Our very own meet-cute

We’re real people over here. Show up as yourself, no apologies, and we’ll work with what you bring to the table.
Yes, that’s a camel!
Identity
I identify as Superfat, disabled, neurodivergent (ADHD and autism), queer, gendervague, and Christian. I grew up conservative Mennonite, have a complicated relationship with the Evangelical Church, and might describe myself as exvangelical. I’m not deconstructing my faith so much as unraveling the harmful culture and teachings with which I was indoctrinated.
Training and experience
I trained in copyediting and proofreading while earning my Communication Arts & Sciences degree at Penn State University. For several years after graduating, I worked as a proofreader for a national advertising magazine, which led to a fourteen-year career as a feature writer and photographer for a group of local newspapers. Meanwhile, I became involved in the romance author community, first as a general reader and then as a beta and ARC reader. I retrained in copyediting for fiction before becoming a full-time freelancer.
I launched True Love Editorial Services LLC in late 2020 and created Your Publishing BFF in early 2023.
Professional memberships
Editorial Freelancers Association - board member, June 2023–
Alliance of Independent Authors - partner member, 2023–24
Contemporary Romance Writers - 2024 conference chair, 2023 virtual writing conference co-chair, 2022 member of the year
Romance Writers of America - published two articles in its monthly newsletter
Rainbow Romance Writers RWA chapter - short story appeared in fall 2023 anthology
LGBTQ+ Editors Association - member, 2023–
Passionate Ink - member, 2024–
Toronto Romance Writers - 2024 Northern Hearts Conference planning committee
Maryland Romance Writers - member, 2023–
ACES: The Society for Editing - member, 2021–24
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators - member, 2022–
Association of Writers & Writing Programs - member, 2024–
I’ve attended countless conferences, classes, workshops, and webinars with these organizations and others, and I’ve been both judge and presenter for multiple events and writers’ groups as well. It’s a rare week that I’m not involved in some sort of education and learning. I soak up knowledge like a sponge, then readily share with those who ask.
Values
I believe in the dignity of all individuals, and I prioritize the safety, respect, and care of systemically marginalized people.
Black Lives Matter
All Bodies are Good Bodies
Fat Liberation is liberatory for all
Medicare4all and Universal Basic Income now!
Universal Design - create access for everyone
Queer love is valid
Neurodivergence is a blessing and a curse
Generative AI is theft, and documents created with artificial intelligence are not worthy of anyone’s time or attention. Your Publishing BFF declines to work on books created in part or in whole by artificial means.
I honor my need to give with generosity while ensuring I have the means of survival. My business operates within the bounds of capitalism, yet I remain open to alternate methods of ensuring authors are able to access the publishing services they need.
Ask about my discounts for systemically marginalized authors.
Payment plans available with advance booking.
Land acknowledgment
I live on the stolen homelands of the Conestoga-Susquehannock people, twenty of whom were massacred in Lancaster city and the village of Conestoga, PA. Speak their names