Michael Zierler

Michael Zierler – Editor

Editor and writer of books, reports, and media in science, health, wellness, and more. 28 years editing, 12 as a scientist, and 5 writing.

Overview

During the remainder of the 2025 summer and autumn, I have a full schedule. If you have a project that you'd like to collaborate on and are able to begin our work together in December, please reach out. If not, I wish you great success on your book.

With more than twelve years experience as an educator and research scientist, more than twenty-eight as an editor and community leader, and recently, five years as a writer, I bring wide-ranging knowledge and a well honed set of skills to every project. My passion is engaging people in the beauty and creativity of human endeavors, especially science. I love to help authors marry their text and art so that the two complement one another beautifully.

My clients over the years include WW Norton, WH Freeman/Macmillan, Oxford University Press, Johns Hopkins University Press, MIT Press, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Garland Science, Roberts & Company, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and multiple satisfied authors who contacted me through Reedsy and elsewhere.

I am an avid reader of science fiction, general interest science, urban planning, and history. I raise Newfoundlands, love to cook and bake, especially bread, and have begun tackling the world of woodworking.

Whether you are working on a book about science, medicine, dogs, cooking, local government, land use, or many other topics, it would be my pleasure to help you create an amazing book.

Services
Non-Fiction
Career Guides Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Health & Wellbeing Life Sciences Medicine, Nursing, & Dentistry
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD Johns Hopkins University

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 1998 — Present
Edit general interest books, textbooks, and practical books for working scientists. All phases of development from initial conception through final production of the book and media accompaniments. Have also written advertising copy for numerous books published by the American Society of Microbiology Press. And have researched and written lessons, hands-on activities, and study guides for PBS Learning Media and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI Testing) . Other clients include WW Norton; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; WH Freeman/Macmillan Learning; Oxford University Press; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Garland Science; Nature Publishing; Roberts and Company; MIT Press; Johns Hopkins University Press; and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Marist College

Sep, 1995 — Jun, 1998 (over 2 years)
Assistant Professor of Biology. Taught a myriad of courses from introductory biology to microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and a course for non-science majors on biology in the movie Jurassic Park.

State University of New York at Stony Brook

Jul, 1991 — Aug, 1995 (about 4 years)
Researched the molecular mechanisms that Salmonella uses to invade the host gut.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Rethinking Race and Ethnicity in Biomedical Research

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

National Academies Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Importance of Chemical Research to the U.S. Economy (Consensus Study Report)

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Biochemistry

Stryer, Lubert

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Space Radiation and Astronaut Health: Managing and Communicating Cancer Risks

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Michael has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rachel K.

Rachel K.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
It was a pleasure to work with Michael. The feedback we received for our Editorial Assessment was professional, thorough, and spot-on. He was also generous with finding time to answer questions. A great experience.
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Jan, 2021

Pinned
Working with Michael was a great experience. He was professional, courteous and highly knowledgeable. His editing was exactly what I needed for this heavily science based book for the general public. His edits and comments tightened up the manuscript and I believe his help will contribute to the ...
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Michael Z.
Thank you Kevin. It was great collaborating with you. Best of luck on your book.
William S.

William S.

Dec, 2020

Pinned
This was my first time using this service, and Michael delivered amazing results on my thesis paper. I would highly recommend him, to anyone who is looking for fresh insight, great customer service and completes the task on time. Thank you again, for everything. Cheers
Samuel G.

Samuel G.

Nov, 2025

Michael is a pleasure to work with, offering a very valuable editorial assessment to improve organization and flow. He was also able to provide very insightful line edits, and really transformed the manuscript into a more professional and well organized text. You will be lucky if you are able t...
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Michael S.

Michael S.

Dec, 2023

Michael provided excellent advice and analysis. His subject expertise and editorial judgements definitely helped me to improve the essay I had sent to him.

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