Pamela Berkman, Editor in Walnut Creek, CA, USA

Overview

I love helping turn strong ideas into even stronger books.

I offer developmental editing and proposal development, specializing in leadership, K-12 education leadership, and children’s nonfiction and fiction content. I also take on work-for-hire and contract writing projects in children’s nonfiction, fiction, and IP-based publishing. My 20+ year career spans top educational publishers, Big Five imprints, mission-driven organizations, and global production partnerships.

My satisfaction comes from supporting authors in presenting their unique voices so that they shine. I take a collaborative approach, typically through two rounds of editing, to achieve the author's vision of their work.

CHILDREN'S WRITING AND DEVELOPMENT EDITING

My published books include nonfiction content from ABDO and the AT THE HEELS OF HISTORY chapter book series from Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), featuring FILIGREE'S MIDNIGHT RIDE, an Amazon Editor's Pick for Best Book for Ages 6-8. At North Atlantic Books, I developed and edited children's books including MAY ALL PEOPLE AND PIGS BE HAPPY, by Micki Fine Pavlicek and John Pavlicek, with 64 five-star reviews on Amazon, and BAD DAY, by bestselling children's book author Ruby Roth.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

As a seasoned acquisitions editor, I provide expert editorial judgment and a collaborative approach. At Jossey-Bass, Wiley, and Corwin, I worked with leading authors such as Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, Linda Darling-Hammond, Michael Fullan, Roger Bybee, Warren Bennis, and Doug Lemov.

If you’re looking for an experienced publishing partner, I'd love to talk with you.

Services

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

Non-Fiction

Business & Management Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference

Fiction

Children's

Languages

English (US)

Certifications

Essential Skills in Adobe InDesign 2025 Professional Certificate

Work experience

Senior Acquisitions Editor

Corwin Press

May, 2024 — Sep, 2025 (over 1 year)

Drove growth in School Improvement and Leadership program, acquiring, developing, and launching 12 titles per year at global educational publishing and professional development company.

Manager of Accessible Content

Benetech/Bookshare

Aug, 2021 — May, 2024 (almost 3 years)

Led operations and managed digital library for Bookshare, world's largest collection of accessible digital content (more than 1M titles) for people with print disabilities, at technology-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) education service.

Publishing Editor, Operations

Public Library of Science

Apr, 2020 — Jul, 2022 (over 2 years)

Created, developed, and implemented workflows, managed vendors, led special projects, and maintained author, editor, and reviewer relationships at nonprofit 501(c)(3) open access scholarly publisher.

Freelance Writer, Editor, Consultant

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Present

Seasoned publishing professional with 20+ years of experience developing, editing, and delivering leadership and K-12 educational content plus developing and writing children's fiction, nonfiction, and IP projects.

Acquisitions Editor

North Atlantic Books

Oct, 2017 — Nov, 2018 (about 1 year)

Acquired and developed books on health and wellness, mindfulness, social justice, sustainability, spirituality, and select children’s books at independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) publisher/educational organization.

Senior Production Manager

John Wiley and Sons

Nov, 2010 — Sep, 2017 (almost 7 years)

Led editorial production of global education, assessment, and professional development publishing house at San Francisco location, producing up to 150 K-12 Education, Higher Ed, Leadership, and Business & Management titls per year.