Inspiring Conversations with Khloe Cain of Khloe’s Thoughts Editing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khloe Cain. 

Hi Khloe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my editing journey in 2013. I’ve always had a knack for catching errors while reading and it turned into my passion for editing. I would always stop reading the book because the errors were overwhelming. My brain stopped processing the words, literally. I never thought a pet peeve would lead me to so much success. I started editing for free in order to get my foot in the door. When an opportunity presented itself to edit for two New York Times Best-Selling authors, I took a stab at it. It was a complete success and I haven’t looked back. Now, here I am, almost 20 years later, owning an editing company with a team to assist. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t always easy being an editor, and it’s still not. I used to struggle with clientele. I had months my business thrived and was booming; I had slower months and I didn’t have a heavy workload. Another obstacle I overcame was the versatility of my clients. I knew I wanted to edit different genres, but I wasn’t sure how to start the process. It created a roadblock for me and I became discouraged. I decided to do some research and I spoke with other editors. I enrolled in various classes and I was able to win that feat, creating a roster of returning clients and new clients from various genres. 

We’ve been impressed with Khloe’s Thoughts Editing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am Editor-in-Chief and Owner of Khloe’s Thoughts Editing or K.T.E. My team and I specialize in developmental, copy, and line editing. The editing process is tedious as is, so I like to create a relaxing atmosphere while remaining professional. I don’t believe in making things more difficult or stressful. I like to make sure I am a good fit for my clients and vice versa. I am not in it solely for the money, but to help writers strengthen their skills. I believe that’s something that sets my company apart from others; I actually care about my authors and ensure they’re growing within their writing career. This has created a trusting relationship and I have a roster of returning clients who refuse to hire another editor. 

I like to think of myself as fun yet professional. It’s almost like in grade school when there was a class you dreaded because the teacher was always too serious or mean, then it was the fun class you loved. The teacher was lit and made the learning process fun. I like to think I am the fun teacher, lol. I try to make the editing process fun and less stressful while setting boundaries with my clients. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve never viewed myself as a risk-taker. I’ve had a structured way of living from the day I was born. My parents were (and still are) very structured. Their structure trickled into my adulthood and essentially my company. I’ll never forget trying to balance my company while still working a 9-5. I remember this like yesterday; I had gotten paid for the sixth time and didn’t know until I went to balance my checkbook for bills. It was then I realized it was time for me to quit my corporate job and continue building my company. K.T.E was thriving right in front of my face and I had no idea. 

So, the thought of not having a guaranteed check was petrifying. That was part of the “structure” and how it weighed heavily in my life. By this point, my company was consistent if I forgot the pay cycle at work, right? I had so many questions going through my head. How would I pay bills if K.T.E was slow one month? What about health insurance? So, I took the risk of leaving corporate and kicked into K.T.E full throttle. I had a great rapport with the company so if I needed to go back, they would hire me again. With that, I didn’t need to be afraid anymore. 

What I learned through this process was fear can sometimes be a good thing and a bad thing. For me, fear made me uncomfortable but pushed me into my greatness. Fear was knocking at my door because of complacency. It shook my world, but in a good way. I tell people to take risks but responsibly. Realistically, most people don’t like to struggle. I am not the person to say quit your job and struggle through entrepreneurship. No, that’s not the way. There will be struggles when working for yourself, but struggles aren’t always from a financial standpoint. You want to make sure you’re solid and your company’s revenue will pay your bills even through downtimes. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Khloesthoughtsediting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/editor_khloecain/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khloe.cain/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/khloesthoughtsediting

Image Credits
Justin Cain