About real/brilliant
My name is Tricia Lawrence.
I've owned real/brilliant, inc. since 1995. I believe in quality, consistent, top-notch editorial services that produce only the best publications.
Q: How did you get into freelance editorial services?
I was one of those kids that read under my covers with a flashlight when I was young (ruined my eyesight in the process), and I always loved to read and write. As I approached life after college, I realized that in order to learn about the publishing industry, I’d be better off coming in through the side door—editorial and production. I had early interest in my book proposals (hand-sold my first proposal to an editor at age 24), but made all those contacts through my editorial work. After five years of freelancing, I realized editing was a great fit. I’m a writer/editor mix.
Q: What interests you, even fascinates you, about freelance editorial work?
Well, many people pooh-pooh the fact that I can edit and write simultaneously. Seriously, people hold that against me all the time. So, I guess if you don’t think it’s possible to do both, I’m not the freelancer for you!
However, I can do both writing and editing and I thrive on both. It feeds both sides of my brain. I started out as a writer, became an editor to learn about publishing and to make contacts, and now I love both!
The freelance editorial work lets me keep current on both my writing interests and my editorial interests. I love learning about new authors and new ideas and I also love making writing better. I strive to make my own writing better, so it’s just a natural outgrowth of that, I guess.
Q: What are some contributions you’ve made to your profession—theories, articles, books?
I’ve written seven books, long out of print, but really a fun project back in the late 90s. My most recent kid's picture book was published by a Canadian publisher in 2007. I’ve had a few years of being sidetracked writing fiction, but in 2009, I have really gotten "down to brass tacks" serious about working on it everyday.
I’m lucky to have several agencies interested in my work. I made those contacts through my editorial work, so I really feel that my editorial work has made a huge difference to my writing. The fact that I’ve written has made a huge difference to my editorial work as well. It’s a great mix and I’m proud to be part of the writing and editorial communities.
Q: What are some of your proudest achievements as a freelance editorial services professional?
Helping a desperate publisher or production department find a solution to their problem. It can be as simple as suggesting they move the end-of-chapter elements to boxes throughout the text, or as simple as using annotated PDFs instead of printouts. It seems so obvious, but sometimes clients just need a fresh eye, ear, or thought to figure that out. That’s why I’m here!
Q: What are some big things you’ve accomplished for your clients?
Producing quality publications that are read and used and treasured for a long time. I know firsthand the joy of reading something that changes my life, so getting to be a part of that with all my clients is the neatest thing.
I also really like helping my clients save time and money. It’s a common song these days with all the buyouts and upheaval in the publishing industry, heck, in all industries, and I’m happy to help streamline processes and to make my clients successful.
Q: What’s your working philosophy and approach to working with clients?
I look at it as a full partnership—100% and 100%—both parties pitching in to make sure the project is a success. I look specifically for clients who are as invested in high-quality writing and production as I am. It makes a big difference.
The publications we produce in our lifetime will be treasured or discarded by the next generation. I want to produce quality writing that stands the test of time. I believe the next great book could be just around the corner too!
Q: Do you have some extracurricular activities that are impressive?
I’m an accomplished pianist and seamstress. I sell my own products, teach sewing, and I am learning to sketch.