Overview
I’ve worked in book publishing for over 25 years. Most recently, I was the Vice President, Editorial Director for Kids Books at National Geographic. Highlights of my career also include positions as a children’s book editor at Chronicle Books and the Director of Publishing at Discovery Channel (Discovery Communications). Today I run the Iceland Writers Retreat, which I co-founded, and work as a freelance editor and publishing consultant.Over the course of my career, I’ve edited hundreds of books, working with NYT bestselling authors like Kwame Alexander, Jane Goodall, and Dr. Oz. And too, I’ve developed projects for famous licensed brands like Star Wars and Williams Sonoma. Along the way, I’ve also worked with dozens of aspiring writers to help them publish their first book. I’ve been lucky enough to edit books for both children’s publishing and the adult trade market. While I began my career focused on picture books, I quickly moved into middle grade and YA. My own creative writing has been for an adult audience and so it only made sense that at various points in my career, I would go on to edit adult books as well. Today, I specialize in children’s literature but certainly edit manuscripts for readers of all ages.As a project manager, I like to organize. I help writers set and meet deadlines and articulate their goals. Working together, we shape your manuscript to ensure you are on the right path toward achieving your objectives. But project management is just a piece of what I offer. When it comes down to it, developmental editing is what I really love. Be it fiction or narrative nonfiction, for me it’s always about the story. Strong developmental editing ensures that your story will shine. We dig in and develop your characters, sharpen the dialog, articulate your themes, and of course, improve the conflict and narrative arc. I will always offer praise and let you know what is working and then help you figure out how to improve your manuscript, with the hopes that we can go on to polish it for publication.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
National Geographic Kids Books
Dec, 2013 —
May, 2018
(over 4 years)
*Oversaw strategy development and market positioning for children’s book publisher.
*Directed the creation of a Children's Books list of approximately 100 titles per year.
*Supervised the editorial staff
*Managed the acquisition processes.
*Led the launch for a new middle grade fiction imprint.
As Senior Editor:
*Responsible for acquisition, project management and developmental editing for approximately 15 titles per year, including contract negotiation, author relations, liaison with sales, marketing, photo, design, and other departments.
Iceland Writers Retreat
Dec, 2012 —
Present
*Conceived and developed first-ever writers’ retreat in Iceland. Produced business plan, raised sponsorship and secured endorsements.
*Developed scholarship and extension programs. Helped grow annual event to attract over 150 annual visitors from 20 countries.
*Worked with world-renown authors such as Barbara Kingsolver, Pamela Paul, Adam Gopnik, Ruth Reichl, Geraldine Brooks, Susan Orlean, Lauren Groff, and many more.
*Profiled in international media, named top literary retreat by the Singapore Times.
Self-employed
Dec, 2009 —
Present
International book publishing and literary consultant. Offer complete editorial services and business consulting for the publishing industry.
*Acquire: Assist publishers and authors with concept development, acquisition, book development, queries, and pitch.
*Edit: Developmental and line editor for fiction and nonfiction adult trade and children’s book publishing. Genres include but are not limited to: middle grade and picture books for the trade market, YA manuscripts, custom publishing, personalized books, and literary fiction.
*Consult: Offer strategy development for small publisher growth, including market reach, sales potential, and editorial vision. Help mid-sized to large publishers review acquisition strategy, identify new talent, shape mission, and grow list.
Clients have included Macmillan, National Geographic, US Department of State, Icelandair, Turkish Daily News, Shout Mouse Press, Paper Hat Press, Portland Press, Seal Press, Wanderlust and Lipstick, Avis-Rent-a-Car, and Iceland Tourist Board, among others.
Discovery Communications
Aug, 2002 —
Jun, 2005
(almost 3 years)
Led the licensed publishing business unit responsible for editorial direction and development of list, including children’s and adult titles. Built strategic alliances, grew client list, and oversaw contract negotiations.
* Published over 50 new adult and children’s titles; 6 New York Times best-sellers
* Edited manuscripts, oversaw style, content, accuracy, quality.
*Managed book projects throughout all layout phases. Coordinated with author, illustrator, television networks, licensees, design, production, sales, and marketing teams to ensure schedule, quality, and budget. Reviewed books at all stages prior to printing.
Chronicle Books
Oct, 1994 —
Jun, 1998
(over 3 years)
Editor, 1996-1998
• Acquisition, contract negotiation, budgets, art direction, and overall project management from manuscript to finished book for children’s book division
• New product developer—including card games, cookbooks, plush toys, board books, and specialty formats
• Head of YA editorial board; General development of children's list; Editor of 10-25 titles a year
Assistant Editor, 1995-1996
• Acting Managing Editor; Production scheduling for 35-50 titles per year
• Assistant to the Director of Children's Books in management of seasonal book lists
• Acquisition and Project Editor for 2-5 titles per season
Editorial Assistant, 1994-1995
• General duties, including copyediting, writing marketing and catalog copy.
Portfolio
Out with the old and in with the new! Family physician Dr. Todd Spector presents a fresh and outrageously fun way to encourage little boys to give up their diapers. They can try it freestyle (in the backyard!), or give the potty a try with the help of a few pr... read more
Boba Fett-Uccine and Princess Leia Danish Dos are just the beginning when the Force is with you in the kitchen. Wookiee Cookies is your invitation to fine culinary experiences in the Star Wars frame of mind. From C-3PO Pancakes to Jedi Juice Bars, this interga... read more
It's all about us! Join former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America's people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs.Celebrate the gift of la... read more
A howling wolf, a stalking tiger, a playful panda, a dancing bird – pairing the stunning photography of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore with the delicate poetry of Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander, this lush picture book celebrates th... read more
James Meredith's 1966 march in Mississippi began as one man's peaceful protest for voter registration and became one of the South's most important demonstrations of the civil rights movement. It brought together leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely ... read more
Velvet is odd. Instead of dolls that talk and cry, Velvet brings a milkweed pod for show and tell. She wins the class art contest using only an eight-pack of crayons. She likes to collect rocks. Even her name is strange-Velvet! But as the school year unfolds, ... read more
Poaching and war damaged an isolated wilderness in West Zambia, reducing its lion population to just one: Lady, the last lioness. Witness Lady's fight for survival in this evocative narrative on the decline, fall, and rebirth of the Liuwa Plains. Follow Lady a... read more
The earth explodes in shoots of hot magma, glaciers crash into the ocean, grotesque creatures lurk in deep caves... follow noted National Geographic explorer and photographer Carsten Peter as he shows us that our precious planet Earth is one wild and extreme p... read more
It's an adventure of a lifetime when Cruz Coronado sets sail for the shores of Iceland and Norway aboard the Explorer Academy ship to continue his studies at sea. But, things take a turn while exploring the icy north, when he embarks on a dangerous mission to ... read more
Now abridged for YA audiences, this beautifully illustrated companion to celebrated scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson's popular podcast and National Geographic Channel TV show is an eye-opening journey for anyone curious about the complexities of our universe.For ... read more
A pile of lime-encrusted shackles discovered on the seafloor in the remains of a ship called the Henrietta Marie, lands Michael Cottman, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and avid scuba diver, in the middle of an amazing journey that stretches across three c... read more
Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's... read more
