Overview
I value the written word highly as the best effective mode of creative expression, interpersonal communication, and exploration of possibility. My editorial work has helped bring success to authors of long- and short-form fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and experimental genre blends. Some of my professional passions include exquisitely crafted syntax, perfectly placed line breaks, and the Oxford comma. On a more personal note, I love tea and Broadway musicals, am a stubbornly optimistic hobby gardener, and routinely subject myself to the whims of two cats and two dogs.
I am always wholly engaged in the book I am editing--my communication with the author is constant, prompt, and can span hours of real-time conversation wherein we closely examine nuances of style, tone, and diction together. I make it a point to have a quick turnaround for each stage of editing, keenly aware that time is currency in the professional literary world. Though I consider myself an expert editor and reader, I respect the author as artist: the end product will always reflect the author's creative autonomy and vision.
I am the original editor for the bestselling YA hit *Powerless* by the incredible Lauren Roberts. We met here on Reedsy and began working on her novel together. Lauren had every intention of self-publishing, but during our work together her manuscript was shopped by Hachette UK, sparking her interest in maybe being a traditionally published author. Sure enough, after she self-published *Powerless* and it hit #4 on the Barnes & Noble bestseller YA list, she was picked up by Simon & Schuster for *Powerless* and the rest of the planned trilogy. Her love for the YA genre and dedication to her readers helped me see how diverse this genre truly is, and I'm now open to working with more YA writers in future to help see them to the same level of success Lauren is currently enjoying.
Another example of a book I am proud of, wherein I was dedicated to helping the author perfect the characters' voices, streamline the narrative, and tighten the plot, is Mandy-Suzanne Wong's *Drafts of a Suicide Note* which was published in 2019 with Regal House. This internationally acclaimed mystery/thriller set in Bermuda was a 2020 IPPY award winner, made the Santa Fe Writers' Project Literary Award shortlist as well as the semifinals for the Conium Review Book Prize, and was a finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, American Book Fest’s Best Book Award, the Eyelands Book Award, the Permafrost Book Prize, and the International Book Award.
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- SLA Carolinas Community Horizon Award 2023
Certifications
- Public Librarian Certification
Work experience
Blair (formerly Carolina Wren Press and John F. Blair, Publisher)
As a contract managing editor, I assisted with the acquisition of John F. Blair by Carolina Wren Press and the subsequent merger of those presses into what is now Blair. While many of my duties were administrative and metadata-related, I did provide editorial input on several current and incoming titles before the contract ended.
Regal House Publishing
I began as a contributing editor (under my maiden name, for a short time) for fiction and poetry, as well as technical writing. I then was given primary editorship over several new projects, including a fiction novel, an anthology, and incoming poetry collection submissions. I left the role in 2019 due to time conflicts, but maintain a wonderful relationship with the editors and authors with whom I worked.
Fairy Tale Review
In this volunteer role, I was part of a team of editors who individually reviewed submissions to the literary journal. Our individual editorial input was recorded via the content management system (Submittable) and then we would collaboratively review all submissions as a team to decide on acceptances, acceptances with revision, and rejections. Once all editorial changes had taken place, we proofed each issue for copy edits, layout, and style before publication.
The Greensboro Review
As a graduate student in my MFA Creative Writing program, I held the inaugural role of managing editor for this student-run and program-hosted literary journal. I created internal systems for subsequent cohorts of students as to the duties and responsibilities of the managing editor, including acceptance and rejection, the multi-step editorial process, layout of each issue, website content and submission management, proofreading and copy editing, house style, and vendor liaising. I was managing editor for two editions of the journal, which included both short-form literary fiction and literary poetry.
Portfolio
Michelle has 8 reviews
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Tim B.
Jun, 2022
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Leonard Jerry H.
Apr, 2022
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Abbey R.
Feb, 2022
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katelynn W.
Aug, 2024
katelynn W.
Aug, 2024
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