Janice Beetle

I have always enjoyed telling stories. I started my first journal when I was in first grade, before I could even spell with accuracy. I wrote about what I knew—my kitten, my two big brothers, my summer camp on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire.

This desire to set thoughts down on paper led to my English degree from Westfield State College, and that steered me into a 15-year career as a reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Springfield Union-News, now known as the Springfield Republican. I wrote about what was happening around me, telling stories about everything from pets to politicians, death to disability, confrontations and celebrations. I learned to listen with compassion, explain with precision, and follow my developing nose for news. Every day, my stories told people things they didn’t already know.

I brought this long-time, well-rounded background with me in 1998 to my work in my PR business, Beetle Press, through which I craft press releases for organization leaders that translate into news stories and on-air time on radio or television. I write marketing pieces from brochures to blogs.

My writing background and business sense inform my work through Beetle Books.

In addition to this broad-based experience, my easy nature and my sensibilities help to set me apart. I’m gregarious and have a good sense of humor, and I have always been told I’m sensitive. This quality means people warm up to me easily. It means that when you meet with me, you will hear yourself opening up, sharing. I have an ability to draw out the details—and to empathize and intuit. Authors trust me with the facts and the feelings that will serve as the foundation for their manuscript.

I live life to the fullest. I take time to travel and spend at least a month in warm places in the winter months. I boat and kayak on the Connecticut River in the summer, and play with my grandson, enjoy my daughters, and read and relax all year long.

About Beetle Books

Beetle Books is physically located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. I also have a presence in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. My work is helping people with a story in their hearts and minds, across the globe.

In addition to developing my own books, I help people to bring their book idea to the book shelf—and the book store. I can help you flesh out an idea and create an outline so you can develop your own manuscript, or I can write it for you. I also edit manuscripts. See my full list of services here.

If an idea for a book has been keeping you awake at night, let’s talk about how I might help you bring it to life.

If writing prompts or other resources would be useful to you, please visit my shop page.