Editing Romantasy

Romantasy is having a moment—and for good reason.

In this episode, I’m joined by editor Brenna Bailey-Davies for a thoughtful conversation about what makes romantasy so compelling for readers and editors alike. We explore the genre’s emotional pull, immersive worlds, and beloved tropes, while also discussing the editorial considerations that help these stories truly shine.

Together, we talk about:

· Why romantasy continues to dominate reader demand

· The tropes readers love—and why they work

· How editors can approach romantasy with intention and confidence

· Balancing high emotion, power dynamics, and character agency

· Editing romantasy as a reader-first genre

This conversation is a celebration of romantasy, grounded in craft and curiosity. Whether you’re actively editing in the genre or simply want to understand why it resonates so deeply, this episode offers insight into the editorial lens behind today’s most popular fantasy romances.

If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit.com and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.

To learn more about Brenna’s editorial business and her published books, visit www.bookmarteneditorial.com or www.brennabailey.com.

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Jane Friedman: The Business of Being a Writer (and a Freelancer)

In this episode, I talk with publishing expert, educator, and author Jane Friedman about the realities of building a writing or editing career in today’s shifting marketplace.

Jane has spent more than two decades working across traditional publishing, digital media, and higher education. Her insights cut through industry myths and offer a clear, practical look at what it really takes to sustain creative work—especially for freelancers.

We explore the principles behind her book The Business of Being a Writer, how to position yourself in a crowded market, and why understanding your value is essential, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. We also discuss common misconceptions around agents, the submissions process, and why packaging and pricing matter just as much as skill.

Jane shares a thoughtful perspective on AI in the exclusive interview—its potential, its limits, and what writers and editors should pay attention to as technology evolves.

This is a grounded, generous conversation for anyone navigating the business side of creative work.

Topics We Cover

• Why positioning matters for freelancers
• Pricing, packaging, and communicating your value
• How editors can strengthen their visibility and reach

Resources & Links

• Jane Friedman’s Website: https://janefriedman.com
• The Business of Being a Writer (Book): https://janefriedman.com/book/the-business-of-being-a-writer
• Jane’s Substack Article: There Is No Such Thing as a Good Editor
• https://janefriedman.substack.com/p/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-good

If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.

Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!

Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast

Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour

Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHour

Become a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour

For the Season 3 finale of The Editor’s Half Hour, I’m joined by a truly extraordinary guest: Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster. With the highly anticipated 12th edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—the first major update in more than two decades—Peter gives us a rare look behind the scenes of how our language is shaped, refined, and recorded.

In this conversation, Peter takes us inside the meticulous world of lexicography: how new words earn their place, how usage guides definition, and how the dictionary reflects the culture around us. We talk about nuance, evolution, clarity, and the responsibility of capturing the living nature of English—while honoring history, accuracy, and meaning.

This episode is a celebration of everything editors love about language. Whether you’re an editor, a writer, or a full-on word nerd, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the dictionary you’ve trusted for years.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

· What goes into updating a major dictionary edition

· How lexicographers track evolving usage and cultural influence

· The surprising ways words shift meaning over time

· What gets added and what gets revised in the 12th edition

· How editors and lexicographers share similar instincts for clarity and precision

· Why dictionary work is both deeply technical and beautifully human

And because this is the season finale, the episode begins with a special announcement: the winner of this season’s listener giveaway! Become a sneak “Pique” Patreon supporter to get access to exclusive content.

Visit https://www.merriam-webster.com/collegiate-dictionary-twelfth-edition to get your copy of the latest 12th edition.

If you’re planning to attend the LoveLitCon in San Diego (Feb. 13–16), visit lovelit. and use code PP7299 to get $25 off the registration fee.

Leave a review or share this episode with your fellow editors!

Check out other episodes of The Editor’s Half Hour: piquepublishing.com/podcast

Connect with me on Instagram: @Editors_Half_Hour

Subscribe to my newsletter: tinyurl.com/EditorsHalfHour

Become a Patreon Sneak “Pique” supporter to get access to exclusive content on YouTube: patreon.com/EditorsHalfHour