Tracey Biscontini is the visionary founder of Northeast Editing, Inc., a distinguished editorial service company based in Pittston, Pennsylvania.
Established in 1992, Tracey launched Northeast Editing to blend her passion for language and detail with the flexibility needed to raise her family. Under her leadership, the company has evolved from a one-person operation to a thriving business renowned for its editorial excellence and innovative practices.
Northeast Editing, Inc. has grown substantially, moving from a humble home office to a fully equipped professional space in a former rectory. The company serves a wide array of clients, including educational publishers, independent authors, and academic professionals, providing high-quality editing services that cover academic, fiction, non-fiction, and technical documents. Known for its rigorous quality standards and cutting-edge use of technology, Northeast Editing has adapted to the digital age with a focus on efficiency and client satisfaction. Tracey Biscontini’s commitment to quality and her forward-thinking approach have firmly established her and Northeast Editing as leaders in the editorial and publishing industry.
What motivated you to enter the field of editing, and how did your initial interest evolve into founding Northeast Editing?
My passion for language and a keen eye for detail initially drew me into the world of editing. I began my career in an educational publishing company, which gave me significant exposure to the demands and intricacies of the industry. When I decided to leave my day job to spend more time with my children, I started freelancing. The positive feedback and increasing demand for my services led me to realize the potential for a full-fledged business, thus Northeast Editing was born.
Can you describe a typical day at Northeast Editing when you first started versus now?
In the early days, it was just me, my desk, and a mountain of manuscripts. A typical day involved editing, client communications, and the administrative work of running a business from my home office. Now, Northeast Editing has a dedicated team and a professional office. My day often starts with team meetings, followed by client consultations, and strategic planning sessions. Although my role has shifted more towards management and growth, I still dedicate time to hands-on editing, which is my first love.
Throughout your career, what has been one of the most challenging projects, and how did you handle it?
One particularly challenging project was a large-scale academic manuscript that required extensive restructuring and fact-checking, on a very tight deadline. The project required mobilizing my entire team and working in close coordination with the client to ensure accuracy and consistency. We handled it by breaking the project into parts, with team members assigned specific sections based on their expertise. Regular updates and edits were essential, as was maintaining clear and open communication with the client throughout the process.
How has the industry changed since you started Northeast Editing, and what impact have these changes had on your business?
The industry has changed tremendously, mainly due to technological advancements. When I started, most editing was still done on paper. Now, everything is digital, which speeds up the process and opens up global opportunities. These changes have allowed us to expand our client base internationally and offer more dynamic services, like real-time collaborative editing.
What strategies do you find most effective for maintaining high standards of quality as your team grows?
Maintaining high standards starts with hiring the right people—those who not only have the skills but also share our commitment to quality. We also have rigorous training programs and a multi-tier review system where documents are reviewed by several editors at different stages. Regular feedback and continuous professional development are crucial as well.
What role has mentorship played in your career, and how do you foster a mentoring culture at Northeast Editing?
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my professional growth. I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me when I was starting out. At Northeast Editing, we foster a mentoring culture by pairing less experienced editors with seasoned professionals and encouraging a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help and learning from one another.
How do you balance innovation with traditional editing techniques in your business?
Balancing innovation with traditional techniques involves integrating new technologies and approaches that enhance efficiency without compromising the editorial integrity. We use advanced software for routine tasks, but decisions about language, style, and content structure are still very much reliant on human expertise.
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about the editing profession?
The biggest misconception is that editing is just about correcting grammar and punctuation. In reality, it’s much more comprehensive. Editing involves understanding the context, the audience, and the author’s voice. It’s about enhancing clarity, coherence, and overall quality of the text while respecting the author’s original intent.
What future trends do you see shaping the editing industry, and how is Northeast Editing preparing for these changes?
The rise of AI and machine learning is something we’re closely watching. These technologies are starting to play roles in automating basic editing tasks. At Northeast Editing, we’re exploring AI tools that can help us improve efficiency for these basic tasks, allowing our editors to focus more on complex editing aspects that require a deeper level of engagement.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring editors or entrepreneurs looking to enter the publishing industry?
My advice is to never stop learning. This industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. For those looking to start their own business, understand that resilience and adaptability are just as important as your core skills. Building relationships and a reputation for quality and reliability will be your most valuable assets.