Maxine Marshall

Maxine Marshall – Editor

Empathetic editor specializing in children's picture books. Industry expertise beyond editorial, formerly in publicity and literary agency.

Overview

I have almost a decade of experience editing and managing, publicizing, and representing books at HarperCollins, Callisto Media (Rockridge Press) and for a boutique literary agency. I have edited many top-selling books in the genres of kids' narrative nonfiction (science and nature); kids' narrative nonfiction (life skills and well-being); kids' workbooks, activities, and puzzles; food and beverage; and outdoor hobbies and fitness.

I am passionate about helping authors construct well-formed books that are a joy to read. Issues with structure and organization? Flow? I'm here to help! Wondering about the reading level or age-appropriateness of your work? I got you.

I am a detail-oriented and empathetic editor (I'm a writer too, after all). I love this work because I love collaborating with authors as they build their skills and build their stories. I'm with authors every step of the way, offering pep when a mood-boost is needed and asking questions that challenge authors to engage critically with their work. In addition to development editing, I'm well-qualified to advise authors on their pitches; having worked in publicity and with a literary agency, I know what agents, publishers, and readers are looking for.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Callisto Media

Sep, 2019 — Oct, 2022 (about 3 years)

Managing editor for titles in the kids and teens portfolio, including workbooks, activity books, and narrative nonfiction. I worked closely with authors beginning at acquisition to produce original manuscripts. I was responsible for managing each book from writing through production to publication. I also hired and oversaw freelance development editors for each title.

HarperOne

May, 2018 — Sep, 2019 (over 1 year)

I spearheaded and implemented publicity campaigns for frontlist (new hardcover) titles as well as backlist titles (being released in paperback). I developed strong relationships with many agents and media partners and generated public excitement around my titles by booking appearances on TV, radio, podcasts, in magazines, and more.

Maxine has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ting C.

Ting C.

Mar, 2024

Maxine was positive and encouraging throughout the entire Developmental Edit process, one that can sometimes be intimidating. She is a stellar communicator, and provided valuable, strategic, and creative feedback, while also being kind and patient, taking the time to provide thoughtful insights not just on the manuscript - which also included design/layout advice, but also in answering further ...
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Pamela K.

Pamela K.

Mar, 2024

I received the service as promised in a timely manner. Encouraging and helpful.
Patricia S.

Patricia S.

Feb, 2024

Maxine was super responsive and extremely helpful. She provided great feedback. I would highly recommend her.
Maxine M.
Thank you for your review, Patricia! I enjoyed working with you; can't wait to see your book out in the world!
Caroline K.

Caroline K.

Jan, 2024

Working with Maxine was a delight! She was clear with her deliverables and quick with communications. I love that she also included a style guide for my story, which was included in her original quote. I think one of the most valuable things she brought to my project, was a fresh set of professional eyes. I've been connected to my story for so long, and Maxine was able to find new opportunities...
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Maxine M.
Thank you for your generous review, Caroline! It was a pleasure to collaborate with you on your manuscript, and I hope we can work together again.
Janice J.

Janice J.

Aug, 2023

My choice selecting Maxine as my editor proved to be a great success. Her edit/proofread skillset is impeccable.
Maxine M.
Thanks for your kind words, Janice! I enjoyed working with you and am excited to see what comes next for your manuscript.

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