Michelle Martinez

Michelle Martinez – Editor

Specializing in nonfiction books for both children and adults, I am a friendly and easygoing editor excited to work with you!

Overview

I began my career in publishing as a reader. Yep, I was the kid who always had a book in her hand, and preferred the company of a book best friend rather than a real live best friend. When I got to college I started working in a bookstore part time, where I ended up running the children's department. I started bookclubs for kids and teens and ran story times for preschoolers. After I got my degree in Journalism, I tried being a reporter but discovered I wasn't all that fond of hunting down stories and interviewing people. So I turned to editing. I got my first job as an editorial assistant for BowTie Press, where I was thrown into the world of publishing in the best way possible and fell in love with creating books.

At BowTie, I climbed the ranks and learned how to acquire new titles, negotiate contracts, and project manage books from conception to having a finished printed copy in hand. I worked with numerous authors on substantive, line, and copy edits. I delved into the Chicago Manual of Style and even got an editing certificate from the Graham School of General Studies at the University of Chicago.

When I left BowTie I went to Ballard & Tighe, Publishers where I've been for the last 18 or so years. At B&T I work on educational products for students in grades pre-k to 12th grade. In addition to working at B&T, I've also taken on multiple freelance projects. I've done substantive and line edits and proofreading for Entrepreneur Press. I also ghostwrote four children's workbooks for them.

For most of my career I've specialized in non fiction books, project managing them through the editorial process.
I would love to help you with your manuscript, give feedback, and suggest edits. I've also read query letters, hired authors and illustrators, and written jacket copy. I understand that working with an editor can sometimes feel daunting! I'm here to help you navigate the process. I want you to be happy with your manuscript and feel confident that it's ready to be sent out to agents and publishers.

I look forward to reading your next project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Manuscript editing from Graham School of General Studies, University of Chicago
  • B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism from California State University, Fullerton

Work experience

Entrepreneur Press

Jun, 2015 — Dec, 2021 (over 6 years)

I edited several trade titles a year, working with authors on refining their manuscripts. I also ghostwrote a series of children's books on money, business, and social media.

Ballard & Tighe, Publishers

Jun, 2004 — Present

I work in language assessment and instructional products (textbooks, workbooks, anthologies, video games, interactive whiteboard activities, web-based products) development for English Language Learners in pre-k through grade 12. I oversee the editorial and production of test development for the company’s secure testing systems.

Portfolio

Wild Life of Cows

Rubin, Leigh

Entrepreneur Kids: All About Social Media

Media, The Staff of Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Kids: Launch Your Own Business

Media, The Staff of Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Kids: All About Money

Media, The Staff of Entrepreneur

Michelle has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

JJ F.

JJ F.

Oct, 2023

Thank you, MM for your amazing work on my short story that my review with the stars was all I needed to compliment it! Your feedback was incredibly helpful and easy to understand, and it really made a difference in the final product. I’m so grateful for your dedication and hard work, and I can’t wait to work with you again in the future!
Mike D.

Mike D.

Oct, 2023

Michelle's feedback on my non-fiction "how to write and publish a book" book was fantastic and very helpful. I particularly benefitted from her expertise and experience in traditional publishing, which helped me strengthen my book with further information about that side of the publishing world. She was friendly and responsive, and I'd definitely recommend her to other authors.

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