Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Awards
Publications
Literary Readings, Events, and Presentations
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Generic
Kasia Merrill

Kasia Merrill

Brooklyn

Summary

Dynamic creative writer and educator with over a decade of experience in teaching ESL, complemented by a TEFL certification and a Master’s in Creative Writing. Proven expertise as a managing editor for a global publishing company, specializing in developing engaging content tailored for ESL learners. A deep passion for literature, arts, and linguistics drives a meticulous editorial approach, while strong interpersonal skills foster collaboration and inspire students. Committed to enhancing language acquisition through innovative teaching methods and compelling written communication.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Managing Editor

Read With You Publishing
04.2020 - Current
  • Managed a diverse team of linguists, illustrators, and writers to produce high-quality content consistently.
  • Handled final proofreading, copy editing and revision functions for deliverables.
  • Worked on production of over 1,000 books, including series that target specific skills for ESL learners.
  • Championed innovative storytelling formats that captured audience attention and enhanced user experience.
  • Advocated for continuous improvement within the organization through feedback loops, process analysis, and open communication.
  • Maintained editorial standards by enforcing adherence to style guides, grammar rules, and children's literature trends.
  • Represented company at international book fairs, including Frankfurt Book Fair, London Book Fair, and Bologna Children's Book Fair.


Bookseller

Greenlight Bookstore
04.2019 - 04.2020
  • Managed cash register transactions accurately, ensuring proper handling of financial transactions and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Collaborated with management to create eye-catching displays that showcased popular titles or themes, increasing visibility for featured books.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of current literary trends, ensuring accurate recommendations for customers.
  • Maximized store efficiency by cross-training in multiple departments, allowing for seamless shift coverage and reduced downtime.
  • Provided exceptional customer service through active listening, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.

ESL Teacher & Curriculum Developer

Read With You Education
01.2016 - 04.2020
  • Taught 1,000+ private lessons over Zoom to students based in China, ranging in ages of 5-18 years old.
  • Developed a curriculum for ESL learners that covered 6 levels and included 120 in-house books, targeting subjects including pronunciation, grammar, writing, and reading.
  • Created teaching materials to fit curriculum, including 500+ slide decks, worksheets, teaching guides, and lesson report templates.
  • Designed a writing program for high school and college students that included topics such as preparing for international exams, persuasive writing, and college admission essays.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.

ESL Teacher

English Time
03.2014 - 01.2015
  • Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
  • Strengthened students' writing abilities through comprehensive essay assignments and detailed evaluation of grammar, punctuation, and style.
  • Provided targeted instruction on pronunciation, intonation, and accent reduction to enhance students' overall communication skills in English.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to share best practices and resources, enhancing overall quality of instruction.
  • Coordinated with local communities and organizations to facilitate real-world language practice opportunities for students.

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing

Institute of American Indian Arts
Santa Fe, NM
06.2020

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance, Publication, and Media

Pratt Institute
07.2012

Skills

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Team collaboration
  • Planning and coordination
  • Copywriting and editing
  • Workflow coordination
  • Style guides creation
  • Language proficiency
  • Clear communication
  • Content development
  • Editing stories
  • Meticulous speller
  • Relationship building

Affiliations

  • Peter Bullough Foundation Artist-in-Residence, 2023
  • Disquiet Literary International Residency, 2023
  • Peter Taylor Fellow at Kenyon Writer’s Workshop, 2022

Certification

  • 2014 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Kripalu Institute
  • 2012 TEFL Certification Global TEFL

LANGUAGES

English Native Speaker
German Beginner, currently enrolled in lessons
Spanish Beginner/Intermediate
Polish Beginner

Timeline

Managing Editor

Read With You Publishing
04.2020 - Current

Bookseller

Greenlight Bookstore
04.2019 - 04.2020

ESL Teacher & Curriculum Developer

Read With You Education
01.2016 - 04.2020

ESL Teacher

English Time
03.2014 - 01.2015

Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing

Institute of American Indian Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance, Publication, and Media

Pratt Institute

Awards

  • 55th New Millenium Writing Award, finalist, 2024
  • Salamander 2023 Fiction Prize, judged by Kirstin Valdez Quade, finalist, 2023
  • Montana Prize in Fiction, judged by Sterling HolyWhiteMountain, finalist, 2023
  • GritLIT Short Story Award, runner-up, 2022, Best of the Net Nominee, 2019

Publications

  • “Optimized,” short story, Salamander, Issue 58, 2024
  • “Usurp,” flash fiction, Quarter After Eight, Issue 29, 2023
  • “Bones” & “Bouquet,” poetry, Ekphrasis Review, 2023
  • “Eviction Notice,” short story, Appalachian Review, Vol. 50, No. 3, 2022
  • “What Was Once Wild,” short story, GritLIT Contest, 2022
  • “Tolerance Tests,” short story, Fiction International, 2021
  • “Breadcrumbs #188” and “Breadcrumbs #251,” flash fiction, Breadcrumbs Mag, 2018
  • “Dear Hannah Baker,” essay, Syndicated Magazine, 2017
  • “Aging with Grace and Frankie,” essay, Syndicated Magazine, 2017
  • “When Being an Empath Damages Rather than Heals,” essay, Elephant Journal, 2016

Literary Readings, Events, and Presentations

  • Reading and Workshop on Speculative Fiction, October 2024 Santa Fe Community College
  • “Breathing Life Into Your Writing: Generative Writing Workshop,” 2023 Peter Bullough Foundation, VA
  • Disquiet International Reading, 2023 Lisbon, Portugal
  • The Cabins Retreat by Courtney Maum, 2023 Juried and hosted Maryland-based women-identifying writers for a writing retreat in Maryland
  • Peter Taylor Fellows Reading, 2022 Kenyon Writer’s Workshop
  • Teaching Assistant for Marie-Helene Bertino’s Fiction Workshop, 2022 Kenyon Writer’s Workshop
  • GritLIT Festival: Contest Winners Reading, 2022

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • One Story Writing Circle, yearlong online writing circle, 2023
  • Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany, October 2023
  • London Book Fair, UK, April 2023
  • Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany, October 2022
  • Get Lit Book Fair, Spokane, WA, April 2022
  • AWP, 2020

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Kasia Merrill