Overview
I am a bookwyrm—not a humble "worm"—but very much a dragon of the medieval sort with a fierce love of tomes. In other words, I'm an editor and writer with 10 years of experience and hoarded craft knowledge, including a strong background in educational publishing, teaching, and journalism specializing in science fiction and fantasy: • earned my MA in English Literature studying the creative process and analyzing high fantasy with cognitive neuroscience• former editor at Capstone providing a keen, reptilian eye from initial concept to the final proofreads to ensure each book offers quality, intriguing content (with a nose for snuffling out the content best suited to different reading levels and ages)• instructor of writing and literature courses, making me an excellent developmental editor—my talon-sharp focus tightens plots, enhances characters, and torches inconsistencies to best showcase author voice and individuality. With both hatchling and seasoned authors, my collaboration on their projects has added distinct value. This book dragon will find the gems in your treasure trove of words and help you polish them to put on display. Whether they take the form of an indie pub or find a traditional home, feed me your words, and I can help you make that dream become more than a fantasy!***
“Working with Gina gives me a sense of confidence that my manuscript is ready to share with the key players in the publishing industry — my agent and future potential editors. I feel like it's the icing on the cake that lets me know I can submit my work with pride. Gina gets to the point about what I can improve. And I can take her advice and use it as I create my next project. It's worth it to work with a professional, experienced editor like Gina. She wants you to succeed and offers suggestions to help you reach that goal. I am always so grateful I found an editor I can trust.”
—Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan, Author
Award-winning children's book author
“Gina is an excellent writer and editor, with a fine attention to detail. I had the pleasure of managing Gina at Capstone Publishers. Much of our work was for an International market, and Gina became very adept at ensuring our books and products were suitable for the Australian, UK and International markets.”
—Clare Lewis, Managing Editor, UK
Capstone Global Library
“Her feedback on my manuscript was prompt, positive, and crammed with smart edits. I always felt that she and I were a team and that she believed in my writing.”
—Emma Carlson Berne, Author
Over fifty titles, including stories for Star Wars Forces of Destiny and American Girl Publishing
“Working with Gina as an editor on my novel was a game-changer. She is incredibly gifted at understanding the vision behind the written work while unlocking the potential in a story through thoughtful editing. She was a wizard at keeping me on track and providing critical editing suggestions throughout the process.”
—Victoria Tecken, Author of Phased (2020)
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Psychology
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Middle Grade Fantasy
Science Fiction
Young Adult Fantasy
Work experience
Self-employed
Sep, 2019 —
Present
Using brain science hacks, hoarded craft knowledge, and solution-based direction, this book dragon helps science-fiction and fantasy authors get their stories — whether on the page or still in their heads — ready to enchant their readers.
• Provides content and mechanical edits (assessments, developmental edits, copy edits, and proofreads). A complimentary 60-minute post-edit call is offered with each content edit.
• Coaches authors in ideation, story foundations, and revision providing regular calls, chapter-by-chapter feedback, project management, and writing accountability as well as query coaching
• Writes content and copy for publishers, specializing in fiction
• Offers indexing, fact checking, research, and Americanization
Meredith Corporation (now Dotdash Meredith)
Nov, 2019 —
Feb, 2021
(over 1 year)
Copy edited for the digital team, working with content writers and production to produce high volumes of newsletters across brands, including Allrecipes, Better Homes and Gardens, Food and Wine, Health, Martha Stewart Living, Parents, Real Simple, Southern Living, Travel and Leisure, etc., each with their own styles:
• Reviewed drafts of newsletter content
• Proofed newsletter content
• Implemented a more streamlined editorial process for the digital team
• Created a definitive style guide for the company, which is still in use today
Capstone
Jan, 2016 —
Sep, 2019
(over 3 years)
Edited products for library, trade, and classroom markets in children's literature:
• Provided feedback to authors on outlines and manuscripts
• Conducted fact checking, indexing, copy editing, and proofing
• Edited assigned children’s titles and professional/teacher products for content, grammar, and style (CMOS) from draft through layout and final proofs
• Wrote captions and back cover copy
• Selected images and provided direction for book layouts
• Provided metadata for searchability
Capstone
Jan, 2015 —
Dec, 2015
(11 months)
• Edited products for the classroom market with attention to content, grammar, and style
• Collaborated with authors and consultants to keep text within specified levels and linked to curriculum
Capstone
Feb, 2014 —
Dec, 2014
(10 months)
• Researched and acquired media content for educational, nonfiction children's books and online products within budgets and deadlines, collaborating with editors and designers
• Wrote image captions
• Recorded media information and usage in a company database
• Confirmed image rights for appropriate usage
Capstone
Dec, 2013 —
Feb, 2014
(2 months)
• Completed edits for over 30 nonfiction children's books in seven different series transferred from the UK ranging in subjects from animals, habitats, country guides, local and family history, international folk tales, and the conservation efforts of selected women.
• Managed book projects by communicating with designers and media researchers to complete books by set deadlines
• Edited and Americanized text for grammar, accuracy, and style
• Incorporated comments from support editors, authors, consultants, and fact checkers
• Rewrote content as necessary for US marketability
• Selected photos for US and UK marketability along with appropriate visual content within a budget
• Suggested design edits/changes for clarity and consistency
• Wrote indexes and captions
• Proofed final layouts
• Followed directions from managing editor and attended weekly update meetings to consult with UK staff
South Central College
Aug, 2013 —
May, 2014
(9 months)
Taught Writing and English II in the classroom with online components
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jan, 2013 —
Dec, 2013
(11 months)
Taught three sections of introduction to composition in the classroom with online components
Bethany Lutheran College
Aug, 2012 —
May, 2014
(over 1 year)
Taught college writing and journalism in the classroom with online components
Henderson Independent
Jun, 2012 —
Jun, 2013
(about 1 year)
Completed all aspects of the local weekly newspaper:
• Reported, wrote, proofed, and edited newspaper content
• Designed ads and special features
• Took photos and edited them for printing
• Completed newspaper layouts
• Provided customer service and completed local print jobs
• Delivered papers to newsstands
University of South Dakota
Aug, 2010 —
May, 2012
(over 1 year)
Taught two sections per semester of either freshmen composition or introduction to literature
Inkwell
Aug, 2009 —
May, 2010
(9 months)
Chose submissions for inclusion in the literary magazine, edited selections, and completed the overall layout and design
Inkwell
Jan, 2009 —
May, 2009
(4 months)
Portfolio
This book tells the story of Finn MacCool and the Giant's Causeway, a traditional Irish folk tale. In it, the giant Finn MacCool learns the importance of thinking before acting, and that very often brains can beat brute strength!
Each book in this beautifully illustrated series presents a different folk tale from around the world. This book tells the story of the Tree of Life, a traditional Amazonian folk tale. In it, the people of an Amazonian village learn the importance of looking a... read more
This book tells the story of why the spider has long legs, a traditional African folk tale. In it, Anansi the spider learns that you usually have to work to get the things that you want, and that it is never a good idea to be too greedy!
Each book in this beautifully illustrated series presents a different folk tale from around the world. This book tells the story of the Foolish, Timid Rabbit, a traditional Indian folk tale. In it, the animals learn that you should always remember to think for... read more
This book tells the story of the Unhappy Stonecutter, a traditional Japanese folk tale. In it, a simple stonecutter learns that you should count your blessings and be grateful for what you already have, instead of always wanting more!
This book tells the story of the Empty Pot, a traditional Chinese folk tale. In it, the hero of the story learns that it is better to be honest than to cheat, and that honesty will bring real rewards.
This book tells the story of the Unhappy Stonecutter, a traditional Japanese folk tale. In it, a simple stonecutter learns that you should count your blessings and be grateful for what you already have, instead of always wanting more!
Open one eye-then maybe the other! It's time for the chameleon to wake up! Give young nature explorers and zoologists an exciting way to learn about the leafy homes, hunting features, and behaviors of this fascinating reptile by following it throughout one day... read more
Twitch an ear, get up, stretch, and yawn! Time to start the day up close with a cheetah! Give young nature explorers and zoologists an exciting way to learn about the habitat, hunting features, and behaviours of this carnivorous feline by following it througho... read more
It's morning on the tundra! Time to start the day up close with a polar bear! Give young nature explorers and zoologists an exciting way to learn about the icy homes, physical features, and behaviors of this Arctic bear by following it throughout one day. Plus... read more
It's morning! Skitter out of the nest to forage and stuff those cheeks up close with a chipmunk! Give young nature explorers and zoologists an exciting way to learn about the wooded habitats, physical features, and behaviors of this rodent hoarder by following... read more
It's morning! Start fluffing feathers and stretching wings up close with a bald eagle! Give young nature explorers and zoologists an exciting way to learn about the giant nests, hunting features, and behaviors of this fascinating bird of prey by following it t... read more
It's a full home under the leaves of a forest! From spiders and frogs to deer and bears, the temperate forest biome has just the right shelter and weather for a large variety of plants and animals. Learn about the geography and resources of the temperate fores... read more
Imagine life on Earth without water. Could you live in such a world? Today, almost all life on Earth relies on water, including plants and animals. The freshwater biome includes lakes, rivers, wetlands, ice, and even water in the ground. This biome holds a sou... read more
Did you know that most of Earth's oxygen comes from the marine biome? The marine biome is the largest biome in the world. This biome includes the five main oceans and is a source of food, air, and water for plants, animals, and people all over the world. Learn... read more
Did you know that Antarctica is the largest desert in the world? It receives so little rain or snow that it is almost as dry as the Sahara! Whether cold, hot, or somewhere in between, a third of Earth's land is part of the desert biome. Learn about the geograp... read more
What would happen if the frozen Arctic completely melted? Certain plants and animals rely on the dry and cold tundra environments. The tundra biome includes both the flat regions of the Arctic and the alpine heights of the mountains. This biome holds a source ... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: China! The book includes chapters on Chinese history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the ... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: Egypt! The book includes chapters on Egyptian history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: Mexico! The book includes chapters on Mexican history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: Brazil! The book includes chapters on Brazilian history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of t... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: Japan! The book includes chapters on Japanese history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: France! The book includes chapters on French history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the ... read more
Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: South Africa! The book includes chapters on South African history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting... read more
"This book tells the life story of a frog, using simple, concise text and stunning photographs. Read it to discover the unique life cycle and metamorphosis undergone by this fascinating amphibian as it changes from an egg to a tadpole to a fully grown adult fr... read more
This book tells the life story of a salamander, using simple, concise text and stunning photographs. Read it to discover the unique life cycle and metamorphosis undergone by this fascinating amphibian as it changes from an egg to a larva to a fully grown adult... read more
This book tells the life story of a butterfly, using simple, concise text and stunning photographs. Read it to discover the unique life cycle and metamorphosis undergone by this fascinating insect as it changes from an egg to a caterpillar to a beautiful butte... read more
This book tells the life story of a ladybug, using simple, concise text and stunning photographs. Read it to discover the unique life cycle and metamorphosis undergone by this fascinating insect as it changes from an egg to a larva to a colorful ladybug.
"What can you spot on the beach? This book guides readers on a beach walk, gradually introducing clues such as bird nests and burrows to help them learn more about the diversity of beach habitats. This title includes stunning photographs, a simple guide on wha... read more
What can you spot in the city? This book guides readers on a city walk, gradually introducing clues such as bird nests and silvery trails on the pavement to help them learn more about the diversity of city habitats. This title includes stunning photographs, a ... read more
"What can you spot on the farm? This book guides readers on a farm walk, gradually introducing clues such as tufts of fur on a fence or shapes in the mud to help them learn more about the diversity of farm habitats. This title includes stunning photographs, a ... read more
What can you spot in the woods? This book guides readers on a walk in the woods, gradually introducing clues such as hoof marks and leaf litter on a woodland floor to help them learn more about the diversity of woodland habitats. This title includes stunning p... read more
With fantastic images and simple text, books in this series serve as a perfect introduction to different habitats and show how a wide variety of animals and plants are beautifully adapted to live there. In What Can Live in the Snow?, readers learn about the co... read more
With fantastic images and simple text, books in this series serve as a perfect introduction to different habitats and show how a wide variety of animals and plants are beautifully adapted to live there. In What Can Live at the Beach?, readers learn about the c... read more
With fantastic images and simple text, books in this series serve as a perfect introduction to different habitats and show how a wide variety of animals and plants are beautifully adapted to live there. In What Can Live in a Garden?, readers learn about garden... read more
This book, History Around You, introduces readers to finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources that they might find at home (old letters, toys in the attic, family photographs, etc.), as well as old buildings, cemeteries, stores, factories, and museu... read more
This book, Talking About the Past, introduces readers to some of the key skills they will need to successfully find and interview older relatives, neighbors and other community figures in order to find out more about their family and local community’s recent h... read more
This book, Finding Out About Your Family History, introduces readers to some of the key skills they will need to begin researching their family history and compiling a family tree.
This book takes an engaging look at the work of ground-breaking conservationist, Rachel Carson, and her work to uncover the dangers of pesticides. It covers Carson's inspiration, her methods, findings, and the impact of her work on the environment movement.
This book takes an engaging look at the work of ground-breaking conservationist, Sylvia Earle, and her work to protect oceans and ocean life. It covers Earle's inspiration, her methods, findings, and the impact of her work.
This book takes an engaging look at the work of ground-breaking conservationist, Dian Fossey, and her work with mountain gorillas. It covers Fossey's inspiration, her methods, findings, and the impact of her work in Africa.
This book takes an engaging look at the work of ground-breaking conservationist, Jane Goodall, and her work with chimpanzees. It covers Goodall's inspiration, her methods, findings, and the impact of her work in Africa.
Step back in time and visit Connecticut during the Colonial period. Despite conflicts with England and Native Americans, such as the Pequot Indian War, Dutch and English settlers flocked to Connecticut for its rich farmland and religious freedom. Find out what... read more
Step back in time and visit Delaware during the Colonial period. Despite conflicts with Native Americans and other colonists, Dutch, Swedish, and English settlers flocked to Delaware for its welcoming attitude toward people of any country or religious belief. ... read more
Step back in time and visit Rhode Island during the Colonial period. After being kicked out of Massachusetts because of their religious beliefs, Roger Williams and a small group of settlers founded the Rhode Island Colony. Find out what made Rhode Island uniqu... read more
Step back in time and visit Pennsylvania during the Colonial period. After fighting between the Dutch and British, Pennsylvania was eventually settled by William Penn as a colony for Quakers. Find out what made Pennsylvania unique, how it got the nickname "the... read more
Step back in time and visit Georgia during the Colonial period. What began as a place where poor people could start over and learn to stay out of debt grew to a colony that immigrants from Ireland, Sweden, Germany, and England called home. Find out what made G... read more
Step back in time and visit New Hampshire during the Colonial period. Despite conflicts with Native Americans and other colonists, the New Hampshire Colony slowly grew. Find out what made New Hampshire unique, how it got the nickname "the Granite State," what ... read more
Stop for a moment and listen. What can you hear Sounds can be used to communicate with others, they can warn of danger, and they can even change the way we feel. Sounds help us understand the world around us. Learn all about what sounds can do, how sounds are ... read more
Describes the history of gold, including where it is found around the world, how it is used, and its importance.
Join in an adventure as young siblings join their father in a quest to find gold.
Describes the different phases of the moon.
Why were pyramids built What do they look like inside What types of things have been found in pyramids Explore the mysteries of history through the ancient Egyptian pyramids. This precisely levelled text explains the shape and size of the pyramids as well as t... read more
Layla and Samuel prepare for a summer at their dad's family cottage. As they explore the attic, they discover an old, carved box full of memories. Excited by their find, the children come up with a plan to make their own time capsule.
Curious Nambo is so clumsy with his short snout. No one will play with him or answer all his questions! He just wants to know what crocodiles eat for lunch. Annoyed, Hippopotamus tricks Nambo into finding out the answer for himself. So when Hippopotamus gets s... read more
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In Earth's most extreme habitats, conditions are tough. But no matter how challenging these deserts, rainforests, mountains, caves, ocean depths or cities are, there are plants and animals that have found ways to survive in them through unique adaptations. Cal... read more
Simple Machines
We have been making use of different energy sources for thousands of years. But we are using more energy now than ever, and we wonder about the future. Fossil fuels may run out, and scientists are looking for other sources of energy. Will nuclear, wind, solar,... read more
Four children are left behind in their underground home while their parents and the others leave to see if the surface is safe again after The Disaster. However, they've been gone too long, and food is running out. But before Miriam, Isaiah, Chen and Davis can... read more
How much do you know about space? Are you an asteroid expert or a gravity guru? Can you tell the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite? Would you be able to spot the Pole Star in the night sky? Test your skills with quick quizzes, diagrams and charts.... read more
Max is accepted into a brand new space school. He and the other students are excited until they realise the school is secretly run by villains! The students are trapped in space far from help. Max must use his Space Guard training and the help of his new frien... read more
Max Jupiter and his family race to save Earth from an asteroid.
Max and his parents are part of a secret group called the Space Guards who help protect Earth from danger. When Max's parents and other Space Guards are captured on a dangerous mission, Max has to save them on his own.
Dylan is eager to be as good as his friend, Wren, at archery. In a big competition he looks as if he might even win! But when his success catches the attention of last year's winner, Lewis, things start to go wrong. Can he work out what Lewis is up to before i... read more
In China's mountains, Mother Panda has her first baby. However, her bamboo forest home is being cut down. But scientists find a new home for Mother Panda and her baby in a zoo where they can make a fresh start.
Tiffany Donovan and her friends in the Loyal Order of Helga go to the aid of the Beaver Falls chapter to help with a monstrous invasion. But the other chapter of the Loyal Order doesn't appreciate their assistance. While the two chapters remain at odds, the pe... read more
Zach Lopez has an identity crisis. Zach's friend has an evil double, and it's impossible for Zach to know who he can trust. Zach has lived in Devils' Pass long enough to know that the mysterious shapeshifters can only be monsters from the otherworld below the ... read more
Love and beauty reign supreme in empowering, high-interest narrative text telling the story of Greek mythology's Aphrodite. Core legends show Aphrodite's matchmaking as well as her own lovers among gods and mortals. Fascinating myths also uncover Aphrodite's p... read more
Empowering, high-interest narrative text tells the story of Hera, the queen goddess from Greek mythology. These core legends show Hera's loving yet jealous personality as she defends her marriage to the king of the gods. Fascinating myths also uncover Hera's p... read more
The story of Greek mythology's goddess of wisdom and war lives on in empowering, high-interest narrative text. Core legends journey through Athena's fierce and clever achievements from the Trojan war to her contest with Poseidon. Her use of brains over brawn f... read more
Goddess of springtime, or queen of the underworld-life or death? Empowering, high-interest narrative text tells the dual story of Persephone from Greek mythology. These core legends show Persephone's double personality as she splits her duties between her moth... read more
Kelli's dad makes her go to a sports camp. Kelli hates sports, but she hopes she can mend her relationship with her dad if she does well at the camp. However, tensions with the other campers rise as Kelli's sports skills remain out of reach. If Kelli wants to ... read more
Kelli joins an all-girls' team for a video game tournament, and their team is really good. But their success soon makes them the target of a rival team. When the other team hacks the game to cheat, Kelli uses her powers of ESP and telekinesis to try to thwart ... read more
Kelli talks to objects, and the objects talk back. However, Kelli has kept her powers of ESP and telekinesis hidden until a psychological study notices her potential. Kelli agrees to the psychologist's program, interested in learning more about her abilities. ... read more
Kelli attends a charity auction at a haunted theater with her mom. There, Kelli discovers that one of the auction items holds valuable secrets. She uses her powers of ESP and telekinesis to find out what the mysterious black diamond can tell her about the orig... read more
The Ancient Egyptians are famous for their pyramids and mummies, but how do these ancient items impact your life today? From hieroglyphs evolving into emojis and kohl around the eyes evolving into eye liner and mascara, the inventions and discoveries of Ancien... read more
From pasta to paper, the inventions of the Ancient Chinese remain part of everyday life in our modern world. Learn how items like wheelbarrows, the first toothbrushes, and early earthquake detectors have evolved into devices we know today and discover just how... read more
Every four years, the world celebrates one of the most exciting contributions of the Ancient Greeks: the Olympic Games. That, of course, is not all this great civilization left behind. From theater to democracy, discover how the Greeks' ancient inventions and ... read more
We celebrate the Ancient Romans for contributions they made to modern engineering and architecture, but their impact is felt in even the smallest details of everyday life. Discover how inventions like socks, fast food restaurants, and movie theaters got their ... read more
Have you ever laughed at something that wasn't funny? Maybe you've laughed at a really serious moment during a movie. Did you wonder why? The answer is in the science of laughter! From laughing uncontrollably in happiness to chuckling inappropriately, middle s... read more
Have you ever blown up at your best friend or sibling? Maybe you were just so angry, but you didn't really know why. The answer is in the science of rage! Whether you keep your anger bottled up or sometimes lash out with or without meaning to, middle school is... read more
Can't sleep? Too many things to worry about? Or do you get lost in your mind thinking about all the ways tomorrow could go wrong? Why does this happen? The answer is in the science behind worry! From stomach aches before a big event to panic before a test, mid... read more
Is there someone you can't stop thinking about? Just a friend or is it a crush? Could all those heart-pounding feelings even be love? Where do these emotions come from? The answer is in the science of affection! From enjoying the bond of family and friends or ... read more
Do you tear up watching a sappy commercial? Or hold back sniffles when your best friend suddenly ignores you? Maybe you sometimes just get a case of the blues you can't seem to shake. Have you wondered why? The answer is in the science behind unhappiness! Whet... read more
Syah Walker feels that she's the best Drifter ever. With the help of the MindLink machine at Emdaria North Middle School, she goes into the minds of other students and help them battle mental monsters to overcome their inner struggles. But Syah isn't always as... read more
Syah Walker wants to show the school counselor at Emdaria North Middle School that she can handle more difficult counseling cases. However, Syah gets a harder case than she expects in seventh-grader Nali. Nali takes rejection hard after being cut from her belo... read more
Syah Walker is in an all-out war with her stepsister, Keelah. Keelah is jealous of all the attention Syah receives for her MindLink skills as a peer counselor at Emdaria North Middle School. After Keelah tricks Syah into missing a counseling session, Syah reta... read more
When Syah Walker befriends Aman, the new boy at school, she isn't fooled by his laid-back and carefree attitude. Her experience as the peer counselor at Emdaria North Middle School tells her that not everything is right with Aman. When he has a sudden panic at... read more
Gina has 16 reviews
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Feb, 2022
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Aug, 2021
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May, 2021
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