Abigail Wilentz

Abigail Wilentz – Editor

Nonfiction editor for 20-plus years, transforming raw concepts into polished books on lifestyle, cooking, health, how-to, and more.

Overview

My experience includes in-house editor positions at New York trade publishers Universe Publishing (a Division of Rizzoli International) and Watson-Guptill Publications (of the Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House), as well as directing a custom publishing program for the Italian fashion house Brioni. Since 2008, I've edited manuscripts as an independent consultant for publishers like Reader's Digest Books, Frommer's, Fairchild Books, Sterling Publishing, and Grand Central Publishing. In recent years I've edited a long list of food and health titles (including New York Times bestseller Japanese Cooking Made Simple) for Callisto Media, named by Publisher's Weekly the fastest growing independent publisher in 2015. With a strong background in illustrated publishing (i.e. coffee-table books), I've helped authors develop and polish works on topics from cooking, diet, health and wellness, to photography, fashion, travel, reference/how-to, education, and more.
Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Fashion & Textiles Health & Wellbeing Photography
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Independent Publisher Book Awards, Best Corporate Branding Book, 2002
Certifications
  • Radcliffe Publishing Course, 1993

Work experience

(Independent)

Aug, 2008 — Present
Provide development for book projects, including proposal writing and editing for authors and agents, and development editing manuscripts for publishers and authors. As a independent consultant, I've also written books commissioned by publishers, such as The Relationship Devotional (Sterling, 2009) and Organize Your Life (Reader's Digest Books, 2010).

Watson-Guptill Publications, an Imprint of the Crown Publishing Group

Feb, 2007 — Jul, 2008 (over 1 year)
Acquired and developed instructional titles in photography technique and the art of comics/graphic novels and graphic design. Worked closely with potential authors to develop new book ideas as well as to refine concept and content of titles under contract.

Brioni

May, 2000 — Nov, 2005 (over 5 years)
Directed startup line of illustrated luxury lifestyle books for the Italian fashion brand, overseeing projects through all stages of editorial development, design, and production. Brioni Books received extensive media coverage, while the Independent Publisher Book Awards named our first title, Single Malt Whisky: An Italian Passion, Best Corporate Branding Book of 2002.

Universe Publishing, a Division of Rizzoli International Publications

Sep, 1997 — Apr, 2000 (over 2 years)
Acquired, developed, and edited illustrated books on a wide range of nonfiction subjects from fine art, fashion, design, and photography, to pop culture, music, sports, and travel.

Portfolio

What do Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Marissa Mayer, and Bill Gates all have in common outside of being wildly successful? They are all introverts.In today's fast-paced, unstable workplace achieving success requires speaking up, promoting oneself and one's ideas, ... read more
Solve history’s greatest puzzles with this classic collection of brain teasers from The Best Brain Teasers of All Time.The best brain teasers are those that have challenged and captivated the attention of puzzle lovers throughout time. Collected here to keep y... read more
Just like great Mexican food, this Mexican cookbook begins at the source: classic recipes, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. Unless you live in a city known for its Mexican food, finding good Mexican cuisine can be challenging―and finding the right Mexican ... read more
#1 AMAZON BESTSELLERThe Smoothie Recipe Book gives you 150 delicious smoothie recipes to help you cleanse your body and lose weight!Smoothies are naturally packed with superfoods and antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables, making them the easiest and ta... read more
How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling is an instructional book based on the cinematic, high contrast noir style of acclaimed comic book and graphic novel illustrator, Shawn Martinbrough.Martinbrough’s work has been published by ... read more
Quit Sugar and Feel Great with Over 175 Tasty RecipesFrom the Creators of the New York Times Bestseller Paleo for Everyday, Sugar Free offers a step-by-step plan and over 175 delicious recipes to cut your sugar intake--either temporarily or for good--and feel ... read more
A Red Tricycle 2015 Best Cookbook for BabiesThis playful cookbook helps parents prepare a culinary adventure for the newest eater in the family. Baby food chef and founder of the beloved blog Baby FoodE, Michele Olivier, shows you how to raise a food lover by ... read more
Absolutely anyone can take better photos! If you can press a button, you can take great pictures. It’s as simple as that. In BetterPhoto Basics, Jim Miotke, founder of the popular online photography school BetterPhoto.com, shares tips and tricks to improve you... read more
Fashion Branding Unraveled introduces and explains the concept of brand and the process of brand development. The book clarifies misconceptions, introduces new concepts, and proposes a step-by-step roadmap for developing an effective brand, all within the cont... read more
Before television, the great picture magazines captured world events for millions of readers. They sent correspondents and photojournalists to the ends of the earth to record history in the making. Among this elite was the photographer, John Launois. During th... read more
Frommer's California Day by Day features regional and city itineraries that will help you maximize your time while touring the country's top sights. Tour the fabulous beaches of the Central Coast, hike through national parks in the High Sierra and Southern Cal... read more
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Cooking a wide variety of Japanese meals doesn't have to require a lot of effort, multiple cookbooks, and guesswork. Here's the key to making delicious Japanese food at home tonight. People love Japanese cuisine, but very few prepare ... read more
Lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle with Paleo in 28’s all-in-one paleo cookbook and diet plan.When it comes to making changes to your diet, getting started is always the hardest part. That’s why Paleo in 28 offers you more than just a paleo cookbook—it... read more

Abigail has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kevin R.

Kevin R.

Oct, 2016

Abilgail is a true professional in terms of her approach to editing and working with clients. As a new author I was uncertain to the process of editing. Abilgail took my project as her own and helped me create a fantastic end project. She put in a lot of work and explained all of her changes t...
Read more

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