Michelle Martinez – Editor

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!