Susan M. Smith
Antioch,TN
Summary
Forward-oriented and highly strategic Senior Editor with over a decade of experience driving complex content initiatives, curriculum development, and educational products from concept to final execution. Expert in managing complex operational workflows, multi-project scheduling, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, inclusive learning materials. Proven track record of leveraging generative AI tools to optimize editorial efficiency, conducting market-centered research, and directing external teams of contractors. Adept at maintaining rigorous editorial standards across diverse styles while translating student and educator needs into successful product outcomes.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Editor
The Clever Factory
Nashville, USA
09.2018 - Current
- Content Leadership & Project Management: Anchor the operational core of content development, translating deep consumer needs into successful project execution from inception to final publication.
- Curriculum Development: Research and develop standards-based educational curriculum, Teacher's Editions, and supplemental learning materials across multiple platforms, ensuring high-quality, inclusive content.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with curriculum developers, authors, and instructional teams to refine learning approaches, coordinate editorial priorities, and keep multiple complex projects moving fluidly under tight deadlines.
- Vendor & Team Management: Recruit, onboard, and manage an external team of freelance writers, editors, and proofreaders; manage project schedules, handoffs, and quality assurance for all contractor assignments.
- Editorial Innovation: Integrate new technologies, including AI interfaces (Gemini, ChatGPT), into existing content workflows to drive efficiency, maximize productivity, and lower operational costs.
Assistant Editor
The Clever Factory
Nashville, USA
07.2012 - 09.2018
- Operational Workflows: Coordinated freelance schedules, prepared comprehensive style instructions, and assembled reference materials for proofreaders to maximize team workflow efficiency.
- Content Creation: Assisted in full-cycle content development, structural editing, and proofreading for international educational products, books, and institutional learning materials.
Freelance Editor
Lerner Publishing Group
Minneapolis, USA
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Coordinated freelance schedules, prepared style instructions, and assembled reference materials for proofreaders to maintain continuous workflow efficiency.
- Wrote and copyedited children’s educational books for domestic and international markets.
Freelance Editor
Lerner Publishing Group
Minneapolis, USA
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Manuscript Development: Evaluated and edited upper-elementary nonfiction manuscripts for the Alternator Books series, ensuring strict alignment with educational accuracy and ATOS readability targets.
- Market & Photo Research: Conducted market research and fact-checking; developed customized style guides and photo/image wish lists to ensure an engaging, learner-centered experience.
Contributing Writer
eHow.com
Nashville, USA
02.2010 - 01.2011
- Researched diverse topics and transformed audience data into clear, concise, attention-grabbing digital copy.
Marketing Associate
Bass, Berry & Sims
Nashville, USA
11.2001 - 12.2009
- Proofread high-stakes marketing materials and maintained the integrity of the firm's client database.
Freelance Proofreader/Copy Editor
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Nashville, USA
01.1996 - 01.2007
- Copyedited and proofread nonfiction book manuscripts and materials at various stages of print production.
Proofreader
Tennessee General Assembly
Nashville, USA
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Ensured zero-tolerance accuracy for grammatical, formatting, and structural details across high-stakes bills, amendments, and resolutions.
Copy Editor
Cliggott Publishing
Greenwich, USA
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Copyedited and proofread complex medical articles, transforming intricate scientific research into clear, precise copy for healthcare practitioners and doctors, enhancing understanding and application of medical knowledge.
Education
B.A. - Journalism/Advertising
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MNSkills
- Content development
- Editorial standards
- Structural editing
- Core text revisions
- Instructional design
- Inclusive content creation
- Style guide adherence (APA, MLA, Chicago)
- Project management
- Deliverable management
- Vendor and contractor oversight
- Budget tracking
- Customer and market analysis
- Competitive research
- Student engagement strategies
- Readability assessment (ATOS targets)
- Software and AI proficiency
- Generative AI tools (Gemini, ChatGPT)
- Collaborative CMS platforms
- Google Workspace
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Operational workflows
Core Competencies
Operational Workflows, Content Development Schedules, Budget Tracking, Deliverable Flow, Vendor & Contractor Management, Core Text Revisions, Instructional Design, Inclusion-Centered Content, Structural Editing, Style Guides (APA, MLA, Chicago, House Styles), Student Engagement Targets, Competitive Market Research, Age-Appropriate Readability (ATOS Targets), Google Suite, Collaborative CMS Platforms, Generative AI Interfaces (Gemini, ChatGPT), Adobe Acrobat, MS Office
Timeline
Editor
The Clever Factory
09.2018 - Current
Freelance Editor
Lerner Publishing Group
01.2018 - 06.2018
Freelance Editor
Lerner Publishing Group
01.2018 - 06.2018
Assistant Editor
The Clever Factory
07.2012 - 09.2018
Contributing Writer
eHow.com
02.2010 - 01.2011
Marketing Associate
Bass, Berry & Sims
11.2001 - 12.2009
Freelance Proofreader/Copy Editor
Thomas Nelson Publishers
01.1996 - 01.2007
Proofreader
Tennessee General Assembly
01.1995 - 01.1996
Copy Editor
Cliggott Publishing
01.1993 - 01.1995
B.A. - Journalism/Advertising
University of Minnesota