WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
Meet your offsite team.
When you hire an individual freelancer, you pay a one-size-fits-all rate for a wide range of editorial tasks, not all of which require the same level of expertise or specialized skills. With VBA, we evaluate every project and assemble a team of freelancers who can most cost-effectively and efficiently tackle different aspects of the project under the oversight and leadership of a single, experienced project manager.
Our consultants are talented, fully vetted freelance professionals who have worked in-house at a variety of successful publishing houses. They have proven abilities and track records spanning numerous markets and disciplines, with experience in editorial, acquisitions, marketing, creative services and production.
Directors
Vicki (Van Ry) Malinee
Vicki has worked in the publishing industry for 30 years. An honors graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Vicki began her career as an editorial assistant for Finance and Economics with Mosby Publishing in 1987. She was promoted to Developmental Editor for Health, Physical Education, Recreation (HPER), and Nutrition in 1988 and was instrumental in the launching of many first edition titles. She was awarded Mosby's "Developmental Editor of the Year" award, was a four-time recipient of the President's Honor Council award, and in 1990 was promoted to Acquisitions Editor for HPER/Nutrition in 1997. As Executive Editor, she managed the integration and formation of the market-leading Health & Human Performance program for McGraw-Hill, with annual revenues exceeding $20 million. She left her position in 2003 to co-found Van Brien & Associates, the latest chapter in her publishing career. Vicki currently resides in St. Charles, Mo. with her husband and three children.
Gary J. O'Brien
With over 20 years of both in-house and freelance publishing experience, Gary has earned the trust and confidence of both authors and publishers who rely on his expertise to bring their visions to fruition. Prior to his career as full-time freelancer and co-owner of Van Brien & Associates, Gary developed and managed both print and digital content for the Health and Human Performance division of McGraw-Hill. Gary specializes in tackling unique challenges such as first editions, new authors, and innovative applications of technology. Working with a team of renowned authors and technology partners, he developed first-of-their-kind apps for athletic training and physical therapy that expanded textbook and multimedia content "beyond the classroom" and into the practice market. Gary currently lives in Maryland Heights, Mo. with his wife and two daughters.
OUR
FUR-
LANCE
STAFF
Whether they're sitting on keyboards, lying on manuscript pages, blocking the view of a monitor, barking through conference calls, or asking to be let in (and out. And in.), VBA wouldn't be the same without these unsung heroes.
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