SD/PEN regularly profiles its members’ background and experience. These are valuable opportunities for members to introduce themselves to other members and prospective clients.

This month we feature Leah Boyer who specializes in mostly academic and nonfiction copyediting. Her website is www.leahabbey.com.

How do you describe what you do to someone you’ve just met at a networking function?

I’m a freshly minted copyeditor and line editor for both nonfiction and fiction writing. I have a background in the social sciences, so I’ve been editing mostly academic documents lately; however, I’m starting to get my feet wet in fiction editing. I’m excited to build my skillset and branch out to new horizons with the goal of being a book editor in the creative nonficton genre.

Give a little background on you.

I grew up in rural Minnesota where the summers are tropical and the winters are downright arctic. My family traveled a lot, so it was no surprise that both my brother and I ended up living elsewhere. (Don’t get me wrong, though; I still love Minnesota and its glorious seasons!) I studied conservation biology, anthropology, and environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and then urban planning in graduate school at the University of California, Irvine. I think my writing got me into—and through—college. I spent about six years as an environmental planner in Orange County and another four at Food Forward, a food recovery nonprofit organization in Los Angeles. Both previous careers required a lot of writing, and it has always been one of my stronger qualities.

What made you decide to become a professional editor?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but reading and interpreting someone else’s writing is equally rewarding in its own way. I love diving into a draft—whether it’s a book manuscript or an academic paper—to find its core message. Although editing was never my intended path, I can see how I made my way to this career. After spending time out of the workforce as a stay-at-home parent, I found myself craving an opportunity to put my brain to use. While I enjoyed both urban planning and nonprofit work, I wanted to find something with more flexibility that would let me do something I really enjoyed. I started writing more and found myself drawn to what I call the science of writing: grammar, style and the structure of manuscript—really everything that makes up editing. At the beginning of 2022, I decided to enroll in UCSD’s Copyediting Certificate Program, and I’m happy to say I finished with great success this past December. I learned so much in the program and found it to be full of resources for new editors.

What’s the best part of being an editor now?

I would have to say the best thing about being a new editor is the open support from other editors. I have made some great connections through UCSD’s program, and I have found groups like SD/PEN to be equally supportive and informative.

What accomplishment are you most proud of professionally?

Honestly, completing any project feels like an accomplishment right now! I think successfully completing UCSD’s Copyeditor Certificate Program is my greatest professional accomplishment in this field so far.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of SD/PEN?

It didn’t take me long to see the helpfulness of SD/PEN. After attending a couple of their workshops, I knew I needed to get myself a membership; they’re so welcoming and provide such helpful insights for editors in all stages of their careers.

Which quality or qualities would you most like your clients or professional colleagues to remember you for?

I would like my clients to remember me for my clear communication, quality work, and general openness about the projects I’m working on with them. I would like them to see me as someone who’s honest and invested in their writing.

What kinds of projects do you particularly enjoy working on? Why?

Everything I have worked on has been interesting in its own way. I think that’s one of the great things about editing—you get to read and learn all day. That said, my ideal projects haven’t landed on my desk yet. I dream of being a book editor for both fiction and creative nonfiction books. When I can dive into a manuscript for something like H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston, or Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, I will feel accomplished. These are big dreams, but those are the stories that resonate with me.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned as an editor?

Well, this is one lesson I’m still learning, but the most important thing for me to remember is that I have the skills and expertise to do my job correctly. I’m working hard to not let imposter syndrome get in my way. On a recent call with one of my former UCSD classmates, she reminded me that we really learned a lot in that program; we know more than we think about editing, and our skills are valuable.

Is there anything you would change in your editing journey?

The journey is just beginning!

What wisdom would you share with someone wanting to start a copy editing business?

Be open to the wisdom of others!

What do you like to do to get away from editing and refill the well?

When I’m not editing, writing or doing my full-time job (being a mom), I enjoy getting outside in San Diego’s glorious weather. Whether it’s converting our yard to native plants or taking the kids to a county park, there are so many opportunities to get out in nature here. Winter in San Diego is my favorite time of the year. My favorite way to escape on a daily basis is to read. I’m a lover of fantasy, fiction, and creative nonfiction books and recently started a book club with another mom friend. Humans love stories, and we learn so much about ourselves and others through discussing them (especially over wine).

What is the number one item on your bucket list and why?

If I had one personal goal for the year, it would be to travel internationally again. This post-COVID life with two little kids rarely has downtime, and planning future adventures is always a challenge. My passport renewal form is sitting next to me on my desk—where it has been for months—but once I submit it, I will have my sights set on visiting ancient ruins in Mexico.

Describe a volunteer activity or cause you’re involved in.

I used to volunteer with organizations that did habitat restoration projects when I was in college, and my career at Food Forward had me actively involved in the food recovery scene in Los Angeles. This amazing organization rescues millions of pounds of produce from ending up in a landfill on a yearly basis. These days, being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t allow much time for volunteering. Yes, I could take the kids out volunteering, too, but I dare you to make this suggestion to the next mom you see in a grocery store with children under the age of five. I’m a strong believer in supporting native pollinators and wildlife, so we have been slowly converting the plants in our yard to native species. The San Diego chapter of the California Native Plant Society has great resources for this, as does Calscape, the online native plant inventory.

Describe one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.

I’m somewhat artistic. If I practiced, I could be a good drawer and illustrator. I used to spend a lot of time copying drawings and illustrations as a kid, and as a teenager, I practiced photography. We actually had a dark room in the house I grew up in, and I used my dad’s old enlarger and developing chemicals to develop my own film and prints. I never pursued these artistic lines of work because I always felt that the life of an artist would be challenging.

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