Brooke Goode

Brooke Goode – Editor

Career editor with a love of the perfectly crafted sentence. Travel, memoir, literary fiction, women's lit, health & well-being.

Overview

I have 30+ years' experience as an editor working with new and seasoned authors, publishing houses, and academics. I've lived and worked in the UK, US, Australia, and Africa. Recent projects include memoirs, travelogues, and fiction by authors from Denmark, Afghanistan, Mali, Greece, Pakistan, Australia, and the US. For authors wanting to find an agent, I can write your query letter and synopsis. I'm communicative, organized, and meticulous.

I currently reside in the US but have lived and worked on four continents. In the UK, I was editor of a business magazine covering sub-Saharan Africa, while freelancing for a small academic publisher, Zed Books, and a large media conglomerate, IPC Media; in Australia I worked as a radio journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corp; I've travelled extensively throughout Africa, where I freelanced for various publications including West Africa magazine. For the past 15 years I've focused solely on freelancing, working for myself and publishing companies, including Henry Holt, Rutgers Univ Press, and Rowman & Littlefield and its subsidiaries.

I'm committed to working with my clients to help them take their work to the next level. I truly love editing and am not happy until my client is.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies Parenting & Families Political Science & Current Affairs Travel
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • B.A. English literature; M.A. political economy

Work experience

KnoWEwell, PCB

Jan, 2020 — Jan, 2023 (about 3 years)

National editor, involving monitoring, selecting, editing, and writing content for health and wellness start-up.

Rowman & Littlefield

Jan, 2010 — Mar, 2020 (about 10 years)

Freelance editor for national publisher of scholarly titles based in Baltimore, MD. Have edited more than 50 titles in the fields of education, the humanities, and the social sciences.

Self-employed

Jan, 2009 — Present

Owner and operator of full-services editing/writing company for academics, authors, businesses, students, and non-professionals.

Drew Magazine

May, 2008 — Jan, 2012 (over 3 years)

Reported and edited articles for Drew University's student magazine, based out of Madison, NJ.

Rutgers University Press

Jan, 2008 — Jan, 2011 (about 3 years)

Copyedited many academic titles for this well-established university press, based in New Brunswick, NJ.

Henry Holt & Co.

Jan, 1998 — Dec, 2005 (almost 8 years)

Copyedited many fiction and non-fiction titles for this major NYC publisher.

St. Martin's Press

Jan, 1996 — Jan, 2000 (about 4 years)

Copyedited many scholarly and academic titles for this major NYC publisher.

Australian Broadcasting Corp

Jan, 1993 — Jan, 1996 (about 3 years)

Reported and wrote stories for Australia's national public broadcasting company.

IPC Media

Jan, 1988 — Jan, 1991 (about 3 years)

Edited and generated copy for several mass-market publications of this international London-based publishing conglomerate.

Zed Books

Jan, 1988 — Jan, 2000 (about 12 years)

Copyedited non-fiction titles for this independent London-based publishing company.

West Africa magazine

Jan, 1986 — Jan, 1988 (about 2 years)

Business and economics editor for this weekly business magazine, based in London, serving Africa

James Curry Publishers

Jan, 1985 — Jan, 1988 (about 3 years)

Copyeditor for this London-based leading imprint of academic books on Africa.

Modern Africa magazine

Jan, 1980 — Jan, 1988 (about 8 years)

Editor of this bi-monthly business magazine, based in London, serving sub-Saharan Africa

Portfolio

There's More to New Jersey than the Sopranos

Marc M.

An American tourist in Europe stopped at a restaurant in Gdansk, Poland, and struck up a conversation with a local. 'Where do you come from?' he asked. 'New Jersey', she said. He smiled and replied, 'Ah, "Sopranos"'. Even fans of that popular show, one that he... read more
Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

Rob L.

A wryly funny and surprisingly moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eyeA teen idol at fifteen, an international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at twenty, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicle... read more
No Place for a Woman: The Struggle for Suffrage in the Wild West

Enss, C.

A Century of NFL Football: The All-Time Quiz

Gordon, R.

Tenkara Today

Lyle, M.

Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China's Other Billion

Levy, M.

Seduced by an Afghan: An Unlikely Love Story

Kayeum, J.

The Faint Ringing of a Caravan Bell: An Afghan Daughter's Odyssey

Shahbaz, T.

Tales of Survival in Colonial New England (Colonial Life Book 2)

Evans, C.

Search and Rescue Alaska

Salcedo, T.

Representing Queer and Transgender Identity: Fluid Bodies in the Hispanic Caribbean and Beyond

Perkins A.

Comfort Woman: A Filipina's Story of Prostitution and Slavery under the Japanese Military (Asian Voices)

Maria R.

From Comfort Woman:“We began the day with breakfast, after which we swept and cleaned our rooms. Then we went to the bathroom downstairs to wash the only dress we had and to bathe. The bathroom did not even have a door, so the soldiers watched us. We were all ... read more
Shooting Star: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery (Martha's Vineyard Mysteries)

Cynthia R.

In Shooting Star, ninety-two-year-old poet Victoria Trumbull becomes embroiled in controversy at the community theater on Martha's Vineyard. The new artistic director has announced plans to replace local amateur talent with off-Island professionals, and the ca... read more
A Place of Secrets: A Novel

Rachel H.

A runaway bestseller in Britain with over 100,000 copies sold, a riveting historical mystery in the tradition of Kate MortonAuction house appraiser Jude leaves London for her dream job at Starbrough Hall, an estate in the countryside, examining and pricing the... read more
Disasters in Field Research: Preparing for and Coping with Unexpected Events

Gillian H.

From ravenous ants and temperamental gear to debilitating illness and unpredictable politics, field research can be fraught with challenges and opportunities for mishap. Disasters in Field Research is your guide to what can go wrong while conducting fieldwork—... read more
Waters Far and Near: Tales of Angling Adventure and Misadventure Around the World

Charles G.

From the glacial lakes of Patagonia to the safari camps of Zambia, Charles Gaines has traversed the globe in search of the elusive catch. Traveling by helicopter, kayak, ship or houseboat, on lakes, rivers, oceans and everglades, he has visited five continents... read more
Declaring War Against Schooling: Personalizing Learning Now

Don G.

Declaring War Against Schooling documents 100 years of educational wars between Visionary learning leaders and Traditional school people. Ironically, to win the existing war, both opposing groups must unify to overthrow the control of education by politicians.... read more
Mass Deception: Moral Panic and the U.S. War on Iraq (Critical Issues in Crime and Society)

Professor S.

The attacks of 9/11 led to a war on Iraq, although there was neither tangible evidence that the nation's leader, Saddam Hussein, was linked to Osama bin Laden nor proof of weapons of mass destruction. Why, then, did the Iraq war garner so much acceptance in th... read more
New Jersey Country Houses - The Somerset Hills - Volume 2

John K.

Volume 2 documents the prolific estate-building activity that took place in one of the country's exclusive residential "colonies" during the period between World War I and World War II. Beautifully illustrated and extensively researched.
New Jersey Country Houses - The Somerset Hills - Volume 1

John K.

Lavishly ilustrated, The Somerset Hills provides a rare glimpse into some of New Jersey's finest country houses and estates, and the fascinating people who designed and built them. Volume 2 of this stunning series is also now available.
Balancing the Big Stuff: Finding Happiness in Work, Family, and Life

Miriam L.

While the current conversation about work-family balance and “having it all” tends to focus on women, both men and women are harmed when conditions make it impossible to balance meaningful work with family life. Yet, both will benefit from re-evaluating what i... read more
Embodying Culture: Pregnancy in Japan and Israel (Studies in Medical Anthropology)

Tsipy I.

Embodying Culture is an ethnographically grounded exploration of pregnancy in two different cultures—Japan and Israel—both of which medicalize pregnancy. Tsipy Ivry focuses on "low-risk" or "normal" pregnancies, using cultural comparison to explore the complex... read more
How We Can Save Sports: A Game Plan

Ken R.

Many sports fans are conflicted—they may love the games, the players, and their communities, but may be alarmed by issues including academic corruption, athlete health, and the overarching emphasis on winning and profit at all costs. From disturbing new resear... read more
Gangland Chicago: Criminality and Lawlessness in the Windy City

Richard C.

This engrossing tale of gangs and organized criminality begins in the frontier saloons situated in the marshy flats of Chicago, the future world class city of Mid-continent. Gangland Chicago recounts the era of parlor gambling, commercialized vice districts co... read more
Understanding Loss and Grief: A Guide Through Life Changing Events

Nanette B.

Loss and grief are universal experiences and much has been written about both. Understanding Loss and Grief: A Guide Through Life Changing Events is a comprehensive self-help book about the various types of loss we may experience over a lifetime, and the atten... read more
Life's Little Annoyances: True Tales of People Who Just Can't Take It Anymore

Ian U.

What can you do when the world is pushing you over the edge? More than you think.For some of us, it's the automated voice that answers the phone when we'd rather talk to a real person. For others, it's the fact that Starbucks insists on calling its smallest-si... read more
How to Finish and Defend Your Dissertation: Strategies to Complete the Professional Practice Doctorate (The Concordia University Leadership Series)

Cynthia G.

This CHOICE award winning author has teamed up with a Chair of the Department of Research at Concordia University Chicago to write a comprehensive book on finishing and defending a dissertation. A first of its kind, this book provides you everything you need t... read more
Excuse Me, Your Participle's Dangling: How to Use Grammar to Make Your Writing Powers Soar

Catherine D.

Excuse Me, Your Participle’s Dangling will give you all the bare essentials of grammar that you need to write like a pro. The book also offers a simple yet foolproof method of writing under pressure, the key to success in any college program or workplace. If y... read more
The New York Times Dictionary of Money and Investing: The Essential A-to-Z Guide to the Language of the New Market

Gretchen M.

An indispensible resource for today's independent investorsMore Americans than ever are directing their own investments, and thousands of "experts" promise information on the best stocks and bonds to buy. To be successful in the markets, investors need to dig ... read more
Writers on Writing: Collected Essays from The New York Times

The N.

Now in paperback, today's most celebrated writers explore literature and the literary life in an inspirational collection of original essays.By turns poignant, hilarious, and practical, Writers on Writing brings together more than forty of contemporary literat... read more
Reduce Child Obesity: A Guide to Using the Kid's Choice Program in School and at Home

Helen H.

Reduce Child Obesity: A Guide to Using The Kid’s Choice Program in School and at Home provides school leaders with a practical guide for applying the Kid's Choice Program (KCP), which is a school-based program to promote healthy behaviors and reduce the risk o... read more
We Cannot Forget: Interviews with Survivors of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda (Genocide, Political Violence, Human Rights)

During a one-hundred-day period in 1994, Hutus murdered between half a million and a million Tutsi in Rwanda. The numbers are staggering; the methods of killing were unspeakable. Utilizing personal interviews with trauma survivors living in Rwandan cities, tow... read more
Angels and Tomboys - Girlhood in Nineteenth-century American Art (Hardback) - Common

By (.

Angels and Tomboys - Girlhood in Nineteenth-century American Art

Brooke has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

A N.

A N.

Mar, 2023

Working with Brooke was a smooth, effortless process. She is extremely conscientious, and she delivered her assignment well before the deadline. Brooke also took a complex story and distilled it into a great synopsis. Along with a high level of professionalism, Brooke also showed much compassion - something I value in every transaction in life. Thank you, Brooke!
Brooke G.
Thanks, Anette. It was a true pleasure to work with you on your honest and engaging memoir.
Arabela I.

Arabela I.

Feb, 2023

I had a great experience with Brooke. After describing my situation, she offered a heavy copy edit that was within my limited budget. A few weeks later she returned my manuscript with both line edit and some general advice. I liked that she is experienced with writings about different cultures and places and approached by text with cultural humility and respect.
Brooke G.
Thanks, Arabela! It was a pleasure working with you on your lively, honest travel memoir.
Jenni-Lee W.

Jenni-Lee W.

Oct, 2022

Brooke was professional, prompt, thorough and detailed. Her feedback was insightful and extremely helpful in making my book be the best it can be. Despite the time difference, Brooke was incredibly responsive and not only that, she was a pleasure to work with. I would work with her again in a heartbeat and highly recommend her.
Brooke G.
I got lucky being selected by Jenni-Lee to edit her manuscript. She's an excellent writer and was a pleasure to work with. The process couldn't have gone more smoothly, and I believe her book wil...
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Bernice V.

Bernice V.

Sep, 2022

Brooke Goode has provided me with in-depth feedback to aid me towards improving my manuscript.  She is exceptionally keen with her critical analysis. The suggestions are extremely clear with aa roadmap to assist me in fixing the indicated areas, i.e., the technical issues, writing style, capturing what is good and what needs improvement.  Overall, the feedback has been important and an essentia...
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Brooke G.
Bernice tackled this project with humor and charm. She is very open to suggestions and doesn't shy away from hard work. Great fun to work with her on her heartfelt memoir.
Anna D.

Anna D.

Jun, 2022

Brooke is the consummate professional. I am thrilled about her work on my manuscript, and the query letter she wrote that captured both the essence of my memoir and what I am about. Brooke delivered before the deadline her edits, a style sheet, and an overview of the manuscript that included her suggestions/recommendations on chapters/passages I could improve. I am both happy and grateful for...
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Brooke G.
The feeling is mutual. Anna was a delight to work with, and I wish her the best of luck getting her inspiring and interesting memoir out into the public eye.