Michael

Lead Publishing Operations Director & Non-Fiction Ghostwriter | Apex Literary Foundry

Jan 2021 - Mar 2023 • 2 yrs 2 mos

I direct and execute full-lifecycle book production, commercial non-fiction ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and worldwide digital distribution architectures for authors, thought leaders, and independent imprints across Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books. My daily operations center on conducting strategic ideation interviews to extract proprietary methodologies, leadership frameworks, and business case studies from subject-matter experts, transforming raw concepts into commercially viable, high-value non-fiction book manuscripts. I oversee complete developmental, line, and copy-editing workflows, ensuring voice consistency, intellectual rigor, and narrative pacing adhere strictly to The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). On the operational side, I manage the Amazon KDP publishing pipeline from end to end: setting up high-yield category strings, curating strategic 7-backend keyword matrices, establishing dynamic pricing models, and managing ISBN registrations. I run technical pre-flight quality checks to ensure zero distribution bottlenecks, formatting errors, or metadata flags across print and digital retail feeds. My structured publishing production enables founders, executives, and authors to produce authoritative non-fiction books that establish domain expertise, capture reader engagement, and drive predictable catalog revenue.

Lead Fiction Beta Reader & Developmental Manuscript Critic | Narrative Pulse Labs

Aug 2018 - Oct 2020 • 2 yrs 2 mos

I direct comprehensive manuscript evaluations, reader-reaction analyses, and developmental critique services for independent and traditionally published authors working across commercial genre fiction—specifically fantasy, romance, historical fiction, dark thrillers, and erotica. My primary responsibility is reading full-length manuscripts through the dual lens of an analytical editor and an avid genre consumer, identifying systemic narrative issues before titles hit the commercial market. I author detailed multi-page reader report dossiers that evaluate plot architecture, character arcs, emotional resonance, romantic tension, dialogue authenticity, pacing bottlenecks, and thematic payoff. For dark thrillers and fantasy worlds, I stress-test internal logic, magic systems, narrative tension, and plot twists to ensure airtight believability. For romance and erotica, I evaluate chemistry progression, pacing of intimacy, and genre-specific trope execution. My actionable, constructive critique helps authors execute targeted developmental revisions that improve reader retention, eliminate pacing lulls, and maximize positive launch-day reviews.