Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer (J.J.) Kunkle
Hi J.J., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Ohio and received a Master’s in Communications (journalism) from Ohio University. I’ve had many jobs in public relations and communications (public affairs specialist, communications specialist, managing editor of a trade magazine, etc.). Words have always been my passion. My other passion has always been fitness. I taught fitness classes for over 20 years.
In 2018, I decided to take my degree and become a freelance editor. It allowed me to teach more fitness classes and mold my career into something I really loved. A few years ago, my husband and I (no children) decided to follow a dream and moved to Salt Lake City. We can both work from anywhere, and we love skiing, hiking, kayaking/paddle boarding, trail running, etc. We had visited SLC a number of times and really liked it here. I gave up teaching fitness (I’m 54 and have had some nasty injuries) and focused solely on editing and pursuing my personal fitness passions.
We’ve been in SLC for about a year and a half now. I edit mostly technical documents for people, but I’ve also worked with both fiction and non-fiction novels and do a bit of AI training. We work four days a week and do something active on the fifth day (avoiding weekend crowds). It’s been amazing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I freelance, so it has its ups and downs. Sometimes, I can go a few weeks without any projects, which is hard on the budget. Other times, there’s so much work I work through the weekend. And while I’m in charge of my own schedule, I don’t get any PTO. I recently got a jury duty letter and panicked because serving two weeks on a jury would really hurt my income. I was picturing working all through the night and then serving jury duty during the day (luckily, I haven’t been picked yet).
Despite the challenges, I love being a company of one and working from home.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Basically, I freelance regularly for two different companies and take on random projects when people contact me. Most of what I edit is technical. I follow the client’s style guides and create my style sheet for each project. I was really excited to edit two novels this past year. That’s the dream–especially fiction. So that’s what I’m most proud of. My company is called Copy Cat Copy Editing and Proofreading Services, LLC (because I also have a love for cats).
I think what sets me apart is my schooling. Ohio University is well-known for its journalism school. I also have a bachelor’s in English Literature from Ohio University. I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be willing to edit anything–even the most dry, boring document out there. Take your time and do a good job–most likely, you’ll get repeat business. Be prepared for slow weeks/months. Be flexible with your schedule because this is a deadline-based business. Keep some grammar resources (books, online, etc.) handy at all times.
Pricing:
- $35/hour for editing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://copycatediting.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copycatediting
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjkunkle/
