Virginia Carmichael

Experience

Editing all stages of writing to improve message strength and language flow for oral presentations or for formal or informal publication via electronic editing or pencil markup.

Skills

  • Expertise in editing manuscripts, articles, essays, memoirs, newsletters, and business publications

  • Strength in improving language flow and effectiveness

  • Extensive knowledge base for substantive editing

  • Clear communication with clients

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat

Education

PhD: English Literature, Rice University, 1991

MPA: LBJ School of Public Affairs, 1998

Highlights 1993-Present

Line Editor
Memoir of Air Force major general involved in the Berlin Airlift, development of Strategic Air Command (SAC), and Air Force readiness preparation during Cuban missile crisis, The Making of a General, by John William Kline (2025)

Developmental Editor
Manuscript for The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief, by Rena Pederson (Pegasus Crime, New York London 2024)

Writer & Editor
Histories and photographs for 100 projects in historic preservation, recreation, community housing, and open space for the Community Preservation Fund of Falmouth website (2016)

Co-Author
The Albatross and the Fish: Linked Lives in the High Seas, with British environmental geographer Robin Doughty (U. Texas 2011)

Writer, Editor, and Paralegal
Brush, Flanders & Moriarty LLC in West Tisbury, MA (2007–2012)

Senior Managing Auditor, Texas State Auditor's Office
“An Audit Report on the Reasonableness and Results of Tuition Increases Implemented by Four Higher Education Institutions in the 2004-2005 Biennium,” no. 06-003, sao.texas.gov (1998–2005)

Developmental Editor
Manuscript for Postmodern Sexualities, by William Simon (Routledge 1996)

Associate Professor, University of Montana
Undergraduate courses and graduate seminars in English, world, and postcolonial literatures (1994–1998)

Author
Framing History: The Rosenberg Story and the Cold War (U. Minn. 1993)

References

Rena Pederson, author and a former editor of “The Dallas Morning News”

“Virginia Carmichael has a keen eye and can use a red pencil like a scalpel. She helped make my “King of Diamonds” manuscript much better. I am grateful for her intellect, good taste, and tact.”

Carol McLeod, founder and brand strategist at Carol McLeod Design LLC

“I had the opportunity to work with Virginia Carmichael when the Community Preservation Fund of Falmouth hired my firm to design their identity and website. Virginia provided well-written histories, editing, and project photography, which allowed the timely launch of a website with informative and accurate content.”