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Work History and Resume

Want to learn more? Just ask! (Or check me out on LinkedIn.)

Freelance Developmental and Copy Editor, Proofreader, Writing Coach, and Baker

June 2008 - Present

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Words are in my blood, and I'm thrilled every day that I get to work with them.

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  • Work with authors to make their writing the best it can be through editing, brainstorming, idea sharing, and even old-fashioned conversation.

  • Edit (surface, in-depth, "line edit," copyedit, and/or proofread) pretty much anything that comes my way, including:

     - Print newsletters
    - Online newsletters
    - Annual reports
    - Brochures and mailers, and
    - Full-length books.

  • Write back-cover marketing copy for books.

  • Work within very tight timeframes, as needed.

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Clients include:

  • Beaver's Pond Press, Edina, MN

  • Salem Communications/Mill City Press, Orlando

  • New Eastside News, Chicago (neatside.com)

  • Award-winning author Anna D. Allen (http://beket1.wix.com/annadallen)

  • Poet Sara Amelia Snelling

  • YouthLink MN (YouthLinkMN.org)

  • Red Fox Farms Condominiums (Nottingham, MD)

  • No Nuts About Us gluten-free bakery (Baltimore, MD)

  • Augustana Care Corporation (AugustanaCare.org)

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Member - ACES (The American Copy Editors Society)

Senior Content Editor - Collegis Education

2018 - Present

 

  • Lead editorial department for an education-focused marketing and IT-driven company

  • Edit and proofread varied materials for multiple clients, using Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, and individual brand styles.

  • Work across departments under tight deadlines.

 

Editorial Manager - Hillcrest Media Group

(as well other titles beginning in early 2009)

August 2011 - August 2016

 

  • Edited book-length manuscripts for authors—from surface edits and proofreading to comprehensive, developmental, in-depth edits—for both fiction and non-fiction, using Chicago Manual of Style.

  • Created, edited, and proofread back cover copy and marketing copy for books (fiction and non-fiction).

  • Wrote marketing and website sales copy for books (fiction and non-fiction).

  • Coordinated a staff of freelance editors, proofreaders, and copywriters for all of the Hillcrest Media Group websites (including MillCityPress.net, BookEditors.com, and PublishGreen.com)

  • Worked closely with design and layout, as well as marketing. 

 

MA - Miami University (OH)

 

  • MA in Composition and Rhetoric

  • Secondary field of the Twentieth-Century American Novel

  • Included significant coursework in Technical Writing.

 

 

 

BA/BA - South Dakota State University

 

  • BA in English

  • BA in French

  • Well-rounded education with coursework in English, French, journalism, and theater.

What authors have said:

(There's even more good stuff on the "Accolades" page.)

To my editor, Robert Schmidt, thank you for your excellent guidance, gentle but firm suggestions, and positive support. You made the whole experience a bit less scary for a first-time writer.

~ B. Kevin Tirrell

Follow Your Heart (gay romantic fiction)

Robert, 

You rock! This was easy to flow through the tweaks you made and hear myself. Thanks for your hard work, quick turn and most of all, your insight. I enjoyed working with you immensely.

~ Terese Mascotti

Chemolicious: Getting to Your Best Self (memoir/self-help)

Particular, specific, and much-appreciated assistance in the editing and publication process was provided by . . ., most significantly, Robert Schmidt, editor, from Two Harbors Press/Hillcrest Media Group.

~ Thomas Woldt

Painting the Stage with People (non-fiction)

Thank you, Robert, for your comments explaining things and awesome write-up for the back cover!  Love it!!  :) 

~ Mary Tichi

Got Health-Style? (self-help)

Robert,
Sir you've done an amazing job, you have our deepest respect.

~ Don Crosby

The Why You Do (self-help)

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