Rebecca Baines

Rebecca Baines – Editor

Editorial expert in middle grade, picture books, and learning titles. Former editorial director for National Geographic Kids and Disney.

Overview

As a writer, editor, and 20-year veteran of the publishing industry, there's no doubt I have at some point walked in your shoes. I started as an administrative assistant in marketing before moving over to the children's content side and made my way through every level of the publishing until I was setting strategy for a major media brand. I've pulled all-nighters to meet deadlines as an author, worked and re-worked manuscripts as an editor, brainstormed as a collaborator, and implemented publishing goals as an executive. Now that I find myself on the creative side of the business again, I'm so excited to get back to my roots and my passion: helping up-and-coming creatives bring their ideas to life on the page.


I've spent the bulk of my career working with nonfiction and educational content, helping authors convey difficult concepts to children using accessible vocabulary and simple sentence structure. I've also conceptualized and conceived complex reference books, figuring out how to organize and compile large amounts of information in a tangible way as not to overwhelm young readers tackling text at multiple levels. Somewhere in between I began conceptualizing and editing fiction—from picture books to chapters and finally middle grade novels. When I say I've done it all, I mean it, and I'm here to help you!


Having worked in so many facets of publishing I can bring you my deep business knowledge as well as the creative motivation that sometimes stalls when you are staring at the same page for long periods of time. I know that writing in a vacuum can lead to errors and tunnel vision. Even the most seasoned writers need someone to springboard ideas, help them work through a concept, and give them a nudge when they hit a wall. New perspectives bring new inspiration, and I'm excited to share my experience!


If you are an author interested in bringing your work to life for kids ages 0-14, I have the experience and expertise to help you on your journey. I can be a supportive editor, brainstorm partner, or whatever other help you need to avoid the pitfalls that most people experience when creating content for children. I'm excited to get started, don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

National Geographic/The Walt Disney Company

Feb, 2018 — Jul, 2023 (over 5 years)

I managed a team of creatives to produce engaging, imaginative, and educational content for kids ages 0-14. In addition to managing the business I continued to edit middle grade fiction and oversee/troubleshoot for a team of eight editors.

Self-employed

Oct, 2023 — Present

I currently own and operate an editorial services business providing everything from editing, writing, consulting and more to individuals and publishers.

National Geographic

Aug, 2004 — Aug, 2017 (almost 13 years)

During this time I held the position of editorial assistant, assistant editor, editor, senior editor, and executive editor until I had worked with every type of author and format of book to hone my skills in every facet of children's publishing.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Query Letter Review Book Coaching
A World Together

Manzano, Sonia

Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Rebecca has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Raluca S.

Raluca S.

Sep, 2024

Becky did it again! She is so supportive and engaged, easy to communicate with, and eager to offer an opinion based on her extensive experience. Once again, it was a great experience. Many thanks, Becky, and we'll talk again soon.
Raluca S.

Raluca S.

Mar, 2024

What would one want in an ideal editor? A friendly collaborator. A person invested in the author's work. A person open to discussions, brainstorming, and options to improve the author's work but still following the author's vision. That's Becky! Becky is generous with her ideas, resources, and experience. My story certainly benefitted from her feedback. I already reached out to her for our nex...
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Rebecca B.
Thank you for this kind review, Raluca. You are a thoughtful and creative wonder and an editor’s dream! It’s been a pleasure helping you bring your vision to life.

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