Party Animal Publishing
Fact Fanatic. Editorial Egghead. Wordsmithing Wizard. Kid-at-Heart. Creating original content and having a lot of fun doing it.
“Becky is an explosion of creative talent. She brings passion, incredible ideas, thoughtful research, and a trendy, on-brand voice to every book she writes.”
Kelly Hargrave, Editor, Tangerine Press
Meet Becky Baines!
Hi! I’m Becky Baines — author, content creator, and human behind Party Animal Publishing (if you were hoping it was the dog, I will agree that would have been way cooler). For nearly twenty years, I built my career in publishing, working my way from assistant to Editorial Director and Vice President at National Geographic Kids. Along the way, I gained a deep understanding of content, storytelling, and the surprisingly intense debates surrounding whether an animal is actually smiling. I also had the opportunity to work on editorial content across different medium, including magazine, TV, podcast, app, and other educational content.
My first book, published in 2008, explained to preschoolers how dust mites eat their dead skin cells—which, in hindsight, really set the tone for my career. I also wrote and co-hosted The Weird But True! Show on SiriusXM for three seasons, where my lifelong love of weird, gross, and mildly macabre facts fully evolved into a professional calling.
Since then, I’ve authored around 40 books for kids, from serious, silly, or surprising nonfiction, to one about a self-obsessed crime-solving unicorn (coming this fall!). My favorite kind of book to write is the one that makes kids laugh so hard they don’t realize they’re sitting through a whole lesson plan.
These days, I use my experience wearing many editorial hats to help creators, publishers, brands, and educators turn big ideas and half-finished Google Docs into smart, funny, engaging books. I also offer editorial packaging services because if I don’t flex my organizational muscles every now and then, I’m pretty sure I’ll forget how to load the dishwasher.
Writing & Publishing Services
Freelance Writing
Have an idea but need someone to turn it into an actual book? That’s my favorite kind of problem. I write everything from leveled readers and board books to middle grade nonfiction, biography, reference, and fiction. Need someone who can casually explain axolotls, thagomizers, or why wombats poop cubes? You’ve come to the right place. (What’s a thagomizer? I’m glad you asked! It’s the spiky part on a Stegosaurus tail. It was named that after Gary Larsen made up the word in a Far Side cartoon. True story. I dare you not to be the most interesting person in the room with that factoid!)
Book Concept Creation
Need fresh ideas? That’s kind of my thing. I work with publishers and packagers to develop original concepts with strong hooks, smart kid appeal, and outside-the-box thinking.
Whether you’re looking for educational nonfiction with, category-killer fiction, or targeted series concepts, I bring inventive ideas (and an alarming amount of random knowledge) to the table. Basically: if your brainstorming meeting needs curiosity, market awareness, and a sprinkle of chaos — (clicks pen) — put me in coach!
Developmental Editing
Have a rough draft that’s not working? A messy outline? No clue where to start? Perfect.
With nearly over two decades in publishing, I help shape big ideas into polished, engaging books kids actually want to read. From structure and pacing to tone and kid appeal, I work closely with both experienced authors and first-timers to figure out what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to be cut for the good of humanity.
My goal is never to turn your books into my books—it’s to help your concepts become the strongest, smartest, versions out there.
Editorial Packaging
Publishers, raise your hand if your budget has ever asked one person to do the job of six. (Been there!) When you need extra editorial support without the chaos of juggling a dozen freelancers, I can help. From writers, researchers, and fact-checkers to educational consultants, copy editors, proofreaders, and subject-matter experts, I call on my vast network of Party People to manage the editorial process from start to finish. Imagine: a fully assembled editorial dream team—minus the endless email chains and “just circling back” messages. You get polished, design-ready content, one point of contact, and significantly fewer headaches.
About Party Animal Publishing
Why work with Party Animal Publishing? Because I know publishing inside and out — and I know when a project needs more than one brain to make it great.
While writing and content creation are my main focus, I also offer editorial packaging and creative support on a project-by-project basis. That means if your book, brand, or deadline calls for extra hands, I tap into a trusted network of editors, researchers, designers, illustrators, and other creative pros I’ve worked with for years. (Think less “outsourced content mill” and more “carefully handpicked Party Animal Avengers.”)
The important part: I stay hands-on with every project. You get one point of contact, full visibility into who’s involved, and someone making sure every piece works together smoothly. Because when too many people are tossing ingredients into the soup without supervision, somebody inevitably forgets the salt. Or, you know…the fact checker.
Testimonials
A Little Client Love
With boundless creativity, expertise, and professionalism, Becky is a dream to work with.
Jennifer Emmett
WonderLab Founder
Working with Becky has been a fantastic experience. Her expertise in acquisition, idea generation, and book development is truly impressive. Becky brings a wealth of skills in publishing, relationship management, and strategic planning, making her an invaluable part of our team. She's honest, supportive, and always goes the extra mile to help.
Cali Meyrignac
owner, Cali’s Books
What would one want in an ideal editor? A friendly collaborator. A person invested in the author’s work. A person open to discussions, brainstorming, and options to improve the author’s work but still following the author’s vision.That’s Becky! Becky is generous with her ideas, resources, and experience. My story certainly benefitted from her feedback.
Raluca Sirbu
author
Becky is a fantastic author to work with. She's flexible, responsive, responsible, and communicative. She brings a welcome sense of humor and joy to her writing on any topic, making her books a delight to edit.
Maya Myers
editor & author
