Member Profile
Amanda K. O'Brien-Carlson
Amanda O’Brien-Carlson is an award-winning editor and writer with more than 25 years of publishing experience. Her attention to detail, ability to multitask, and respect for the written word have led to many rewarding freelance opportunities.
Amanda graduated from Marquette University with a degree in journalism (focus on magazine production). During college, she wrote for university publications as well as regional Wisconsin magazines. Amanda also worked as a publication assistant at the university and a media intern for a national not-for-profit. She also minored in criminal justice/law studies with a focus on criminal investigation and juvenile justice.
She then worked full-time as an editor on two nationally recognized trade journals, playing a key role in the start-up of one publication’s international counterpart. In addition to honing her writing and editing skills, Amanda served as liaison between the editorial and art departments, developing an invaluable understanding of the production process.
Her lifelong love of libraries led to a position as a children’s librarian in 1999, where she leads storytimes and youth writing clubs, and manages a literacy-based program for new readers. This is in addition to answering youth reference questions every day.
Publishing is still a priority, however, and Amanda continues to pursue editorial work on a freelance basis. Clients have included educational publishers, medical journals/newsletters, lifestyle magazines, national associations/organizations, and published authors.
Amanda is comfortable working within the confines of tight editorial schedules and deadlines as well as adhering to standard or house style guides. She has caught errors, mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies that go undetected by those “too close to the project.” When editing, she respects and maintains the voice of the author, an often challenging editorial strength. She is known by her clients as hardworking, conscientious, and loyal.
Wheeling, IL
US
Email: amandakobrien@gmail.com
Years in the field: 27
Years freelancing: 24
Amanda O'Brien-Carlson
Amanda O’Brien-Carlson is an award-winning editor and writer with more than 25 years of publishing experience. Her attention to detail, ability to multitask, and respect for the written word have led to many rewarding freelance opportunities.
Amanda graduated from Marquette University with a degree in journalism (focus on magazine production). During college, she wrote for university publications as well as regional Wisconsin magazines. Amanda also worked as a publication assistant at the university and a media intern for a national not-for-profit. She also minored in criminal justice/law studies with a focus on criminal investigation and juvenile justice.
She then worked full-time as an editor on two nationally recognized trade journals, playing a key role in the start-up of one publication’s international counterpart. In addition to honing her writing and editing skills, Amanda served as liaison between the editorial and art departments, developing an invaluable understanding of the production process.
Her lifelong love of libraries led to a position as a children’s librarian in 1999, where she leads storytimes and youth writing clubs, and manages a literacy-based program for new readers. This is in addition to answering youth reference questions every day.
Publishing is still a priority, however, and Amanda continues to pursue editorial work on a freelance basis. Clients have included educational publishers, medical journals/newsletters, lifestyle magazines, national associations/organizations, and published authors.
Amanda is comfortable working within the confines of tight editorial schedules and deadlines as well as adhering to standard or house style guides. She has caught errors, mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies that go undetected by those “too close to the project.” When editing, she respects and maintains the voice of the author, an often challenging editorial strength. She is known by her clients as hardworking, conscientious, and loyal.