About
Inspiring, developing, writing, and supporting authors and creatives in their publishing endeavors is what Party Animal Publishing is all about.
Welcome To Party Animal Publishing!
I’m so happy you dropped by! If you made it all the way to the “About” section of the site, I’m assuming you fall into one of these three categories:
1: Seriously Potential Client
2: Secret Admirer
3: Arch Nemesis
Either way, I’m sure you have questions. Let’s dive in!
Q: What is Party Animal Publishing?
An editorial services LLC offering freelance writing, editing, consulting, and editorial packaging for kids’ content.
Q: Why Party Animal Publishing?
Because I bring curiosity, creative energy, and 25 years of kids publishing experience to every project I engage with. I also have an endless list of seasoned professionals I can tap into to meet all your editorial needs.
Q: No, but like why is it called Party Animal Publishing?
Oh. Because a google search of my name yields a thousand results for Rebecca Baines Johnson, mother of 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson. And because animals and parties? Sign. me. up.
Q. Who is the dog?
My soul dog Bob Barker, who now eats all the chicken he wants in dog heaven, where the vet can’t body shame him. He’s the mascot because who doesn’t trust a dog holding a balloon?
Q: Why did you build your business in kids publishing?
While writing has always come naturally to me, I was never interested in reading. In school, I struggled to pay attention, finish assignments, and fully engage with the material. I could memorize enough to pass a test, but I wasn’t really learning.
For a long time, I assumed history and science just weren’t for me. I gravitated toward English and other subjects where I felt more comfortable, eventually studying journalism. It wasn’t until I began working in kids’ publishing that I discovered the opposite was true.
At National Geographic, I was suddenly immersed in history and science brought to life. Somewhere along the way, I became one of the people responsible for bringing that same energy to kids — through books.
It took years of learning from some of the best in the business to understand how to transform big, complicated ideas into something exciting, accessible, weird, funny, spooky, or genuinely unforgettable for young readers. But once I honed that craft, I was hooked.
That work completely changed the way I think about learning. Now, my favorite part of the job is taking subjects that might seem intimidating at first and turning them into something a kid connects with for the very first time. There’s something incredibly special about watching curiosity click into place.
Q: What kind of timelines do you work on?
It absolutely depends on my availability and calendar so please feel free to reach out even if something is a rush — you never know!
Q: What is your favorite animal?
At the moment: The self-decapitating sea slug. Its head can detach itself from its body and grow a new body when it’s eaten too much bacteria-riddled algae. (This is a real thing – look it up!)
Why Party Animal Publishing?
Professionalism, always.
As my queen Dolly Parton once said, “…creative people by their very nature are oddballs.” Luckily for my oddball self, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of humor are a huge part of making great kids’ content—and I bring all of that to every project I take on.
But when it comes to publishing, professionalism is non-negotiable. I work with major companies and publishers who rely on me to deliver high-quality work, communicate clearly, and protect confidential information. Fun? Absolutely. Reliable, experienced, and consistent? Always.
I obsess over the details.
Publishing is basically one giant moving puzzle made up of deadlines, revisions, fact-checking, edits, approvals, and approximately one million other tiny details that cannot fall through the cracks.
Fortunately, it’s a puzzle I’ve completed over and over. I know where every piece goes and how they fit together — even the ones with six-jagged edges that are giving you headaches. In other words, I can solve problems before they become much more expensive problems.
When I say something will get done, it gets done.
Publishing is not for the weak. Schedules shift, approvals pile up, the expert went radio silent two months ago, and your deadline is coming at you like a freight train. Nimble isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival skill.
*(Holds your hand)* I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there. That’s why clear communication, realistic scheduling, and actual follow-through are hugely important to me. In other words: When I say I will deliver, I will not change my name, don a mustache, and flee the country with your manuscript. That’s a Party Animal Guarantee*.
*The Party Animal Guarantee: Becky will not change her name, don a mustache, and flee the country with your manuscript, or your money back, guaranteed!
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
