Heather McElwain

Heather McElwain – Editor

Passionate, creative, and reliable freelance copy editor with a deep understanding of publishing and a solid record of client satisfaction

Overview

I'm a passionate, creative, mindful, reliable, and seasoned freelance copy editor and writer with extensive design experience, a deep understanding of all stages of publishing, the ability to balance multiple projects with proficiency and accuracy, and a solid record of client satisfaction.


I've been a copy editor for National Geographic Books for more than 16 years (and hundreds of titles); Orion magazine for the past five; and several other publishing houses and independent clients.


I also have experience in developmental editing and have helped to shape hundreds of titles. In the words of one former senior production editor with whom I worked for more than a decade: "Your contributions were so many and so varied and helped make every author whose book you copyedited look better than he or she would otherwise."

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden Nature
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Orion magazine

Mar, 2019 — Present

I am pleased to be the staff copy editor for this fine publication. In addition to four magazine issues a year, Orion also publishes several themed anthologies featuring articles from the magazine.

National Geographic Books

Jan, 2007 — Present

For 16 years, I have proudly copyedited hundreds of titles for National Geographic Books, through both their adult and children's divisions. Having played a role in creating beautiful, thought-provoking, and informative books has been a dream. I've also helped out with developmental editing and proofreading on numerous titles.

Self-employed

Jan, 2000 — Present

I work with several publishers and independent authors, editing and designing books, and helping to ensure clients' messages and stories are the strongest they can be.

Portfolio

Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish

Liittschwager, David

Professionals similar to Heather

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jody Benson

Jody B.

Knowledgeable editor with experience in traditional publishing (50+ nonfiction books). Master's degree in bioethics and humanities.

Menomonee Falls, WI, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Ann Maynard

Ann M.

I help authors write an irresistibly compelling book that sells their work, raises their profile, and gains them more exposure.

Denver, CO, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Rosalba Putrino

Rosalba P.

Skilled meticulous book indexer with several years of experience. My main topics are in the Humanities and Social science.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

100% reply rate

View profile