For more than 20 years, my editing work has included non-fiction books. From history to insurance to gardening to student essays, I've tackled the lengthy, complex process of shepherding nearly 20 books through the publication process.
Working at small publishers and now independently has allowed me to have comprehensive involvement in the publishing process: conception; contracts; developmental and substantive editing; copyediting and proofing; design oversight; proof-checking; print management; fulfillment; and marketing. Below is a list of titles and my contribution to each project.
In Defense of Our Neighbors: The Walt and Milly Woodward Story
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government took the unprecedented action of imprisoning thousands of citizens and legal immigrants -- Japanese-Americans and their family members living on the West Coast. This is the story of a community near Seattle, Bainbridge Island, where the rights of those imprisoned were championed by the newspaper publishers. The author, the publishing duo's daughter, tells this moving story through extensive research and personal interviews. Foreword by David Guterson. Published in 2008 by Fenwick Publishing.
My contribution: Manuscript editor. Served as developmental and substantive editor, researcher and writing coach, working closely with the author throughout the writing and review process.
826 Seattle Books:
Workshop Anthologies: When a Sentence Ends in a Surprising Gazebo; 826 Seattle Writes the Rain
Student Writing from Seattle School Tutoring Projects:
Hamilton International Middle School: What It Takes: Stories of Bravery; In Our Hood: 52 Short Plays
John Marshall Alternative High School: It's Supposed to be About Happiness; Burning the Past; It's Not Always) Happily Ever After
Youth voices provide fascinating, valuable insights into our culture, societal changes and our educational system. Publishing youth writing also offers a great learning experience and sense of accomplishment for student writers. These books, produced for the non-profit tutoring center 826 Seattle, showcase the essays, poems and stories on themes that resonate with teens from high-school students at Seattle's John Marshall Alternative School, the American Indian Heritage School, Hamilton International Middle School and students who come to free workshops at 826. The work is supported by writers like Sherman Alexie, John Moe, Charles Mudede, Ramon Esquivel, Lemony Snicket, and a dedicated crew of tutors corralled by the unstoppable 826 Seattle leader Teri Hein. Published by 826 Seattle.
My contribution: Served as managing editor, coordinating various project aspects for each book, including tutoring, copyediting, proofing, design oversight and production scheduling. Read my essay about serving as a tutor.
The Credit Executive's Guide to Business Restructuring
Extending and using business credit is a corporate minefield, and credit executives need to understand the mechanisms of financial restructurings and bankruptcies. This text, published for the financial services practice group at New York-based FTI Consulting Inc., reveals the intricacies of the process and helps readers better protect their firms and manage troubled situations.
My contribution: Served as project editor. Worked with more than a dozen FTI staff and guest contributors on individual chapters. Duties included developmental and substantive editing, copyediting, indexing, proofreading, overseeing design and managing production. Published in 2007 by FTI Consulting.
The Insurer's Handbook of Psychological Injury Claims
This textbook for claims professionals and attorneys provides in-depth analysis and quick-reference checklists in 33 chapters on related topics. Two noted psychologists and 27 experts in medical and legal fields contributed. Hundreds of sources and case citations, complete references and indexes by subject and case law make it a valuable professional library addition. Published by ClaimsBooks.
My contribution: Served as project editor. Handled author contracts and royalties, developmental and substantive editing. Managed a freelance copyeditor and indexer, and oversaw design and production. Managed printing, warehousing and fulfillment. Created marketing and public relations campaigns.
The Proceedings of the Annual Symposium on Head Injury Claims
Across-the-board discussions of head injuries, tests, contributing factors to claims, rehabilitation and defense are offered from the definitive gathering of head-injury experts. The report includes full citations and references. Published by ClaimsBooks.
My contribution: Edited papers from the speakers, handled author contracts and payments. Oversaw graphic design and printing, and marketed the report.
The Quality Plan: Practical Advice to Keep Claims Clients Coming Back
Quality service is vital to attracting customers and keeping clients happy. Author Kevin Quinley applies total quality management (TQM) principles to claims adjusting, and provides hundreds of tips on growing an independent claims business to serve insurers and risk managers. Published by ClaimsBooks.
My contribution: Contracted with the author; performed substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading and indexing; oversaw graphic design and printing; and marketed the book.
Time Management for Claims Professionals
This practical volume helps beginning and seasoned insurance adjusters excel at their time-sensitive careers. Includes sample letters, self-tests and many short-cut tips. Purchased by insurance company trainers for new employees, this book became our best-seller. Published by ClaimsBooks.
My contribution: Contracted with the author; performed substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading and indexing; oversaw graphic design and printing; and marketed the book.
Technical Notebook: Forensic Aspects of Insurance Claims
Failure analysis, accident reconstruction, biomechanics, fluid dynamics and other technical processes are used to explain how and why property and injury claims occur. The issues are discussed in a non-technical manner with accompanying illustrations and photographs. Provided in a hardcover three-ring binder with a yearly subscription service of new articles, the book became the basis of a reference library on technical claims issues. Published by ClaimsBooks.
My contribution: Created the book concept, contracted with the authors, performed substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading and indexing; oversaw graphic design and printing; and marketed the book.
The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide
This best-selling handbook to organic gardening in the Pacific Northwest, published by the non-profit Seattle Tilth Association, offers month-by-month advice, techniques and references. Planting charts and recommended varieties guide gardeners to success. Expanded to its current, 80-page format in 1998, the Guide has become a must-have for Northwest gardeners. Published by Seattle Tilth.
My contribution: Consulted on organization and significant expansion of the guide. Provided copyediting, sponsorship sales and design management. Also consulted on printing and fulfillment. Continue to consult on revisions and reprinting.
Teaching Peace Through Gardening
Five days of lesson plans, including games and activities, comprise this educational manual that uses gardening to teach children about tolerance, cooperation and understanding of other cultures. Published by Seattle Tilth.
My contribution: Consulted on design and layout, provided copyediting and marketing assistance.
People, Pride and Progress: 125 Years of the Grange in America
This is the definitive history of the National Grange, a fraternal farm organization that has had a significant impact on shaping agriculture and rural life in America. Published by the National Grange Association.
My contribution: Performed substantive editing and copyediting, consulted with the author on graphics and illustrations.
Washington Grangers Celebrate a Century
The Washington State Grange centennial history book was published in 1989. It traces the history of the state Grange, which was formed the same year Washington became a state. Published by Washington State Grange.
My contribution: Provided substantive editing and copyediting, graphic design and layout, and managed printing, warehousing and fulfillment. |
