We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadia Pupa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor for running a successful business is being authentic. Owning a business is not just a nine-to-five job. I spend time outside of normal business hours to learn from and engage with other colleagues. As a business owner, every detail involved in running the company is always on my mind. So, when I function as a consultant, and offer my professional opinions and advice to authors, thought leaders, subject matter experts, and executive-level staff, I am always bringing the best and most up-to-date information I can. I don’t take consulting responsibilities lightly. With my editorial and graphic design expertise, I handle a variety of projects at a strategic level. Being a consultant requires a high-level, big-picture mentality to problem solve, develop content, and think strategically, while simultaneously overseeing large projects from the ideation stage to distribution.

Being authentic is everything in the publishing world! It’s what my clients expect and should expect. I’ve discovered that the harder I lean into my core competencies, the greater value I’m providing my clients. Being authentic is truly what differentiates me from what’s being offered in the editorial and graphic design market.

With the growing dependency on generative AI, it’s creating an even stronger position for editors and writers to understand the value we provide and what sets us apart from generic content. I’ve positioned myself as a consultant who assists in all stages of the publishing and development process. This applies to the editorial and design work for corporate clients, nonprofits, academic institutions, and government agencies. They all require high-level and high-quality content. The same concept applies to authors. I provide the highest value possible through manuscript consultations and evaluations. At the end of the day, I’m providing the most authentic feedback possible so that I can see all of my clients succeed in publishing and sharing their valuable content with the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart from others is that I bridge the gap between content and design. It’s tough to find companies that can do both—editing and design. If you come across those types of companies, they most likely send the work to random contractors who know nothing about the content and are simply looking for a quick way to make money and wrongfully inflate their prices. These companies also make false promises to their clients or give off the impression that they can edit, but in reality, they are heavily focused on marketing. I can guarantee that the care and attention to detail will be lost along with the author’s voice and personality. These false claims and the increasing reliance on generative AI directly relate to some of the challenges that several editors and graphic designers are facing today.

In the first few years of growing my company, I decided to shift my attention to higher-level, big-picture thinking especially when I approach projects for authors. I use the same strategic thinking and problem-solving skills I use for my corporate clients. In the manuscript consulting sessions, we get to really develop content together and I hold the writers accountable. These skills and services simply can’t be replaced by AI.

Early on in my career, I took my husband’s advice and learned how to use InDesign. It opened an entirely new path for me and changed the trajectory of my career. I know how to navigate my way through complex documents, multi-volume books, and textbooks with intricate scientific or financial infographics.

My goal is to connect with more editors and designers in the publishing industry to share our knowledge. I remain steadfast in the abundance mentality by sharing information with my colleagues. Supporting each other is the best way to grow, which is what prompted me to start my podcast, The Editor’s Half Hour. This podcast is meant to inspire other editors in my industry to raise the bar, think strategically, and share relevant information and industry trends. I want to be a great resource for all types of editors who are freelancers or business owners. I am exploring ways to form partnerships and affiliate programs with like-minded entrepreneurs in the publishing industry in order to uphold those high standards.

Since 2016, I am proud to have built a company with a team of writers, editors, and designers. We have worked with high-profile executives, government agencies, and several small businesses and we hope to continue this path of growth. I firmly stand by my company motto, “We help you publish with personality.” As technology becomes more sophisticated, the lines between original and generic messaging will become blurred. Relying too much on technology will inevitably decrease a person’s true individuality and personality. Everyone’s graphics and marketing will start to look the same and become oversaturated with generic content. Now, more than ever, companies and individuals need to lean heavily into figuring out who they are, what they represent, and stay true to their personalities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to do in San Diego, it would be hard to cram it all in. I would most likely spend as much time with friends at various beaches in the area. My all-time favorite is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. While we’re up north, I’d stop at the Seaside Market in Cardiff and pick up the famous “Cardiff Crack” tri-tip to grill for dinner. But before we leave, I will absolutely take my friends to some awesome spots for fish tacos. A few of my favorites are the Brigantine, Fish 101, and the Fish Shop. If they’re not into fish, I would recommend the Crack Shack for some of the best fried chicken in town. If my friends want to get some great Mexican food, I always try to take them to The Taco Stand if we’re up north.

One of my favorite hangout spots at night is the Coin-Op in Northpark. It’s got a great list of drinks with a really fun atmosphere. If you haven’t been to a barcade, the Coin-Op is a must! I also love taking friends to Liberty Station to walk around the public market and local shops. For live music, my two favorite spots are the Belly Up Tavern and the Observatory.

Being outdoors and going on hikes is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego. I never let any friends leave San Diego without doing the Torrey Pines hiking trail because of its spectacular ocean views. Another great hike is Iron Mountain. It’s more inland and feels very peaceful and remote with the most beautiful mountain views.

Last, but not least, if my friends are in town in April, I would have them join me on the annual San Diego Book Crawl. It’s so much fun visiting all of the amazing independent bookstores in San Diego. I am so passionate about books and supporting local bookstores. Most of these stores host events that feature local writers. One of my favorite things is getting books signed by brilliant authors and adding them to my growing library!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much to the San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN) for being an amazing source of information for me, especially during a time when I was uncertain about launching my company. I met so many important editors who not only inspired me but also provided insight into our industry when I needed it the most.

Most importantly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Philip Pupa. He helped push me to start my own company by brainstorming ideas, coming up with the company name, designing the company logo, and maintaining the website. He inspires me and pushes me to constantly elevate my standards by staying consistent, precise, and authentic.

Website: www.piquepublishing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/editors_half_hour/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pique-publishing-inc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/piquepublishing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piquepublishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@piquepublishinginc.764

Image Credits
Photos by Sarah Morgan Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.