Meet Eilidh Locherty

We were lucky to catch up with Eilidh Locherty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eilidh, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Persisting despite the haters and nay-sayers has been a significant part of my journey, especially as someone living with cerebral palsy and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Sadly, some people weren’t (and sometimes still aren’t) confident in my abilities when I founded Chaptered Vine Studio as an editor. Some questioned how I could succeed in such a demanding field given my physical limitations or how I’d be able to market my business and get clients. Still, their skepticism only intensified my determination.

My drive originates from my passion for fiction editing and assisting writers in bringing their stories to life. I recall the first time a writer I collaborated with had their book published. I had worked with a handful of authors before, but this was the first one to publish. Holding that finished product in my hands was a potent reminder of why I chose this career. All the uncertainties and negativity I had experienced were replaced by pride and satisfaction. This passion keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience from having POTS and cerebral palsy. Every day presents a new set of obstacles, but they have all empowered me. There was a time I proofread a book while experiencing an intense flare-up of POTS. Although my exhaustion and dizziness were unbearable, I broke the tasks into small manageable chunks and took breaks when necessary. Completing that project felt like a significant victory, proving to myself and others that my conditions do not define my capabilities.

Having a solid support system has been key. Despite the doubts of others, my peers, family, and friends have always had faith in me. I must shout out Tara Whitaker and fellow editors in the Freelance Editors Club for their unwavering support, as it has been a source of strength and motivation. They remind me of my worth and potential, helping me stay focused on my goals and push through the negativity. Another source of my gratitude is my partner, Adam, who has been my rock despite my challenges, always picking me up when I feel down. Regardless of whether I’m booked up for the month, or running a bit slow, he’s been a champion at supporting me, especially through flare ups and my support needs.

Believing in myself has been equally important. Despite the doubts cast by others, I know my skills and the value I bring to my clients. I’ve dedicated time and energy to practicing and learning my craft. Regardless of what other people think, this optimism keeps me centered and committed.

Taking care of my mental and emotional well-being is essential. Practices like meditation, journaling, and taking regular breaks help me maintain a positive mindset. When I’m in a good mental space, I’m better equipped to handle criticism and stay resilient.

Ultimately, the best way to silence doubters is through action. By consistently delivering high-quality work and helping authors reach their goals, I demonstrate my capabilities and dedication. Each success story is a testament to my skills and perseverance.

Persisting despite the haters and nay-sayers involves staying true to your passion, being resilient, surrounding yourself with supportive people, believing in your abilities, and taking care of your mental health. By focusing on these aspects, I continue to move forward, turning doubt into determination and challenges into opportunities for growth.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m excited to talk a little bit about Chaptered Vine Studio and my time editing literature. My name is Eilidh (she/her), and I have taken a proactive approach to pursuing this profession. I made the decision to dive into fiction editing after doing a lot of research and reflecting deeply. I became increasingly fascinated with this career while I was employed in the corporate world. Before friends posted their writings on Wattpad and similar sites, I would frequently find myself proofreading. This opportunity kindled my passion for editing and my desire to help authors polish their words.

I enrolled in many classes on line editing, copy editing, and proofreading in order to transform this interest into a career. I now have the technical know-how to help writers refine their stories thanks to these classes, even going on to begin my certification to become a certified Line and Copy Editor. But my journey involved more than just learning new abilities. Due to my chronic illness, I recognized how important it was to have an effective and accessible work environment, especially if I ended up having a flare up day. It looked like the best way to cater to my needs would be to launch my own business.

Chaptered Vine Studio was established as a result of this discovery. Here, I get to combine my passion for reading with my desire to edit to make an impact to authors. The chance to give voice to the voiceless is what really motivates me. Being a disabled pansexual woman, I can attest to the significance of diverse and accurate portrayal in literature. I have a burning passion to help writers throughout the editing process by offering them not just my editorial knowledge but also encouragement and emotional support. Being there to mentor them as they realize their story is a really rewarding experience.

I provide a diverse range of fiction editing services at Chaptered Vine Studio. I work with all genres (excluding pure erotica) though Thriller, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Romance make up some of my favorite genres to work on due to my specialties. I am committed to supporting each writer in discovering their own voice and telling stories authentically. Every project is an unique adventure. I adopt a tailored approach for each author, making sure each manuscript gets the time and care it deserves.

Being witness to an author hitting the publish button is one of my favorite parts of my job. Ordering their book and adding it to my library of works that I’ve had the privilege of editing makes me thrilled. It serves as a tangible reminder of the incredible journeys I’ve shared with talented writers, and it fills me with immense pride and joy.

Additionally, I’m excited to share that Pro Writing Aid and I will be working together on a special project during Sci-Fi Writers Week. I’m honored to be involved in this project, which will be announced closer to the time. Keep an eye on my socials for more details!

Chaptered Vine Studio is more than just an editing business; it’s a supportive space where authors can find the guidance and encouragement they need to bring their stories to life. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of editing and achieve your literary goals.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience, attention to detail, and compassionate communication have shown to be the three traits that have had the biggest effects on me thus far in my journey.

It’s been vital to remain resilient, especially in light of my own experience coping with a chronic illness. A business takes a lot of work and dedication to establish and maintain, and setbacks are inevitable. It has been crucial to be able to keep going, adjust, and move forward in the face of challenges. I encourage people who are just starting out to see obstacles as opportunities for personal growth. Adopt a mindset that views obstacles are transient and feasible, even if it means to adapt according to your needs. Remember, each hurdle you overcome makes you stronger and better prepared for the next.

Another important aspect of my experience editing fiction is my attention to detail. Keeping a book as devoid of errors as possible demands an acute attention to detail. This ability has to be developed through initiative and practice. I urge aspiring editors to fully commit to learning the craft. Attend classes, read widely, and keep practicing editing. To improve your precision, make use of resources like editing software and style guides. A meticulous approach will not only improve the quality of your work but also build your reputation as a thorough and reliable editor.

Building strong relationships with authors requires empathetic communication. Editing can be greatly impacted by grasping the author’s vision and offering constructive feedback in a manner that is beneficial to the author. Every author is different on how they need feedback to be delivered. It’s imperative for aspiring editors to hone their communication and empathy abilities. Participate in workshops, actively engage with writers, and look for opportunities to provide and receive feedback. Practicing clear and compassionate communication will help you connect with authors on a deeper level, making the editing journey more collaborative and rewarding. Often getting feedback yourself can help you in giving feedback to others since (even though it is rather cliche) you should treat others the way you’d want them to treat you if the roles were reversed.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

A fiction writer who is committed to refining their work and receptive to candid, constructive feedback is my ideal client. At Chaptered Vine Studio, these qualities lead to a productive and fulfilling collaboration.

My dream client is someone who works with passion. They are invested in bringing their stories to life and have a strong emotional connection to their work. They love seeing their text evolve and grow, and they truly respect the craft of writing.

Being open to feedback is another key trait. My ideal client understands that editing involves accepting constructive criticism. They know that honest feedback is essential for creating a polished, engaging narrative, and they are willing to consider suggestions for improvement.

Commitment to progress is also crucial. The best clients are those who are eager to develop as writers. They view editing as a collaborative process and are ready to make the necessary changes to enhance their story.

Respect and professionalism form the foundation of a positive editor-author relationship. Ideal clients meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and value the collaborative nature of editing. Mutual respect makes the editing process enjoyable and productive for both sides.

A focus on quality is another hallmark of my ideal client. They prioritize producing a polished, high-quality manuscript and pay attention to detail. They understand that thorough editing is vital for their story’s success and are dedicated to making every aspect of their manuscript as strong as possible.

Finally, flexibility and patience are key. Editing can be a complex and time-consuming process. Ideal clients recognize that quality work takes time and are patient and flexible throughout the process. They trust that the effort put into editing will result in a manuscript they can be proud of when working collaboratively.

Working with clients who embody these characteristics allows me to provide the best possible editing service possible. More details on how I work are on my website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chapteredvinestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapteredvinestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapteredvinestudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilidh-locherty/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/chapteredvinestudio/