Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Herta Feely, Founder of Chrysalis Editorial, located in Washington, DC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our customers are writers searching for editors, writing coaches, and ghostwriters. At Chrysalis Editorial, we believe every project has the potential to be taken to the next stage. Whether you have stories you'd like published in literary journals, or a book-length project (fiction, memoir, or non-fiction), our editors are here to lend their writing and editorial expertise, give a critical eye, and provide logistical next steps for your project goals.
From creative writing coaching to manuscript critiquing to guidance on how to get published, we can work with you every step to ensure your work lands in the right hands at the right time. Our editors have worked as reporters, ghostwriters, writing coaches, and agents. Our breadth of experience within the publishing world puts us in a unique position to offer unparalleled guidance.
Most editing companies operate in two ways: a large pool of editors being plucked and matched with writers through a middleman, or a one-person show juggling multiple projects. At Chrysalis, each writer deserves a close, collaborative relationship with their editor, and that's what we're most proud to offer our clients.
Tell us about yourself
I've been a writer and an editor throughout my career. Still, when I worked for a literary agent, discovered a couple of writers in her slush pile, and worked with them to finalize their books, I knew I'd found my dream job. I hung my Chrysalis Editorial shingle in 2007 on the internet and have had an exciting, satisfying career ever since. I love the work I do -- reading and evaluating my clients' work -- that's what gets me up and to my desk every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting writers published has been and continues to be my biggest accomplishment. This happens to one writer at a time. Before Chrysalis, I co-founded Safe Kids, an organization dedicated to reducing unintentional injuries to children. That organization, 35 years later, is called Safe Kids Worldwide. Proud to have made that contribution to humanity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing your work and personal life can be challenging. But when you love your work, it's easy to forget the pleasures of downtime.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn everything you can about your work.
- Find a job in the industry before launching your business.
- Don't give up... There's always a solution to your problems, whatever they are.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chrysaliseditorial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herta.feely
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hertafeely/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chrysalis_DC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hertafeelychrysaliseditorial/
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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