Kate Moening

Kate Moening – Editor

Experienced children’s literature editor and writer, specializing in science, history, and biography

Overview

Formerly an in-house editor with children’s publisher Bellwether Media, I’ve edited 80+ and authored nearly 30 nonfiction titles for K-8th grade readers; I'm also experienced in copywriting, science, and politics writing for adults.


If we collaborate, you’ll know you’re getting expertise in challenges specific to children’s writing, such as how to share complex ideas with grade-appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure; format text for readability and to build literacy; screen work for representation and cultural sensitivity; and consider industry trends with content and structure.


My clients and colleagues know me as someone who brings genuine curiosity to my work, catches easy-to-miss small details, and relishes a research deep-dive for accurate fact-checking. You can expect nuanced feedback that both celebrates your strengths as a writer and supports your long-term growth. I provide sharp copyediting to make your writing pop, as well as a keen eye for development, to make sure you're expressing your most important ideas.


My experience and available services include:

- Developmental editing on structure, content, and special features

- Research and reliable fact-checking on any topic

- Copyediting

- Proofreading

- Formatting to Chicago, APA, or MLA styles

- Formatting and layout feedback

- Image research

(See images below for examples of my work!)


So let’s talk about your project. I offer flexible rates and efficient turn-around, so you can make your work glow without breaking your budget.


Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences History Nature
Languages
English (CAN) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2019 — Present

Children's Nonfiction:
Editor of 18 titles for 4th-8th grade students, including developmental editing on new series. Matched content to state curriculum guidelines as needed. Performed meticulous fact-checking for factual and logical errors. Provided sensitivity screening for cultural and historical titles. Ensured all titles are written to appropriate grade level literacy, using grade level screening service. Wrote 600 original quizzes to help teachers check reading comprehension.

Copywriting:
Developed inviting landing copy and effective mission statements for two new local nonprofits. Collaborated closely with clients to pinpoint organization goals and target audiences. Researched and wrote client newsletters to share information, political initiatives, and fundraising campaigns.

Bellwether Media

Nov, 2017 — Jun, 2019 (over 1 year)

Lead editor on 60 nonfiction books for K-8th grade students. Crafted high-interest content with grade-appropriate vocabulary to build literacy. Conducted detailed fact-checking research and careful editing to ensure accurate, easy-to-read information. Provided in-depth photo research and nuanced feedback on book design and photo layout to enhance text. Successfully pitched ideas for new series focused on ancient civilization history and biographies of women leaders. Worked on a team that increased production output by 10% in 2018.

Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Sep, 2016 — Dec, 2017 (about 1 year)

Independently ran 150+ in-store and off-site book events with up to 1000 attendees. Oversaw event publicity, ordering books, overseeing ticket sales. Successfully managed Events Intern and other colleagues during events, including physical set-up, book sales, and providing warm hospitality to visiting authors. Collaborated with local literary agencies, publishers, and authors on community events, including Twin Cities Book Festival, LitCrawl, and Independent Bookstore Day.

Multnomah Education Service District Outdoor School

Aug, 2013 — Jun, 2016 (almost 3 years)

Developed hydrology curriculum in residential environmental education program for sixth grade students. Wrote original lessons on water science and conservation, matching state educational science standards. Taught 100­-150 sixth grade students each week in water science and community­-building concepts. Trained and mentored 150+ high school age volunteers in teaching and leadership techniques.

Grinnell College

Jul, 2012 — Aug, 2013 (about 1 year)

Reported and wrote cover stories for Grinnell Magazine Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 issues. Collaborated with campus offices to create brochures, press releases, and website content to reach individual client goals and audiences. Maintained systematic organization of magazine records.

Portland Monthly Magazine

Oct, 2011 — Mar, 2012 (5 months)

Reported and wrote reviews and features on Portland-area news, culture, and lifestyle.

Kate has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Claire G.

Claire G.

Jun, 2021

In intricately helpful editor! Kate took time to assess both large and small concepts in our book and elucidate how we might strengthen both. She has an incredible eye for focusing the writing around it's central purpose and she has a lot of knowledge about children's nonfiction that we found priceless. We thought that her editorial assessment and query letter assessment were an excellent value...
Read more

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