Bess Maher - Editor
I'm an experienced writer/editor who has worked in book publishing. I specialize in editing anthologies, memoirs, and business books.
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Overview
I worked in book publishing as an acquisitions and developmental editor for over a decade, most recently at an association, where I developed books about business, medicine, and pets. I have also been a freelance writer and editor for several years. My personal essays are published in a variety of print and digital publications, including Role Reboot and The Manifest-Station. My short story “Missed Connection” won a Stories on Stage contest and was performed live, and my short stories have been published in KYSO Flash, Sand Hill Review, and The Magnolia Review and one is forthcoming from Tampa Review. In 2007 my book _Generation What? Dispatches from the Quarter-Life Crisis_ was published by Speck Press. I was the editor and a contributing writer. I have a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a master's degree in English literature from the University of Colorado Boulder.
I love working with writers to help make their work shine whether they need a thorough developmental edit that takes a rough manuscript to its final form and stages or a light edit that focuses mainly on grammar and punctuation. I believe in honoring a writer's voice and intentions and treading lightly, but I'm also very detail oriented and comprehensive. I live in Denver, Colorado, with my family.
Testimonials:
"Bess Maher reviewed and edited my book _Companion-Animal Dental and Surgical Instruments_ published by AAHA Press. Her edits, comments, and recommended changes took the first draft to the final product. Her feedback was accurate, thorough, and thoughtful regarding structure and flow. Bess made herself available by way of coaching and moral support. Whether a writer is experienced or new to writing, working with Bess will dramatically improve the work. My book became a best seller to its target market because of Bess. I highly recommend Bess Maher as an editor."
–Gail E. Marshall, MBA, AHT
"I am the author of numerous books, workbooks, and scripts developed for the veterinary profession. Among them are the AAHA Be Safe video training series that won the American Business Association’s Gold Stevie Award in the Safety/Security category. Bess Maher was the editor at AAHA that helped me update or develop that script and many of those publications. Her comments and suggestions were always useful and made the content more understandable for the reader. Bess was very patient, professional, and courteous at all times. I would wholeheartedly recommend Bess as an editor for any author or manuscript."
--Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT
I love working with writers to help make their work shine whether they need a thorough developmental edit that takes a rough manuscript to its final form and stages or a light edit that focuses mainly on grammar and punctuation. I believe in honoring a writer's voice and intentions and treading lightly, but I'm also very detail oriented and comprehensive. I live in Denver, Colorado, with my family.
Testimonials:
"Bess Maher reviewed and edited my book _Companion-Animal Dental and Surgical Instruments_ published by AAHA Press. Her edits, comments, and recommended changes took the first draft to the final product. Her feedback was accurate, thorough, and thoughtful regarding structure and flow. Bess made herself available by way of coaching and moral support. Whether a writer is experienced or new to writing, working with Bess will dramatically improve the work. My book became a best seller to its target market because of Bess. I highly recommend Bess Maher as an editor."
–Gail E. Marshall, MBA, AHT
"I am the author of numerous books, workbooks, and scripts developed for the veterinary profession. Among them are the AAHA Be Safe video training series that won the American Business Association’s Gold Stevie Award in the Safety/Security category. Bess Maher was the editor at AAHA that helped me update or develop that script and many of those publications. Her comments and suggestions were always useful and made the content more understandable for the reader. Bess was very patient, professional, and courteous at all times. I would wholeheartedly recommend Bess as an editor for any author or manuscript."
--Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Anthologies
Short Story
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Humanities & Social Sciences
Work experience
Freelance writer/editor
Self-employed
October, 2015
–
Present
(about 7 years)
With over ten years of publishing and writing experience, I have extensive experience in and am available to copyedit, developmentally edit, and proofread book manuscripts, other printed materials, and online copy.
Fiction Reader
Orison Books
January, 2018
–
May, 2019
(over 1 year)
Reviewed submitted manuscripts to assess quality for Orison Books along with other members of the fiction staff.
Program Coordinator, Colorado Book Awards
Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book
January, 2016
–
January, 2020
(about 4 years)
Planned and executed outreach for entries, planned and implemented adjudication process, coordinated readings, coordinated event, created marketing and communications plan and materials, ran social media, and more for the Colorado Book Awards. Served as the de facto communications officer for Colorado Center for the Book.
Acquisitions & Development Editor
American Animal Hospital Association
August, 2007
–
October, 2015
(about 8 years)
Acquired and developed manuscripts of publications in both veterinary practice management and veterinary medicine. Worked with authors to meet project goals, also ensuring projects met editorial and design quality standards. Edited manuscripts for organization, tone, focus, and ability to meet market demands. Created and adhered to schedules and budgets. Editor of a 2014 Axiom Business Book Award winner.
Assistant Acquisitions Editor
Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
February, 2005
–
August, 2007
(over 2 years)
Assisted the acquisitions editor for communication. Helped determine budget and sales expectations of manuscripts. Communicated with authors. Acquired books.
Editorial Intern, W Magazine
Fairchild Fashion Media
June, 2003
–
August, 2003
(2 months)
Copyedited and proofread pages of W magazine. Verified facts.
Portfolio (13 selected works)
Seemingly a bit ludicrous and even comical, the quarter-life crisis is actually a very real phenomenon afflicting more rudderless twenty-somethings with each passing year. In Generation What?, young up-and-coming writers recount their individual quarrels between hoping to exist on the fringes of childhood and wanting to participate in the arena of adult responsibility.Some heartbreaking, some ... read more
Tag Teaming the Press, James Mueller's lively account of the evolution of the press relations of Bill and Hillary Clinton, begins with the couple's earliest student political activism in the sixties and continues through Hillary's run for the White House in 2008. Based largely on interviews with the journalists who covered them, the book explains how the most powerful political couple in Ameri... read more
When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession
Kathleen Ayl, PsyD
Winner of a 2014 Axiom Business Book Award! All you ever wanted to do was help. But before you can truly help your patients and your clients, you need to help yourself and your team. The only book of its kind specific to veterinary practices, When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession utilizes helpful quizzes, case studies, and worksheets to not only help prevent compa... read more
Practice Made Perfect: A Complete Guide to Veterinary Practice Management
Marsha L. Heinke DVM EA CPA CVPM
Today's managers must have a wide range of skills to play an effective role in the success of a practice. The second edition of this best-selling practice management bible is fully updated and offers advice you can apply immediately. You will increase your confidence as a manager, ensure financial growth and foster a team environment in your practice. Topics covered include personnel managemen... read more
“This project was born out of a workshop led by volunteer veterans who are also writers. Some veterans wanted to write but didn’t know how to get started. Some veterans were afraid people wouldn’t understand their truths. Some veterans wanted to push their current writing process further. Some have kept journals for 50 years. Some are women who’ve endured misogyny on top of the standard milita... read more
This cutting-edge work critiques today's global mediascape through feminist perspectives, highlighting concerns of policy, power, labor, and technology. Starting with the general state of international communications, the book uses feminist political-economic and policy analyses to explore the globalization of media industries, including questions about women's employment and media content tha... read more
Financial Management of the Veterinary Practice
Justin Chamblee CPA MAcc, Max Reiboldt CPA
Are you new to the practice management side of veterinary medicine, or have you recently been challenged to take your practice to the next level financially? Are you looking to maximize the value of your practice so you can sell it in the near future? We know practice finances aren't the most enjoyable part of your day, but the reality is they are one of the most important aspects of it. Easy ... read more
Career Choices for Veterinary Technicians: Opportunities for Animal Lovers
Rebecca Rose, Carin A. Smith
Explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the field of veterinary technology with this comprehensive guide, now fully revised. In-depth career descriptions include daily responsibilities, salaries, required qualifications, and invaluable career advice from those working in the field.Whether you are seeking a new focus for your established career within or outside a veteri... read more
Veterinary Caregiver's Book of Quotes: A Collection of Meditations, Short Tails, and Puppy Kisses
Katherine Dobbs RVT CVPM PHR
Compliments from clients and colleagues, the cup of coffee that kicks off your day, puppy kisses, a good laugh with friends, upbeat music and now...The Veterinary Caregiver's Book of Quotes. The Veterinary Caregiver's Book of Quotes comes straight from the hearts and minds of veterinary team members. This inspirational book will give you and your team the energy and encouragement you need to g... read more
This practical book gives students the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to communicate more effectively and interact more productively in the small group setting. With the help of this book, any group member can learn the skills necessary to participate in and lead a task group in an effective, productive, and healthy manner. This third edition features all new sections on:· "The Pow... read more
Gendered Media addresses the broad topic of gender and media, where "gender" is not simply a shorthand for "woman" but also embraces masculinitiy/ies, queer, lesbian and gay identities. Karen Ross provides the necessary historical context against which to read recent sex- and gender-based media phenomena such as Big Brother, Terminator, girls' use of mobile phones, women news editors, the Wond... read more
Everything I Learned About Sales I Learned From My Dog: Butt Sniffing Is Not a Virtue
Hickey, Julie, Malikowski, Rinartdy17
The Marathon Salesperson
Subieta, Rodolfo
Bess has 5 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I haven't had many different editors over the years. When I had to find someone new, I was lost and didn't know how to do it. I found several possible people on Reedsy and narrowed the list down to three to talk to. It was very hard to make a selection based solely on a brief resume and a brief telephone call but ultimately selected Bess. I can say enthusiastically that I made the right cho...
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Jim Stricker, September 2022
I had a great experience collaborating with Bess. She's effective and punctual in her correspondence and gives very helpful feedback and advice. I hope to work with her again the next time I publish a short story collection!
Lilah Souza, February 2022
This was my first experience on Reedsy and Bess made it a great experience. I didn't really know exactly what to ask for or what I was going to get out of the project, but she provided exactly what I needed to move forward with my book as well as a lot of great advice about the publishing industry. She is extremely knowledgeable and would be an asset to any author. She is also pleasant to work ...
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V R, March 2021
As a first-time author, I am very pleased with my collaboration with Bess. Her editing was impeccable and extremely beneficial. She made a number of suggestions to expand the manuscript that will make a big difference in its readability and flow. I also appreciated her prompt responses to all the questions I had about style, content, big and small. She was accessible and I was able to establis...
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Rudy Subieta, July 2020
Bess was amazing! I'm a first-time author and she walked me through everything with unbelievable patience. Her editing was perfect and she made some brilliant suggestions. I'll use her again for my next book.
Julie Hickey, May 2020
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