Steve Johnson - Editor
Wildly talented editor and writer with palmeres including climate change, where-to, children's books, and award-winning author projects.
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Overview
Welcome and it's a pleasure to meet you and share common interests! You're here with a book project in hand—on paper or brewing in your mind—or perhaps it's an article, column, essay, or grocery list. Whatever form it takes, you've quickly realized that writing is a tough, lonely road. With the right touch, however, the finished product shines bright as a summer sunrise and packs a literary wallop at the same time.
I bring exceptional writing skills and extensive publication experience from project inception to print, with a laser editing eye (line editing, copy editing, developmental, proofreading) and borderline disturbing fascination with stories that show readers what's out there. With a natural finesses to recognize writing that attracts, celebrates, and inspires; I'm ready to take your project into the world with a flourish.
We'll work closely together from first introduction to fully immerse in your project's personality, plan a strategy that brings your voice into engaging prose, and pull it all together in a can't-put-down story.
I have worked with some of the best publishing teams in the U.S., including Falcon/Globe Pequot, Mountaineers, Trails Books, Big Earth, and Quarto. I am also a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine and other regional and national titles, with dozens of featured articles, and recently published the first in a learning adventure children's book series. The past few years has seen another evolution in my skill set, working directly with aspiring authors to turn raw transcripts into riveting prose; incorporating versatility in presentation while remaining true to the author's voice. I work with high-level business execs and stay-at-home thinkers, in fields from sustainability and climate change to investment banking and medical research.
I take great pride in weaving a very strong sense of place with an author's genuine personality and end goal. Looking forward to getting to know you and creating a winning project!
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Nature
Sports & Outdoors
Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Middle Grade
Work experience
Writer/Editor
Scribe Media
October, 2016
–
Present
(over 4 years)
Member of a talented team of editors and writers, guiding authors through the publication process and creating amazing books. Work closely with authors, publishers, and project managers to turn raw transcripts into riveting prose; incorporating versatility in voice and tone while remaining true to authors’ stories. Includes substantive editing during writing stages. Also write short summary articles for book launch marketing.
Senior Auditor
Rainforest Alliance
August, 2007
–
January, 2014
(over 6 years)
Chain of Custody project manager and senior auditor. Fostering responsible use of forest resources by shepherding clients through product and company certification through extensive client-facing experience. Maintained a 100-client-strong portfolio, remaining apprised of ongoing regulatory procedures and updates, and reviewed and edited detailed audit reports and client relations.
Managing Editor
Self-employed
August, 2000
–
Present
(over 20 years)
Writer and editor, with much experience in high profile client-author ghostwriting, outdoor pursuits and where-to for camping to skiing, as well as pro sports, regional travel, and children’s books. Regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and frequent appearances in regional publications. Monthly columns for regional newspaper and big-city magazine. Actively recruited contributing authors for regional where-to guides, working closely with in-house editors.
All writing projects included extensive editing at various stages and contributed to working relationships with Falcon Press/Globe Pequot, Mountaineers Books, Trails Books, Big Earth Publishing, Quarto Publishing/Voyageur Press, and magazines including Bicycling, Wisconsin Trails, Backpacker, and others. Long record of successful promotional writing for book releases.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Hidden in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul are some great roads, trails, and bike paths that are fun to explore. Best Bike Rides Minneapolis and St. Paul describes 40 great recreational rides in the metro areas. With most rides between 5 and 30 miles—including road rides, rail trails, bike paths, and mountain bike rides—it’s easy to find an interesting place to ride. Each route includes com... read more
Hiking Waterfalls in Minnesota includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for approximately 100 of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the area. Hike descriptions also include history, local trivia, and GPS coordinates. Hiking Waterfalls in Minnesota will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most ... read more
When a series of heartbreaking events left pastor Dr. Jody G. Ray feeling stuck and without purpose, he knew he had a choice in this "pivot" moment: remain in his present place, or move forward. After choosing the latter, he dedicated himself to helping others to embrace difficulties and to find God's help so they, too, can seize their own promising futures.In Pivot, Dr. Ray recounts personal ... read more
Best Loop Hikes: Colorado (Best Hikes)
Steve Johnson, David Weinstein
* 60 Colorado loop hikes accessible from metro areas including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder * Illustrated with topo maps, elevation profiles, and photos for each hike* Trailfinder chart lists hikes by factors including distance, hiking time, elevation gain, season, and highlights -- quiet wilderness, mountain meadow, great views, wildlife, etc.* Bonus listing of Colorado... read more
Discover the three operational styles present in any workplace. Unlike personality types, operational styles shape how we view our jobs and ourselves, how we get things done, and how we leverage relationships to do so within the context of work.When operational styles mesh well, relationships thrive and productivity soars! When these styles collide, people and companies lose big—in the form of... read more
The outdoors inspires. Being Out There lends itself to creation, exploration, discovery, and sometime just the plain ol' accidental fun of getting lost in the woods and finding a whole new world. Never is this more evident and influential than to the curious and tireless mind of a kid. This book series celebrates those carefree moments in a fun and engaging presentation, with brother and siste... read more
Leather bound hardcover
Mountain Biking Minnesota (State Mountain Biking Series)
Steve Johnson
Going beyond the Twin Cities, this guide offers a sampling of the best rides in the "land of Ten Thousand Lakes." Riders of all abilities will find exhilarating trails to suit their taste.
Longer I Run: 100 Days Across America
Steve Knowlton
The physical fortitude to run 40 miles is in itself a laudatory feat. Repeating that performance 100 consecutive times, from one coast of the country to the other, is a spectacle. Doing it all as a recovering alcoholic fighting a debilitating intestinal disease would be impossible without one vital component—courage. Down for the count for far too many rounds in his life, Steve Knowlton summon... read more
Future Proof: Reinventing Work in the Age of Acceleration
Diana Wu-David
For too many of us, work has become an inescapable treadmill of personal sacrifice. But having the career we want shouldn't require us to lose ourselves. We all deserve a humanistic and sustainable job environment--and now we can have it. In Future Proof, Diana Wu-David tells how her own career-focused existence shifted after the suicide of a friend, prompting her to realize there was a better... read more
Steve has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
As always it's great to work with Steve.
Nicole Pierce, April 2021
Steve is awesome! I will definitely use him again. Highly recommend. He had excellent insights and very fast turn around time. He was an absolute pleasure to work with. Thanks Steve!
Nicole Pierce, February 2021
Steve reviewed my book and left some good edits.
Travis Ramsey, March 2020
Steve is a great outdoor writer an editor. He is able to make the outdoors come alive with his detailed descriptions.
Anthony Atwell, October 2019
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