Overview

ABOUT ME

As a professional editor, I've worked for a range of businesses—including some of the world's top publishers. I'm passionate about helping my clients position themselves as leaders in their field, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by publishing great content.

But that's not always easy. It's hard to be objective about our own writing because we're so close to it.

Even strong writers tend to make the same types of mistakes. We overuse certain words and phrases without realizing it. We make silly blunders like typing "there" when we mean "their." And sometimes we forget that our audience doesn't know all the stuff that we know. We skim over topics that we really need to explain better.

And that's where I step in. As an experienced editor, I serve as the bridge between you and your readers, helping you to give them a book that's engaging and easy to read, logically organized, and crystal clear.

EXPERTISE

My primary focus is business and tech, but I've worked on a range of topics—everything from healthy eating to classic movies. I also enjoy working on how-to guides, narrative nonfiction, and general reference. In fact, I've edited several titles in the popular Idiot's Guide series. Just scroll down the page to see a sample of books I've worked on.

NEXT STEPS

If you're interested in working together, just send me your brief to get started. From there, we can discuss your editing needs and figure out the project details.

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sarah

Services

Languages

Non-Fiction

Managed the publication process for multiple technical books per year at a global publisher. Guided authors throughout the writing process and performed developmental editing on all assigned titles. Coordinated workflow within the project team and approved the work of technical editors and copy editors. Worked closely with the graphics and production teams while ensuring adherence to publication dates. Liaised with legal and marketing to ensure copyrights and branding for all assigned titles. Reviewed page layouts and finalized books for press.

Collaborated with financial advisors to create a quarterly investment newsletter. Managed the newsletter production cycle and interfaced with vendors to coordinate printing and shipping. Ensured licensing, copyrights, and compliance for all content.

Currently providing professional editing services to a range of clients, including first-time authors, freelance writers, and tech-based businesses. Past projects include working with top publishers such as Alpha Books/Penguin, Que, Addison-Wesley, Wharton School Publishing, Cisco Press, and New Riders/Peachpit.

Joined the New Riders/Peachpit team as a summer intern to develop proofreading and editing skills while learning about the computer publishing business. Took on the advanced responsibilities of project management at the request of the managing editor, and continued to work in a freelance capacity after the internship.

Million Dollar Bedroom: Scrappy Lessons of Success, Setbacks, and Other Surprises Not Taught in Business School

Matt DeCoursey

FROM DEBT TO DOT COM Based in a spare bedroom in his home, Matt DeCoursey built companies that generated millions of dollars in revenue and huge amounts of profit. And he started it all with only an American Express card with an $8,000 limit and a determined vision to succeed. Using the inspiring narrative of his startup journey—from its profitable highs to its scrambling lows and all the hard... read more

FROM DEBT TO DOT COM Based in a spare bedroom in his home, Matt DeCoursey built companies that generated millions of dollars in revenue and huge amounts of profit. And he started it all with only an American Express card with an $8,000 limit and a determined vision to succeed. Using the inspiring narrative of his startup journey—from its profitable highs to its scrambling lows and all the hard... read more

Surveillance Zone: The Hidden World of Corporate Surveillance Detection & Covert Special Operations

Ami Toben

"After 22 years as an FBI Agent and 6 years in Corporate Security, I can affirm that Ami provides valuable real life expertise in an entertaining narrative that will not disappoint the expert or the layperson." -Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Global Head of Security for a major Silicon Valley corporation. Have you ever wondered if there is a hidden layer to the normal, everyday world... read more

"After 22 years as an FBI Agent and 6 years in Corporate Security, I can affirm that Ami provides valuable real life expertise in an entertaining narrative that will not disappoint the expert or the layperson." -Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Global Head of Security for a major Silicon Valley corporation. Have you ever wondered if there is a hidden layer to the normal, everyday world... read more

Switching to a Mac Portable Genius

Paul McFedries

The Genius is in. You don't have to be a genius to switch from a PC to a Mac. But if you want to make the move with less hassle, put this savvy Portable Genius guide to work. Want to share data between your Mac and your PC? Understand the differences between Mac OS®X and Windows®? Learn how to perform everyday Mac tasks? Transfer important stuff like calendars, contact lists, and music? You'll... read more

The Genius is in. You don't have to be a genius to switch from a PC to a Mac. But if you want to make the move with less hassle, put this savvy Portable Genius guide to work. Want to share data between your Mac and your PC? Understand the differences between Mac OS®X and Windows®? Learn how to perform everyday Mac tasks? Transfer important stuff like calendars, contact lists, and music? You'll... read more

Nikon D300s Digital Field Guide

J. Dennis Thomas

What you need to know to take amazing photos—or shoot movies!—with your Nikon D300s camera This portable, full-color guide explains all essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D300s camera, including the exciting new D-Movie with auto-focus feature, 3-inch LCD screen, quiet shutter release, and external microphone for movie recording. You’ll find step-by-step instructions and ... read more

What you need to know to take amazing photos—or shoot movies!—with your Nikon D300s camera This portable, full-color guide explains all essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D300s camera, including the exciting new D-Movie with auto-focus feature, 3-inch LCD screen, quiet shutter release, and external microphone for movie recording. You’ll find step-by-step instructions and ... read more

Millennial Leadership: The Ultimate Management Guide For Gen Y Leaders

Kamy Eliassi, Terry Thompson

Up-and-coming millennial business manager Kamy Eliassi and baby boomer leader Terry Thompson team up to write Millennial Leadership, a business guide focused on Gen Y leaders and managers. Eliassi, a higher-up at an international logistics company, is in charge of leading the entire organization—though he realizes he isn't managing to his best potential. His search for a mentor leads him to Th... read more

Up-and-coming millennial business manager Kamy Eliassi and baby boomer leader Terry Thompson team up to write Millennial Leadership, a business guide focused on Gen Y leaders and managers. Eliassi, a higher-up at an international logistics company, is in charge of leading the entire organization—though he realizes he isn't managing to his best potential. His search for a mentor leads him to Th... read more

Failsafe Strategies: Profit and Grow from Risks That Others Avoid (paperback)

Sayan Chatterjee

A revolutionary approach to pursuing your best business opportunities -- without the risk! * Specific new techniques for neutralizing risk up-front, so you can take advantage of opportunities your competitors are walking away from. * Powerful new tools for sustaining long-term growth and profitability. * Based on Dr. Sayan Chatterjee's breakthrough research on the sources and nature of busines... read more

A revolutionary approach to pursuing your best business opportunities -- without the risk! * Specific new techniques for neutralizing risk up-front, so you can take advantage of opportunities your competitors are walking away from. * Powerful new tools for sustaining long-term growth and profitability. * Based on Dr. Sayan Chatterjee's breakthrough research on the sources and nature of busines... read more

Nightly Business Report Presents Lasting Leadership: What You Can Learn from the Top 25 Business People of our Times

Mukul Pandya, Robbie Shell, Susan Warner, Sandeep Junnarkar, Jeffrey Brown

Now in paperback. . . . What outstanding leaders do, and how they do it. Building corporate culture that can withstand anything. Reinventing your business: when it's time, how to do it. Key attributes of lasting leadership. The greatest business leaders of our generation. How they achieved the impossible. What you can learn from them. How to use those lessons to supercharge your career. Two of... read more

Now in paperback. . . . What outstanding leaders do, and how they do it. Building corporate culture that can withstand anything. Reinventing your business: when it's time, how to do it. Key attributes of lasting leadership. The greatest business leaders of our generation. How they achieved the impossible. What you can learn from them. How to use those lessons to supercharge your career. Two of... read more

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Selling your Own Home

Jeffrey J. Wuorio, forsalebyowner.com, Marcia Layton Turner

Do it yourself … and keep the commission! CD-ROM included. Now anyone who wants to sell their home on their own can learn how. Whether readers are willing to pay a small commission for online help or a flat fee for an MLS listing, or they want to handle every step on their own, this guide will walk them through the process, providing tips on everything from signs and open houses to appraisals ... read more

Do it yourself … and keep the commission! CD-ROM included. Now anyone who wants to sell their home on their own can learn how. Whether readers are willing to pay a small commission for online help or a flat fee for an MLS listing, or they want to handle every step on their own, this guide will walk them through the process, providing tips on everything from signs and open houses to appraisals ... read more

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classic Movies

Lee Pfeiffer

Sit back, grab some popcorn, and let the credits roll. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Classic Movies provides comprehensive information on the best classic films from the silent era up through 1969, cross-referenced several different ways for easy access. Also contains fun, “insider” trivia and facts about the movies, the stars, and factors that influenced the movie or the audience at the time... read more

Sit back, grab some popcorn, and let the credits roll. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Classic Movies provides comprehensive information on the best classic films from the silent era up through 1969, cross-referenced several different ways for easy access. Also contains fun, “insider” trivia and facts about the movies, the stars, and factors that influenced the movie or the audience at the time... read more

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Surviving Divorce, 3rd Edition

Pamela Weintraub, Terry Hillman

The ins and outs of divorce. In this totally revised guide, readers will find up-to-date information to help them navigate the legal, emotional, and financial stresses that go hand-in-hand with the breakup of a marriage. This new edition includes information for divorcing couples of all economic situations, tips on how to manage finances after the divorce, negotiating the divorce, and much mor... read more

The ins and outs of divorce. In this totally revised guide, readers will find up-to-date information to help them navigate the legal, emotional, and financial stresses that go hand-in-hand with the breakup of a marriage. This new edition includes information for divorcing couples of all economic situations, tips on how to manage finances after the divorce, negotiating the divorce, and much mor... read more

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids

Elizabeth M. Ward M.S. R.D.

What’s new about the new food pyramids? The release of the USDA’s new food pyramids has given rise to thousands of questions. What’s “new” about it? How does it work? What nutritional information is relevant? Add to the questions and controversies the fact that the only source for information on the pyramids is the USDA website, which is difficult to use and unavailable to the millions of Amer... read more

What’s new about the new food pyramids? The release of the USDA’s new food pyramids has given rise to thousands of questions. What’s “new” about it? How does it work? What nutritional information is relevant? Add to the questions and controversies the fact that the only source for information on the pyramids is the USDA website, which is difficult to use and unavailable to the millions of Amer... read more

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Six Sigma

Anthony Weeks, Marsha Shapiro

Quality improvement just got better ... Six Sigma is a corporate quality improvement system that uses sophisticated data collection and statistical analysis to eliminate defects in any process. Aimed at employees- rather than managers-this guide quickly and easily explains everything employees need to know about Six Sigma, including what it is and what it can accomplish, why companies are impl... read more

Quality improvement just got better ... Six Sigma is a corporate quality improvement system that uses sophisticated data collection and statistical analysis to eliminate defects in any process. Aimed at employees- rather than managers-this guide quickly and easily explains everything employees need to know about Six Sigma, including what it is and what it can accomplish, why companies are impl... read more

Texting in Sick: How Smartphones, Texting, and Social Media are Changing Our Relationships

Rune Vejby

Did you know that the average American spends over 3 hours texting every day? We text with our friends, family, lovers, and colleagues—sometimes even with strangers. In the last decade, we've witnessed a dramatic shift in our communication culture. We are no longer predominantly voice-based. Text messaging is now the most influential communication form of our time. Drawing on the latest resear... read more

Did you know that the average American spends over 3 hours texting every day? We text with our friends, family, lovers, and colleagues—sometimes even with strangers. In the last decade, we've witnessed a dramatic shift in our communication culture. We are no longer predominantly voice-based. Text messaging is now the most influential communication form of our time. Drawing on the latest resear... read more

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Macs

Paul McFedries

Are you a visual learner? Than Teach Yourself VISUALLY Macs is the book for you! This resource: Offers a perfect introduction for visual learners looking to gain a general understanding of Macs and some of the common peripherals associated with them. Demonstrates everything you need to know about transitioning from Windows to a Mac, using iPhoto, creating home movies with iMovie, and connectin... read more

Are you a visual learner? Than Teach Yourself VISUALLY Macs is the book for you! This resource: Offers a perfect introduction for visual learners looking to gain a general understanding of Macs and some of the common peripherals associated with them. Demonstrates everything you need to know about transitioning from Windows to a Mac, using iPhoto, creating home movies with iMovie, and connectin... read more

Hackers Beware: The Ultimate Guide to Network Security

Eric Cole

Hackers Beware starts with a roadmap of the various areas of hacking but quickly delves into the details of how specific attacks work and how to protect against them. Since most attacks we hear about either occur or are perceived to come from hackers, people are very interested "in how they do that" - the techniques hackers use to break into systems. Hackers Beware is unique in that it gives s... read more

Hackers Beware starts with a roadmap of the various areas of hacking but quickly delves into the details of how specific attacks work and how to protect against them. Since most attacks we hear about either occur or are perceived to come from hackers, people are very interested "in how they do that" - the techniques hackers use to break into systems. Hackers Beware is unique in that it gives s... read more

Big Data Forensics: Learning Hadoop Investigations

Joe Sremack

Perform forensic investigations on Hadoop clusters with cutting-edge tools and techniques About This Book Identify, collect, and analyze Hadoop evidence forensically Learn about Hadoop's internals and Big Data file storage concepts A step-by-step guide to help you perform forensic analysis using freely available tools Who This Book Is For This book is meant for statisticians and forensic analy... read more

Perform forensic investigations on Hadoop clusters with cutting-edge tools and techniques About This Book Identify, collect, and analyze Hadoop evidence forensically Learn about Hadoop's internals and Big Data file storage concepts A step-by-step guide to help you perform forensic analysis using freely available tools Who This Book Is For This book is meant for statisticians and forensic analy... read more

Breaking Through the BIOS Barrier: The Definitive BIOS Optimization Guide for PCs

Adrian Wong

What is a BIOS? BIOS, pronounced "bye-ose," is an acronym that standsfor Basic Input Output System. The BIOS is built-in software that determineswhat a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, theBIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen,disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.Furthermore, The BIOS is ... read more

What is a BIOS? BIOS, pronounced "bye-ose," is an acronym that standsfor Basic Input Output System. The BIOS is built-in software that determineswhat a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, theBIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen,disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.Furthermore, The BIOS is ... read more

Networking Bible

Barrie Sosinsky

Everything you need to set up and maintain large or small networks Barrie Sosinsky Networking Bible Create a secure network for home or enterprise Learn basic building blocks and standards Set up for broadcasting, streaming, and more The book you need to succeed! Your A-Z guide to networking essentials Whether you're setting up a global infrastructure or just networking two computers at home, ... read more

Everything you need to set up and maintain large or small networks Barrie Sosinsky Networking Bible Create a secure network for home or enterprise Learn basic building blocks and standards Set up for broadcasting, streaming, and more The book you need to succeed! Your A-Z guide to networking essentials Whether you're setting up a global infrastructure or just networking two computers at home, ... read more

Photoshop Elements 8: Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks (Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks)

Rob Sheppard

Product DescriptionPhotoshop Elements combines an easy-to-use set of features and enhancements with image editing power in an affordable program. The newest version—Photoshop Elements 8—features more online integration with products like the new Flash-based Web galleries. Packed with beyond-the-basic techniques that show you how to take your Photoshop Elements skills to the next level, this in... read more

Product DescriptionPhotoshop Elements combines an easy-to-use set of features and enhancements with image editing power in an affordable program. The newest version—Photoshop Elements 8—features more online integration with products like the new Flash-based Web galleries. Packed with beyond-the-basic techniques that show you how to take your Photoshop Elements skills to the next level, this in... read more