I’ve read many interviews of authors and writers, and even done
a few on Script Alchemy, but it occurred to me that there’s a group of people
more important, or at least as
important, as the authors in the book industry. There’s a group of people the
industry can’t survive without, and that’s the readers. Today, I’m interviewing
Jill Corley, an avid reader, reviewer and editor.
Jill Corley: Editor and Beta Reader |
Hi Jill, How are you doing?
I’m doing well,
thank you.
I've been following your reviews on Facebook for a while, and I know you on Twitter, so it's good to see you here.
Before we get into talking about your reading and editing, how about we get
to know a little about you first. What’s your favourite way to pass an hour or two on
your own? Apart from reading, reviewing and editing, do you have any other
pastimes or hobbies?
Jill's dog, Shadow, playing with a sinker ball |
Shadow gets the better of the ball |
I love spending time with my dog, Shadow. He is my best friend and go-to guy for all
things silly. Several times a day we
play with his big sinker-ball until we are both exhausted. Then I sit on the porch swing with a cup of
coffee while he chases the squirrels out of our yard. He still doesn’t quite get why he can’t climb
a tree!
Pocono Mountains |
Decorating and DIY projects interest me. Watching Property
Brothers and Fixer Upper to get ideas is one of the things that can get me into
trouble because it adds to the honey-do list.
We take rides to the Pocono Mountains and I love to take
pictures of the scenery. With digital
the bad ones are gone so easily; no more developing film only to find they were
not well done. I’m not bad, but I’d like
to take classes in the future. We also enjoy visiting historic sites that are
within a day trip of our home.
Also, sitting on my patio enjoying my rose garden and the parsley
plant that grew over 100 swallowtail butterflies this year
...and spending a few moments on social media trying to catch up with family and friends. Meeting friends for lunch or dinner is always fun, too.
...and spending a few moments on social media trying to catch up with family and friends. Meeting friends for lunch or dinner is always fun, too.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell |
I read a lot of books when I was young, but the most memorable
was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell,
which I read the summer between fourth and fifth grade.
which I read the summer between fourth and fifth grade.
Ah, I wonder how many hearts that book captured! It's funny how particular books stand out like that for the rest of your life. I understand you read a lot now. How
many books do you read? Do you review all of them?
When Jill isn't reading, she enjoys sitting in the garden watching butterflies |
Yes, I do post reviews. All art is subjective and is based
on an opinion that is influenced by the reader’s own life experiences. I do reviews when I can give three to five stars. I am a tough critic, but I feel I am
fair. I will always list, with reasons,
what I like and don’t like about a book.
I also find reviews helpful when deciding whether to buy a book;
however, a bad review won’t stop me if I have an interest to see what the
writer has to say.
That's something I like to hear. It bugs me when people don't take a chance on a book or film just because other people say it isn't great. I've often found that my opinion isn't the same as others', and I've thoroughly enjoyed stuff that hasn't been given a top rating (and thoroughly hated stuff that has!) So, what kind of books do you most enjoy? Do you have a favourite genre?
Daffodils in Jill's garden |
I like things
that are hard to place in a specific genre.
I love mythology of all types, paranormal, romance/erotica, suspense/thrillers,
sci-fi, realistic fiction, magical realism, historical fiction and non-fiction,
mystery, legend/folklore, and humor. A
perfect book for me has all that and a few surprises.
The only types I don’t read are full on horror or occult.
The only types I don’t read are full on horror or occult.
Image by Jill Corley |
Not at
all. I have a great life and I love
living it, but without books it would be…less.
Reading relaxes me. What could be
better than daily travel without ever leaving your chair? I also learn something new with every book I devour. Reading enhances my life and is as necessary for
me as breathing.
I understand what you mean about everything being 'less' without books. I think every reader and writer would. What about your editing... when did reading turn to editing, and why?
From the very
beginning. I didn’t really know what a
beta reader’s job was, so I guess I didn’t conform to the expected version of a
standard beta; I always gave more. I
have an eye for spotting problems because I truly love to read; it is my
passion. Why not help someone when you have the opportunity?
If I am spotting things that have been missed by spellcheck
and/or problems with plots and character development, then it would surely be a
disservice to the writer if I don’t bring it to their attention.
I also do it because I enjoy the creative aspect of helping
someone else reach their dream.
A rose from Jill's garden |
Initial credit
goes to my husband because he suggested that I was doing much more than reading
and maybe I could turn it into a career.
I let the idea twirl around in the back of my mind and I did some
research, but wasn’t ready to take the leap on just my husband’s advice.
It was quite a surprise when several writers I worked with
encouraged me to begin charging for my services. After much more research and the blessings of
my husband and my very supportive (and returning) writers, I decided it was
time to make my dream a reality.
I am set to officially launch my business Jill C CorleyServices, LLC on Thursday, December 1,
2016. Services under my business will
be broken down into three distinct types and my website will explain what will
be done and how much it will cost. I
will also consider any combination of services, including query letters and
book cover selections.
I'm sure you're going to be well sought after, from what I've heard.
Just to clarify something, most authors realise the importance of the many levels of editing for such things as plot, charactes, pace, through to a 'search and destroy' on spelling mistakes, bad grammar etc before a book's ready for publication. When you're editing, what sort of things do you particularly look out for?
A tree growing around a sign in Pocono Mountains Image: Jill Corley |
Just to clarify something, most authors realise the importance of the many levels of editing for such things as plot, charactes, pace, through to a 'search and destroy' on spelling mistakes, bad grammar etc before a book's ready for publication. When you're editing, what sort of things do you particularly look out for?
My writers have
always received the full scope of my abilities, unless they have specified
otherwise. I prefer doing a deep edit,
which is where I catch everything I possibly can on the first run-through. I don’t search for issues, I let them reveal
themselves as I read the text. It’s
sometimes a concentrated effort if it’s a very complicated plot and the writer
has specific concerns. Usually, I untether my brain and thinking process so I can simply immerse myself into the
pages of the story. Since I didn’t write
the story and I’m reading it for the first time, it’s easier for me to spot the
issues than it is for the writer.
Yes. I’ve done some ghost-writing during my time
as a beta reader, which I found enjoyable and rewarding. I am sure I will put fingers to keyboard
sometime in the future; or maybe pen to paper.
If you every write a book, I'd love to read it, Jill. Thanks very much
for coming along today. Would you like to tell people where they can find you?
Email: jillccorleyservicesllc@gmail.com
Email: jillccorleyservicesllc@gmail.com
Great interview, Jill and Annelisa!
ReplyDeleteJill is one of the kindest ladies on Twitter! Good luck with your new biz!
I know. That was why it was such a delight to interview her. She works so hard for other people, I figured she also deserved some limelight of her own - as you say, one of the kindest ladies on Twitter, and I'm honoured to know her!
DeleteWonderful interview Jill and Annelisa! What a terrific service Jill offers authors. I'm delighted to have met both of you on Twitter!! Best wishes to both of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you MJ! Yes, I totally agree, Jill is a godsend to authors - to have someone so careful, so dedicated to the author's needs and so devoted to giving every author her best possible work, well, that's a rarity. She is definitely that, and it was a pleasure to interview her!
DeleteI know I speak for both of us in saying that we are equally blessed to have met you on Twitter too - an absolute pleasure to know you! :-)
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't appear. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say fantastic blog! facebook sign in
ReplyDelete