My Danish Proofreader - Red Phoenix

Gentle Man

I will never forget the day I received this email:

My wife and I are both fans. We've been overwhelmed by your skilled writing in the Brie series and have bought every new installment.

However, for all your superb takes on mind, matter and sensitive sexuality it is a constant distraction to find so many typos slipping through.

I was wondering if you would allow me the privilege of proofreading your material to weed out such distractions. Your novels are over and beyond anything I have found for Kindle on Amazon and it would be a breeze to correct the odd - but disturbing - error.       

- Gentle Man

I laughed out loud when I read this. Leave it to a Danish professor to tell me like it is, but also bring humor to the mix. (Humor is the best way to reach this little Phoenix, BTW.)

After that email, I added him to my editing team and yes, my proofreader does not speak English as his first language. How do you like them apples? ;)  Tameika is still my talented and equally humorous content editor, but now I have an extra pair of eyes to catch those wicked grammar errors. He is an associate professor of English at a Danish university and teaches grammar for a living. Interestingly, he lived in my home state for a year pursuing a BA at a college near me. It's a small, small world.

My proofreader "Gentle Man" has saved you from reading about a 'wonton' woman. :)  His reason for helping: "My wish to proofread only and not interfere with the craft of Tameika and yourself. My aim is to help you stay in the emotions, focus on the personae and think up the story ..."

Recently, he made me laugh again after proofing Blissfully Taken. "For the first ten or more pages I felt sure that Tameika had already been over this. Further on I started to find some meaning in my life: I found a few typos.."  I just love his humor.

Gentle Man has remained true to his word. I can trust that he will save me from humiliation and spare you, my cherished readers, from distracting errors. He also provides a male's perspective. Very appreciated, as my husband is not an avid reader. Most of my male perspective comes from having observed hubby closely the last 20 years, so it is nice to have additional feedback.

As you can see, it takes quite a team to get these books out. From Tameika and Gentle Man, to my many dedicated beta readers, all play a role in improving my work. I am truly grateful.

Red's Editor and Friend: Tameika Ortiz

Tameika Ortiz

A few months ago I blogged about my horrible editing skills and that's when Tameika Ortiz emailed me offering her expertise. The stories you love (including the Brie series) have been improved by Tameika's magic touch.

As far as the storyline, I totally count on her to give it to me straight. She tells me where my characters are lacking, details that need to be added or conversations that need a little tweaking. She does all that in the kindest, most encouraging way. I love getting her emails!

I had one book, Blissfully Broken, which had its publishing date postponed because of Tameika's dedication to me as a writer. She told me that she didn't feel the story was quite there yet and that it didn't have the "Red Phoenix" feel to it. Despite my disappointment, her words rang true and a month later I finally published the novelette - one that is very much Red Phoenix. ;)

Another example of her "magic" is found in the story Brie Lives Her Fantasy. She suggested I detail the Rytsar's physique and include a tattoo. What would that sexy Dom be without his dragon tattoo? She also suggested that the man rip off his clothes as he stalks Brie. That has got to be one of the sexiest scenes in the book! Those small but essential details give the extra "punch" in the scene to make it more memorable.

I count on Tameika to open my eyes to simple changes that ensure my characters remain consistent and make individual scenes pop!

If you would like to contact Tameika for a little indie encouragement or help here is a link to her website: Indie Edits

Oh, there is one more thing: Tameika has a wickedly fun sense of humor!