Tracey Biscontini of Northeast Editing Shares Her Professional Journey

Tracey Biscontini is the founder of Northeast Editing, Inc., a premier editorial services company based in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. Launched in 1992, Tracey initially started the company as a flexible way to continue her passion for editing while raising her children. Her expertise and commitment quickly turned a freelance operation into a flourishing business. Under her leadership, Northeast Editing has expanded its services and client base, catering to a diverse range of publishing needs, from academic manuscripts to commercial literature.

Northeast Editing, Inc. is known for its high standards, exceptional quality, and the ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital publishing. Tracey’s visionary leadership continues to drive Northeast Editing forward, making it a respected name in the editorial and publishing industry.

What inspired you to start Northeast Editing, and how did you make the decision to leave your day job? 

The initial push to start Northeast Editing came from my desire to have a flexible schedule while raising my young children. The transition from a stable day job to freelancing was daunting, but the need for my skills remained high, and my former employer’s proposal to continue on a freelance basis provided a safety net that made the decision easier. As word of mouth spread about my availability, the volume of work grew to the point where founding Northeast Editing was the logical next step.

Can you describe the early days of Northeast Editing and how you managed to grow your client base? 

The early days were a mix of excitement and challenges. I worked long hours, balancing client projects with administrative tasks to set a strong foundation for the business. Networking played a crucial role; attending industry conferences and actively participating in online forums helped me connect with potential clients. Delivering consistent, high-quality work ensured that initial clients became repeat customers and often, my most vocal advocates.

Northeast Editing has moved locations several times. How have these moves impacted your business operations and team dynamics? 

Each move was strategic to support our growing needs. Initially, moving to a suite on Main Street gave us a legitimate presence and helped professionalize our operations. Later, relocating to a Victorian home and then to a former rectory allowed us to expand physically and refine our work environment, which in turn boosted our team’s morale and productivity. After the COVID-19 global pandemic, we began working remotely, holding meetings via Team or Zoon. These moves taught us a lot about anticipating future needs and planning accordingly.

How has technology influenced the workflow at Northeast Editing? 

Technology has been a game-changer. From basic word processing in the early days to advanced project management and cloud-based collaboration tools, technology has enabled us to streamline operations, improve communication with clients, and enhance the quality of our edits. We’ve been able to take on a larger volume of work and a wider variety of projects thanks to these advancements.

What challenges have you faced in maintaining quality as your business has expanded? 

One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that the quality of work remains high as we scale. To address this, we’ve implemented rigorous training programs for new editors and established a multi-tier review system to ensure every piece of work meets our high standards. Regular feedback sessions and continuous professional development are also pivotal.

How do you balance innovation with traditional editing techniques at Northeast Editing? 

Balancing innovation with traditional editing methods involves embracing new technologies that enhance efficiency without compromising the editorial craftsmanship that is fundamental to our work. We continuously evaluate new tools and techniques to see how they align with our values of thoroughness and accuracy, adopting those that enhance our ability to deliver excellent editorial services while still honoring traditional editing practices.

What strategies have you found most effective for marketing your services in a competitive industry? 

Building a strong online presence has been essential, coupled with leveraging client testimonials and case studies. Content marketing has also been effective; we share insights about editing and publishing that prospective clients find valuable, establishing our authority and expertise. Strategic partnerships with publishers and educational institutions have opened additional avenues for client acquisition.

Can you share a particularly memorable project or milestone for Northeast Editing? 

One of the most memorable milestones was our 20th anniversary, which coincided with the completion of a major project for a renowned publishing house. The project was not only lucrative but also significantly raised our profile in the industry. Celebrating two decades of success while marking such a significant professional achievement was incredibly rewarding.

Looking forward, what trends or innovations in the editing industry are you most excited about? 

I’m particularly excited about the possibilities AI and machine learning offer for the future of editing. While these technologies are still in their infancy in terms of practical application within our industry, they hold potential for enhancing the editorial process by automating routine tasks and allowing editors to focus on more complex and creative aspects of the work.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own editorial business today? 

My advice would be to start small and focus intensely on quality. It’s crucial to understand your market and build a solid reputation from the outset. Networking and continuous learning are vital, as is staying adaptable to industry changes. Most importantly, don’t rush the process. Building a successful editorial business takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work.

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