Today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman may not be able to leap tall buildings, but let me tell you she is a super hero when it comes to words. I call her “editor extraordinaire” and the “queen of transitions” as well as “trusted advisor.” Her name is Angela Wiechmann. She is an immersion editor and owner of A.M.W. Editing.
We met when Angie edited my first book, Out to Sea: A Parents’ Survival Guide to the Freshman Voyage, but our business partnership soon turned to a trusted friendship. A treasured one. And I’m thrilled to tell you that we had the opportunity to work together again more recently when she edited my second book, which will be coming out in August!
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Angie is one of the best communicators I know, which has led her to share her talents by teaching apprentice editors the craft. Folks, she’s the best of the best in the editing world and I’m thrilled to introduce her to you today.
Meet Angie Wiechmann, today’s real-life Wonder Woman!
KR: Angie, can you tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?
AW: Being a freelance editor is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. I love what I do. It’s lifework—maybe even lightwork. My work has been especially meaningful in the last few years. I’ve taken steps to better define and embrace who I am as an editor, which led me to the concept of immersion editing. From there, I’ve taken steps to become a mentor and teacher. I feel the call to share my knowledge and passion so other editors can learn how to make their careers more meaningful too. I’m trying to start an immersion editing revolution!
KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
AW: I’ve always had a way with words—which is actually a two-sided concept. Any communication needs a transmitter and a receiver. On the transmitting end, I seem to have an affinity for writing and speaking. On the receiving end, I seem to have an affinity for reading and listening. So it isn’t just about words coming through me; it’s also about words coming to me. In all aspects of communication, I strive to connect with people on a deeper, more engaged level. Without these superpowers, so to say, on both ends of the communication spectrum, I couldn’t be the editor I am today.
KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
AW: When I was elementary school, I was looking through my brother’s high school yearbook. There was a photo of the young woman who had won the school’s Excellence in Creative Writing award. The photo showed her in her element—sitting in a quiet staircase, head down in concentration, a pen in one hand and a notebook in the other. Her name wasn’t important. Just seeing that photo, I instantly knew she was a writer. Already at my young age, I too loved to write. But I didn’t know any writers. I didn’t know what being a writer could look or feel like. But there she was—a real writer, a kindred spirit, an inspiration, and a glimpse into a future mirror. So I vowed to win that same creative writing award someday. And I did, in my senior year. Now that I’m an editor, this memory reaffirms my desire to be a mentor and role model. You never know—maybe an aspiring editor is reading these very words right now. Sometimes all you need is to simply see someone embodying your dream in order to know your dream can be a reality. Seeing is believing.
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
AW: I’m fascinated by superhero characters such as Professor X, Doctor Strange, and Scarlet Witch. (Yes, I’m a superhero geek.) So I think that means I’d love to have telepathic, telekinetic, or magical powers—something with the power of the mind. I’m not an athletic or graceful person, so being faster than a speeding bullet or leaping tall buildings in a single bound is never gonna happen!
KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
AW: Whenever we can steal away, I love traveling with my husband and son. I love hiking, camping, and taking a million photos on our trips. At home, we love watching our favorite movies over and over. We’re woefully out of touch with new TV shows and movies, but we can quote Happy Gilmore line for line. Obviously, many superhero movies end up on continuous loop in our household too. My husband and I have also played fantasy football for twenty-three years now. It took me twenty of those years to finally win a championship. (Thank you, Todd Gurley!)
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
AW: I’d tell myself that there is no such thing as “control.” You can’t control life and its ups and downs and twists and turns. You certainly can’t control others’ actions and reactions. The only semblance of control perhaps lies in you, yourself. And even then, control is too strong of a word. It might be better to say you have the power—and the responsibility—to be intentional about your decisions, actions, thoughts, hopes, fears, and perspectives. Self-awareness leads to self-actualization. So forget the idea of control—it’s an illusion.
Want to learn more about what an immersion editor does? Visit Angie’s website at angelawiechmann.com
