Melanie Keath - Copy Editor

Melanie has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State University, where she couldn’t rein in her varied interests enough for a double major and so graduated with three minors, in French, English, and psychology. She went on to work as a copy editor at The Tribune in Ames, Iowa, before leaving the newsroom for a non-profit position mentoring university students, both in the U.S. and abroad. She married in 2004 and spent the next 15 years as a stay-at-home and sometimes-homeschooling mom to four sons. 

Putting her word-brain back to work as a proofreader has been a joy. When she’s not editing or driving kids around, you’ll find Melanie with a cup of coffee in hand, listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or public radio. 

Has been part of the team since: September 2023

I believe in this principle, even though it isn’t always the popular opinion: Kindness is better. Better than being right, better than brutal honesty, better than winning. Kindness wins.

Specialties & Interests: Proofreading, Fiction, Personal Essays, Learning, Family, Travel, Lifestyle

Location: Pennsylvania, USA

Most Read Book: The Chronicles of Narnia. I read them myself, and then read them to all of my kids.

Favorite Story to Tell: In line for the bathroom at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Nairobi, I ran into an acquaintance and classmate from Iowa State University. We hadn’t seen each other in years, but Midwest recognizes Midwest. I was at the tail end of a five-week trip mentoring Kenyan and American students; she was on the front end of what has become a 20-year career as a professor in Nigeria. Big world, small world.