Mark Johanson

Mark Johanson – Editor

Primary editor and writer of more than 400 nationally published books in the home improvement, woodworking and gardening categories.

Overview

Former Editorial Director for a major home and garden book publisher. Very experienced in all aspects of book development and publishing, including concepting, content development, organization and all levels of editorial. My editing style has evolved significantly over my more-than-thirty-year career in publishing, moving away from the "this is how I would say it" approach to placing an absolute premium on "what are you trying to say?" My focus, and I believe my strongest asset, is all about content: not simply choosing the right words and punctuation, but challenging the underlying thoughts and assumptions. Once the message is clarified and prioritized, my attention then turns to the presentation itself: Is it logical? Is it navigable? Does it make the reader work too hard to get to the point? I have mentored many first-time authors and young writers and I greatly enjoy helping them communicate their unique ideas and expertise into well-organized, accurate and understandable copy.
Services
Non-Fiction
Home & Garden
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

The Quarto Group

Jan, 1992 — Jan, 2020 (about 28 years)
Primary editor and director for The Black and Decker Home Improvement book series and 300+ additional book titles in the DIY and woodworking categories. Principal editor on more than 100 DIY gardening books, including bestsellers All New Square Foot Gardening and Straw Bale Gardens Complete. Developed deep content knowledge in both home and garden subject areas, as well as an advanced ability to organize DIY material for navigability and edit how-to copy for clarity and accuracy. Worked with and mentored dozens of first-time authors.

Portfolio

Professionals similar to Mark

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Catherine Dee

Catherine D.

Copy editor and award-winning nonfiction author who loves working with authors to help them perfect and bring their manuscripts to life

Fort Collins, CO, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Sarah Massey

Sarah M.

Editor and writer with 12+ years' experience in illustrated nonfiction specializing in fashion, design, art, photography, lifestyle and more

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Angela Boyle

Angela B.

Copy editor and proofreader for over 10 years in narrative and how-to non-fiction and graphic novels. Focus: nature, cooking, farming

Bellingham, WA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile