Sean Dennis - Editor
Developmental editor who works exclusively with nonfiction authors. Many years of cross-industry, real-world experience. Let's get started!
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Overview
I serve as associate nonfiction editor for Propertius Press and copyeditor for Pragmatic Press, and I selectively take on projects as a freelancer. I have been the associate editor of JazzTimes and BirdWatching magazines, a quality assurance copy editor for Fire Engine Red, a developmental editor for Manning Publications, a senior technical writer for DataPath/Rockwell Collins, and a program development specialist and e-learning developer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
At this stage of my life (I'm a middle-aged guy with a non-life-threatening brain tumor), I am focused on helping to create a kinder, gentler, more just and more sustainable world. If you choose me as your developmental editor, you will get a strong advocate, a deep thinker, and a tough critic (sometimes, as needed)—because I want you to create your best work.
The developmental editing process works best if we can collaborate from the very beginning: discovering the audience(s), developing the outline, applying instructional design and story development strategies, and ultimately asking and answering up front all those pesky yet crucial “Why should the reader care?” questions. That said, I am happy to jump in at any point in the process.
You will likely notice that much of my experience has been in the realm of computers and technology, but don't worry—the developmental strategies, techniques, and tools are the same, regardless of the subject matter.
My other descriptors: tech geek, cat lover, musician, jazz aficionado, vegetarian, herbalist, environmentalist, and birder.
Books I am reading currently: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo; One River by Wade Davis
Note: I am comfortable working in MS Word, Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, and Markdown/XML.
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to working with you. Please stay healthy and safe.
At this stage of my life (I'm a middle-aged guy with a non-life-threatening brain tumor), I am focused on helping to create a kinder, gentler, more just and more sustainable world. If you choose me as your developmental editor, you will get a strong advocate, a deep thinker, and a tough critic (sometimes, as needed)—because I want you to create your best work.
The developmental editing process works best if we can collaborate from the very beginning: discovering the audience(s), developing the outline, applying instructional design and story development strategies, and ultimately asking and answering up front all those pesky yet crucial “Why should the reader care?” questions. That said, I am happy to jump in at any point in the process.
You will likely notice that much of my experience has been in the realm of computers and technology, but don't worry—the developmental strategies, techniques, and tools are the same, regardless of the subject matter.
My other descriptors: tech geek, cat lover, musician, jazz aficionado, vegetarian, herbalist, environmentalist, and birder.
Books I am reading currently: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo; One River by Wade Davis
Note: I am comfortable working in MS Word, Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, and Markdown/XML.
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to working with you. Please stay healthy and safe.
Services
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Computers & Internet
Music
Sociology
Works with
WordPress
Certifications
- How to Design Effective Training Programs (The Training Clinic)
- Facilitating with Ease & Advanced Facilitation Skills (Participative Dynamics)
- Project Management Basics for Success (American Management Association)
- Art and Science of Effective Web Design (Human Factors International)
Awards
- Effective Practices Award (Sloan Consortium)
Work experience
Associate Editor, Nonfiction
Propertius Press
May, 2020
–
Present
(9 months)
I am the primary nonfiction editor for an independent publisher based in Lynchburg, VA.
Associate Editor - JazzTimes and BirdWatching magazines
Madavor Media
January, 2017
–
August, 2017
(7 months)
I edited feature articles, bios, reviews, and other content for the print and online versions of both magazines. I also wrote some news summaries, obituaries (JazzTimes), and other content as assigned.
Developmental Editor
Manning Publications
August, 2013
–
August, 2014
(about 1 year)
I managed and coached authors through the process of writing books, from initial outlines to final drafts.
Senior Technical Writer
DataPath/Rockwell Collins
July, 2007
–
May, 2012
(almost 5 years)
I wrote, edited, and curated technical manuals, learning collateral, and developer documentation for a complex satellite monitor-and-control software system.
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
January, 2000
–
Present
(about 21 years)
I have edited and written content for a variety of clients including Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, Bestcovery, Charleston Jazz Festival, Dina Towbin & Associates, F+W Media,, Moog Music, Pragmatic Press, Virtual Job Shadow, Waves Factory, and WholeLife Holistic Nutrition.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
jQuery UI in Action
T. J. VanToll
SummaryjQuery UI in Action is a practical guide to using and customizing jQuery UI library components to build rich, user-friendly web applications. By working through numerous engaging examples, you'll move quickly from placing a datepicker on the page to building a complete user interface that includes features like a contact form and shopping cart. You'll master jQuery UI's five main intera... read more
Meteor in Action
Stephan Hochhaus, Manuel Schoebel
SummaryMeteor in Action teaches you full-stack web development using the Meteor platform. It starts with an overview of a Meteor application, revealing the unique nature of Meteor's end-to-end application model. Then you'll dive into the Blaze templating engine, discover Meteor's reactive data sources model, learn simple and advanced routing techniques, and practice managing users, permissions... read more
jQuery in Action
Bear Bibeault, Yehuda Katz, Aurelio De Rosa
SummaryjQuery in Action, Third Edition, is a fast-paced and complete guide to jQuery, focused on the tasks you'll face in nearly any web dev project. Written for readers with minimal JavaScript experience, this revised edition adds new examples and exercises, along with the deep and practical coverage you expect from an In Action book. You'll learn how to traverse HTML documents, handle events... read more
Learn Git in a Month of Lunches
Rick Umali
Summary Learn Git in a Month of Lunches introduces the discipline of source code control using Git. Whether you're a newbie or a busy pro moving your source control to Git, you'll appreciate how this book concentrates on the components of Git you'll use every day. In easy-to-follow lessons designed to take an hour or less, you'll dig into Git's distributed collaboration model, along with core ... read more
SummaryBarcodes with iOS is the first and only book that comprehensively addresses barcode technology for the iOS developer. It offers an introduction to commonly used formats, such as ISBN and UPC codes, and provides real-world examples that teach you how to integrate code scanning and generation into your apps. This book consolidates information about applicable Apple frameworks in one place... read more
Summary Learn System Center Configuration Manager in a Month of Lunches is a super-practical guide to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. In this book, you'll cut to the chase and learn the administrative procedures and techniques that will keep your systems humming smoothly. Purchase of the print book comes with an offer of a free PDF, ePub, and Kindle eBook from Manning. Also avai... read more
A Scrum Book: The Spirit of the Game
Jeff Sutherland, James O. Coplien, Mark den Hollander, Cesário Ramos, Esther Vervloed, Neil Harrison, Kiro Harada, Joseph Yoder, June Kim, Alan O'Callaghan, Mike Beedle, Gertrude Bjørnvig, Dina Friis, Ville Reijonen, Gabrielle Benefield, Jens Østergaard, Veli-Pekka Eloranta, Evan Leonard, Ademar Aguiar
Gain insights and depth of rationale into Scrum from many highly respected world authorities, including one of its founders, who lead you through the deep foundations of Scrum's structure and practice. Enhance and customize your Scrum practice with ninety-four organizational building blocks, called patterns, that you can freely and flexibly choose from to fit your needs. Understand and appreci... read more
Elm brings the safety and stability of functional programing to front-end development, making it one of the most popular new languages. Elm's functional nature and static typing means that run-time errors are nearly impossible, and it compiles to JavaScript for easy web deployment. This book helps you take advantage of this new language in your web site development. Learn how the Elm Architect... read more
ReasonML is a new, type-safe, functional language that compiles to efficient, readable JavaScript. ReasonML interoperates with existing JavaScript libraries and works especially well with React, one of the most popular front-end frameworks. Learn how to take advantage of the power of a functional language while keeping the flexibility of the whole JavaScript ecosystem. Move beyond theory and g... read more
Sean has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Sean Dennis is an insightful, experienced and very capable writing partner, providing excellent guidance for both structural and substantive editing. Plus, he is a pleasure to work with. I can recommend him for any project that you may want to elevate from good to great.
Adam Rogers, November 2020
Read more
Reply from Sean Dennis
Sean was excellent in all aspects! He conducted an editorial assessment of my manuscript. He's prompt, communicates effectively, and shared excellent and insightful comments (his critiques were gently-delivered!) I highly recommend Sean, and plan to work with him again.
Heidi Boghosian, December 2018
Reply from Sean Dennis
excellent
Serie McDOugal, October 2018
Reply from Sean Dennis
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