Lynette M. Smith

From 2004 to her retirement in 2023, Lynette M. Smith operated All My Best Copyediting and Heartfelt Publishing, copyediting book manuscripts, proofreading book layouts, and eventually publishing several books of her own. Prior to retirement, Lynette held memberships in Editorial Freelancers Association, San Diego Professional Editors Network, and Publishers & Writers of San Diego. She continues to abide by the principles in "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz: Be impeccable with your word; don't take anything personally; don't make assumptions; and always do your best.

Lynette describes a life-changing event: "Back in November 2008, when our son Byron married Rachael, they each wrote a loving letter to their own parents, describing not only their fondest childhood memories but also the values, life lessons, and ideals they had learned that they would bring to their marriage. At the wedding rehearsal, they presented their letters and stood beside their own parents as their best man and maid of honor read the letters aloud. Both sets of parents, as well as all others present, were deeply moved. We will always treasure our loving memento."

Deeply inspired, in 2012 Lynette wrote the award-winning comprehensive reference book, "How to Write Heartfelt Letters to Treasure: For Special Occasions and Occasions Made Special."

Then, in 2015, meeting a need in the indie-publishing industry, Lynette wrote and released a handy 48-page reference for authors, editors, proofreaders, and graphic designers; and she gave it what she likes to call "the world's most boring title": "80 Common Layout Errors to Flag When Proofreading Book Interiors." It was an Amazon Best Seller!

In 2015 and 2016, she published six fully self-contained themed guides based on her 2012 book and showing readers "How to Write a Heartfelt Letter of Appreciation"—"To a Military Service Member," "For a Cultural or Religious Rite of Passage," "To a Product Creator or Service Provider," "To a Supervisor or Employee," "To a Teacher, Coach, Mentor, or Student," and "To an Older Friend or Relative."

In 2025, to simplify her life during retirement, Lynette removed all her books from publication on all platforms. However, softcover versions may be available on the secondary market for those who are interested.

Lynette's goal is for millions of people worldwide to focus on love and gratitude by writing heartfelt letters of appreciation to their friends, loved ones, business associates, and even public figures, so both giver and receiver can establish, enhance, and even rebuild their personal and professional relationships and thus change their world.