Daily Inspiration: Meet Samantha Gove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Gove.

Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started freelance book editing directly out of university. I began by offering free proofreading to short-story authors and later began charging for novels and longer books. Over time, I expanded my skills to include beta reading and more in-depth forms of book editing. A few years ago, I decided to get serious and registered Raven’s Wing Editing Services as a business. I now have a website and work with many amazing indie authors and smaller publishing houses to get more books on the shelves. I have worked with memoirs, science and health textbooks, romance, adventure, fantasy, and non-fiction books.

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?
Ideally, I would be able to edit full-time, but it’s a difficult field to get into by traditional means. Overall, as a side hustle, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, but nothing overwhelming. I love books, and I love making them the best they can be, so any struggle I face feels worth it in the end.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have offered book editing for ten years now. I started with only proofreading (as this is something I have always naturally excelled at) and, over time, built up my skills to also offer copyediting and substantive and developmental editing. I would say I specialize in fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, but I love all genres.

While I work with authors of all gender identities, I’m most proud of my work with female and LGBTQ+ authors. I enjoy being part of the process of making these authors’ works the best they can be. Traditional publishing can be dismissive of those voices, so I’m happy to contribute in any way I can to help them be heard and taken seriously.

How do you think about happiness?
On a professional level, meeting with my authors (in person or over video call) is always my favourite part. Being able to brainstorm and see their eyes light up when they talk about their world-building or characters is inspiring!

On the personal side, being with friends and family, around animals, or in nature makes me happiest. It’s not the most groundbreaking answer, but I think simple, consistent things are the best things to find happiness in.

Pricing:

• Proofreading 0.25 cents/100 words
• Beta reading $1/1000 words
• Copyediting 0.75 cents/100 words
• Substantive 0.85 cents/100 words
• Developmental $1/100 words

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravenswingeditingservices.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenswingediting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthasEditing
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/ravenswingeditingservices/