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:

What I don’t stand for:

Yes, I want to work with you!

YNAB Certified Coach logo
Freelancers Union badge
Conscious Style Guide
Editorial Freelance Association logo
aces logo

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
Tara Whitaker - coach for freelance editors

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.