Updates

So, hi everyone. It has been a minute (and by a minute, I mean since July since I showed up in your inboxes). Sorry about that. 😅 Life has been hectic, to say the least. A quick rundown: basically, August and September has been my busiest months as a freelancer (!!), which was wonderful, but made me put practically everything else (i.e., Patreon, this newsletter, regular social media posts) on hold to balance that.

Then, we found out my partner’s left kidney is failing due to an unexpected, apparently chronic condition, so that was a very stressful week of doctor’s visits and emergency surgeries to stabilize him until we can get it removed on Oct. 20th.

Basically, I fell off the face of the earth with everything that wasn’t bringing in income or taking care of my partner. So, apologizes for the lack of newsletters. And thank you all so much for your kindness as we navigate this latest health development (and the awful time of dealing with the American “health” “care” system). It’s meant SO much. 🖤

Freelancing

I cannot believe we are three months out from not just the end of the year, but also wrapping up my first year as a full-time freelance editor? And I am currently slightly over my income goal? And I still have room for more clients come the end of the year!? HOW IS THIS MY LIFE I AM SO GRATEFUL. 😭

• Openings: I have room for one full manuscript in November (thanks to a reschedule) and December and plenty of smaller project availability for the rest of the year! 🎉If you’d like to work with me, you can fill out my (newly revamped) contact form here!

• Discounts: as always, an evergreen reminder: if you’re a marginalized or self-publishing writer, you always get 10% off full manuscript edits.

• Deals: Nothing currently! But, as newsletter describers, you’ll be the first to know that I will most likely be raising my prices (for the first time in six years) starting in 2026, with a newsletter detailing the why coming next month!). So, if you want to work with me next year but want to lock in my current prices, I’d book before December 2025. 👀👀

Writing

Guess who is at 70K words and properly within Act II?? And has had multiple over 2K writing day sessions!? And who is completely obsessed with this story that is basically just Nicole personal fanfic that I hope others might also enjoy!?! Friends, I am having such a fun time and loving this story so much. I really believe I might get it done by the end of this year!! Which means I might have a new book coming out next year!?!?!

TIME WILL TELL.

Want more in-depth details on my writing? Join my Patreon (free or at a paid tier) to get biweekly writing discussions, hot takes, updates and exclusive early access to everything related to my books!

PS: I’m revealing some amazing artwork to celebrate Blood Price’s upcoming 1st birthday on Oct. 1st, but sharing it with paid Patreon subscribers this Friday (Sept. 26th!). Just saying.👀 

Highlights

I wanted to have a section of things I’ve been enjoying lately, as well as a space to highlight what others are working on, highlight client wins or just share cool things. Behold the good things!

• I have not been reading as much as I was in July, but gosh I need to (considering I have six books checked out from the library currently). Harley Laroux has me in a chokehold right now.

• Currently playing Borderlands 4, one of the games I was really excited about coming out this year. I am enjoying it greatly. Very much a turn off the brain and get shiny things vibe I need lately.

• Watched Thursday Murder Club and I enjoyed it!

ICYMI, here’s some highlights surrounding those I care about:

• Please help us support an important pillar of the publishing community as they face a hard time. Can’t donate? Then please share to help Michael LaBorn and his family.

  • Also, did you see that, if you donate any amount, I’ll edit your query letter for free? And, if you match my donation of $50, I’ll edit your first chapter for free?? Send me a screenshot of your receipt in my DMs on socials or to my email to redeem!

• Go check out a dear friend’s writing channel over on Twitch!

• Also, one of my author’s books just came out! Go give Rachael Bell-Irving’s fantastic latest YA urban fantasy, EYE OF A LION, a look!

Musings

If you’re not interested in long-form random personal musings, this is your time to close the newsletter! Thank you so much for reading and being here. I’ll see you next month!

If you want to read more personal thoughts, read on!

Skipping this section this month, but next month, we’ll be deep diving into why I’m finally raising my prices. I also want to eventually write about mental health and work, plus a birthday celebration post in November and my first full-time freelancing yearly wrap-up coming in December (stat lovers will love that post).

Wrap-Up

Thanks so much for reading, no matter if you read the entire newsletter, only parts of it or anything in-between. I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether here or on socials. Plus, tell me how you’re doing. What are you working on? How can I support you? 🖤

Take care of yourself and each other, okay? It’s important that you’re here and you deserve happiness, joy and safety. Never forget that, no matter how hot the fire grows around us (also, please take initiative to help put the fire out, in any way that is accessible and makes sense to you. Call your reps, invest in your community, donate to mutual aid, read books, protect queer people, our environment, our planet).

Until next,
Nicole 🖤

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