Meet the team: Grammar Factory Canadian Publisher

Meet the team

Scott MacMillan

Chief Strategist and Executive Publisher

(Toronto, Canada)


Qualifications

MBA, University of Toronto, Rotman School of Business

Computer Science (Major), Economics (Minor), Spanish (Minor), University of Toronto (DNF)

Graphic Design Diploma, St. Lawrence College

Author Credits

Entrepreneur to Author

Catchphrase

"Can we test that?"

About Scott

Let me tell it to you straight. I'm not a professional writer. Nor am I an editor.

Like you, I'm an entrepreneur and business leader. After 20+ years in executive, operational and management consulting roles with the likes of Boston Consulting Group, Rogers Communications and Corus Entertainment, I ventured down the entrepreneurial path, and haven't looked back.

Fortunately, I don't need to be a professional writer or editor. My team (you're about to meet them) are the real experts, which lets me focus on what I do best: Strategy. That is, making sure that our authors' books line up, support and accelerate the growth of their business.

Carolyn Jackson

Managing Editor

(Melbourne, Australia)


Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, English and History, Melbourne University

Professional Writing and Speech Graduate Diploma, La Trobe University

Author Credits

Surviving Redundancy...by Someone Who Did

Blake’s Go Guide to Renovating Your Home

As You Were – the History of the Altona RSL

The Workies – 50 Not Out

Plus numerous local histories for community groups, businesses and families.

Catchphrase

"Keep calm and hire an editor."

About Carolyn

I like reading books but have a nasty habit of re-writing them in my head as I go along. I’ve also been obsessively re-writing signage since the age of seven. Restaurants with blackboard menus beware – I’ll erase that incorrect apostrophe before you can say ‘possessive’! Fortunately, Grammar Factory is a haven for punctuation vigilantes, and now I have a safe outlet for my addiction.

As the author of a few books, I understand that producing one is always a team effort. Authors aren’t magicians whose fingers pour out perfect words as they type. They need help from a dispassionate third party who will hit the delete button fearlessly and give them the unvarnished truth about their manuscript. But they also need someone who can help find solutions to their writerly dilemmas and guide them down the difficult road to publication. And self-published authors need someone like this – a professional editor – even more. So please, send your diamond in the rough to me, so I can polish it to perfectly punctuated glory.

Sara Litchfield

Editor and Writer

(Southland, New Zealand)


Qualifications

Master of Arts, Theology, University of Cambridge

Diploma in Creative Writing, University of Cambridge

Author Credits

The Night Butterflies (a dystopian thriller)

Catchphrase

"Make the right mark on the wall of the world."

About Sara

It’s my mission to help people get their words out into the world. I think everyone has a book in them, and seeing thought-leadership spark inspiration and stories brought to life are what make my world go round. A book is not only a labour of love but also a work of art – being able to help structure, shape and shine the final piece is a precious process requiring energy and commitment. I love engaging with ideas both familiar and new, helping craft the vessel through which they’re shared in such a way as to make the messages clear and relevant for those embarking on the journey.

As a self-published author myself, I know the value a professional editor brings to a book – they are an integral part of presenting a credible body of work to the world. Let me help you bring your book to life!

Michelle Stevenson

Editor and Writer

(Perth, Australia)


Qualifications

Journalism (Major) and Performance Studies (Major), Curtin University

Author Credits

Finding a Better Way

Catchphrase

"You had me at the proper use of ‘you’re’."

About Michelle

After trying my hand at journalism, I discovered I much prefer being on the other side of the fence, helping writers – trained and untrained – whip their words into polished, publishable content. A self-confessed grammar nerd / perfectionist / stickler, I actually get a rush of endorphins when I see well-written, perfectly punctuated text (perhaps because it’s so rare).

I believe the key to a good book is the author’s ability to present a big idea, well-expressed benefits, a logical thread and a satisfying conclusion. That’s a big ask, which is why it’s so important to work with an editor – preferably one who knows what they’re doing and has a genuine interest in the finished product. I’ll give you an honest appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of your book, and guide you through the writing and editing process, to help produce a book you’re proud to put your name on.

Olivia Joerges

Editor and Writer

(Ottawa, Canada)


Qualifications

Bachelor of Journalism (Major), and History (Minor), Carleton University 

Catchphrase

“In order to write about life, first you must live it” –– Ernest Hemingway

About Olivia

As a journalist, creative writer and editor I’ve worn all of the publishing hats! Storytelling is at the heart of our lives, and capturing those stories is an art worthy of perfection. 

Outside of the publishing world, I have a diverse portfolio of communications and marketing experience in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations. This has provided me with an eclectic perspective in the world of business! 

My mission is to put my experience to good use by helping other writers get their message into the world. I sincerely believe that books have the power to change lives, and am honoured to be a part of that process. 

When I’m not editing books or writing my own stories, you can find me hiking the great Canadian mountains, planning my next travel adventure, walking my dog, or savouring a cup of coffee at a local café. 

I can’t wait to embark on a new adventure with you as the editor on your next great story.

Andrew Tracy

Editor and Writer

(Toronto, Canada)


Qualifications

Master of Arts, History, University of Toronto

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Film/History, Queen's University

Catchphrase

"When I'm editing a text, I'm never happier than when I don't have to do a damn thing."

About Andrew

In my 15+ years as an editor, writer, and film critic, I’ve been fortunate to be able to combine my professional expertise in print and digital publishing with my lifelong passion for cinema — first as managing editor of the award-winning Cinema Scope Magazine, and later as senior editor at the Toronto International Film Festival and as one of the scriptwriters for the VICE TV series The VICE Guide to Film

My editorial experience encompasses everything from monographs and magazines to brochures and blog posts. In every one of these modes, my goal is clarity of expression above all else, from the sentence to the overall structure of the piece. I believe that every text should adhere to some form of internal logic, and over the years I’ve worked with a wide range of authors, from the novice to the greatly experienced, to help them identify and strengthen their own unique logic in their work.

When I'm not devouring movies or being soundly thrashed by my 7-year-old son in lightsaber battles, I help out at my local boxing gym by running classes, and now that some of the pandemic restrictions have lifted I'm looking forward to getting in the ring again for some light sparring — though frankly, as a boxer, I make a pretty good editor.

Ania Ziemirska

Executive and Publishing Assistant

(Toronto, Canada)


Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts Honours, Psychology (Major) and Fine Arts Cultural Studies (Major), York University

Post Graduate Diploma, Arts Administration and Cultural Management, Humber College

Catchphrase

“There has to be an easier/better way to do it” 

About Ania

After graduating from university, I spent a few years, and post graduate education, trying to find my way into the expected 9-5 mould in the not for profit Arts and Culture Sector. Although I loved working in the creative space, the mould wasn't one that I would ever truly fit.

I started exploring the entrepreneur life, using my knowledge of the business side, as a musician and songwriter in the mid 2000s.

Fast forward to present time where I am the founder and head coach of a women's fitness coaching brand, Fierce Feminine Athletics, while also using my administrative super powers to support other entrepreneurs.

When I'm not behind a desk, on a yoga mat or running the streets, you can find me backcountry canoe trip guiding, connecting with friends, curled up under blankets watching Hallmark movies or trying to finish one of the many books I've started reading.

Julia Kuris

Cover Designer

(Sydney, Australia)


Qualifications

Advertising and Graphic Design Graduate Diploma, Lorraine Martin College

Catchphrase

"Creativity is a drug I cannot live without."

About Julia

I've been a creative at heart for as long as I can remember. Back in school, I was my happiest in an art class with some scraps of coloured paper and a paint brush.

Fast forward 15 years, I am combining my love of design and marketing, allowing me to wake up each morning and do what I absolutely love, which is helping self-published authors bring their important message into the world by creating beautiful book covers that sell!

Specialising in both fiction and nonfiction books, I've had the privilege to design covers for some of Australia’s leading authors and entrepreneurs.

And yes I do secretly buy books I have no intention of reading purely based on their covers. I also choose wine based on how good the labels look.