Interview with Zainab of the blue couch edits
I first “met” Zee when she dropped into my Instagram DMs one day as we chatted about drama in the book world. Since then, we’ve bonded over the many highs (and lows) of being freelance editors and running your own business (iykyk). She is an absolute angel and always has me snorting at my computer with laughter. We haven’t had the chance to collaborate on any editing projects (yet) but I’ve already hired her to proofread the novel I haven’t finished writing (again, if you know you know.) Zee understands better than possibly anyone the work required to succeed as a freelance editor and I’m so thrilled to have interviewed her for The Arbitrary Editor!❣️
Name/Business Name:
Zainab M. of the blue couch edits
How did you decide on your business name?
In January 2023, I bought a blue recliner-like couch. For a few months, I worked on the books on that couch itself. While rebranding, my aim was to personalize the experience of my clients, and I wanted something that was personal to me. So this stuck. With this name, I wanted to expand how I connect with others and didn't want to compartmentalize myself in just one genre.
Funny story: the other two names were “A nomad editor” and “Work in progress edits.”
Tell us a little bit about your editing background. Not necessarily formal qualifications, but how did you become interested in editing? Did you work as a freelancer before starting your business, etc.?
I have over 9+ certificates from various organizations like EFA, Edit Republic, Liminal Pages, etc. They are available on my website.
As for my editing background, I started out with Wattpad. My first dark romance novel was by Lylah James. I was so deeply affected that I went all in. I came across Inkitt and then Kindle, made a bookstagram account, joined reading communities, connected with authors, got the opportunity to beta read for some of my unicorn authors, then upon a friend's insistence (looking at chu, C.L. Stewart), I landed my first copyediting project in July 2020. Perhaps, that was my changing arc.
Would it be a cliche answer if I say I'd always nitpicked menus, advertising boards, etc.? That same habit persisted in my beta projects too. CL gave me the platform for both beta reading and editing, in different time intervals of course. From 2016-2018, I worked as a proofreader for my local religious newspaper.
What's the hardest part of being an editor?
AH! This is indeed the hardest answer. For me, it's to maintain the balance between personal and professional relationships. I'm a loud and quirky person in general, and it doesn't help that I'm a people pleaser. When it comes to this community, I've had an iota of sour experiences with people I've been the closest to. Perhaps because I never established that fine line between personal and professional? People in this industry can be whimsical; sometimes, if you leave too many comments, they take it as “crossing your lines.” If you don't, they assume you hate their work and eventually they decide to part without any specific reason. This is coming from my personal experience. I prefer direct confrontation to make my point, but sadly, not everyone thinks like me 😅
What's the best part?
WHERE DO I START?
The best part of this job is being self-dependent. Expanding your horizons, beliefs. You wouldn't believe me if I said this, but until 2017, I had no idea what LGBTQ+ was. How a schoolmate is bullied. Or that polyamorous is an actual label. Library books haven't helped me as much as these books have. I don't feel weird, judged, or even creepy.
Editing gave me confidence, it forced me to acknowledge “I'm important.” For someone who suffers from self-esteem issues, this was a life-changing realization.
Receiving messages from authors thanking me for a suggestion or two, or even notes that made them continue with writing, just amazes me. As if they were just waiting for me to shape a story! And are actually rolling on with it!
Funny story: I thought something was wrong with me when I enjoyed Marissa Honeycut's “The Life of Anna.” That book made me go triggerless entirely. I read another such book called “The Decimation of Mae” by D.H. Sidebottom. For a month, I felt abnormal, like I kept questioning myself how can I enjoy that? Then I discovered communities and fans who raved about these stories! Imagine my horror.
If you can share, what plans (if any) do you have for your business in terms of expansion, new services etc.?
I do intend to expand my business, collaborate with other bookish businesses, launch at least one course this year, keeping debut authors in mind, and start coaching.
What financial or other measurable goals have you set?
THE GOAL IS TO BECOME A 7-FIGURE BIZ GAL! You think it's possible, Emma?** ✨
What advice would you give your earlier self?
STOP BENDING BACKWARDS FOR OTHERS.
HAVE CLEAR BOUNDARIES.
SIGN CONTRACTS DETAILING EVERY MINUTE THING.
ALWAYS INSIST ON A SAMPLE EDIT.
STOP BEING A PEOPLE PLEASER. 1 month later, they won't even remember you.
STOP BEING SWAYED BY THOSE WHO PROMISE TO STICK WITH YOU FOR ETERNITY. They'll leave you in the next breath.
ALWAYS CHARGE FOR ANY EXTRA WORK.
What does your average day or week look like? How long are your work days/weeks?
I'm a workaholic and social media addict! My office hours are 10:30am to 7:30pm, Mon-Sat. Don't hate me, but I work on Sundays too!
It's not that I “need to work.” But I enjoy it, and it gives me a sense of positivity.
In my experience, editing is very much like dating. You can be a great editor, but that doesn't mean you're a perfect match for every client. What's your niche or ideal client?
My idea client would be an author who's exploring the depths of dark and paranormal and contemporary romance. Who values a bold, conversational approach to feedback. I enjoy interactive editing, where the author takes time to review each edit and ask me questions. It shows their passion for learning and how much they value this art.
What other book-related hobbies do you have? Writing, reading, bookbinding, etc.?
READING! I suck at designing, but I still enjoy dabbling in Canva, making misaligned graphics. Apart from that, I'm a self-proclaimed Asian chef :P at home who enjoys experimenting with various Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines.
What else do you want to share about yourself or your business?
I am unapologetically loud, sassy, obnoxious, overwhelming, and someone who demands attention. So proceed with caution! 😆
Where can interested authors connect with you?
I mean, I did mention I'm a social media addict, right? Here's how you can reach me:
Website: www.thebluecouchedits.com
Email: thebluecouchedits@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebluecouchedits
I'm always eager to meet new authors and discuss potential projects.
**If anyone can turn their freelance editing into a seven-figure business, my money is on Zee.
