Hi! My name is Stevi Mager-Lightfoot. I am the “SML” in SML Editorial. There’s a chance some of you you may also know me as Stephani Mager-Lightfoot. I, of course, answer to both names, but I do tend to naturally introduce myself as Stevi.
Trust is arguably the #1 factor in choosing your editor, but it is also extremely important that you get along with your editor, since you are going to be working with them closely. There are pages on this site that will hopefully give you a look into what I do as an editor, and how I can help you in your writing and publishing journey. But this page is an opportunity for you to get to know me better as you’re deciding on who to hire as your editor.
If we have not had the pleasure of an introduction yet, here are a few things about me to get a better picture of who you’ll be working with.
Some Things That Bring Me Joy
- Spending time with my husband and our two sweet pups, Duchess and Ruby (who I often refer to as “the girls”).
- The smell of coffee, no matter the time of day.
- Animals! I love cuddling dogs, having the pleasure of petting a cat (without being whacked), being around horses, and seeing deer during my morning walks with the girls. If we work together, and you have animals, then consider this your fair warning that I may ask you every question under the sun about them. I love hearing anything and everything about my clients’ pets!
- Writing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed writing. While I do have many stories floating around in my head, just waiting to come to life on a page, I’ve learned that I find more joy in writing for myself than for others.
- Making tea and curling up with a cozy blanket and a good book.
- Going off of that: Reading. I love to read, which is the reason why I first decided to become an editor.
- Being near water.
- Visiting Charleston, SC. It is our home away from home.
Now, let’s talk a bit about me as an editor.
I often get asked the questions: “How does someone even become an editor?” and “What made you want to become an editor?”
My career in editing began because of an incredible English professor who took a chance on me as a freshman in college by referring me to become a writing tutor for the school. I will be forever grateful for her act of faith in me. Becoming a writing tutor made me realize how much I enjoy helping people craft their work and watching their writing improve.
From there, I was an editorial intern for a news blog for a year, and then became an editorial intern for a corporate training company, who hired me full-time after I received my BA in English. They also took a chance on me, and without them, I would not have the knowledge or work experience I have today, or even the confidence in my work. My experience and drive to be the best editor I can be has only grown since I was that shy, unconfident intern.
What work experience do I have?
As a corporate copyeditor, I am lucky enough to have experience working on magazines, e-books, book chapters, research on leadership – including women’s leadership – white papers, and various works, including infographics, presentations, articles, resumes, cover letters, social media content and so much more. I have also worked as a social media manager and editor for conferences and fashion shows.
I have been freelance editing for businesses and individuals since March 2019. In 2021, I expanded my skill set into book editing after going back to school.
Since then, I have gained experience working on poetry and fiction manuscripts, including short stories, novellas, and novels. I graduated college with a minor in Ancient Greek and Roman history and mythology, and I find great joy in working on and reading mythology retellings. It is where most of my expertise lies, but I have also worked on sci-fi, fantasy, lyrical works, contemporary lit, and poetry.
Why book editing?
Since elementary school, I have always enjoyed the company of animals and books to big crowds and social situations. Like most kids, I had lots of ambitious “dream jobs” that changed every other month. However, deep down, I always knew I wanted to be surrounded by animals and books. Naturally, vet and librarian were the two careers that popped into my head the most; however, I didn’t have a deep enough desire to pursue either.
The desire to work with animals and books hasn’t changed, but the vision has. I have taken my work training and career into my own hands by becoming a work-from-home freelance book editor whose coworkers are two sweet dogs. Granted, my co-workers tend to sleep on the job daily, but they make for great company. I love my job! I love what I do, and I love that I get to do it from home.
Education, Certification, Training
I’m someone who enjoys learning as much as I can in life. Because of this, I will always strive to stay up to date on best editorial practices, which includes taking advantage of free resources and taking courses to enhance and/or expand on my skill set when needed.
Degree: BA in English, and minor in History with a concentration in Ancient Greek and Roman History and Mythology.
Certification: Nonfiction and Fiction Editing Certificate from the University of Washington, 2021
Additional Education and Training:
- Editorial Freelancer’s Association (EFA) Course on Developmental Fiction Editing, Completed in January 2022.
- I’m efficient in both AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style.
Work Schedule
As someone who works from home, I have slowly learned the value of a healthy work-life balance. To help maintain that balance, my work schedule is M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Side note: If you have connected with me on social media, there is a good chance we have talked outside of these hours. That work-life balance is still a work in progress! I can’t help it when it comes to social media, as I love connecting with you all!