Meaghan Minkus

Meaghan Minkus – Editor

I'm a proofreading and copy editing specialist with 8 years of experience who's worked at two major Grand Rapids, MI publishing houses.

Overview

It’s nice to meet you! I’m Meaghan, collector of names that start with M and lover of clear, beautiful language.

For the past several years, I’ve brandished my red pen at a local arts and entertainment magazine, in my home office, and in traditional publishing houses. My specialties are proofreading and copy editing (using either AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style, though I must admit I'm Team CMS), but I also offer proposal review services based on my experiences in acquisitions. Though my professional background happens to be mainly in Christian publishing, I'm open to working with projects of any genre and authors of any background.

My primary goal as an editor is for my clients to feel heard, understood, and valued throughout the process of making their writing as good as it can be. Whether it's evaluating your initial manuscript proposal or polishing your final draft (or any step in between), I'm committed to delivering thorough, easy-to-understand edits that will help you grow in the knowledge of your craft.

How can I help you tell your story today?
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational
Fiction
Christian Fiction Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Emerging Leader Award (2016), Evangelical Christian Publishers Association

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2019 — Present

I specialize in proofreading and copy editing B2B and B2C communications, manuscripts and drafts, web copy, and other written communication. Proposal reviews are also available upon request.

Zondervan Books

Aug, 2021 — Present

Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Dec, 2019 — Mar, 2020 (3 months)

I provided editorial and administrative support to the ZonderKidz team during a time of transition in their department. This included proofreading book manuscripts, cover flats, and other routings; coding books in proprietary markup language for layout/formatting; tracking and sending contractual book copies to authors, agents, and others; providing proposal reviews; updating and maintaining departmental databases; providing backup for managing editors on illustrations, Scripture checks, potential endorsements, fact-checking for source citations, and other issues; and other projects as necessary.

Discovery House (now Our Daily Bread Publishing)

Mar, 2018 — Jun, 2019 (over 1 year)

• Attended writers’ conferences on behalf of Discovery House
• Managed unsolicited manuscript submissions and responded to proposals
• Attended acquisitions meetings to pitch manuscripts and provide feedback
• Assigned page proofs to in-house or freelance proofreaders
• Managed corrections of both covers and interiors until completion of press-ready files
• Approved final press proofs
• Documented errata in production copies of completed books
• Oversaw correction process for backlist titles
• Created excerpts for web-exclusive “sneak peeks”
• Attended title meetings and provided feedback
• Wrote interior copy for two editions of Our Daily Bread for Kids wall calendar
• Compiled and edited material for In the Father’s Hands and True Greatness
• Proofread and approved marketing copy for both B2B and B2C audiences
• Recorded freelancers’ invoices and submitted to Finance department for payment

Discovery House (now Our Daily Bread Publishing)

Jan, 2016 — Mar, 2018 (about 2 years)

• Assisted with unsolicited manuscript review
• Attended acquisitions meetings and provided feedback
• Assigned page proofs to in-house or freelance proofreaders
• Managed corrections of both covers and interiors until completion of press-ready files
• Approved final press proofs
• Documented errata in production copies of finished books
• Attended title meetings and provided feedback
• Proofread and approved marketing copy
• Recorded freelancers’ invoices and submitted to Finance department for payment
• Researched and wrote a quarterly author newsletter
• Maintained and updated database of contracts for a long-term, multi-author project

Our Daily Bread Ministries

Sep, 2013 — Jan, 2016 (over 2 years)

• Proofread manuscripts and article drafts for both print and online publications
• Provided theological and cultural reviews
• Maintained databases of Our Daily Bread articles and Discovery Series booklet proposals
• Monitored Our Daily Bread website for formatting issues and corrected as necessary
• Researched and wrote a bimonthly Discovery House author newsletter

REVUE Magazine

May, 2011 — Jan, 2013 (over 1 year)

Researched and wrote articles on Grand Rapids-based literary life, entertainment, dining, and more.

Meaghan has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Chris S.

Chris S.

Aug, 2022

Super happy with Meahgan and my readers have loved the improvements
Meaghan M.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Chris! I'm happy to hear that you and your readers are pleased with everything.
Jorrel B.

Jorrel B.

Aug, 2021

Meaghan was an absolute pleasure to work with over the last few months. She provided excellent communication throughout my time working with her and answered all of my questions. She was very patient and understanding, making her an easy choice when looking for a skilled and professional editor. If you select Meaghan and are fortunate enough to collaborate with her, you will not be disappointed!
Meaghan M.
Thanks so much, Jorrel! It was great working with you, and I loved getting to know all of the cute characters in your book. :) I hope the rest of the publishing process goes smoothly for you!
Ioannis P.

Ioannis P.

May, 2021

Once again, working with Meaghan was a real pleasure! She is a model professional, very careful and thorough at her job! It is obvious that she really cares about making the best out of a manuscript while at the same time she totally respects author’s voice. I believe she’s got the secret of success!
Meaghan M.
You're too kind, Ioannis! It was great getting to work with you again, and I'm so glad you were happy with my work. I think great things are ahead for your manuscript!
Kathy S.

Kathy S.

May, 2021

Professional and quality recommendations.
Meaghan M.
Thanks so much, Kathy! It was great working with you again!
Ioannis P.

Ioannis P.

Apr, 2021

Meaghan is an excellent professional. Communicating with her is very pleasing as she makes people feel comfortable and secure. She fully complied with the deadlines in our agreement and delivered a detailed, careful editing. I definitely believe she is the right person for the job and I will gladly do business with her again!
Meaghan M.
Thank you so much, Ioannis! It was a pleasure working with you and reading your story. If you ever write another one, feel free to reach out to me!

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