Overview
I am a highly skilled and dedicated editor with more than 35 years’ journalism experience, and I'm passionate about storytelling. I have a strong command of the English language and a serious commitment to excellence. I have years of editing experience using Chicago Manual of Style, the standard for book publishing. You will find that I have a strong work ethic and consistently meet deadlines.
As the former managing editor of an international magazine, I worked with writers, designers, and photographers around the globe to create and produce story packages that resulted in $20 million revenue annually.
Due to a layoff in March 2020 (thanks, COVID!) I began my career as a full-time freelance editor. I have long list of book editing projects that I'll be happy to share with you, but to help you know me a little better, here are a few testimonials:
"Sheryl is a consummate professional. She has a tremendous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all that she does. She perseveres -- willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that a job is done well. In her heart of hearts, Sheryl is a master storyteller. She tells stories -- and helps others tell stories -- that effect true change in the world. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is a joy to work with. She brings true value to those fortunate enough to work with her."
- Margaret Dempsey-Colson
Executive Director, Baptist Communicators Association
"Put simply, Sheryl makes writers better. She is among the finest editors with whom I’ve served during my sixteen years as a journalist. Sheryl’s greatest strength as an editor is her natural gift for storytelling. She knows how to connect with an audience, and uses her keen eye for content, flow and clarity to transform a writer’s draft into a compelling story that engages readers and moves them to action. Sheryl edits without changing the writer’s voice, knows where and when to make cuts, and won’t ever allow a buried lead. Besides making my copy better, Sheryl has helped me grow as a writer, storyteller, and communications professional. She pushes me to avoid mediocrity, and makes time to provide valuable coaching."
- Mike Schueler
Director of Marketing and Communications, WatersEdge
"Sheryl was everything I had hoped for in an editor. Someone who cared about my story. Someone who was very communicative, and someone who went above and beyond correcting my grammar and common errors and then explained her changes. She turned a messy manuscript into something I can be proud to publish. If I have more work in the future, I know she would be the first I would turn to. I couldn't recommend her enough; she truly is amazing!"
- Kat Mitropoulos, author
The Problem with Mortals
When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, traveling, baking and binging on Netflix.
Services
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
I edit book manuscripts for multiple clients, edit a biannual magazine, edit and design a monthly newsletter for a nonprofit, write and post social media content plus write website content for Julie's Heart Cry ministry. I also coach companies and provide them with content for marketing and branding.
World Help
Senior Editor for all print and digital fundraising/marketing communication to donors and companies including blogs, video scripts, mailings, website content, emails, donor correspondence and PR/op ed blogs. Mentored writers and conducted workshops on journalism best practices, SEO headlines, and impactful storytelling. Gatekeeper for organization style and brand. Editor for several books self-published by the organization.
International Mission Board
Managing Editor for CommissionStories online magazine; co-led with editor-in-chief the development of online story ideas, marketing strategies, assembling and assigning global coverage teams and planning media assets. Following coverage, co-led the team in putting together a finished Web product including multimedia presentations. Project managed all aspects of story packages from creation to publication, including stories, photos, captions and negotiating security approvals. Edited a number of books for IMB that were self-published; mentored global IMB journalists.