David Lauterborn, Editor in Harpers Ferry, WV, USA

Overview

Over three-plus decades in nonfiction publishing I've authored two travel guides, edited 17 others, shepherded some 300 magazine issues into print, written hundreds of articles and posted hundreds more. History articles I've edited have earned contributors 26 peer awards. I've been rewarded by beautiful works, pleased writers and happy readers.

Entrust me with your writing, and I'll scour it for sense, continuity, style, grammar, spelling and accuracy. We'll work together until your work is definitive in its niche.

My first boss referred to me as a pit bull with regard to editing, and he said it with a smile, so I'm pretty sure he meant that in a positive light!

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

History Travel

Languages

English (US)

Awards

Two dozen peer awards in the history niche, including four Western Heritage Awards (Wranglers) from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, five Spur Awards from Western Writers of America and the 2025 Six-Shooter Award for Lifetime Contributions to Wild West History from the Wild West History Association

Work experience

Freelance Editor / Writer / Researcher

History.com, Fort Caspar Museum Association, et al.

Feb, 2024 — Present

Manage projects from home office, working both autonomously and as member of a publishing team. Write articles for History.com, the online platform of A+E Global Media’s History brand. Contributed to the Lest We Forget Commemorative Cemetery Project, researching and writing biographical profiles of 19th century troopers who served with the 6th West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry at Fort Caspar, Wyo.

Editor in Chief / Managing Editor

HistoryNet

Feb, 2007 — Feb, 2024 (about 17 years)

Concurrently edited Wild West and Military History (combined peak circulation: 100,000+) for HistoryNet, the world's largest history magazine publisher. Set editorial lineups for eight annual issues. Managed production from manuscript to printer. Edited and fact-checked all text. Assigned and wrote articles and monthly newsletters. Expanded audience reach via website and social media. Proofread and wrote all captions and ancillary text in layouts. Liaised with 150-plus contributors, whose work earned 26 professional awards.

Freelance Travel Editor / Writer

National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, et al.

Feb, 2003 — Feb, 2007 (about 4 years)

Edited and authored guidebooks for top travel publishers. Managed projects from home office, working both autonomously and as member of a publishing team.

Editor / Author

Lonely Planet

Feb, 2000 — Feb, 2003 (about 3 years)

Produced scuba diving and national park guides for world's largest independent book publisher. Assessed manuscripts. Edited all text and selected accompanying photos and illustrations. Edited 11 guidebooks.

Portfolio

Alaska

Bob Devine

National Geographic Books

All the travel experts agree--consumers want more and different experiences from travel than they did in the past. They want to deeply understand their destination before they go, feel a meani... read more

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading