John Strand – Editor

Twenty years' experience as editor and publisher in US and Europe. Expertise in nonfiction: memoirs, essays; in fiction: plays, screenplays.

Overview

I love to work with writers. As a published author, I understand from the writer's perspective the hard work, the joy, the occasional frustration but also the deep satisfaction of writing and being read. Much of my professional experience as editor and publisher has been in nonfiction — memoir, essays, journalism. But I am also an award-winning playwright, and have taught theater and creative writing of stage plays and screenplays. If you need help with your project, whether a promising idea or a nearly finished final draft, let's discuss. Writing can be a solitary, isolating endeavor. I offer support, encouragement, and collaboration, and a keen appreciation for storytelling — essential elements in the art and craft of writing.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Art Biographies & Memoirs

Fiction

Plays & Screenplays

Languages

English (US) English (US)

Work experience

Associate senior editor

National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

Mar, 2015 — Jul, 2023 (over 8 years)

Edited primarily hardcover, award-winning art catalogs in partnership with Yale University Press, Princeton University Press, Thames and Hudson, and others, covering a wide range of genres and historical periods. These beautifully designed books, each containing multiple essays by experts in their respective fields, are intended for an international readership and are distributed worldwide. On these publications, I completed developmental edits, copy edits, and proofing, as well as editorial assessment.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

American Alliance of Museums, Washington, DC

Sep, 2000 — Jun, 2014 (almost 14 years)

Publisher of more than 75 hardcover and softcover books. Established the AAM Press, served as acquisitions editor and developmental editor; editor-in-chief of the organization's national magazine, MUSEUM. Provided manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, copy editing, proofing, and editorial assessment on full-length books, essays, and feature articles.

Playwright

Independent

Jan, 2000 — Present

Award-winning playwright. Multiple productions and commissioned plays at leading theaters across the US. Ten published plays (Dramatists Play Service, Broadway Play Publishing, Dramatic Publishing). Twice named Playwright in Residence at Arena Stage, Washington, DC. Winner of the Charles MacArthur Award for Play Writing. Named Playwright of the Year by Broadway Play Publishing, New York.

Portfolio