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Rachel Stark

Brooklyn, New York

Experience
EDITOR, DISNEY HYPERION

January 2020–Present

  • Develop or acquire, edit, and manage a list of 8-10 original books per year

  • Write and revise proposals for, then acquire and edit, IP novels and graphic novels

  • Present titles at acquisitions, sales conference, and focus meetings

  • Maintain relationships with authors and agents, as well as with entertainment partners within the Walt Disney Company

Key titles: Lore (Alexandra Bracken), Simon Sort of Says (Erin Bow), The Spells We Cast (Jason June)

EDITOR (IN-HOUSE FREELANCER), FIRST SECOND, AN IMPRINT OF MACMILLAN

June 2018–January 2020

  • Manage 10–15 graphic novels at all stages of the editorial and illustration process

  • Maintain constant communication with authors and illustrators and provide clear, frequent feedback

  • Edit scripts and outlines; review thumbnails, pencils, inks, colors, and final art

  • Collaborate with design, production, marketing, publicity, and sales teams to ensure quality product and successful launch

  • Evaluate submissions and recommend titles for publication

Key titles: Pumpkinheads (Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks), InvestiGators (John Patrick Green), Stargazing (Jen Wang), Open Borders (Bryan Caplan & Zach Weinersmith), Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl (Ben Hatke)

EDITOR, SKY PONY PRESS, AN IMPRINT OF SKYHORSE PUBLISHING

November 2015–April 2018

  • Acquired and edited 20–40 books per year; was consistently among company’s top earners

  • Managed licensed publishing program, increasing sales by brainstorming new properties

  • Championed titles through acquisition, editorial, design, production, marketing, and publicity

  • Developed relationships with agents and authors; managed contract negotiations

Key titles: The Unbinding of Mary Reade (Miriam McNamara), Jacked Up (Erica Sage), Crossing the Line (Bibi Belford), Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners (Natalie Rompella)

ASSOCIATE MARKETING MANAGER, SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING

February 2013–November 2015

  • Oversaw forty to sixty marketing campaigns per year, plus seasonal and backlist promotions

  • Collaborated with authors, editors, designers, publicists, and sales to plan and execute campaigns

  • Supported editorial tasks by co-editing projects and providing early reads for acquisitions

Key projects: All American Boys (Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely), Through the Woods (Emily Carroll), Doll Bones (Holly Black), What Does the Fox Say? (Ylvis), Click, Clack, Moo series (Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin)

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER, BLOOMSBURY CHILDREN’S BOOKS

August 2011–February 2013

  • Worked closely with global team to brainstorm and manage 100+ trade & digital campaigns yearly 

  • Reviewed manuscripts and provided feedback and suggestions at acquisitions and during revisions

  • Created strategy and content for advertisements, book trailers, digital promotions, and mailings

Key projects: Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas), Princess Academy: Palace of Stone (Shannon Hale), Fracture (Megan Miranda)

CHILDREN’S MARKETING & PUBLICITY ASSOCIATE, BANCROFT PRESS

April 2011–August 2011

  • Increased the company’s visibility through targeted advertising, events, and media outreach

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS

January 2010–April 2011

  • Assisted three editors with the acquisition, editing, marketing, and production of 17 lists of titles

  • Provided administrative support and tracked expenses, budgets, and profit and loss statements

Education
GOUCHER COLLEGE

B.A. in English with Honors

Baltimore, MD, May 2009

Honors:

  • Phi Beta Kappa,

  • Summa Cum Laude

  • 3.92 GPA

  • Dean’s Scholarship

  • Dean’s List (seven semesters)

ROEHAMPTON UNIVERSITY

Semester Abroad

London, England, Spring 2008

Coursework:

  • Subversive Children’s Literature

  • The Business of Writing

Skills

  • Copyediting & proofreading

  • Chicago Manual of Style

  • Contracts

  • CoreSource, Biblio, Helix, Firebrand, & other title management software

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Mac & PC Platforms

Related Experience
SENIOR MENTOR, REPRESENTATION MATTERS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

  • Educated prospective employees of color about the publishing industry and guide their job search

FREELANCE READER, WELLS ARMS LITERARY & BARRY GOLDBLATT LITERARY

  • Read and evaluated proposals and client manuscripts, providing detailed critiques

COMMITTEE MEMBER, CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL FORUM

  • Planned and promoted professional-development events focusing on trends in publishing

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