Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Bode
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with language began at the tender age of fourteen when my poetry first graced the pages of 16 Magazine and Scholastic’s Rock’s Biggest Ten (it was a poem about Shaun Cassidy). A lifelong devotee of literature, I’ve embraced over 1,000 books with the enthusiasm of a genuine bibliophile. My dedication to reading is matched only by my commitment to ensuring my clients’ manuscripts captivate their audience.
With a diverse background spanning twenty-five years as an administrative assistant across various sectors, including law, architecture and engineering, city government and medicine, my proofreading and editing expertise is broad and deep. While I may not affiliate with Editors Canada, my pursuit of excellence in editing is unwavering. I genuinely adore the written word, and I admit that I struggle with the way texting and emojis have changed language.
Beyond poetry, my pen has crafted reviews for esteemed publishers like Simon & Schuster Canada and HarperCollins Canada. You can find my recent articles on writing, editing, publishing, book reviews, poetry, and more on My Bodacious Blog. Since 2008, I’ve honed my skills as a freelance copy editor. Since 2012, I’ve proudly served as the senior copy editor for a Canadian company called Publish and Promote, which assists first-time and independent authors with their self-publishing dreams. So, I’ve been a catalyst for authors’ dreams, guiding them to publishing success.
The accolades for my poetic work, including praise from Sir Bob Geldof and mentorship from Canadian broadcasting legend Patrick Watson, have been milestones in my literary adventure. My published poetry collections, Eden Refugee and Eden Redefined, have touched many hearts.
My expertise extends to the digital realm, where, for sixteen years, I’ve managed social media for award-winning songsmiths and storytellers, sharpening my skills in captivating audiences. My current roster of clients includes 3x JUNO-nominated, 6x Canadian Folk Music Award winners, Sultans of String, JUNO Award-winning folk singer-songwriter Maria Dunn, British-Canadian singer-songwriter and loop pedal wizard Greg Wyard, and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker/musician Tom DiCillo.
How did I get to where I am today? I never stop working, except on weekends, and I rarely take a vacation. Being self-employed in a post-pandemic world where the cost of living has never been higher makes maintaining a steady income more challenging than ever, so vacations are few and far between. However, I am enthusiastic about what I do for a living, and I love the people I work with.
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?
No, it hasn’t always been smooth. I started my first entrepreneurial business, Scully Love Promo, in 2008 and worked part-time for four years until I took the leap to full-time self-employment. It took me eleven years and many referrals (for which I’m eternally grateful) from others employed in the Canadian Music Industry to make a decent living and to finally be able to take a vacation after fifteen years without. I confess to not being the savviest businessperson. I have often let my anxiety about landing new clients and keeping the ones I have to get in the way when it comes time to charge current market rates for my services and level of experience.
In 2020, the pandemic wiped out most musicians’ ability to travel, and streaming has been making it exceedingly difficult for them to make a decent living. Therefore, my business tanked. I had to pivot and start again. Because we were all stuck at home for the better part of two years, many people chose to write books in their spare time. My editing work picked up because my colleague at Publish and Promote was working constantly, and she often needed my assistance. I also gained a few copyediting clients through Twitter (now X).
So, in November 2020, I started my second business, Bodacious Copy, which focuses on copyediting, proofreading, manuscript review, website creation, and, once again, social media management and marketing. It has been incredibly challenging to grow this business because my former music clients thought I didn’t want to work in social media anymore (which, to be honest, I don’t because I wouldn’t say I like how the algorithms are not in favour of the small business owner) and no longer refer me. However, a few clients I used to work with have rehired me, and a couple have been with me for many years. Because I don’t have a marketing budget for my business, I am always flying by the seat of my pants, doing my best to use blogging, social media marketing, and networking to get the word out about my services. I have also had significant health challenges to deal with, including multiple inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
That said, I start every day with two mugs of coffee and a book to read for the first hour, as it helps to put me in a relaxed state of mind to begin my workday. I take life one day at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bodacious Copy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the enthusiastic founder of Bodacious Copy, based in the picturesque city of Kingston, Ontario. With over a decade of experience as a professional freelance copy editor and proofreader, I’ve perfected the art of transforming words into magic. When you work with me, you’ll receive a speedy response to your inquiries, unwavering encouragement, genuine empathy, and swift project completion.
Why Choose Bodacious Copy?
Do you dream of your written work leaping off the page and captivating readers? Look no further! As a seasoned copy editor, I see beyond the surface, catching nuances and hidden gems that others might miss. Whether it’s a novel, a blog post, a press release, or a business proposal, I’ll ensure your content truly resonates and captivates.
I’ll help you demystify the difference between copyediting and proofreading. Copyediting is the heartbeat of publishing, where clarity, style, and flow converge. Proofreading, on the other hand, polishes the final product, catching those pesky typos and inconsistencies. Understanding the distinction can save you both time and money. I charge an hourly rate based on words converted to pages because it’s more cost-effective for the author than a per-word count. Plus, all rates are in Canadian dollars, so if you’re a US or international client, you’ll enjoy even more savings.
Books are my playground. I’ve edited over fifty of them—several for best-selling independent authors—and thousands of documents as well. Authors entrust me with their manuscripts, and I wield my keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and fluidity to bring their words to life. But it’s more than that—I access the soul and spirit of your words, infusing them with uncommon magic. Your story deserves nothing less.
Distance is no barrier. Whether you’re in bustling New York, swoon-worthy Vancouver, or lively London, I’m here for you. Let’s collaborate, refine your manuscript, and create bodacious copy that resonates with readers.
Ready to elevate your writing? Contact Bodacious Copy—I’m your joyous partner in literary excellence!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by visiting my website at bodaciouscopy.com or getting a quote at https://bodaciouscopy.com/rates-services. I will be fully committed to their project upon their signing of my Contract for Services Agreement and payment of half of my fee by e-Transfer or Paypal.
You can collaborate with me if you offer top-notch developmental editing services, are an expert with Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub and Google ads for marketing books and author websites or are excellent with SEO optimization. I would love to be able to offer those services to my clients and acquaintances and would be happy to refer you. If you specialize in social media marketing for authors or musicians, I would love to connect with you.
You can support me by letting others know about me and my services by sharing my website link, connecting with me on LinkedIn or X, or emailing me at [email protected]. You can also let your contacts know that I offer a free 2,000-word edit when someone signs up for my mailing list. Finally, you can share my blog posts at https://bodaciouscopy.com/blog. Thank you so much! Please let me know how I can support you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bodaciouscopy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodaciouscopy/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BodaciousCopy
