Margay Dean

Margay Dean – Editor

Developmental editor working in nonfiction.

Overview

I am a developmental editor working with both traditional and self-published authors. My specialties include nonfiction, memoir, and young adult. Previously, I worked for Oxford University Press in New York and as an editor at a Silicon Valley think tank.

My goal is to help you create the best version of your work. Working with me, you will receive detailed feedback and suggestions that honor your unique voice. For fiction and memoir, you can expect guidance on overall organization and characterization as well as scene- and paragraph-level refining. For nonfiction, whether you are writing for an audience of experts or translating your expertise to a wider audience, I can help you create your best work with notes on organization, clarity, and more.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference
Fiction
Short Story
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Rice University: BA in English, Hispanic Studies (focus in Creative Nonfiction)
  • Editorial Freelancers Association: Academic Developmental Editing
  • Editorial Freelancers Association: Developmental Editing of Fiction

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present

Provide editorial services to authors and institutions across several genres.
Specialties include nonfiction, memoir, and young adult.

Book Industry Guild of New York (BIGNY)

Apr, 2018 — Present

Coordinate monthly panels that discuss timely and relevant topics in the publishing industry.
Notable programs: "LGBTQ+ Voices in Publishing," "STM and STEM Publishing," and "Publishing Romance: Redefining What Love Looks Like."

Oxford University Press

Aug, 2016 — Jun, 2018 (almost 2 years)

Copyedited, proofread, and cold read academic manuscripts.
Assisted in the production of audiobooks.

Clayton Christensen Institute

Oct, 2014 — Sep, 2015 (11 months)

Edited manuscripts on topics including business, education, healthcare, and technology.
Edited blog posts and other web content, collaborating with staff writers and Harvard Business School researchers.

Portfolio

Before Stonewall became a shared site synonymous with the gay liberation movement, individuals in exploration of their sexuality had to carve out shelter in their own personal places. For Ted Bloecher, this haven was Provincetown, Massachusetts. Having spent m... read more
Wide Angle 5 : Student Book
Wide Angle 4 : Student Book
Wide Angle 3 : Student Book
Each Multi-Pack provides six topical units from the Student Book and Workbook, with five lessons in each unit. Vibrant photos from world-renowned photographers in the Student Book bring unit topics to life, and video interviews with the photographers provide u... read more
Each Multi-Pack provides six topical units from the Student Book and Workbook, with five lessons in each unit. Vibrant photos from world-renowned photographers in the Student Book bring unit topics to life, and video interviews with the photographers provide u... read more
The Student Book and Workbook Pack provides learners with the complete package of Step Forward content.The Student Book delivers practical and engaging content which aligns with state and national standards, ensuring that students possess the skills and knowle... read more
The Step Forward Student Book incorporates all of the skills learners need to pursue a career or educational program in the USA.The one-page 'At work' sections in every unit build the essential skills students need in the workplace. The course also features 'E... read more
The Step Forward Student Book incorporates all of the skills learners need to pursue a career or educational program in the USA.The one-page 'At work' sections in every unit build the essential skills students need in the workplace. The course also features 'E... read more
The Step Forward Student Book incorporates all of the skills learners need to pursue a career or educational program in the USA.The one-page 'At work' sections in every unit build the essential skills students need in the workplace. The course also features 'E... read more
The third edition of the best-selling Oxford Picture Dictionary provides unparalleled support for vocabulary teaching to meet the needs of today's English language learners.-4,000 English words and phrases with meaningful, real-life contexts presented within 1... read more
The third edition of the best-selling Oxford Picture Dictionary provides unparalleled support for vocabulary teaching to meet the needs of today's English language learners.-4,000 English words and phrases with meaningful, real-life contexts presented within 1... read more
The third edition of the best-selling Oxford Picture Dictionary provides unparalleled support for vocabulary teaching to meet the needs of today's English language learners.-4,000 English words and phrases with meaningful, real-life contexts presented within 1... read more
Navigate the transition to blended learning with this practicalfield guide Blended is the practical field guide for implementingblended learning techniques in K-12 classrooms. A follow-up to thebestseller Disrupting Class by Clayton M. Christensen,Michael Horn... read more

Margay has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kali H.

Kali H.

Dec, 2021

This is my first book. I'm not exactly a writer, just wanted to share my story by writing a memoir. I knew my book had some really weak areas, but could not see how to fix them. Thankfully, I found Margay's profile and am so glad I did. Margay has skillfully guided me towards strengthening the story arc, deepening the story, adding introspection in places I would never have thought to add it, b...
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Julie B.

Julie B.

May, 2021

I hired Margay to do an editorial assessment on the first novel I'd written. Before I handed over the manuscript, she was very clear and professional. We had an hour phone call to kick things off. She asked insightful questions that made me feel like she wanted to get to know me (my background, motivation for writing, ideal plans for the piece) as well as the writing, itself. After sitting wit...
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Reannon M.

Reannon M.

Apr, 2021

I hired Margay for a second round of developmental edits on my memoir and she did a great job! Very thorough and thoughtful insight. I plan on using all of her suggestions. I am very pleased with her professionalism and attention to detail.
Ginger R.

Ginger R.

Jan, 2021

Margay is top notch. My manuscript was 75% complete. It was missing someone with experience to offer guidance on story development and some other essential pieces critical to the story of the book, and the experience of the reader, that I do not have experience with. Margay was spot on with her recommendations. They are exactly what I needed. She delivered on time. One thing that stood out abou...
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Reannon M.

Reannon M.

Sep, 2020

Margay did an excellent job at developmental editing my memoir. She went above and beyond my expectations and provided a very thorough evaluation and assessment that I thought was insightful and spot on. I plan to use all of her suggestions. I'm sure it wasn't easy given the state my manuscript was in (there were some unfinished scenes and I needed suggestions for how to add to the word coun...
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