Allyson Machate (fmr. Peltier)
Professional/Personal Overview
Formerly of Simon & Schuster, I'm a well-rounded editor, writer, and publishing consultant with nonfiction and fiction experience. I specialize in developmental editing and book doctoring, and in conjunction with my team of professionals offer services for your: book proposal, copyediting, proofreading, catalog copy, book cover copy, reading group guide, query letter, newsletter, brochure, website, bio, or essay. Ambitious Enterprises, my creative services boutique, will meet all your content needs whether you are aiming for a traditional publishing contract or self-publishing your book.
Work Info
Expertise
Editor
14 Years
Writer
14 Years
Publishing Consultant
14 Years
Specialty
Fiction
14 Years
Health
13 Years
Nonfiction: self-help/how-to, prescriptive, book proposals
14 Years
Total Media Industry Experience
14 Years
Media Client List (# assignments
last 2 yrs)
Pearson/Premedia Global (11+), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (11+), Kaplan Publishing (11+), Simon & Schuster (11+), The Literary Group, Intl. (6-10), Black Siren Books (6-10), F&W Publications (3-5), Rodale Inc./Prevention Books (3-5), SEALFIT (1-2), Sourcebooks (1-2), becker&mayer! (1-2), Coliloquy Books (1-2), Reader's Digest (1-2)
Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
Focuson Entertainment (11+), Thunderpaw Business Intelligence (6-10), Opus Development/Linda Crill (3-5)
Other Work History
On staff, I served at Brundage Publishing and Simon & Schuster/Touchstone Fireside. Since then, I've edited many manuscripts and proposals for publishers, literary agents, and writers on a freelance basis.
Computer Skills
Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2007, some HTML, Wordpress
Technical Skills
Can use Microsoft Word "Reviewing" features for easy, paperless editorial work.
Equipment
Desktop computer system, fax machine, color printer/scanner/copier, digital camera.
Unions
Freelancers Union
References
References available on request. See www.ambitiousenterprises.com "Testimonials" for praise from clients.
Awards
Andrew Bergman Creative Writing Award, Portia Dunham Fiction Award
Associations
Editorial Freelancers Association, Association of Ghostwriters, Phi Beta Kappa, Maryland Writers Association, AvantGuild/Media Bistro, Golden Key International, Phi Eta Sigma
Other
I've worked at a major book publisher and have both a Master of Arts Degree in English and Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Philosophy, so I get books from both the creative and business side. I'm a publisher's dream, with experience on both sides of the desk and a strong respect for processes and deadlines. I've focused most recently on opportunities for indie publishers and specialize in guiding writers and entrepreneurs who choose to self-publish.
Freelancer Availability
I freelance full-time. I live near Baltimore, MD. I am willing to travel regionally. I have a driver's license. I have access to a car.
Work Samples
Article Writing Samples
(Nan Reinhardt writer's blog , 1/11/2012)
In this guest blog for author Nan Reinhardt, I offer four reasons why fiction writers need editors and explain what I feel is your best choice for assistance when you can't hire a pro--and why it's a great resource even if you do intend to hire someone.
(The Writer Magazine , 5/1/2011)
This article reveals how I've learned to work my connections to keep the jobs coming, and offers advice on how writers can do the same for great results.
(The Writer Magazine , 4/1/2009)
This article helps writers understand the differences between the most common editorial services and offers advice on how to properly evaluate and select the right freelance professional for their project and personality.
A shorter version also appeared in Funds for Writers 11/7/2010.
(Writer's Digest , 4/1/2008)
This article discusses what an author platform is, why it's necessary, how it's used, and how writers can begin to build one. Also appeared in the Writer's Digest 2009 Guide to Literary Agents and Funds for Writers.
(The Writer's Journal , 9/1/2007)
Few writers know that the proper care and feeding of Editorial Assistants is the key to gaining an Editor's attention and developing a solid relationship with your publisher. This article presents insider tips for writers. It has also appeared in Writers Weekly and Funds for Writers.
(wisegeek.com , 4/11/2007)
This was one of three articles that I prepared for the information/resource website, wisegeek.com. Besides serving as a writing sample, it speaks to my ability to translate information into simpler, plain English for average readers and users.
(LazyHousewife.com , 8/25/2006)
This humororous piece discusses how white jeans--a post-80s fashion faux pas--can turn a lazy housewife into a whirling dervish of cleanliness. And give your lazy buns a great workout, too!
(Absolute Write , 3/8/2006)
This is addressed to writers and contains insight into the writing process, especially the difficulties of writing spiritual and erotic memoirs and detailing one's own sexual experiences, fantasies, and disappointments on the page. This piece also appeared on www.RomanceWriter2Writer.com (5/21/06)
(J3tlag.com , 12/1/2005)
As pleasant as it may seem today, San Diego is home to a deliciously seedy past. This article details some of the fun facts you might learn on an historic walking tour of Southern California's brightest city, and recommends taking one on your next visit.
Book/Catalog Copy
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , 6/25/2012)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for the memoir When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Howard Books/Simon & Schuster , 8/1/2011)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for Far From Here by Nicole Baart. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , 6/20/2011)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for Buddha's Orphans by Samrat Upadhyay. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Simon & Schuster , 9/1/2010)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for the NYT Bestseller Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans, who I actually had the pleasure of meeting at League of Utah Writers Roundup in 2009. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , 6/1/2010)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for The Big Burn by Timothy Egan. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Simon & Schuster , 12/1/2009)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers.
(Touchstone Fireside/Simon & Schuster , 5/23/2008)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for The Other Queen, by Philippa Gregory. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers. I also wrote the Author Q&A.
(Pocket Books , 1/4/2008)
This is a Reading Group Guide created for the YA novel, Divine Match-Up, by Jacqueline Thomas. I have done dozens of these for both fiction and nonfiction, and for various authors/publishers. I also did the Author Q&A (look for the link on the left).
Website/Promo Copy
(Linda Crill Enterprises , 6/30/2010)
Wrote copy for all static pages (not the blog posts) of this blog/website showcasing author Linda Crill, her blog, and her memoir.
(Move Radio , 2/1/2009)
Wrote channel descriptions for the website as well as e-blasts and newsletters.
(Dr. Maggi Cary/Aunts and Nieces , 4/21/2008)
All website copy (not including blog) written and/or edited for Dr. Maggi Cary, host and blogger for the Aunting community.
(Harborside Healthcare/Woods Edge , 5/18/2005)
This copy was written for Harborside Healthcare's northeast facility, Woods Edge. It was created for a brochure that, unfortunately, never got printed. However, it is a great example of what a brochure might contain, and an excellent sample of my copy writing skills.
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June 4, 2013 | San Francisco
