Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Hobbies and Interests
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Gretchen Picklesimer Kinney

Lehi,UT

Summary

Hardworking and passionate editor with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level [Job Title] position.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Beta Reader

Fiverr
11.2023 - Current
  • Critiqued 13 first chapters (4,000+ words each) and 4 full-length novels (45,000+ words each)
  • Summarized overall impressions in 1500-word reader reports focusing on plot, character, pacing, etc.
  • Provided constructive in-text comments on manuscript strengths/weaknesses
  • Collaborated with authors to discuss manuscript needs.

Freelance Writer

Friend Magazine
05.2022 - Current
  • Conducted professional interviews with adults and children to find story leads
  • Managed multiple competing deadlines to deliver projects early or on-time
  • Tracked communication with authors and story leads using Excel
  • Researched story leads from 11 different countries (English, Spanish, and French speaking).

Acquisitions Editor

Leading Edge (BYU Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy)
09.2023 - 05.2024
  • Evaluated 50+ science fiction and fantasy manuscripts (between 1,000 and 15,000 words) for acquisition
  • Provided concise and professional feedback to authors outlining strengths and weaknesses of manuscripts
  • Substantively edited short stories for continuity, voice, and tone
  • Copyedited short stories according to principles of The Chicago Manual of Style.

Editor-in-Chief

Criterion (BYU Journal of Literary Criticism)
09.2021 - 04.2024
  • Developed production timeline to publish journal in ten weeks
  • Managed tight deadlines to ensure on-schedule production for team
  • Facilitated communication between authors and editors in-person and via email
  • Designed weekly training meetings on acquisitions, substantive editing, and copyediting
  • Directed weekly editorial board meetings to coordinate and assign journal tasks.
  • Mentored junior editors and writers, fostering their professional growth and skill development.

Writing Consultant

Brigham Young University
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Conducted one-on-one writing consultations with 200+ student writers
  • Assisted writers in understanding complex grammar rules and proper citation styles
  • Provided constructive developmental feedback on papers of varied disciplines, helping writers refine ideas and arguments
  • Developed and implemented customized writing strategies for writers, resulting in improved written communication skills.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English

Brigham Young University
Provo, UT
04.2024

Skills

  • Professional beta reading
  • Manuscript evaluation
  • Query letter review
  • Content writing
  • Professional written and verbal communication
  • Well-versed in grammar, usage, and punctuation principles from The Chicago Manual of Style
  • Knowledge of MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles
  • Proficiency in MS Outlook, Teams, and Word
  • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Acrobat

Hobbies and Interests

  • Reading 100+ books per year (favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and mystery)
  • Writing satirical short stories and book reviews
  • Putting together puzzles and solving riddles
  • Visiting the dog park
  • Meditating and implementing mindfulness exercises

Languages

French
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Beta Reader

Fiverr
11.2023 - Current

Acquisitions Editor

Leading Edge (BYU Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy)
09.2023 - 05.2024

Writing Consultant

Brigham Young University
01.2023 - 12.2023

Freelance Writer

Friend Magazine
05.2022 - Current

Editor-in-Chief

Criterion (BYU Journal of Literary Criticism)
09.2021 - 04.2024

Bachelor of Arts - English

Brigham Young University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Gretchen Picklesimer Kinney