Barbara Noe Kennedy

Barbara Noe Kennedy – Editor

After working as a nonfiction book editor for years at NatGeo, I know the ins and outs of publishing from ideation to final proofing.

Overview

I worked for 23 years at National Geographic as senior editor of travel publishing, where I managed the creation of illustrated travel books, including the award-winning National Geographic Traveler guidebook series. I was involved in every step, including ideation, marketing, covers, photo selection, and the actual writing and editing. I left in 2015 to go freelance full-time, during which time I’ve also been teaching creative nonfiction writing, travel writing, and self-publishing 101 at a local university.


I specialize in travel, but even in travel that means books with all of the required elements of a narrative arc. I can help you with any and all stages of your book, including developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. I’d also love to help you with your book proposal and query letters, and I also offer book coaching.

Services
Non-Fiction
Architecture Art Biographies & Memoirs History Nature Sports & Outdoors Travel Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award 2022
Certifications
  • Certificate in Art History from Smithsonian Institute

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2015 — Present

I have taught the ins and outs of travel writing, creative non-fiction, and self-publishing 101 to after-work professionals since 2015. I also offer lectures that are virtual tours of the South of France, Paris, and Normandy.

National Geographic Society

May, 1993 — Oct, 2015 (over 22 years)

For 23-plus years I navigated the vision of National Geographic’s travel publishing program, including brainstorming and testing ideas, managing the creation of books from conception to publication, and conducting developmental and line editing and proofreading on hundreds of books. I also wrote marketing blurbs and promotional copy.

Self-employed

Jan, 1990 — Present

I have been a freelancer since 1990 (going full-time in 2015), writing travel, food and adventure stories for the National Geographic Traveler, Los Angeles Times, London Telegraph, Boston Globe, Baltimore Sun, Fodor’s Travel, Lonely Planet, Reader’s Digest Books, BBC Travel, Southern Living, AAA, Shondaland, and more. I have written numerous National Geographic travel book chapters, as well as National Geographic Traveler: Provence & the Côte d’Azur, the National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C., and three other single-authored guidebooks.

Portfolio

25 Joys of Paris: Little Things That Make A Big Difference for You and the World (The Joys of Travel)

Noe Kennedy, Barbara

Bad Karma: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell

Wilson, Paul

Imagined London: A Tour of the World's Greatest Fictional City (National Geographic Directions)

Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen first visited London from a chair in her suburban Philadelphia home—in one of her beloved childhood mystery novels. She has been back to London countless times since, through the pages of books and in person, and now, in Imagined London, she take... read more
National Geographic Traveler: Provence and the Cote d'Azur, 3rd Edition

Barbara Noe Kennedy

Discover the best of Provence and explore its charming towns and cities, medieval abbeys, storybook castles, and Roman monuments. Follow this guided tour through its magical landscapes—fields of red poppies, fragrant lavender, olive trees, and sunflowers. The ... read more
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking Guides)

Barbara Noe Kennedy

See the best of Washington with this streamlined walking guide, complete with step-by-step itineraries and maps to help you explore the city like a pro and navigate like a local. Created in a handy, take-along format, this guide is written by a seasoned travel... read more
I Could Live Here: A Travel Memoir of Home and Belonging

Barone, Ellen

Into Trouble

Paul Gorman

"Into Trouble" tells the true story of shy nineteen-year-old Paul Gorman's 1969 backpacking trip to Europe. As a harbinger of things to come, while hitchhiking to Chicago, he experiences 120 mph car chases between ex-convicts and cops, followed by lustful adva... read more
Dragon Rising: An Inside Look At China Today

Jasper Becker

No nation on Earth is as newsworthy as 21st-century China—and no book could be timelier than Dragon Rising, as world attention focuses on China's all-out effort to present itself as a modern world power and on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Becker is the ideal gui... read more
Galapagos at the Crossroads: Pirates, Biologists, Tourists, and Creationists Battle for Darwin's Cradle of Evolution

Carol Ann Bassett

As eloquent as it is alarming, Carol Ann Bassett’s portrait of today’s Galápagos depicts a deadly collision of economics, politics, and the environment that may destroy one of the world’s last Edens. For millions, the Galápagos Islands represent nature at its ... read more
MacArthur Came Back: A Little Girl's Encounter With War in the Philippines

Leanne Blinzler Noe

At the age of three, Leanne Blinzler Noe moved to the Philippines in 1937 with her parents and sister, where her father had accepted a job at a gold mine. Within a year, her mother had died, and she and her sister were living in a German convent in Manila, the... read more
Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

National Geographic

This lavish volume reveals National Geographic's top picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with practical tips for your own travels. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, this inspirational book spans the globe... read more
Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations

National Geographic

This inspirational book showcases 500 of the world's most powerful and spiritual places–and guides modern-day travelers who wish to visit them.With eloquent text, hundreds of gorgeous full-color images, and practical visitor information, Sacred Places of a Lif... read more
Desert Memories: Journeys Through the Chilean North (Directions)

Ariel Dorfman

The Norte Grande of Chile, the world's driest desert, had ''engendered contemporary Chile, everything that was good about it, everything that was dreadful,'' writes Ariel Dorfman in his brilliant exploration of one of the least known and most exotic corners of... read more
The Island Martinique (National Geographic Directions)

John Edgar Wideman

In this compelling travel memoir, two-time PEN/Faulkner Award winner John Edgar Wideman explores Martinique's seductive natural beauty and culture, as well as its vexed history of colonial violence and racism. Attempting to decipher the strange, alluring mixtu... read more
Sicilian Odyssey (National Geographic Directions)

Francine Prose

A blending of art and cultural criticism, travel writing, and personal narrative, Sicilian Odyssey is Francine Prose's imaginative consideration of the diverse cultural legacies found juxtaposed and entangled on the Mediterranean island of Sicily. She writes o... read more
Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country (National Geographic Directions)

Louise Erdrich

In Books & Islands in Ojibwe Country Erdrich compellingly writes about the Ojibwe spirits and songs, language, and sorrows that have passed down through generations. Erdrich later travels to Rainy Lake, to an island of real books, the world of an exuberant ecc... read more
A Writer's House in Wales (National Geographic Directions)

Jan Morris

Through an exploration of her country home in Wales, acclaimed travel writer Jan Morris discovers the heart of her fascinating country and what it means to be Welsh. Trefan Morys, Morris's home between the sea and mountains of the remote northwest corner of Wa... read more
The Mays of Ventadorn (National Geographic Directions)

W.S. Merwin

A collection of essays by a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet traces the origins of the twelfth-century Provental troubadors, from the work of Bernart de Ventadorn, to the ruins of the chGteau of Ventador, to the careworn farmhouse belonging to the author himself.
Abroad at Home: The 600 Best International Travel Experiences in North America

National Geographic

Take a trip around the globe—without ever leaving North America. Ideal for those who don't want to spend the time or money to travel the world, this book presents a potpourri of international experiences in the United States and Canada. Discover the villages, ... read more
Journeys Home: Inspiring Stories, Plus Tips and Strategies to Find Your Family History

Andrew McCarthy

Addressing the explosive growth in ancestral travel, this compelling narrative combines intriguing tales of discovery with tips on how to begin your own explorations. Actor and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy’s featured story recounts his recent qu... read more
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, 8th Edition (National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States)

National Geographic

National Geographic's flagship, best-selling guide covers all 59 national parks in the U.S. for nature and outdoor lovers everywhere. Intensive on-the-ground research, 300 photos and 80 colorful maps complete the extraordinary package. Practical and comprehens... read more
Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

National Geographic

This lavish volume reveals National Geographic's top picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with practical tips for your own travels. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, this inspirational book spans the globe... read more
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places

National Geographic

NatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organiza... read more

Barbara has 69 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bruce M.

Bruce M.

Oct, 2024

Barbara Noe Kennedy did for me exactly what I was hoping she would do, and that is guide me toward improving my book manuscript. She was thorough, clear, and I easily understood what she was saying. She is obviously an experienced professional and I was lucky to have her on my side. I got major bang for my buck and recommend her to you without any reservation.
Kim G.

Kim G.

Aug, 2024

Barbara has provided valuable feedback on my writing (including helpful comments on how to better structure chapters, show not tell, and avoid passive voice). She is also very encouraging!
Clint E.

Clint E.

Apr, 2024

I was very pleased with Barbara's work, her professionalism, her suggestions and ideas, her edits -- she was very helpful to me. I very much appreciated my collaboration with her. Clint Ensign
Jean W.

Jean W.

Apr, 2024

Barbara was professional in every way and met all of my expectations, which is hard to do! I would like to work with her again.
Janie K.

Janie K.

Jan, 2024

Barbara Kennedy did a superb job. She read with care and her suggestions/corrections were useful and constructive. My work will benefit greatly from her attention. She engaged with me through my writing. I suspect it is the connection she establishes with her clients that makes her excellent.

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