Welcome, Mari! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Thanks! My name is Mari Melby. I’m originally from Minneapolis, MN, and that’s where I live today with my husband and two kids. I went to Colorado College for undergrad, the University of Denver for graduate school, and spent a total of 12 years in Colorado before moving back home to be closer to family. I have a background in public education and as a birth professional—attending births as a doula, providing lactation counseling, and teaching childbirth education. In each of my roles, I have always written, whether it has been curriculum, email marketing, blog posts, social media captions, or website copy. 

What interests you about working with authors?

Reading and writing have played important roles in my life for as long as I can remember. Books were a huge part of my childhood and reading continues to be something that brings me a lot of joy. The right book at the right time can serve as a sort of lifeline. I have regularly blogged and journaled as well. In fact, I have a vivid memory from kindergarten of being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, and saying, “I want to be an author.” I haven’t published a book yet, but it’s on my short list!

Through each of the roles I’ve held in my career so far, there has been nothing more satisfying to me than shaping words on a page into something much bigger: a voice, a brand, or an innovative idea. I love helping others clarify their messages, which is why I’m so excited to step into this role as an editor with Hill Press.

Tell us more about your editorial experience.

As long as I’ve been writing, I’ve also been editing. Throughout my career, I’ve edited books, blogs posts, website and marketing copy, curriculum, college admissions essays, cover letters, and resumes. I’m currently pursuing a certificate in Copyediting from the UC San Diego Extension. 

Describe your perfect day.

Wake up and make breakfast—my favorites are waffles or a dutch baby with yogurt, berries, and maple syrup. Plus freshly squeezed orange juice and lots of coffee.

Go on an outdoor adventure: hiking, skiing, biking, and canoeing are my favorites in Minnesota. Go solo or with friends and family. Bring the dog whenever possible. Don’t forget great epic snacks (my husband and I once lugged an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen to the top of a mountain).

Come home in time to enjoy reading myself to sleep for a cozy afternoon nap.

End by having someone else make dinner!

Are you working on any writing projects right now?

Yes. I keep a personal blog where I write mostly about food, outdoor adventures, and positive self-image. I am also working on my first piece of fiction. I have no idea where it will take me, but I can tell you that it’s set in one of my favorite places: northern Minnesota.

I hear dogs are a big part of your life. Can you tell us about your pup adventures?

Yes! I grew up with a yellow lab and got my own first rescue dog when I was single and living in Denver. Over the past few years, my family and I have fostered a handful of dogs, including a husky who hid underneath our treehouse and howled for an entire weekend and a brother-sister pair of huskies who required hours of walking and pulling each day. Most recently, we adopted a 4-year old beagle named Copper, who is the love of our lives. We are currently scheming how to attach a basket to my bike so he can safely come on all of our summer rides. 

Mari’s official bio:

Prior to joining Hill Press as an editor, Mari Melby has worked as a public school teacher, a childbirth educator, a birth doula, and a lactation counselor. Along the way, she has blogged, developed marketing materials, and designed and taught curriculum. Her favorite aspect of each role has been the same: creating and shaping content to best fit an organization or author's unique brand, voice, and purpose. A lifelong avid reader, Mari's favorite genres are memoir and Nordic noir. Her favorite season is winter, during which she spends her free time skiing, fat tire biking, and dogsledding outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Hispanic Studies from Colorado College and a master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Denver. Mari is currently pursuing a certificate in Copyediting from UC San Diego Extension. She lives with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog, Copper, in Minneapolis, MN. You can find her online at www.marimelby.com.