Appreciations, Reviews, & Awards

 

 

 

 

 

APPRECIATIONS

 

 

Dale Hoiberg

Senior VP & Editor in Chief, Encyclopædia Britannica

In the 20-some years I’ve known and worked with Judith West at Encyclopædia Britannica, I’ve found in her a rare blend of editorial ability, creativity, and flexibility.

Judith’s long editorial experience includes editing, writing, and research, all of which she excels at. Her editing and writing talents also extend to technical and marketing copy. In fact, Judith’s special projects work probably dates from when she was given the responsibility of compiling a user’s manual for Britannica’s new editorial publishing system. On another occasion, the Marketing department asked her to develop all the marketing messages for a major new product, My First Britannica, which she also edited.

With her skills and resourcefulness, Judith was my logical choice to lead a New Products Committee for Britannica Editorial. In that capacity, she drew on her ability to organize and facilitate a small diverse group, articulate ideas and issues, and help elicit and develop compelling product concepts. The Committee’s report, which Judith produced, is routinely referred to in executive management’s discussions of new product development.

Judith’s record of success led me to select her to oversee quality control at Britannica’s newly established office in New Delhi. On trips to India, she trained and supervised writers and editors in creating their own new products.

Judith’s next assignment required that she mobilize her array of editorial, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, as well as her considerable technical expertise, for a truly demanding test. This time, her hands-on work with a large interdepartmental team resulted in four product variations: a 13-volume thematically structured reference set, My First Britannica, and its sister series of 17 stand-alone books, Britannica Learning Library—both issued in American and British English versions. This challenging and complex project was completed in just over a year, to the great satisfaction of the Sales and Marketing departments.

For all the above reasons and more, I wholeheartedly recommend Judith West to you. Her work will surpass your expectations.

                                                                                                            Contact Dale Hoiberg

Michele Cobb

Director of Sales & Marketing, BBC Audiobooks America

President, 2006-07, Audio Publishers Association

“Organized, impressively thorough, and a creative thinker, Judith West works hard and produces great results. She’s someone I’d want on my team any day.”

                                                                                                           Contact Michele Cobb

Kurt Eichenwald

New York Times journalist, & author of The Informant

“I’ve dealt with many publishing professionals, but few have been as delightful, as talented — or as committed to the spirit of my work — as Judith West.”

 

Laura R. Gabler

Freelance Editor

“I’m blown away! You’ve transformed my business Web site into a compelling, targeted marketing tool that features my strengths and reflects my values. Many thanks for all your hard work, open communication, and creative energy.”

                                                                                                           Contact Laura Gabler

                                                                                                              See Laura’s Web site

Robin Whitten

Publisher‌/‌Founder, AudioFile magazine

Secretary, Audio Publishers Association

“I think I thanked you for this, but I wanted to do so again because all the resources that you sent have really helped. The panelist recruiting letters are terrific. I was especially impressed because they were clear and thorough, and also made the speakers feel appreciated.”

                                                                                                            Contact Robin Whitten

 

 

Rob Curley

Web Feature Producer

“In cleaning up after the Normandy Web site, it struck me how important Judith West was to its success. In her customary style, she treated all people with courtesy and processed the copy with amazing dispatch. A definite class act all around.”

                                                                                                View the Normandy 1944 site

Anthony Green

Editor, Compton’s Encyclopedia

“For the Compton’s Encyclopedia articles she’s worked on, Judith has revised, rearranged, updated, and internationalized standing copy or provided a completely new article altogether. Her writing and organizational skills are exemplary.”

                                                                                                        Contact Anthony Green

Linda Olsen

Publisher, The Audio Partners

“Judith, you were a delight to work with. Your outstanding ability to handle the producing as well as a very complex reading performance is entirely appreciated by our company. The result exceeded our expectations!”

                                                                                                                      Hear an excerpt

Gary Redeker

Nonprofit Theatre Board

“Judith organized, led, and provided follow-up to a daylong meeting that produced a road map for improving management of our theatre’s human and financial resources. Her facilitation was exceptional. Using a wide array of group development tools and techniques, she maintained a high level of interest and gained group commitment to a plan that produced solid results.”

 

Marty England

Audiobook Narrator

“As my performance coach and director, Judith West has proved herself to be a consummate professional and far more interested in outcome than income. She’s gone the extra mile for me to further my career, and I owe her more than words can express. If there is anyone you can always count on to care and come through for you, it’s Judith.”

                                                                                                          Contact Marty England

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SELECTED REVIEWS & AWARDS

 

 

My First Britannica

« Winner, 2005 Parents’ Choice Award, reference book

« Winner, 2004 Distinguished Achievement Award for Children’s Reference, Association of Educational Publishers

 ·    Anyone still looking for a lavish but serious present for six- to 12-year-olds might consider the 13-volume My First Britannica, arranged thematically in accordance with young readers’ preferences. Written approachably, with more than 800 photos and illustrations, it costs £179: a worthwhile present to put under any tree. — The Independent

Hitler’s Scientists: Science, War, and the Devil’s Pact

by John Cornwell — read by Simon Prebble, abridged by Judith West (Listen & Live Audio)

«  Finalist, 2004 Audie Awards, abridged nonfiction category

 ·   This is one of the most intellectually stimulating and rewarding CDs this listener has ever heard. It raises fascinating questions about the creation of the nuclear bomb, the destruction of Germany’s scientific community …, the use of slave labor by the Nazis, [and] … the enormous ethical issues that continue to face scientists when they collaborate with the military and the government of any nation as well as industry. USA TODAY

Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind

by Michael J. Bradley — read by David Kropp — published by Harbor Press

« Awarded Audio of the Month, September 2006, Audio Book News Service

 ·   Authoritative … expertly recorded … very strongly recommended. — Midwest Book Review