Michele Bianchi

Michele Bianchi – Editor

Patagonia editor/proofreader with deep nonfiction experience in business and nature writing. Let's work together!

Overview

I help nonfiction writers and academics shape compelling, credible narratives that readers trust. I’ve edited books by:

Yvon Chouinard, "Let My People Go Surfing," "Some Stories," "Responsible Business"

Mark Kurlansky, "Salmon"

John Perlin, "A Forest Journey"

Jennifer Allen, "Mālama Honua"

Annie Leonard, "Protest"

Hillary Rosner, "Roam"

Howie Wolkes, "Big Wild" (Fall 2026)

Riverhorse Nakadate, "Waterlines" (August 2026)

Barry Blanchard, "The Echo" (Fall 2026)

Amanda Mander, "Wild Kin" (Fall 2026)

Mark Easter, "The Blue Plate"*

Clients come to me for line editing, fact-checking and clarity—especially when the subject matter is complex or interdisciplinary. I bring years of editorial experience, a sharp eye for structure and a deep respect for voice.

Whether you’re polishing a manuscript for publication or tightening up academic work for a broader audience, I’ll work closely with you to elevate the language, keep the facts straight and make sure every sentence does its job.

Collaborative, detail-driven and honest—that’s what you can expect when we work together.

*Won a IBPA Independent Book Award for the “Nature and Environment” category, and is a finalist in the Colorado Book Awards and the James Beard Awards in the “Food Issues and Advocacy” category.

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Nature
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • IBPA Independent Book Award

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2003 — Present
I'm an editor and fact-checker with a focus on nonfiction, memoir, branding and impact storytelling. My projects include "The Responsible Business" and "Let My People Go Surfing," both by Yvon Chouinard, "Salmon" by Mark Kurlansky and "The Blue Plate" by Mark Easter. I am a former managing editor for Patagonia and IKEA, and I have deep subject matter knowledge related to regenerative agriculture, food systems, renewable energy, Fair Trade, supply chain and other social/environmental topics.

Patagonia

Jan, 1997 — May, 2004 (over 7 years)
I was the managing editor for Patagonia for 11 years. I developed content and managed 15 freelance writers, focusing on brand copy, editorials, intros, field reports and environmental essays. I have worked on developing and editing several environmental essays by notable writers such as Mas Masumoto, David Quammen, Gerry Lopez, Doug Peacock, Terry Tempest Williams and William McDonough. I've also worked on developing and editing field reports and books with many outdoor athletes, including Ron Kauk, Yvon Chouinard, Dean Potter, Kelly Cordes, Henry Barber, Barry Blanchard and Keith Malloy. I'm also an experienced climber, alpinist, skier, backpacker and ice climber, with deep wilderness experience in the Rockies, the Sierras and throughout South America. All of my work reflects a deep reverence for wilderness and protecting the planet.

Portfolio

Protest: Respect It Defend It Use It

Annie Leonard

Random House Audio

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading

Michele has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Shelbi P.

Shelbi P.

Jul, 2026

Pinned
I came to Michele Bianchi with a manuscript I believed in and left with one I could stand behind completely. That distinction matters more than it sounds. Michele has the kind of attention to detail that catches what you cannot see in your own work after the hundredth read. There was a moment mi...
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Michele B.
Shelbi, thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a real pleasure working with you and getting to know your manuscript and methodology so well. I'm grateful you trusted me to help you ...
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Wes S.

Wes S.

Jul, 2026

Pinned
Michele was efficient, pleasant and did outstanding work! Highly recommended! Thank you!
Michele B.
Wes, thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure working with you and being part of your project. I really enjoyed diving into the manuscript, and I'm grateful for the trust you placed...
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Amanda M.

Amanda M.

May, 2026

Pinned
Michelle did a fantastic job with my book in not only editing but teaching me a lot about citations and when and when not needed. She was very easy to communicate with and did a thorough job. I will definitely employ her again when I have the need for a sharp, and focused editor.
Michele B.
Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a real pleasure working with you on the book. You brought a lot of thoughtfulness and curiosity to the process, which always makes editing more collabor...
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Christopher W.

Christopher W.

Aug, 2026

Michele was a pleasure to work with. She held our hand as we continued our book writing process, she proactively communicated with us, and when we messaged her with questions she promptly responded with a thorough answer. Michele is very professional and provided a high level of care to our proje...
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Michele B.
Thank you so much, Christopher! Working with you on this project was such a rewarding experience. You stayed invested in every detail along the way: that kind of care from an author makes the editi...
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