possibly could to learn how to become an editor. I’m proud to say that over a decade later, I’m still doing what I love.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Smooth” can be taken a lot of different ways. I’m a white, cishet woman, so I definitely benefit from privilege. In terms of my journey being smooth in other ways, I’ve had challenges for sure.

My education revolved around how to be a good employee, so starting my own business and being my own boss was a wake-up call in a lot of ways. I had to learn personal accountability with juggling all the hats we wear as freelancers: not only editing, but also marketing, accounting, website creation, social media, etc. Instead of specializing in one area like you would at a traditional job, freelancers have to know about a wide range of areas.

I had to get comfortable with failure and things not working out as I had planned. Running a business is a giant experiment, and we never know if something is going to work or not unless we try it. I had to get over that very quickly.

Being a freelancer means you’re in control of your rates and how much you work, but the income can still be variable. It’s a big shift to go from a regular paycheck to an invoice-based business. I was fortunate to discover a budgeting system that helped me smooth out the roller coaster, and now I’m also a certified YNAB coach who helps freelancers budget confidently.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, Tara Whitaker, Inc., has grown and evolved over the last twelve years. I still offer copyediting and proofreading services, and I’m also a community facilitator, podcast host, and business coach for freelance editors.

I’m incredibly proud of my membership community, the Freelance Editors Club. I know what it’s like to feel isolated and lonely, unsure of how to get clients or make connections, feeling excluded from the sometimes secretive world of editing, and struggling to get your business off the ground. That’s exactly why I created the club—because it takes a village to navigate the world of building your own business.

I noticed while speaking to editors inside the Freelance Editors Club that while having a community is important, sometimes we need one-on-one guidance and support. I now use my experience and training to help editors build and elevate their businesses with personalized, judgment-free coaching.

As my business evolved and grew, I knew I wanted to reach more people with free education and insight. That’s why I started The Modern Editor Podcast, which goes behind the scenes of what it takes to run an editorial business in today’s world. I release new episodes regularly!

What matters most to you?
On the personal side, my family and friends are my priority. I lean on my support system heavily, and I’m there when they need me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that support, and I don’t take it for granted.

On the business side, I feel the same way about my fellow editors and clients. I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve created and know it’s helped others with their businesses and lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tarawhitaker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taramqwhitaker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taramwhitaker
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramwhitaker/
• Other: The Modern Editor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modern-editor-podcast/id1636214082