Project editor and copy editor for publishers around the country; writing coach and developmental editor working directly with authors.Publishers I've worked for as a freelancer include:Duke University Press ● University Press of New England (Dartmouth College's publishing arm) ● Chelsea Green ● Hay House ● Steerforth ● InterVarsity Press ● Turner Publishing ● B&H Academic ● Trainers Publishing House"Rachel Shields has been a valuable help in preparing my manuscripts for publication. Her suggestions on structure, tone, and grammar were thoughtful and encouraging and resulted in better organized content with a more fluid plot. She indicated problem areas with tact which was most appreciated. Anyone looking for a competent editor and/or reviewer would not be disappointed in choosing Rachel for your team."--Youcef Stambouli, independent author

"You make being organized fun!" - David Lee, CEO, Imagine MKE

From day-to-day operations to long-term community creation, I did the background work that empowers our members to be their awesomest.• Managed daily operations, budgets, billing, sales, marketing, ordering, inventory, maintenance, and meeting and event scheduling for a busy 150-member coworking space.• Nurtured a welcoming and encouraging culture among our members.• Hired, developed, and supervised a 4- to 6-member work-trade team to cover reception and routine tasks.• Planned, scheduled, evaluated, and improved events for members and for our wider community, including art shows, book groups, and after-hours concerts and radio plays.

The Optimist Center is a community-focused small-town coworking space, committed to empowering both its members and the larger community. The Optimist Center allowed me to do super things as I supported its beginning and as I grew into community development work, such as: * Secured a grant and partnered with 8 small businesses and nonprofits to create a series of 10 pop-up coworking days around town, with 25% of attendees returning multiple times, and 40% expressing enthusiasm for belonging to a local coworking community.* Collaborated with founder and the local Economic Development Commission to write a grant proposal to the Commission’s satisfaction, receiving $35,000 for a permanent coworking space.* Convened a community visioning mini-conference with 3 local speakers that was attended by over 30 nonprofit leaders, government officials, and interested community members.* Facilitated a follow-up round-table discussion with 40 local leaders to set goals for an official town-wide visioning process. Though the meeting was scheduled to last 2 hours, we outlined our objectives and had multiple volunteers for every planned action step within 90 minutes.* Facilitated a 10-week women’s “discernment circle” that led to astonishing professional accomplishments for each member. Led a follow-up 3-session class to teach discernment-circle style deep listening and mutual empowerment to over 40 people.* Honored by area nonprofit Sustainable Woodstock with their 2017 award for economic development.

Longhill imprints included Skylight Paths and Jewish Lights Publishing, as well as Gemstone Press. We were primarily a spirituality and personal growth publisher dedicated to a nurturing author experience and transformative content. As project editor, working directly with authors and freelancers, I oversaw each step of the process from MS to printed book for 15 to 20 titles a year.Being a supportive collaborator, helping authors enjoy the process and asking insightful questions, is a primary concern for me. Everyone involved finds the process and the finished product so much more satisfying this way!"Rachel Shields, in her work with the editorial team of Jewish Lights Publishing, demonstrated professional excellence, imagination, creativity, and remarkable devotion to her work. The books she has prepared for publication are a bright testimony to the outstanding quality of her work and that of her colleagues at Jewish Lights."--Rabbi Marc D. Angel, author of four books published by Jewish Lights

Managed day-to-day farm store operations, including ordering, inventory, sales reports, and P&L statements; administrated CSA membership program; and created a welcoming personal shopping experience for customers, helping them feel connected to the farm--and to know what to do with offbeat produce like watermelon turnips and large quantities of Red Russian kale. While I worked largely independently in the farm store, I maintained great communication with the farm management team as we worked together on marketing, events, farm store specials, and member relationships.

Worked one-on-one with students of all ages and abilities to cultivate self-confidence, discipline and a love of music.Successfully marketed my own studio. Managed studio operations, keeping records of everything from expenses to students' progress.

Oversaw (and slept at) the women's room at the provisional overnight shelter for those with nowhere else to sleep.

Managed a team of baristas to ensure that all customers were served well and all daily tasks completed efficiently in a fast-paced and often high-pressure retail environment.