Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Nelson, Owner of Allegory Editing, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Allegory Editing is a boutique agency with a small team of developmental editors, copy editors, publishing industry experts, and writing educators. We work with writers to develop their manuscripts, hone their craft, and find their place in the publishing industry. Our mission is to guide writers to success in their literary and publication goals through personalized editing services, educational events, and one-on-one coaching on the craft and business of writing. Our customers are writers of fiction, nonfiction, creative nonfiction, and memoir, as well as individuals who are thought leaders in their field looking for full-service support on personal and professional writing projects. We work with writers at every stage of their careers and support both traditionally published and self-published authors.
Tell us about yourself
My path to starting Allegory Editing is a long and winding one that, in retrospect, led me perfectly to where I am now. I went to theater school and was an actor and theater educator for many years. Simultaneous with my work in the theater, I became a certified Sign Language interpreter. I worked in that field for over fifteen years, specializing in forensic mental health work. On the artistic front, after years of toiling in the trenches as an actor, I felt the pull to create my own work rather than just supporting others’ visions. I had written and performed solo shows in the past and decided to venture into writing plays for others to perform. From there, I quickly moved into writing short stories and novels as well.
When I started looking to transition my career, I took stock of my skills and experience, and I realized that developmental editing was a natural fit for me. Through the various fields I’ve worked in, my professional life has encompassed people, communication, sociolinguistics, stories, and supporting and guiding others in their artistic vision—all core skills for developmental editors. I sought mentorship in the field of developmental editing, and things took off quickly from there. I started as a solo operation, but as business started to outpace what I could handle myself, it was a natural transition to bring in others and move into an agency model. As an interpreter, I freelanced with many interpreting agencies, so I knew how that model worked, and—because I’d been on the other side of the table as a subcontractor—I knew how to make it a positive place for everyone involved, not just benefitting my business interests. That was important to me from the beginning—building a structure where editors felt supported.
From there, I brought on a developmental editor who had mentored me in the field as a creative partner in the business, and together we expanded our services to include copy editing, publishing industry guidance, and an education arm.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I’m really proud of the team model we’ve built at Allegory. We are unique in that when writers come to us, they benefit from the skills not only of their primary editor but the whole Allegory team. We frequently consult with each other on projects. I can’t remember where I first heard it, but I love the concept of an egoless room. I’ve worked hard to create that in Allegory’s metaphorical room. (We all work remotely.) Everyone on the team has strong skills that complement one another, and we recognize and value that in each other. If one of us needs a second opinion or help puzzling something out, we reach out to the others on the team. Asking for help isn’t seen as a negative at Allegory. It’s an expectation and a net positive for everyone involved.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
That the buck stops with me. My creative partner, Elena, and I really work collaboratively, so it’s not like I’m flying alone in my decisions. But at the end of the day, I’m the owner, and it’s my name on the checks. So, while I have great support, I also have a deep sense of responsibility. Ironically, though, it’s also one of my favorite things. I thrive off of that independence and the creativity that comes from the freedom to make decisions. But since moving from a solo operation and bringing others onto the team, I do feel an increased pressure because my successes and failures now impact more than just me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just because no one is doing things the way you envision doesn’t mean it won’t work. You have to study and understand the industry and its norms, but you should also be on the lookout for new ways of doing things.
It’s okay to take breaks. Not only is it okay, but it’s also necessary. As an entrepreneur, hustle and drive are important qualities to possess. But you also have to play the long game. If you burn out, your business likely won’t survive. When you own a business, you will, of course, have to answer emails at all hours and be on when you’d rather be clocked off. But it’s also okay to put down the phone in the evening and spend time with family and friends—or just relaxing. It’s okay to set an away message for the holidays or have someone else handle things for you when you take a vacation. You have to make time and space to recharge. If you don’t, you will suffer, and so will your business.
Put people first. Of course, you have to keep an eye on profits, or you won’t have a viable business model. But if you can’t afford to run a business in a way that treats people with respect and values them for the work they do, then you can’t afford to run a business. Period.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://allegoryediting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllegoryEditing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allegoryediting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allegoryediting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allegoryediting/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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