Our Staff

LINDSAY BROWN

Managing Editor

Lindsay joined Beyond Words in 2007 and oversees the entire editorial and production process from manuscript to finished book. Lindsay’s love of books stems from an obsessive need to be reading whenever she can, even if that means when stuck at a long traffic light. One of her greatest accomplishments was when she read Gone with the Wind in six hours flat when she was in sixth grade.

EMMALISA SPARROW

Production Editor

Emmalisa joined Beyond Words in 2010. A voracious reader and lover of stories her entire life, she always volunteers to be the one to wait in a line because she knows that’s valuable reading time. When she isn’t reading, you can find her playing the violin, pestering her cats, or streaming movies and shows with her husband.

BRENNAH HERMO

Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Brennah’s passion for publishing began when a high school English teacher suggested she have an original piece of poetry published. Since then, she has been dedicated to a career that brings fulfillment and joy to writers. Upon completing a master’s degree in book publishing, she joined the Beyond Words team in 2019. As the lead on all marketing and publicity efforts, she continues to inspire readers with heart-centered messaging long after the book’s publication. During her free time, she enjoys trips to the Oregon coast, snuggling her two cats, and being with good company.

John Van Gieson

Director of Media

John joined Beyond Words in 2017. With a strong background in video production and audio engineering, John made a career change into Information Technology with a focus on web development. He continues to be passionate about digital media helping authors produce audiobooks, filmmakers distribute their movies and help in all digital marketing efforts. In his free time, John enjoys the solitude of camping in the forest and spending time with his wife.

Sylvia Hayse

Foreign Rights Manager

A former librarian and bookstore owner in Germany, Sylvia got her start at Beyond Words in 1998 as the marketing director and foreign rights manager and today is still in charge of translation rights, international licensing, and scouting. She has successfully brokered hundreds of translation rights deals resulting in Beyond Words books being published in numerous languages throughout the world. She formed her literary agency in 2004 and travels the world with her luggage full of books, always looking for more translation opportunities.

Judy Oakes

Accounting Manager

Judy Oakes, Accounting Manager, joined the BWP team in 2011, and is responsible for the financial reporting for the company. When away from the office, she enjoys being with her grandchildren, grand dogs, and as a California transplant, visits the beach any chance she gets.

Jill Duncan

ACCOUNTING & PURCHASING ASSISTANT

Jill joined the team in 2014 and assists in both the accounting and purchasing department at Beyond Words. She cherishes her time with family and friends and is grateful for their presence in her life. When away from work, she'll find any excuse to hide away in a quiet place and read a good mystery from one of her best-loved authors, or spend an entire weekend glued to the tv rooting on her favorite sports teams!

Bailey Potter

Associate Acquisitions Editor

Bailey Potter joined Beyond Words in 2021 and dabbles in communication, acquisitions, editing, and (occasionally) design. She attended Portland State University for both her BA in arts and letters, specializing in medieval studies and English, and her MS in book publishing, graduating with honors from both. When not at work, you’ll find her fervently reading fantasy and historical fiction, cuddling her cat, scaling rock walls or doing yoga at the gym, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.