Philip Schmidt

Philip Schmidt – Editor

The How-To Guru. If your book teaches readers how to do something, I can help — with editing, rewriting, images, and technical review.

Overview

I am a veteran editor and writer of nonfiction books with over 21 years of experience in book publishing. I’ve written 22 books and edited dozens more, working with many of the leading publishers in the how-to, house + home, crafts, hobbies, food, and gardening categories.

I help authors and publishers with all stages of book creation and offer a rare blend of editorial experience and an eye for technical material. I love working with authors who are experts in their fields and want to share their passions with others. You know your subject; I know how to bring your knowledge to readers.

Specialty areas include:

— How-To & DIY Content

— Home Improvement & Repair

— Food & Cooking

— Making & Crafting

— Plants & Gardening

— Tools & Building Materials

— Self-Sufficiency & Sustainability

Services
Non-Fiction
Agriculture Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Home & Garden
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2002 — Present
I specialize in making technical and/or complex topics simple and accessible to a general audience, helping with all stages of book creation, from concept and outline to structure and developmental edit to copy edit, technical review, and proof. Clients commonly hire me for "problem" projects, such as book topics that need narrowing and refining, manuscripts that lack cohesion or clarity, text and images covering technical material, and authors challenged with finding the right scope and voice for their stories.

ehow.com

Nov, 2023 — Feb, 2025 (over 1 year)
• Oversaw all editorial functions and operations of longstanding DIY + lifestyle website • Commissioned, edited, and published how-to articles and recipes in the categories of food and drink, crafts and sewing, DIY decor, cleaning, and gardening • Vetted and revised all written content as copy editor, technical reviewer, proofreader, and fact-checker

Ultimate Electronics

Apr, 2004 — Oct, 2005 (over 1 year)
• Led writing and editorial team for in-house advertising department of national consumer electronics retailer • Developed content for print and digital ads, direct mail, radio, catalogs, and in-store merchandising • Directed editorial for new brand launch and national multimedia advertising campaign

Creative Publishing International

Oct, 1998 — Aug, 2002 (almost 4 years)
• Led book projects as both author and principal editor, guiding books from concept phase through final printing • Designed building projects, drafted set designs, and produced scale drawings to assist photographers and art directors • Contributed book ideas, performed market analysis, and wrote marketing material for new book releases; worked with sales team to plan publishing seasons

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Cabin: A Guide to Building the Perfect Getaway

Kirchhoff, Matthew

Rachis Books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Beer Geek Handbook: Living a Life Ruled by Beer

Dawson, Patrick

Storey Publishing, LLC

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Modern Residential Wiring

Holzman, Harvey N.

Goodheart-Willcox

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Philip has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Matthew K.

Matthew K.

May, 2021

Philip Schmidt is an excellent editor who also happens to have building experience. He can not only correct sloppy sentence structure and grammar, but he can spot errors (or vagueness) in content related to carpentry and construction. He communicates in a professional and efficient way. His r...
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Matthew K.

Matthew K.

Apr, 2021

Phil is a very good writer and editor. We are very pleased with his work on our book, and will continue with him to completion.
Matthew K.

Matthew K.

Mar, 2021

Phil provided and excellent assessment of our draft book (in DIY genre), identifying weaknesses and strengths and providing very helpful advice on revisions. He was prompt, professional and collaborative in his dealings with us (3 coauthors). We will be retaining him for advice through the public...
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