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Barbie Halaby

@monocleediting.bsky.social
734 followers 233 following 192 posts

My keen eye for your best words. Editor/proofreader/bibliophile/mom who loves black tea, brookies, and sarcasm. EFA & ACES. She/her.

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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A2: Ooh, tough one. First is what I won't do: Don't say my schedule is full or offer a really high PITA rate. That's gonna backfire. I'd try to point to where I wouldn't be the best editor FOR THEM, so they see where someone else's perspective or expertise or style is going to fit better. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A1 (1/2): This happened to me probably more than a decade ago, and it wasn't even a plagiarism checker. It was just spidey sense + googling. Luckily, I was working with a packager, so I handed it off to them to deal with the author. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Hi #StetChat! I'm Barbie Halaby (she/her). I offer editing and proofreading services to indie authors and university presses. I've been editing for 24 years, but I know I have something new to learn here.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
A2: I adore a good map in a book. Spatially, they help me wrap my head around the relationships and distances between places, not to mention the topography and borders. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
A1: The Monk & Robot series by Becky Chambers; The Lady Astronaut series by Mary Robinette Kowal; Animal Crossing (especially the cultural elements). #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Hi edibuddies! I'm Barbie, an editor of memoir, fiction, and nonfiction for 20something years living outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Once upon a time, I was on a Philly Comic Con panel about worldbuilding for authors, but let's see if I remember any of it. #stetchat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I had a fantastic time talking to @nadiageageapupa.bsky.social on her podcast, and she really challenged me to think through how I feel about #editing #memoir. Check it out and let me know if you have similar ideas or want to share something you completely disagree with!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A6: Telling myself I can't get up until I hit a mark usually fails. I am super resistant to myself as an authority. Very much "you can't make me! you're not the boss of me!" 😂 As a self-employed editor, I like to say that my boss is a tyrant and my employee is unreliable. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A5: Definitely accountability. That might be an editing sprint, a group coworking session (I sometimes do ones that split up work and dance breaks), or just body-doubling with another editor. I'm big on external motivation, and I won't apologize for it! 😆 #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A4: I work in my office about 95% of the time, so the "where" is at my desk. But when? Before I find my groove and start a good focus run. Or when it gets close to lunchtime. And then immediately after lunchtime. Then again after 3:30 or so, if I'm even still attempting by then. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A3: I try to figure out the "why." Am I hungry, stiff, thirsty, tired, etc.? If I've met (or decided to ignore) my basic needs, I'll ask an edibuddy for a sprint, a double, or a coworking time. That gets me through nearly any brain wandering. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A2: Kids. They may be teens now, so you'd think it would have improved (I work from home) since they were little, but no. Now it's "Drive me and my bestie to the mall!" or just making so much noise! Had I only thought to soundproof better when I built my office. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A1: I generally try to keep all biz between about 8 and 3 M-F, but actually editing takes up approximately 3-5 hours a day, sometimes less. I've had good luck with a two-hour focus time around 9 a.m., plus another around 1 or 2 p.m. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
One of my teens literally dumped herself at my feet while I worked not 10 minutes before this started. So, yeah, distractions. #SummerBreak #Parenthood #stetchat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Hi edibuddies! I'm Barbie, an editor of memoir, fiction, and nonfiction for 20something years living outside of Baltimore, Maryland. #stetchat
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Kayleigh | Developmental Editor ✍🏻📚 @editsinthemargins.com · 25/06/2026
Dear Writer, Nobody else can tell your story. What you write may have similarities to works that already exist, but this story—your story—flows from your own experiences, preferences, and perspective. Write it. Love, Kayleigh
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
A8: I'm definitely up for learning more about language and concepts around sexuality beyond the LGBT: poly-/a-/pan- varieties particularly. Most of my conversations there are off the page, but surely there will come a time when the edits lead in that direction. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
A4: I propose it as a nonstarter: Use x instead of y to be inclusive for all readers. I point out that although some people will not notice or care if language is exclusive, more and more readers want inclusivity, accuracy, and just plain CARE for language. #StetChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Hi edibuddies! I'm Barbie, an editor for 20something years living outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Looking forward to learning something new today. #stetchat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Evergreen advice for the new year from @laurapoole.bsky.social. My WOTY supports this, as I will "FOCUS" on my own needs first in 2026.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Be where your audience is. I'm still not sure I've nailed this one. #ACESchat
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Alysha Love @alyshalove.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Hello! Coming right up, I'll be talking about ways you can market yourself as an editor — stuff you can think about whether you freelance or are established with a company. Chat soon! #ACESChat
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ACES: The Society for Editing @acesediting.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
The next #ACESChat is Marketing for Editors with Alysha Love on Wed, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m. ET. Join us on Bluesky and bring your questions and experience. @alyshalove.bsky.social #editor #AmEditing
Alysha Love, a white woman with brown hair and brown eyes, looks away with her hand under her chin.Alysha Love, a white woman with brown hair and brown eyes, looks away with her hand under her chin.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Cheers to Sandi Rusch on "Charms & Chapters," the sequel she never planned to write. Working on this meant a lot to me because she was gently given to me after her previous editor, our beloved mutual friend @NikkiBusch, passed away. I loved helping Sandi make it “a better book,” as she said.
The cover of the book "Charms & Chapters" by Alexandra Rusch, with hand-drawn designs of hearts and leaves and a row of homes and shops in colorful illustration. End of description.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
#ACESVCON25 and it's day 2! Today we delight in none other than the esteemed and charming @petersokolowski.bsky.social during his biannual musings on the English language. At least during VCon rather than IRL con (come to ATL!), he won't see me going all 😍 at his session. @acesediting.bsky.social
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
I'm excited for #ACESVCON25! If you'll be there, say hi! What are you hoping to learn? There is so much I'm looking forward to, but the Pun Slam is my favorite part of things, TBH. If you are an editor and you haven't heard about @acesediting.bsky.social, please let me tell you about it.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
This is so cool! Any #QueerSFF writers want to take advantage of this opportunity. These are fantastic editors. #WriterSky #SFF
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
I've been tagged in the best chain mail ever: Recommend a "fun, low-stress book" and tag another copyeditor for theirs. I devoured the first novella in a trilogy recently: "Full Speed to a Crash Landing" by @bethrevis.bsky.social (on audio). Your turn @ink-and-insight.bsky.social!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
First of all, 🔥 logo. Second, I wish I was a writer so I could join this amazing venture. I have some insider knowledge that it is going to become one of your favorite weeks of the year.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
I don't really think of myself as a writer, certainly not a creative writer, but I'm feeling some writer's block just trying to come up with the perfect lines to suggest to an author during a #LineEdit! I'm glad it's only an idea to get them to think of alternatives, because this is hard.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Ooh! A book I copyedited is featured on the cover of @sunypress.bsky.social Fall 2025 catalog! It was an immense honor to work with the previously unpublished stories of the esteemed Gloria Anzaldúa, respectfully edited by three impressive volume editors.
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ACES: The Society for Editing @acesediting.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
This just in: Submission deadline has been extended to June 30. Join us!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Let's go, edibuddies! The Thursday #EditorSprint starts now! My buddy The Rock is cheering you on too.
media.tenor.com
a muscular man screaming with the words let 's go
Alt: The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) rings a bell while clenching his muscles and screaming with the words "let's go!".
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Our dearest @nicolewayland.bsky.social has some other commitments today, so I'll be hosting this week's #EditorSprint. Drop a reply about what you will be working on starting at 2:00 ET, and we'll make this a great sprint, knowing we're all in this together!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Don't forget to vote for the next slate of @acesediting.bsky.social Board members! Voting is open through the end of today. A lot of amazing people are running right now, so the decision might be difficult, but make your voice heard. What do YOU want from #ACES? aceseditors.org/about/board-...
aceseditors.org
Candidate Statements for the ACES Board of Directors 2025
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Please get involved in your communities! Use your voice to advocate for the change/progress/direction you want to see. I voted!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Thanks to @apstylebook.com for the amazing #ACES2025 session. I’m going to thread some quotes and notes.
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Hey Bluesky #editors! There's a wonderful in-person training opportunity coming up in April in Salt Lake City. If you can get there or come to ACES2025 a day early, join us for small group discussion with some of the leading experts in the industry. See tinyurl.com/2s3d5pu6
A flyer for ACES' Ask the Editing Experts Roundtable and profile pictures of the eight speakers. Details of the event: April 2, 2025, at Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Learn more: tinyurl.com/2s3d5pu6
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 17/09/2024
It's not to late to sign up for @acesediting.bsky.social VCON24! Tons of great speakers, opportunities to virtually mingle and learn from other editors. If you're not booked up next week, give it a go. If you are (go you!), sign up and watch over the next few months. aceseditors.org/conference/v...
aceseditors.org
Tracks and Sessions Overview
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 09/08/2024
@acesediting.bsky.social is looking for a few good ideas. Do you have a topic you could present as a webcast in our ACES Academy? Bonus: They are now paid! Share your expertise with your fellow editors and beef up your own experience. Propose here: aceseditors.org/training/wan...
aceseditors.org
Want to Propose a Webcast?
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 23/05/2024
I know next to nothing about horses, but somehow I knew that "cantor" wasn't quite the right word for their gait. As always, 80% of an editor's life is looking it up. (A "canter" is a speed less than a gallop; a "cantor" is a leader of religious songs or chants.) #amediting #spellcheckcannotsaveyou
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Nicole Wayland 🦋🧚🏼‍♀️ @nicolewayland.bsky.social · 13/04/2024
I just wanted to thank everyone who came out for the Freelancers Happy Hour in San Diego ahead of the #ACES2024 conference. We had a great time! If anyone has any questions about prizes, please feel free to reach out to me!
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 18/04/2024
Hey #ACES2024 attendees! You still have time to give feedback on how the conference and individual sessions went. Please respond as much as you are able. It really guides how future events are handled. Check your email. Thank you! @acesediting.bsky.social
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/04/2024
“Editors want more en dashes but readers don’t [long pause] like them.” —Russell Harper #ACES2024 #ThatWordChat
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 05/04/2024
“Let’s tackle sustainability one squiggly line at a time.” —Laura Standley in The Granmar of Greenwashing at #ACES2024
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2024
Editors are all 😍 at the talk by @petersokolowski.bsky.social at #ACES2024: “Dictionaries happen when languages meet.”
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2024
Can you be a “nice-hole”? As an editor, “your writers will say ‘thank you’ instead of *blank* you!” —Bill Graf in “The Beloved Editor” #ACES2024
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2024
“Will the victims of our tracked changes give us an editor’s burial?” (See m.imdb.com/title/tt8847...) —Bill Graf in “The Beloved Editor, and Other Mythical Creatures” #ACES2024
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2024
“We’re not in this to be loved.” —Bill Graf in “The Beloved Editor, and Other Mythical Creatures” #ACES2024
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Barbie Halaby @monocleediting.bsky.social · 04/04/2024
“Never underestimate your reader’s intelligence and never overestimate your reader’s knowledge.” —Bill Graf in “The Beloved Editor, and Other Mythical Creatures” #ACES2024
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