April Michelle Davis was the featured editor on the floor at the James River Writers Conference held on October 19 and 20, 2013. April Michelle was available for in-person editing and publishing consultations.
At the conference, an author approached April Michelle looking for an editor that would personally take the time to get to know his style before taking on the project. This author had already written several books and was unhappy with the editors he had worked with because to him they were neither personable nor flexible enough to allow the time to familiarize themselves with his style before making recommendations for his manuscript. April Michelle introduced herself to him by saying, “The intent of the author is always kept in mind—from the first word to well beyond the end,” which she proudly states on the Editorial Inspirations website. April Michelle listened intently to his explanation of his needs for his manuscript, then she injected her philosophy into the conversation, and before the author left, they had made an appointment to talk again.
After another author shared the difficulties he had experienced self-publishing his first book, April Michelle gave him some tips on how self-publishing would work well for his second book. This in-person one-on-one meeting allowed April Michelle to delve into the author’s situation and show him how he could overcome the problems that had left him feeling that his options were limited for his second book. The author told April Michelle that he appreciated her knowledge of the subject and would re-think self-publishing.
The value of in-person editing and publishing consultations was realized by these two authors as they left feeling that their needs were understood and that April Michelle could provide them with the professional services that they had been seeking.
April Michelle’s presence was warmly received at an event that offered so many opportunities for writers and authors.