From grammar-obsessed to community-invested

Meet Tara Whitaker (she/her)

I didn’t grow up thinking, “Hey, I want to be an editor someday.” In fact, I majored in marketing with a minor in special event planning (with a hefty side of student loan debt), thinking that corporate life was the life for me.

So when I was feeling miserable at my last 9-to-5, I wanted to try something new and found a glimpse of freedom when I created a young adult book blog. Something came alive in me. I found my community, which happened to be in the publishing world. From there, my career, and my life, was completely transformed.

Years later and well into my freelance editing business, I realized I wanted to help others so they didn’t have to struggle as much as I did.

Because let’s face it: freelancing is hard when you do it alone, and alone I did it. I struggled. A lot. Along with the many other budding freelancers out there who were in it for the freedom and autonomy yet didn’t fit a certain stereotype, have the “right” connections, or have specialty training in the field.

When everything went sideways in 2020, I decided to focus more on helping other freelancers access the tools, support, community, and encouragement they so well deserved and what I always wish I had starting out.

When I’m not happily coaching or editing, you can find me hanging out with my husband and two kids, napping and being cozy, or parked in front of the TV binge-watching Murder, She Wrote or Schitt’s Creek while trying out random hobbies like diamond painting and quilling—all while sipping a crisp sauvignon blanc.

I can’t imagine a better person to help me get my business feet settled firmly beneath me.

Kharysa | Freelance Editor

What I stand for:

I believe in the power of community.
I believe in radical inclusivity: holding space, giving opportunity access, and amplifying Black, brown, multicultural, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and marginalized voices. No matter your gender, body size, race, physical or cognitive ability, or socioeconomic status, you are safe and welcome here.
I stand for giving every person the chance to share resources, ask for help, and express themselves freely.
I stand for helping freelance editors thrive in their businesses, no matter their background, training, or industry connections.
I have no expectations of perfection. I don’t expect anyone—Freelance Editors Club members, coaching clients, or myself—to be perfect. Sometimes I’ll screw up, but I’m passionate and dedicated enough to continuously learn, grow, and keep trying. Let’s treat each other like the beautiful, imperfect humans that we are so we can thrive together!

What I don’t stand for:

Racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, marginalization, and gate-keeping.
Elitism/exclusion that is often found in the publishing world.
Those who refuse to do the work and expect a successful business to land in their laps. Sorry, but that’s not going to happen.
Close-mindedness: I’ve found it takes pretty significant mindset shifts, among many other things, to change your narrative and create a thriving freelance business.
People who are intolerant, rude, and not willing to learn and change with the world.

Yes, I want to work with you!

Tara took the time to get to know who I am as a person before she coached/advised me. This is not a generic one-size-fits-all deal—it’s a gift she’s given me and she sees the person I really am—not just another participant who signed up.

Janice De Jesus | Freelance Editor

I’m ready to hear your story

Join me on a call and we’ll talk about your story, your unique challenges, and what I can do to help you create meaningful shifts in your business.

Schedule a Free Consultation