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.

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.