Elise Gallagher - Editor
Developmental editor, copy editor, proofreader for literary fiction, short stories, non-fiction. Worked at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I am a Baltimore, MD based writer, editor, and undergraduate writing composition professor. Since 2011 I have worked in the publishing industry with leading educational and trade companies such as, Bedford/St. Martin's and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I also worked with Data Trace Publishing, a medical publishing company focused on podiatry. My roles within these companies centered around the editorial departments where I shepherded manuscripts throughout the production process. This included: proofreading, copy editing, reviewing page proof and design, working with authors one-on-one to make corrections to their manuscripts, and writing continuing education questions. I have also developmentally edited two short-story collections, one of which won Honorable Mention in the North Street Book Prize. As a publishing industry professional and a published writer, I know the ins-and-outs of the writing and publishing process from both perspectives.
As a methodical, dedicated, organized person I take great care when editing a manuscript, by paying close attention to detail, following character and plot development, and ensuring that the author's voice is consistent throughout. I take note of and correct any inconsistencies and offer guidance on how to strengthen the story. I assist writers with finding, developing, and honing their story line and craft. Transparency, communication, and honoring the author's vision are key elements of my freelancing approach. Whether you have a finished manuscript that needs proofreading or want to start your first novel, I can help you prepare and finalize your writing to meet your publishing goals.
Testimonials:
"Elise helped me edit a collection of short stories. You couldn't ask for a more supportive and skilled editor. She is great at recognizing the heart and potential of a story, and then pointing out what changes can be made to help it reach that potential. Her feedback was always useful, and helped shape my collection into something better than it was before. I loved working with her, and I recommend her highly. "- Abigail Anklam, author of According to Their Kinds
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference
Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Short Story
Women's Fiction
Certifications
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Baltimore
Work experience
Fiction Editor
Welter Literary Magazine
August, 2016
–
December, 2016
(4 months)
Creative Writing Instructor
Stevenson University
July, 2016
–
Present
(over 4 years)
Every summer I teach creative writing at the Stevenson Summer Writer's Workshop.
Editorial Assistant
Data Trace Publishing Company
July, 2015
–
May, 2017
(almost 2 years)
Managed print medical journals from the beginning of the book production stage to the end. Worked with authors who were medical doctors, editors, and off-shore vendors to keep the print journals on schedule.
Copy edited and proofread all articles that appeared in the journals.
Associate Production Editor in the Adult Trade Manuscript Editorial Department
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
September, 2013
–
July, 2015
(almost 2 years)
Managed CliffsNotes titles, which included checking page proof, making corrections, working with the overseas compositor, approving final pages, looking at the ebook to make sure that content and layout were correct.
Managed own book projects and oversaw the manuscripts through the entire production stage. Proofread and copy edited marketing material.
Production Assistant
Bedford/St. Martin's
May, 2011
–
August, 2013
(over 2 years)
Managed digital and print products such as, electronic computerized test banks, electronic and print Instructor’s Resource Manuals, and college textbook titles such as, Florida Literature.
Portfolio (11 selected works)
$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America
Kathryn J. Edin, H. Luke Shaefer
A revelatory account of poverty in America so deep that we, as a country, don’t think it exists Jessica Compton’s family of four would have no cash income unless she donated plasma twice a week at her local donation center in Tennessee. Modonna Harris and her teenage daughter Brianna in Chicago often have no food but spoiled milk on weekends. After two decades of brilliant research on American... read more
Florida Literature: A Case Study
BSM Florida Editorial Board
Florida Literature: A Case Study offers a sampling of literary works, essays, images, and historical documents from the state Carl Hiaasen said is "so colorful, the material so rich, it’s no wonder Florida has a history of great writers." Inside this book, you’ll find works from everywhere in Florida—from the sand, the swamp, and the sea to deep pine forests, vibrant cities, and, of course, Di... read more
A New York Times reporter reveals what business leaders around the country are already discovering: Meditation may be the key to fostering a happier, more productive workplace. For the past few years, mindfulness has begun to transform the American workplace. Many of our largest companies, such as General Mills, Ford, Target, and Google, have built extensive programs to foster mindful practice... read more
The War On Mars
Krebs, J.
The Making of the West, Volume B: 1340-1830: Peoples and Cultures
Lynn Hunt, Thomas R. Martin, Barbara H. Rosenwein, Bonnie G. Smith
Great condition. No highlighting or underlining anywhere. Ships within one business day from Los Angeles. Free Tracking
Your College Experience: Strategies for Success
John N. Gardner, Betsy O. Barefoot
Written by the leading authorities on the first-year seminar and grounded in research, Your College Experience by John Gardner and Betsy Barefoot offers today’s diverse students the practical help they need to make the transition to college and get the most out of their time there. Goal setting has always been central to this text, and the Tenth Edition has been revised with added coverage and... read more
Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition
Alfred Rosa, Paul Eschholz
It€™s a simple, best-selling combination that has worked for thousands of students €” short, accessible essays and helpful, thorough writing instruction. Models for Writers continues to offer thought-provoking selections organized to demonstrate not only the rhetorical patterns that students will use in their own essays but also the elements and language that will make those essays effective. ... read more
Understanding Western Society, Combined Volume: A Brief History
John P. McKay, Bennett D. Hill, John Buckler, Clare Haru Crowston, Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks, Joe Perry
Based on the highly successful A History of Western Society, Understanding Western Society: A Brief History captures students’ interest in the everyday life of the past and ties social history to the broad sweep of politics and culture. Abridged by 30%, the narrative is paired with innovative pedagogy, designed to help students focus on significant developments as they read and review. An inno... read more
Sources of The Making of the West, Volume II: Since 1500: Peoples and Cultures
Katharine J. Lualdi
Sources of The Making of the West provides written and visual documents closely aligned with each chapter of The Making of the West. This two-volume collection reinforces the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in the textbook by allowing students to engage directly with the voices of those who experienced them. Over thirty new documents and visual sources highlight th... read more
Elise has 6 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I must commend Elise for her thoroughness and decision-making, for the exceptionally sharp eye she applied to the proofreading process, and for her patience and aid with follow-up questions that did not always have direct bearing on her principal role in the process. I could not ask for better.
William Thompson, October 2020
Elise is an outstanding editor. Leaves great comments that are easily understood and makes excellent suggestions. Highly recommended.
Shamila Pilendiram, June 2020
It was a pleasure working with Elise Gallagher from start to finish! Elise's keen eye and professionalism elevated my work and definitely breathed new life into my manuscript. I truly felt in great hands each step of the way and found working within the Reedsy platform to be easy to navigate and painless. I would recommend this resource to anyone searching for professional services for their wo...
Read more
Jamie Collins, April 2020
Couldn't have asked for a better experience working with Elise. She was professional, kind and did great, quality work. Thank you, Elise!
Lorna Bailey, April 2020
Elise responded to my query within 24 hours. My requirements were limited to Copy Editing and Proofreading of a short story (about 5,000 words) but, as she noted in her response, she made comments about inconsistencies in the storyline, or suggested minor fixes to narrative and/or dialog. She was an absolute delight to work with and I would definitely use her services again for future projects.
AM Clyne, April 2020
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Sara Kelly
Flexible, fierce, efficient editor with decades of experience in editing everything from horror to science fiction to literary fiction.
Nashua, NH, USA
Hannah Close
I'm a copyeditor and proofreader with a love of fantasy and romance, as well as in-house experience of academic book publishing.
Newbury, UK
