Melissa Kirk - Editor
I'm your partner in book publishing success, specializing in psychology, health, and wellness books and other content.
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Overview
Hello! Thanks for your interest in working with me to create an accessible, engaging, and genuinely helpful book or books. I have been a developmental editor of nonfiction books for 20 years, including 13 years at New Harbinger Publications, 3 years at Jossey-Bass/Wiley, and 4 years running my own business. I specialize in psychology, wellness, health, self-discovery, communication, and relationships.
I work with authors on framing their concept clearly, organizing the writing so it flows intuitively for the reader, crafting the writing so it's accurate, accessible, and actionable, developing a publishing strategy to reach the appropriate audience, and book coaching to help my clients make decisions about marketing, publishing options, and content strategy. My clients include individual writers as well as publishing companies and other organizations. I have done contract work for Callisto Media, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and Thanet House Publishing.
One career highlight was acquiring and editing Rick Hanson's "Buddha's Brain", which became an instant bestseller and helped launch his career as a speaker and expert on Buddhist psychology. I've also worked with such star writers as Sue Patton Thoele, Beverly Engel, and Steven Stosny and eminent psychology professionals such as Matthew McKay and John Preston.
I've been lucky enough to have spent my career developing hundreds of books that have helped readers heal, explore, and gain self-knowledge while building happier, more stable lives. This continues to be my life's work.
I consider myself a book coach first and foremost; it's my real love. My rates and timelines reflect this deeper type of collaboration. I'm not "just" an editor: I work with my clients on the deeper issues relevant to their book and their publishing choices. If you're truly, deeply committed to creating the best book or books possible and if you understand that writing and publishing a book are only the first steps in real success for your business, drop me a line and let's talk!
Please note that I am NOT trained as a copyeditor, and though I will fix any errors I see in any manuscripts I work on, I recommend you hire a copyeditor and/or proofreader once our work together has concluded. I do not guarantee that I will catch every error or typo; that's not what I'm primarily looking for when I work with a manuscript.
I look forward to hearing about your project.
-Melissa
I work with authors on framing their concept clearly, organizing the writing so it flows intuitively for the reader, crafting the writing so it's accurate, accessible, and actionable, developing a publishing strategy to reach the appropriate audience, and book coaching to help my clients make decisions about marketing, publishing options, and content strategy. My clients include individual writers as well as publishing companies and other organizations. I have done contract work for Callisto Media, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and Thanet House Publishing.
One career highlight was acquiring and editing Rick Hanson's "Buddha's Brain", which became an instant bestseller and helped launch his career as a speaker and expert on Buddhist psychology. I've also worked with such star writers as Sue Patton Thoele, Beverly Engel, and Steven Stosny and eminent psychology professionals such as Matthew McKay and John Preston.
I've been lucky enough to have spent my career developing hundreds of books that have helped readers heal, explore, and gain self-knowledge while building happier, more stable lives. This continues to be my life's work.
I consider myself a book coach first and foremost; it's my real love. My rates and timelines reflect this deeper type of collaboration. I'm not "just" an editor: I work with my clients on the deeper issues relevant to their book and their publishing choices. If you're truly, deeply committed to creating the best book or books possible and if you understand that writing and publishing a book are only the first steps in real success for your business, drop me a line and let's talk!
Please note that I am NOT trained as a copyeditor, and though I will fix any errors I see in any manuscripts I work on, I recommend you hire a copyeditor and/or proofreader once our work together has concluded. I do not guarantee that I will catch every error or typo; that's not what I'm primarily looking for when I work with a manuscript.
I look forward to hearing about your project.
-Melissa
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing
Humanities & Social Sciences
Psychology
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sex & Relationships
Writing & Publishing
Work experience
Founder
Self-employed
January, 2016
–
Present
(over 6 years)
I help nonfiction authors with every step of the process, from idea conceptualization to publishing and marketing strategy.
Acquisitions and Developmental editor
New Harbinger Publications
March, 2003
–
January, 2016
(almost 13 years)
Acquiring and editing psychology, health, and wellness books.
Portfolio (31 selected works)
If you change your brain, you can change your life.Great teachers like the Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Mohammed, and Gandhi were all born with brains built essentially like anyone else’s—and then they changed their brains in ways that changed the world. Science is now revealing how the flow of thoughts actually sculpts the brain, and more and more, we are learning that it's possible to strengthen po... read more
Depression 101: A Practical Guide to Treatments, Self-Help Strategies, and Preventing Relapse
John D. Preston, Melissa Kirk
When you have depression, it can feel like there's no way out. To begin changing the way you feel, you'll need an arsenal of proven techniques for lifting your mood and preventing relapse. The pocket-sized Depression 101 distills the most effective cognitive behavioral therapy skills available for treating depression into seven manageable chapters. Soon, you'll find the way out of depression a... read more
Enlightenment isn’t a strange, mystical, or faraway place. It’s a fundamental human experience available to us all in different ways and in different moments. Learn how the ancient philosophy of yoga, modern neuroscience, and positive psychology can help you discover your life’s meaning and purpose, rewire your brain, and uncover lasting happiness and joy. Everyone is looking for happiness, bu... read more
How to Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use
Randy J. Paterson PhD
In How to Be Miserable, psychologist Randy Paterson outlines 40 specific behaviors and habits, which—if followed—are sure to lead to a lifetime of unhappiness. On the other hand, if you do the opposite, you may yet join the ranks of happy people everywhere!There are stacks upon stacks of self-help books that will promise you love, happiness, and a fabulous life. But how can you pinpoint the ex... read more
Betrayal has many faces, including anger, abuse, deceit, and infidelity. These feel like betrayal because they violate the implicit promise of emotional bonds, that your loved one will care about your wellbeing and never intentionally hurt you. If you've recently left a relationship where you felt betrayed by your partner—or if you want to repair one—it can seem impossible to view the world wi... read more
Imagine a day in which you can be in the midst of chaos but maintain a clear head and sense of balance and focus and have your feet firmly planted on the ground. Even the busiest of women among us has the ability to embrace mindfulness and will reap the benefits of doing so! In this book, Sue Patton Thoele shows you how to incorporate mindfulness into your busy and dynamic life. The book's gen... read more
Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time
Rick Hanson Ph.D.
Audie Award Nominee, Personal Development, 2013 You've heard the expression, "It's the little things that count." Research has shown that little daily practices can change the way your brain works, too. This book offers simple brain-training practices you can do every day to protect against stress, lift your mood, and find greater emotional resilience. Just One Thing is a treasure chest of ove... read more
Are you truly in danger or has your brain simply "tricked" you into thinking you are? In The Worry Trick, psychologist and anxiety expert David Carbonell shows how anxiety hijacks the brain and offers effective techniques to help you break the cycle of worry, once and for all.Anxiety is a powerful force. It makes us question ourselves and our decisions, causes us to worry about the future, and... read more
The 10-Minute Relationship WorkoutPeak athletic performance requires regular exercise, and a great relationship depends on regular emotional practice to stay in top form. Don't wait for a crisis to make you scramble to save your relationship. Start building emotional fitness today! Emotional Fitness for Couples is a collection of simple tips that will energize you and hone your relationship sk... read more
Addict in the House: A No-Nonsense Family Guide Through Addiction and Recovery
Robin Barnett EdD LCSW
"This is a straightforward, rich resource for anyone who lives with, and loves, an addict." —Publishers Weekly Everyone suffers when there’s an addict in the family. Written by an expert in alcohol and drug addiction and recovery, this no-nonsense guide will help you understand the causes of addiction, end enabling behaviors, support your loved one’s recovery, and learn how to cope with relaps... read more
Some people use food to calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed. Others find it difficult to discern between eating out of hunger and eating out of habit. There are nearly as many reasons why people overeat as there are reasons to stop. While overeating can often bring comfort in the short term, it can lead to feelings of guilt later on. If you feel like you're caught in a cycle of unhealth... read more
Just as there are right and wrong reasons to marry, there are good and bad reasons to divorce. Some couples are quick to split because they are unwilling to devote the necessary effort to fixing their relationships or to understanding their partners, while others miss out on personal fulfillment by staying too long in unhealthy marriages.This insightful and practical guide, written by a therap... read more
The High-Conflict Custody Battle: Protect Yourself and Your Kids from a Toxic Divorce, False Accusations, and Parental Alienation
Amy J. L. Baker PhD, J. Michael Bone PhD, Brian Ludmer BComm LLB
Is your ex-spouse trying to gain custody of your kids? Has he or she launched a campaign to make you look like a bad parent, both in the eyes of your children and the law? You aren’t alone. Unfortunately, high-conflict custody battles are all-too-common in today’s world. So how can you arm yourself with the mental and legal resources needed to survive this difficult time and keep your kids saf... read more
If you eat to help manage your emotions, you may have discovered that it doesn’t work. Once you’re done eating, you might even feel worse. Eating can all too easily become a strategy for coping with depression, anxiety, boredom, stress, and anger, and a reliable reward when it’s time to celebrate. If you are ready to experience emotions without consuming them or being consumed by them, the min... read more
Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists
John O'Neal, John Preston, Mary C. Talaga
The Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists has long been the definitive reference book for mental health clinicians and anyone else looking for clear, reliable information about the medical treatment of mental health issues. Thousands of therapists keep this invaluable book on their shelves to quickly reference drug facts for their clients. Now in its sixth edition, this fully ... read more
The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Menopause: A Step-by-Step Program for Overcoming Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, and Other Symptoms (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
Sheryl M Green PhD, Randi E. McCabe PhD, Claudio N Soares MD PhD
No woman experiences menopause in exactly the same way. Some may endure hot flashes, irritability, or mood swings, while others experience insomnia, anxiety, or even depression. And while you have probably heard about the benefits and drawbacks of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), you should also know that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven effective not only in treating the e... read more
Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear
Michael A. Tompkins
Do you suffer from panic, anxiety, and fear in your day-to-day life? Do you often avoid social situations, activities like driving, or even going to the store because of a fear of being overwhelmed or triggering a panic attack? You might be interested to know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. In Anxiety and Avoidance, psychologist and anxi... read more
Has your romantic partner called you clingy, insecure, desperate, or jealous? No one wants to admit that they possess these qualities; but if you find yourself constantly on the alert, anxious, or worried when it comes to your significant other, you may suffer from anxious attachment, a fear of abandonment that is often rooted in early childhood experiences.In Insecure in Love, you'll learn ho... read more
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner (The New Harbinger Loving Someone Series)
Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston PsyD ABPP
Maintaining a relationship is hard enough without the added challenges of your partner’s bipolar disorder symptoms. Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder offers information and step-by-step advice for helping your partner manage mood swings and impulsive actions, allowing you to finally focus on enjoying your relationship while also taking time for yourself. This book explains the symptoms of y... read more
Managing attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as an adult is a constant challenge. You may notice that your mind sometimes wanders during conversations. Maybe you keep misplacing your keys. Or your ADD may be causing bigger problems in your life, making it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family and leading you to procrastinate on important projects.10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD offe... read more
Reveal: Embody the True Self Beyond Trauma and Conditioning
Harmony Kwiker
“All of this pain has a purpose,” 6-year-old Harmony heard from deep within as she practiced transcendental meditation for the first time. Feeling relieved by these words of hope, she knew instantly that she wanted to learn how to bring this message to life. With progressive healers as parents, Harmony was nurtured to be a healer herself. However, the painful secrets hidden beneath the façade ... read more
“Practical, powerful, and a delight to read. A book like Brian’s can change everything for someone who cares.”-Seth Godin, Author, This is MarketingConnect with anyone. Strengthen your relationships. Build a sustainable career.Three New People is a manifesto on the beauty and power of human connection in a world where loneliness has reached epidemic levels. We’re rushed, frazzled, distracted, ... read more
Somebody Hold Me: The Single Person's Guide to Nurturing Human Touch
Epiphany Miriam Jordan
Nearly 50% of Americans checked the "single" box in the 2010 census. Because we equate touch with sex, many of us suffer alone when we crave physical comfort and tenderness. Somebody Hold Me: The Single Person's Guide to Nurturing Human Touch takes a simple, radical approach to health and relationships by teaching you how to get more platonic touch. Somebody Hold Me walks you through the incre... read more
"This book, if studied well, has the capacity to transform lives, and connect people back to the state of mind that kept us joyful for thousands of generations."- Craig Foster, author of Sea Change: Primal Joy and the Art of Underwater TrackingNature, the original mindfulness teacher...Amidst the stress and distraction of the Digital Age, it’s easy to overlook the fact that our brains are adap... read more
Melissa has 17 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Melissa was competent and gave good and honest feedback on a manuscript that was not really ready for a developmental edit yet.
Many of the suggestions she brought up have been very helpful, but she did not fully finish what we agreed on because the manuscript wasn't ready, in her opinion, for line-to-line edits.
Overall, the work she did was good, but in my opinion, due to the changes made d...
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Håvard Skjelsvik, August 2022
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Maria Bowen, June 2022
Melissa gave me relevant and helpful feedback on my manuscript. She was especially helpful at getting me to focus in on the targeted market for my book. Reasonable turnaround times. I would highly recommend her.
Serena Cosmo, November 2021
I hired Melissa for a developmental edit and copy editing, and I really wanted to give Melissa a five star, I really did. She is a nice person, but my experience with her as a professional was not good. She was also the most affordable one among the quotes I received, and as a self-published author, this is a factor.
The first problem was the delay in delivery (9 days late). I'm now on a bit o...
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Giovanni Dienstmann, March 2021
Melissa provided a thorough edit and great feedback that enhanced my manuscript. She is well versed in the self-help/psychology genre and seemed to get what I was trying to say. Highly recommend.
Marek Komar, December 2020
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