Manuscripts – Development & Line Editing
No matter what shape your work is in, Stephanie makes it better. She is a classically trained professional developmental editor, whose first job out of college was as the personal assistant of the managing editor of the HarperCollins Trade Division in the old building on West 53rd Street off Fifth Avenue. She then was given the opportunity to move upstairs (literally) and share an office for nine years with a legendary executive editor, Hugh Van Dusen, soaking up the experience, like a sponge, through her eyes, ears, and pores—hearing every phone call and attending every meeting in that room.
Briefly she had the privilege of being “shared” with another then-emerging editor, Craig Nelson, and thus got to do some work with (and meet) a pile of celebrity figures on their books: musician Ron Wood, painter Andy Warhol, actor Lily Tomlin, musician Phillip Glass, director Peter Sellers, and so many more. She was a shy, star-struck kid. Craig has gone on to be a remarkable writer of history, hitting the NY Times Bestseller List for Rocket Men, winning the Henry Adams Prize for Thomas Paine.
As a junior-level editor Stephanie honed her skills while reissuing back list drug store editions of the works of classic murder mystery writers, like Agatha Christie, by “covering” front list titles from hardcover publishers to see if they would be appropriate for the HarperPerennial paperback book program, by supervising the production of front list books for her boss, and by forming relationships with other editors and agents.
At age 30, Stephanie acquired her first New York Times best seller as an associate editor, Mutant Message Down Under. Delacorte Press then snatched her up, promoting her to senior editor, asking her to help build its health and spirituality line. She went freelance a few years later, as a publishing consultant and editor.
When the publishing industry was disrupted and underwent a digital revolution, Stephanie was already in place experimenting with those technologies and assisting transformational workshop leaders and experts form their own small publishing companies, build infrastructure, and package high-quality products from which they reaped the profits. She learned from the best efforts of these entrepreneurs and passes that information back to her clients through expert consultations.
Let Stephanie use her critical eye and skills to assist you with organization, clarity, and aesthetic quality, as well as her perspective on what works in the marketplace. She handles a select group of nonfiction trade book projects personally. The goal? Reaching hearts and minds. Improving lives—as well as your writing process.
Stephanie works on both mainstream and self-published projects. If you’re a self-publisher, it may interest you to know that she is a seasoned book packager. Her team of industry professionals can polish your book ’til it shines! Ask for a private consult here.
No children’s books, screenplays, novels, or articles, please.
If you are a writer who needs an editor, CLICK HERE to provide your information and schedule a FREE discovery conversation.
PRIVATE BOOK COACHING
Stephanie has coached and edited hundreds of writers throughout her career, including bestselling and award-winning authors. Under her expert guidance, the mysteries of writing and publishing books are swiftly penetrated. Stephanie is committed to your success in achieving your dreams as an author. She will help you align your book with your business goals and personal aspirations, overcome writer’s block, and find insightful creative solutions for all kinds of issues that crop up when a writer is working on a book.
Individual one-hour coaching session @ $300
Package of 5 one-hour coaching sessions @ $1350
BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION
During a 45-Minute Strategy Session, Stephanie will support you in clarifying your publishing plans and the specific action steps you need to take to achieve your vision. As a master of the publishing process, Stephanie will answer all your questions and brainstorm with you about how your book can fulfill its purpose. If you are weighing the decision of whether to self-publish or seek a traditional publisher, or if you’re uncertain about your book topic or how to appeal to a particular audience, this service is right for you.