Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monique Gooch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monique, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success can be defined in many different ways. I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I’ve known that since I was 10 years old. I don’t write necessarily for the money (yes, seeing the books sold is nice) but I write because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. So, in my eyes, I’m successful. Not only do I write books in my personal life, but I am also an editor and I write in professional life too. I am right where I’m supposed to be. Success is what you make it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I work full-time as a professional editor and I am a self published author. I have published four short stories and a newly released novel entitled, “Preyed Upon: The Untold Story of Bishop Jedidiah Jackson”

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Creative Writing.

I’ve edited several books, and a play titled “Sunset Unseen” written by Reynard Martin that went on to win an award at the Atlanta Film Festival.

I offer clients line editing to developmental editing. I also beta read, and help with query letters for those looking for agents.

You can contact me to know more about me here: www.author-moniquegooch.com

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I moved to Nashville in 2013 and worked for Habitat for Humanity for five years. During those five years I joined writer’s group (even started my own), took online editing courses, and did a few non-paid internships at start up publishing companies. I took feedback from each one and continued to harness my craft of developmental editing. Although I had taken editing classes in college I wanted to learn more. I bought a subscription to the Chicago Manual style guide and kept abreast of new words, or changes in grammar. I also became a member of ACES The Society of Editing. I became a sponge and soaked up any and everything I could. Then I moved on to paying editing jobs. Touch of Class Publishing was a side hustle editing job. I edited several urban manuscripts. Next was Cozy Cat publishing where they edited and published mystery novels. And lastly, I started working with actual clients who wanted their work edited. Most of these people came from my writer’s group. I was editing work in the group, however a few people wanted a more in depth edit and I would work with them one on one. In 2019 I saw a posting for a position at R.H. Boyd Publishing. They were hiring staff editors and I thought, “here’s my chance!” And by the grace of God I got the position and not only do I get to edit work, I also get a chance to write on a few projects as well. I can only contribute where I am today by working hard, keep learning, keep growing, and let God lead you!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Definitely the reviews! I love hearing positive feedback. I love hearing people have read my self-published books and enjoyed them. Nothing makes me happier. As far as the editing side goes, I always love hearing from new clients, “I got your name from such and such.” That means a lot because that means a previous client has spread the word about me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.author-moniquegooch.com
• Instagram: @author_moniquegooch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monique.gooch?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-gooch-brown-93599212?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Twitter: @msgooch2005

Image Credits

Monique Gooch