Michelle Quirk

Michelle Quirk – Editor

More than 30 years of experience editing publications ranging from highly technical medical publications to children's picture books.

Overview

I have 30 years of experience as an editor and writer. A major focus of my work has been medical and public health publications, but I have edited and written materials in a wide variety of other fields as well. I have worked on staff for a medical publishing companies and a prominent nonprofit health organization. In addition, I have worked as a freelancer or contractor for medical journals and book publishers as well as on publications for the general public. I have also published short stories and personal essays, and music is my passion.

I have experience with the American Medical Association Manual of Style, The Chicago Manual of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook, and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. I see these editing guides as a starting point, and I always adapt my editing to my client's specific style. I seek to work with the author to make sure that the author's message is being clearly communicated by querying instances of ambiguity and inconsistency.
Services
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing Life Sciences Medicine, Nursing, & Dentistry Music Psychology
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Psychology Today

Nov, 2021 — Present

I copyedit blog posts for the Psychology Today website.

American Public Health Association

Apr, 2005 — Present

I copyedit manuscript text, reference lists, and tables in research articles, systematic reviews, editorials, historical essays, and other article types for the American Public Health Association’s journal. I make the articles conform to the journal’s style, which is based on the American Medical Association Manual of Style. I work directly with the authors to resolve queries.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

May, 2001 — Apr, 2005 (almost 4 years)

• Wrote copy for annual reports, newsletter, Web site, news releases, video scripts, patient education materials, clinical trial recruitment ads, and book chapters.
• Wrote major gift grant proposals seeking support for medical research, drug development, patient care centers, and general operation.
• Wrote progress reports to grantors regarding the projects they funded.
• Provided copyediting and proofreading services to all departments (both American Medical Association and Associated Press styles).
• Translated medical breakthroughs into lay terms for colleagues in the field to use for fundraising and other purposes.
• Responded to public inquiries about cystic fibrosis.

Self-employed

Jan, 1996 — Present

I have copyedited, proofread, and written for clients including Psychology Today (blog posts), the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Public Health Association Press (books), Talance Inc., Spearhead Global Inc. (books), ToyDirectory, Higher Learning Technologies Corp., Demand Media Studios, Spine Arthroplasty Society Journal, Kaplan Educational Centers, and Grantmakers for Children, Youth, and Families.

Academy Professional Information Services

Feb, 1995 — May, 2001 (about 6 years)

• Researched and wrote articles for Rheumatology News International, Current Anti-Infective Therapy, Pain Observer, and other pharmaceutical company–sponsored publications for physicians.
• Covered medical conferences in the United States and Europe as press.
• Wrote headlines and captions, procured illustrations, and collaborated with art department on layout.

Slack Incorporated

Sep, 1992 — Feb, 1995 (over 2 years)

• Carried out editorial duties for publications of the American Federation for Clinical Research (now the American Federation for Medical Research) including the journals Clinical Research and Journal of Investigative Medicine, the association’s newsletter, and conference materials.
• Performed editorial tasks on written materials for other medical associations managed by the publisher.

New Jersey Outdoors Magazine

Jun, 1991 — May, 1992 (11 months)

• Researched and wrote magazine articles for New Jersey Outdoors about recreation and the environment.
• Assisted with magazine content planning, marketing, and subscription maintenance.

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