Category Archives: books

Lovely Libraries

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I’ve written before of my love of beautiful books. As an editor, it’s no surprise that I’m also a big fan of organization and order. This all may help explain my natural attraction to bookshelves of all types. My editing studio is half home library, with the largest wall dedicated just to books, and I have big plans for my next house. (I’m hoping for a home library like something out of Clue.)

Today I’m daydreaming of walls of books for days…

library, photo via Stone Source

library, photo by Sean Fennessy

library, photo by Alan Williams

photos by Stone Source, Sean Fennessy, and Alan Williams

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Looking for an editor? Kelsey Mitchener Editing Services specializes in nonfiction copy editing and proofreading. Get in touch and let’s work together on your next project!

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In the Studio | Pretty Ceramics

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South African pottery

Earlier this week I received a batch of handmade South African ceramics from an editing client. I’m in love with these rainbow-bright bowls, and they’ve found homes all over my studio: nestled on bookshelves, on my desk corner… (I doubt there could be a cuter paperclip holder.) Thought I’d share these fun faces with you, in the hope that they make you smile, too.

South African ceramics

P.S. You can sneak a peek at some of my favorite books. Any here that you also love?

Kelsey Mitchener, editor

Looking for an editor? Kelsey Mitchener Editing Services specializes in nonfiction copy editing and proofreading. Get in touch and let’s work together on your next project!

Gift Guide | Gifts for Word Lovers, Round 2

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gift ideas for writers, readers, editors, librarians, authors | Kelsey Mitchener Editing Services

I had a lot of fun putting together my previous gift guide for word lovers, so I thought I’d assemble one more for this holiday season. Here are some additional picks for writers, readers, editors, and anyone else who loves the written word.

1. Card Catalog Cuff Bracelet, Book Stack Cuff Bracelet, and Henry David Thoreau Quote Bangle | Accessoreads on Etsy, $38, $38, $20
There’s lots of great literary-themed jewelry from this shop. I especially love the Thoreau quote on this bangle: “All good things are wild and free.”

2. Word Dominoes | Chronicle Books, $25

3. Card Catalog Box with Notecards | Chronicle Books on Amazon, $18

4. Pen Nib Lapel Pin | The Literary Gift Company, £4

5. Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition | University of Chicago Press on Amazon, $41
Every list needs at least one practical item, right? The online version of CMOS is also handy, but nothing beats a physical reference book. (Here’s another reference book on my wishlist this year.)

6. Borges Library Cushion Cover | The Literary Gift Company, £15
Love Jorge Luis Borges.

7. Old Books Candle | Frostbeard on Etsy, $18
This candle uses a weird but somehow perfect blend of timber, white tea, newsprint, and must scents to create that unique “old books” smell—so good. Also check out their Oxford Library (oakmoss, amber, sandalwood, tobacco, and leather) and Book Cellar (“dirt,” “basement,” and vanilla bean) candles.

8. Library Due Date Scarf | Cyberoptix on Etsy, $44

9. BookBook Laptop Case | Twelve South on Amazon, $67
It’s a splurge, but this beautiful leather case looks and feels just like a hardcover book. (I’ve seen it in person!)

What other ideas have you come across online? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to check out your recommendations!

Kelsey Mitchener, editor

Looking for an editor? Kelsey Mitchener Editing specializes in nonfiction copy editing and proofreading. Get in touch and let’s work together on your next project!

Holiday Haul at Half Price Books

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Globish, The Story of English, APA Manual
Merry (early) Christmas to me!

Tonight I found the reference book section at Half Price Books… for some reason I’ve never meandered over to that section before. I was limited by the cash in my wallet, but I took home three beautiful books: Globish: How the English Language Became the World’s Language, by Robert McCrum; The Story of English, by McCrum, William Cran, and Robert MacNeil; and the APA Publication Manual. Yes, please.

I first came across The Story of English in high school; we watched the nine-hour PBS documentary in our Etymology class, and I loved it. Haha! Now I’m excited to read the book and what appears to be a companion book of sorts in Globish. Have you read either of these? I’m also happy to have a hard copy of the APA Manual to dog-ear. Yay for new books and great Christmas break reading!

Kelsey Mitchener, editor

Gift Guide | Gift Ideas for Word Lovers

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gift ideas for writers, readers, editors, librarians, authors

‘Tis the season for gift guides! I love seeing what can be pulled together from the far corners of the internet: fun pieces you can’t always find (easily) in stores—or maybe that’s just me, living in Smalltown, USA. It’s like window-shopping from your armchair! Since I get such a kick out of them, this year I thought I’d try my hand at creating a gift guide of my own, so I’ve put together a list of gift ideas for word lovers of all stripes—editors, writers, readers, librarians…

1. Color Reference Drawers | Land of Nod, $109

It’s now sold out, but I’m in love with this technicolor card catalog.

2. Poe-ka Dots Tote | Out of Print Clothing, $20

Disembodied Edgar Allan Poe heads in one of my favorite patterns? I’m sold.

3. By the Book Pendant | Kate Spade, $54

4. Lined Paper Notepad and Legal Notepad (similar) | Rifle Paper Co., $8

If you know me, you know I’m fanatical about all things Rifle Paper Co. Both of these notepads are on my wishlist.

5. Pen Temporary Tattoo | Peagreen Designs for Tattly, $5 for two

Check out the pencil design, too.

6. Personal Library Kit | Knock Knock, $16

So mini. So cute! Plus you can find refills on Amazon.

7. A Diagrammatical Dissertation on Opening Lines of Notable Novels Poster | Pop Chart Lab, $30

Check out the dimensions on this enormous piece!

8. Banned Books Match Book Set | Out of Print Clothing, $8

9. On the Road Travel Thermos | Penguin, $26

Anything strike your fancy? What’s on your wishlist this year?

Kelsey Mitchener, editor

Edit: Check out my second gift guide for word lovers, too!

Looking for an editor? Kelsey Mitchener Editing specializes in nonfiction copy editing and proofreading. Get in touch and let’s work together on your next project!