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Adam O'Brien - Editor
New York, NY, United States
I'm a New York City-based editor specializing in commercial nonfiction, and have worked on several NYT-bestselling titles.
Overview
I'm an editor based in NYC, specializing in both short and long form commercial nonfiction.I specialize in "memoirs" in a broad sense: personal memoirs, business memoirs, collections of humorous personal essays, even travel memoirs. A few of the books I've worked on in this category are Drew Barrymore's WILDFLOWER, Rainn Wilson's THE BASSOON KING, sportscaster Joe Buck's forthcoming LUCKY BASTARD, and MAKE IT HAPPEN by Lisa Sugar, founder of the popular media website Popsugar.I also specialize in narrative nonfiction, encompassing an array of topics from bestselling authors. Examples of books I've worked with are Daniel Levitin's A FIELD GUIDE TO LIES, Sean Carroll's THE BIG PICTURE, and Maria Goodavage's newly published SECRET SERVICE DOGS.Working with a variety of New York Times-bestselling books, I've come to know not only how to work in these specific genres, but the best ways to get to the ultimate goal of an editor: how to take what you want to write, recognize what the reader wants to read, and work with you to bring the two together.If you're interested in working with me, please drop me a line with a few paragraphs explaining what you are writing about, your relationship with the subject, and the approximate length. From there, we can talk more about the details as well as your editing needs!
Services
Languages
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Work experience
Assistant Editor
The Overlook Press
Editorial Assistant
Penguin Books
Work with several NYT-bestselling authors in nonfiction, spanning genres such as memoir, science, humor, and current affairs.
Temporary Production Coordinator
Abrams Books
Editorial Intern
Public Affairs Books
Intern
Perseus Books Group
Portfolio (17 selected works)
Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States
Maria Goodavage
In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes.Wherever the president goes, there will be dogs. They’ll be there no... read more
In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes.Wherever the president goes, there will be dogs. They’ll be there no... read more
Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald's Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away
Lisa Napoli
The movie The Founder, starring Michael Keaton, focused the spotlight on Ray Kroc, the man who amassed a fortune as the chairman of McDonald’s. But what about his wife Joan, the woman who became famous for giving away his fortune? Lisa Napoli tells the fascinating story behind the historic couple.Ray & Joan is a quintessentially American tale of corporate intrigue and private passion: a strugg... read more
The movie The Founder, starring Michael Keaton, focused the spotlight on Ray Kroc, the man who amassed a fortune as the chairman of McDonald’s. But what about his wife Joan, the woman who became famous for giving away his fortune? Lisa Napoli tells the fascinating story behind the historic couple.Ray & Joan is a quintessentially American tale of corporate intrigue and private passion: a strugg... read more
The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself
Sean Carroll
*INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*"Vivid . . . impressive. . . . Splendidly informative."—The New York Times"Succeeds spectacularly."—Science"A tour de force."—SalonAlready internationally acclaimed for his elegant, lucid writing on the most challenging notions in modern physics, Sean Carroll is emerging as one of the greatest humanist thinkers of his generation as he brings his extraordinary... read more
*INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*"Vivid . . . impressive. . . . Splendidly informative."—The New York Times"Succeeds spectacularly."—Science"A tour de force."—SalonAlready internationally acclaimed for his elegant, lucid writing on the most challenging notions in modern physics, Sean Carroll is emerging as one of the greatest humanist thinkers of his generation as he brings his extraordinary... read more
Wildflower
Drew Barrymore
Award-winning actress Drew Barrymore shares funny, insightful, and profound stories from her past and present told from the place of happiness she's achieved today. Wildflower is a portrait of Drew's life in stories as she looks back on the adventures, challenges, and incredible experiences of her earlier years. It includes tales of living on her own at 14 (and how laundry may have saved her l... read more
Award-winning actress Drew Barrymore shares funny, insightful, and profound stories from her past and present told from the place of happiness she's achieved today. Wildflower is a portrait of Drew's life in stories as she looks back on the adventures, challenges, and incredible experiences of her earlier years. It includes tales of living on her own at 14 (and how laundry may have saved her l... read more
The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson’s memoir about growing up geeky and finally finding his place in comedy, faith, and life. For nine seasons Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute, everyone's favorite work nemesis and beet farmer. Viewers of The Office fell in love with the character and grew to love the actor who played him even more. Rainn founded a website and media company, SoulPancake, that eventually became a be... read more
Rainn Wilson’s memoir about growing up geeky and finally finding his place in comedy, faith, and life. For nine seasons Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute, everyone's favorite work nemesis and beet farmer. Viewers of The Office fell in love with the character and grew to love the actor who played him even more. Rainn founded a website and media company, SoulPancake, that eventually became a be... read more
Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop
Nick Offerman
After two New York Times bestsellers, Nick Offerman returns with the subject for which he's known best—his incredible real-life woodshop. Nestled among the glitz and glitter of Tinseltown is a testament to American elbow grease and an honest-to-god hard day’s work: Offerman Woodshop. Captained by hirsute woodworker, actor, comedian, and writer Nick Offerman, the shop produces not only fine han... read more
After two New York Times bestsellers, Nick Offerman returns with the subject for which he's known best—his incredible real-life woodshop. Nestled among the glitz and glitter of Tinseltown is a testament to American elbow grease and an honest-to-god hard day’s work: Offerman Woodshop. Captained by hirsute woodworker, actor, comedian, and writer Nick Offerman, the shop produces not only fine han... read more
Power Your Happy: Work Hard, Play Nice & Build Your Dream Life
Lisa Sugar
Lisa Sugar has an amazing job. She spends her days at POPSUGAR creating content about pop culture, must-have handbags and makeup, healthy recipes, and Instagram-worthy sweets. She manages an enormously successful, growing company with employees who love what they do. And her life is just as great at home. She and her husband have three daughters and she’s the number one soccer mom who loves re... read more
Lisa Sugar has an amazing job. She spends her days at POPSUGAR creating content about pop culture, must-have handbags and makeup, healthy recipes, and Instagram-worthy sweets. She manages an enormously successful, growing company with employees who love what they do. And her life is just as great at home. She and her husband have three daughters and she’s the number one soccer mom who loves re... read more
The Human Superorganism: How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life
Rodney Dietert PhD
"Eyeopening... Fascinating... may presage a paradigm shift in medicine.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Teeming with information and big ideas... Outstanding.”—Booklist (starred review)The origin of asthma, autism, Alzheimer's, allergies, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and even some kinds of depression is now clear. Award-winning researcher on the microbiome, professor Rodney Dietert presen... read more
"Eyeopening... Fascinating... may presage a paradigm shift in medicine.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Teeming with information and big ideas... Outstanding.”—Booklist (starred review)The origin of asthma, autism, Alzheimer's, allergies, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and even some kinds of depression is now clear. Award-winning researcher on the microbiome, professor Rodney Dietert presen... read more
Why We Snap: Understanding the Rage Circuit in Your Brain
Douglas Fields
The startling new science behind sudden acts of violence and the nine triggers this groundbreaking researcher has uncoveredWe all have a rage circuit we can’t fully control once it is engaged as R. Douglas Fields, PhD, reveals in this essential book for our time. The daily headlines are filled with examples of otherwise rational people with no history of violence or mental illness suddenly sna... read more
The startling new science behind sudden acts of violence and the nine triggers this groundbreaking researcher has uncoveredWe all have a rage circuit we can’t fully control once it is engaged as R. Douglas Fields, PhD, reveals in this essential book for our time. The daily headlines are filled with examples of otherwise rational people with no history of violence or mental illness suddenly sna... read more
Lucky Bastard: My Life, My Dad, and the Things I'm Not Allowed to Say on TV
Joe Buck
In this New York Times bestselling memoir, the announcer of the biggest sporting events in the country—including the 2017 Super Bowl and this century's most-watched, historic, Chicago Cubs–winning World Series—reveals why he is one lucky bastard.Sports fans see Joe Buck everywhere: broadcasting one of the biggest games in the NFL every week, calling the World Series every year, announcing the ... read more
In this New York Times bestselling memoir, the announcer of the biggest sporting events in the country—including the 2017 Super Bowl and this century's most-watched, historic, Chicago Cubs–winning World Series—reveals why he is one lucky bastard.Sports fans see Joe Buck everywhere: broadcasting one of the biggest games in the NFL every week, calling the World Series every year, announcing the ... read more
Relentless Spirit: The Unconventional Raising of a Champion
Missy Franklin, D.A. Franklin, Dick Franklin, Daniel Paisner
What does it take to become a champion? Gold medalist Missy Franklin, along with her parents, D.A. and Dick, tell the inspirational and heartwarming story of how Missy became both a legendary athlete and a happy and confident woman, something they accomplished by doing things their own way and making the right choices for their family. The word relentless has many meanings for swimmer Missy Fr... read more
What does it take to become a champion? Gold medalist Missy Franklin, along with her parents, D.A. and Dick, tell the inspirational and heartwarming story of how Missy became both a legendary athlete and a happy and confident woman, something they accomplished by doing things their own way and making the right choices for their family. The word relentless has many meanings for swimmer Missy Fr... read more
A Field Guide to Lies: Critical Thinking in the Information Age
Daniel J. Levitin
From The New York Times bestselling author of The Organized Mind and This is Your Brain on Music, a primer to the critical thinking that is more necessary now than ever. We are bombarded with more information each day than our brains can process—especially in election season. It's raining bad data, half-truths, and even outright lies. New York Times bestselling author Daniel J. Levitin shows h... read more
From The New York Times bestselling author of The Organized Mind and This is Your Brain on Music, a primer to the critical thinking that is more necessary now than ever. We are bombarded with more information each day than our brains can process—especially in election season. It's raining bad data, half-truths, and even outright lies. New York Times bestselling author Daniel J. Levitin shows h... read more
Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The bestselling author of Encyclopedia an Ordinary Life returns with a literary experience that is unprecedented, unforgettable, and explosively human. Ten years after her beloved, groundbreaking Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, #1 New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal delivers a book full of her distinct blend of nonlinear narrative, wistful reflections, and insightful wit. ... read more
The bestselling author of Encyclopedia an Ordinary Life returns with a literary experience that is unprecedented, unforgettable, and explosively human. Ten years after her beloved, groundbreaking Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, #1 New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal delivers a book full of her distinct blend of nonlinear narrative, wistful reflections, and insightful wit. ... read more
Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain
Dana Suskind
*Nominated for the Books for a Better Life Award*The founder and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, Professor Dana Suskind, explains why the most important—and astoundingly simple—thing you can do for your child’s future success in life is to talk to him or her, reveals the recent science behind this truth, and outlines precisely how parents can best put it into practice. The res... read more
*Nominated for the Books for a Better Life Award*The founder and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, Professor Dana Suskind, explains why the most important—and astoundingly simple—thing you can do for your child’s future success in life is to talk to him or her, reveals the recent science behind this truth, and outlines precisely how parents can best put it into practice. The res... read more
The Man Who Wasn't There: Investigations into the Strange New Science of the Self
Anil Ananthaswamy
*Nominated for the 2016 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award**An NBC News Notable Science Book of 2015**Named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2015**A Book of the Month for Brain HQ/Posit Science**Selected by Forbes as a Must Read Brain Book of 2015* *On Life Changes Network’s list of the Top 10 Books That Could Change Your Life of 2015*In the tradition of Oliver Sacks, a tou... read more
*Nominated for the 2016 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award**An NBC News Notable Science Book of 2015**Named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2015**A Book of the Month for Brain HQ/Posit Science**Selected by Forbes as a Must Read Brain Book of 2015* *On Life Changes Network’s list of the Top 10 Books That Could Change Your Life of 2015*In the tradition of Oliver Sacks, a tou... read more
The Wonder Trail: True Stories from Los Angeles to the End of the World
Steve Hely
Steve Hely, writer for The Office and American Dad!, and recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, presents a travel book about his journey through Central and South America. Part travel book, part pop history, part comic memoir, Hely's writing will make readers want to reach for their backpack and hiking boots. The Wonder Trail is the story of a trip from Los Angeles to the bottom of... read more
Steve Hely, writer for The Office and American Dad!, and recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, presents a travel book about his journey through Central and South America. Part travel book, part pop history, part comic memoir, Hely's writing will make readers want to reach for their backpack and hiking boots. The Wonder Trail is the story of a trip from Los Angeles to the bottom of... read more
The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload
Daniel J. Levitin
New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin shifts his keen insights from your brain on music to your brain in a sea of details.The information age is drowning us with an unprecedented deluge of data. At the same time, we’re expected to make more—and faster—decisions about our lives than ever before. No wonder, then, that the average American reports frequently losin... read more
New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin shifts his keen insights from your brain on music to your brain in a sea of details.The information age is drowning us with an unprecedented deluge of data. At the same time, we’re expected to make more—and faster—decisions about our lives than ever before. No wonder, then, that the average American reports frequently losin... read more
Adam has 1 review
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If you want a good editor, look no further. Adam did a good job on the full comprehensive edit of my non-fiction book. I would recommend Adam if you are very flexible on turnaround time, and flexible about email communications. Since this was my first book, I expected it to be picked apart like my writing was back in college, but it wasn't. I am not sure if I am a better writer now or if Adam...
Yvonne Feltman, June 2017
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