Developmental Editor (Nonfiction) | History, Social & Family Issues, Research-Driven Narratives
Overview
I’m a developmental editor specializing in research-driven narrative nonfiction. As Director of Museum Education for the Two Mississippi Museums, I work daily with archival material, shaping complex historical research into clear, compelling narratives for public audiences. My editorial experience includes work with authors on books published with Penguin Random House, Crossway, and Baker Publishing Group. This includes contributing to major trade titles such as The Small and the Mighty (Portfolio/Penguin Random House), where I provided cultural and contextual review to support the manuscript’s historical framing.
I focus on big-picture clarity: strengthening structure, refining argument, and helping authors translate what they know into what readers can follow. I provide direct, actionable feedback while preserving your voice and intent. If your project sits at the intersection of research, story, and meaning, I’m especially well-suited to help you shape it into a cohesive book.
Services
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction
History
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
Mississippi Department of Archives & History
Feb, 2024 —
Present
Oversee the development and review of educational content and exhibit-based curricula for the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Edit instructional materials for structure, clarity, and historical accuracy, ensuring alignment with educational standards and audience needs. Contribute to institutional grant proposals by shaping narrative and refining research into clear, persuasive funding requests.
Translate archival research into accessible educational materials for K–12 and public audiences.
Penguin Random House, Crossway
Jan, 2014 —
Present
Provide developmental editing and sensitivity reading for trade publishers, including Portfolio (Penguin Random House) and Crossway. Specialize in narrative nonfiction, offering structural assessments that refine argument, strengthen organization, and support the transition from research-driven work to accessible narrative.
Offer cultural consulting for projects involving African American history, religious contexts, and social issues, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and contextual awareness.
Margaret Walker Center
Aug, 2023 —
Jan, 2024
(5 months)
Transcribed and synthesized 50+ primary-source oral histories from the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, preparing materials for archival and public use.
Edited recordings into structured, readable narratives while preserving the speaker’s voice and historical context. Verified details against archival sources and maintained accuracy in handling sensitive historical material.
Self-employed
Dec, 2022 —
Present
Collaborated with scholars, including Dr. Abena Boakyewa-Ansah, to prepare historical manuscripts for peer review and academic publication.
Provided developmental editing focused on structure, argument clarity, and organization, ensuring that research-intensive work translated into cohesive, readable prose. Maintained consistency in citations and bibliographies in accordance with academic standards.
Highest Good
Jan, 2015 —
Present
Oversee the editorial process for consulting resources, workbooks, and digital content from draft through final publication.
Provide developmental editing and content review to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with brand voice. Edit instructional materials to improve structure and usability, translating complex information into clear, actionable content.
The Witness (Formerly RAAN)
Aug, 2013 —
Dec, 2014
(over 1 year)
Edited articles, essays, and long-form features for a digital publication, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to Chicago Manual of Style.
Performed line editing for grammar, structure, and factual accuracy, and maintained consistency in tone across multiple contributors and subject areas.
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFrom America’s favorite government teacher, a “fascinating and fun” (Adam Grant) portrait of twelve ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country.In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon proves that the m... read more
