Who are you?
Hi! My name is Adam. I’m an editor and proofreader that lives in the United States. I specialize in editing TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) content.
I have 20 years of experience writing and editing technical documentation and user guides for technology and software companies. While it did not give me glamor or excitement, to quote Liam Neeson, “…what I do have are a very particular set of skills.” And those skills translate quite well to TTRPG content.
Why do I need an editor?
The easy and most obvious answer is to correct punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors. Slightly less obvious, but just as important, are things like clarity, consistency, recognizing the overuse of certain words or phrases, and identifying trigger words and phrases. Some editors will fact-check, do layouts, help with accessibility, or act as a sensitivity consultant.
The bottom line is if you are writing something for publication, you need an editor. At some point, the author stops seeing what was written and starts seeing what was intended. Everyone needs at least a second set of eyes on their creation. You want your reader to focus on the content, not on the errors.
Are all editors the same?
In a general sense, yes, much like many mechanics are similar. If you need something simple, like an oil change, it may not matter where you take your car. However, if you have an airplane, you probably don’t want to take it to the local garage. Editing is similar; a novel, a cookbook, a book of poetry, and technical documentation have very different properties and require a different perspective to edit them well. Similarly, a monster stat block or TTRPG mechanics are very specialized and it really helps to have someone with expertise in those areas.
What types of publications are most similar to TTRPG content?
TTRPG content is much closer to technical documentation or a user guide than a novel or magazine article. Both novels and articles have a very fixed story that reads in a very linear manner. Adventures and sourcebooks have no such constraints, and the reader can bounce all over the book based on the situation. When you have to look up something in your car’s owner’s manual, you probably won’t read it from cover to cover. Clear instructions on how to manage scenarios and encounters are key.
How did this venture come about?
The Inception
During the pandemic, I found my way back to TTRPGs from a bit of a hiatus. While reading different adventures, setting primers, bestiaries, and other assorted publications, I noticed errors and inconsistencies. When I started bringing these to the authors’ attention, most of them were very thankful, and some even offered freelance opportunities to proofread or copyedit their work.
The Problem
I researched the common rates, and what I found was troubling. The common rates were quite high for independent publishers when considering the tight margins they work under. While the rates may be normal and accepted by larger companies, it left a large swath of independent creators and publishers with a very difficult decision of where they invested their funds. Most opted for art, and while the finished product looked pretty, the clarity and cohesiveness suffered.
My Solution
I decided to focus my efforts on smaller publishers and creators and offer my services at a more affordable rate. This helps more creators realize their dream and have a finished product that shines.
AC Dahl Editing 