Andrew Yackira - Editor
An editorial Swiss Army knife. I've done it all for the trade market for over a decade—development editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
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Overview
I'm a veteran of the publishing industry, with over a decade of editorial experience in every capacity from development editing to copy editing, proofreading, production, and acquisitions. I've worked for a traditional Big 5 publisher, a fast-paced startup, and founded my own publishing consultancy. Whether I'm editing authors who have already been on the New York Times–bestseller list or who are writing their first manuscript, I'm always working toward the dream of taking writing to the next level and helping authors achieve their goals.
Sharing your work with an editor (or anyone, for that matter) can be a nerve-racking experience whether you're an experienced author or just getting started. My calm demeanor, professionalism, editorial bedside manner, and sense of humor have oftentimes turned tense situations into moments for personal growth, learning, and success. I love nothing more than getting into the weeds with a manuscript, polishing prose, spitballing ideas for new writing projects, and discussing the finer points of grammar and style.
Fun fact about me: I'm a Lord of Glencoe, Scotland—and I have the paperwork to prove it!
Specialities include: nonfiction editorial work in any capacity in the areas of business, self-help and how-to, body/mind/spirit, metaphysics, paranormal, mindfulness, religion and spirituality, philosophy, cookbooks, children's, parenting, science and technology, psychology and mental health, wellness and exercise, games and puzzles, art, and humor.
Testimonials:
Sharing your work with an editor (or anyone, for that matter) can be a nerve-racking experience whether you're an experienced author or just getting started. My calm demeanor, professionalism, editorial bedside manner, and sense of humor have oftentimes turned tense situations into moments for personal growth, learning, and success. I love nothing more than getting into the weeds with a manuscript, polishing prose, spitballing ideas for new writing projects, and discussing the finer points of grammar and style.
Fun fact about me: I'm a Lord of Glencoe, Scotland—and I have the paperwork to prove it!
Specialities include: nonfiction editorial work in any capacity in the areas of business, self-help and how-to, body/mind/spirit, metaphysics, paranormal, mindfulness, religion and spirituality, philosophy, cookbooks, children's, parenting, science and technology, psychology and mental health, wellness and exercise, games and puzzles, art, and humor.
Testimonials:
"As an author, I have published more than eighty books with several top publishers, and my experience with Andrew Yackira has been one of the best in my writing life. Andrew is extremely professional, quick to take action, and very helpful in shaping the manuscript and making it more marketable. I would recommend Andrew to anyone who wants first-class editorial work.”
—Brian Tracy, bestselling author of Eat That Frog!
"Andrew does it all. As my editor he was fully engaged in every aspect of the publication process, and three years later remains interested and involved. What a bonus that his expertise, honesty, and steadfast work ethic come laced with a terrific sense of humor. Publishing a book ought to be a positive and fun ride. Andrew guarantees just that."
—Marietta McCarty, New York Times–bestselling author of Little Big Minds, How Philosophy Can Save Your Life, and The Philosopher's Table
"Andrew Yackira is a wonderful editor. He understands author concerns as well as publisher concerns, and knows how to balance the art and passion of authors with the commercial concerns of the industry."
—Bill Gladstone, author and agent to Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsch, et al.
"Andrew’s years of experience as a book editor allowed him to easily guide me through the publishing process of my first book. His literary skills and humor made my work stronger and more appealing to a wider audience. I can't express enough how Andrew made my first publishing experience better than anything I could have possibly imagined."
—Domenick Dicce, author of You're a Vampire: That Sucks!
"Andrew has the seminal gift of helping an author assess what aspects of their work will honor the core of their project, while best resonating with the audience they're trying to reach. This expertise helped guide me through both books I had the pleasure of working on with Andrew, in a process that was as seamless as it was enjoyable. Andrew also has deep patience and kindness—traits that are essential as an author when you're in the weeds on a draft and haven't interacted with humans for weeks on end. I consider him a dear friend, and was deeply lucky to have him as an editor."
—John C. Havens, author of Hacking H(app)iness and Heartificial Intelligence
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Children's - Non-fiction
Cooking & Food Wine & Spirits
Health & wellbeing
New Age
Philosophy
Religion & Spirituality
Self-help & Self-improvement
Work experience
Editor-at-Large
Self-employed
August, 2016
–
Present
(about 4 years)
In 2016, I founded a publishing consultancy that has provided the services of development editing, copy editing, proofreading, and agenting for aspiring and established authors.
Editor
Penguin Random House
September, 2007
–
August, 2016
(almost 9 years)
• Acquired and edited 3 to 5 projects each publishing season.
• Forged relationships with authors and agents—independently brainstorming, creating, and acquiring book projects for publication in traditional and nontraditional formats such as Penguin Specials (i.e. eBook-only projects), paperbacks, hardcovers, leather-bound editions, boxed sets, and workbooks.
• Developed nonbook products such as websites, apps, and card decks.
• Wrote creative, SEO-friendly descriptive copy to be used on printed book covers/jackets, Penguin’s official website and blog, the iBookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble's online store, as well as widely distributed promotional materials and in-house sales pitch media.
• Negotiated book and product deals with agents and foreign publishers, ushered the eventual contract through the various stages of drafting, and ensured the delivery of a product per the stipulations within that contract.
• Published approximately 10–15 new book projects annually—shepherding them all the way from Word document to bound book.
• Liaised with every other department within the company—including publicity, sales, digital marketing, contracts, executive, managing editorial, production, design, and accounts receivable—and was the point person for all of these departments with regard to any element of hundreds of active backlist titles and projects.
• Analyzed weekly sales data and prepared reports to educate the imprint on current trends within the industry, in order to facilitate informed decision-making as a business unit.
• Performed numerous classic editorial duties, including but not limited to: offering creative and stylistic input on manuscripts; copy editing; formatting; and preparation of critical book elements (such as copyright pages, tables of contents, title pages, endorsement pages, and coupon pages).
Portfolio (32 selected works)
Have you ever seen something you couldn’t explain? This meticulously researched and thrilling exploration of the otherworldly will challenge your idea of reality. Mysterious wolf-people, sentient mists, and UFOs…if you've ever heard a curious bump in the night, caught a glimpse of a strange-looking someone (or something) out of the corner of your eye, or seen an unusual craft dart across the s... read more
How Cycling Can Save the World
Peter Walker
Peter Walker—reporter at the Guardian and curator of its popular bike blog—shows how the future of humanity depends on the bicycle. Car culture has ensnared much of the world—and it's no wonder. Convenience and comfort (as well as some clever lobbying) have made the car the transportation method of choice for generations. But as the world evolves, the high cost of the automobile is made cleare... read more
I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal
The Mindfulness Project
Mindfulness is the simple and powerful practice of training your attention. It's simple in that it's just about paying attention to what's happening here and now, and powerful because it can keep you from getting lost in thoughts about the future or past, which often generate more stress on top of the real pressures of everyday life.While learning to live in the moment, the joyful mindfulness ... read more
Discover the secrets for how to think and act like the most successful people in the world and reap the rewards!In today’s constantly changing world, you have to be smart to get ahead. But the average person uses only about two percent of their mental ability. How can we learn to unleash our brain’s full potential to maximize our opportunities, like the most successful people do? In Get Smart!... read more
The Creative Life: True Tales of Inspiration
Julia Cameron
A passionate and inspiring guide to creating a life built around the creative process. This groundbreaking new work from the bestselling author of The Artist's Way, guides readers in creating a vision for their lives in which art and life are inextricably linked. According to Julia Cameron, when we allow our creative spirit to serve as our compass, we discover that the art we have always longe... read more
Winner of BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR from COVR (The Coalition of Visionary Resources), that recognizes the best new products in the New Age industry.Enlightened sleep practices for the modern mind.Buddha’s Book of Sleep is the first book to address sleep disturbances with techniques from mindfulness meditation. Yet this is a natural choice—mindfulness meditation has proven effective for psychologic... read more
Traditional Indian cuisine comes to your very modern Instant Pot®.Discover how simple and delicious traditional Indian cuisine can be. The Indian Instant Pot Cookbook offers fast and easy takes on classic Indian dishes―all designed to be cooked in your electric pressure cooker.Whether you’re new to Indian food or looking to experiment at home, The Indian Instant Pot Cookbook keeps things simpl... read more
Settle down with your "kindest buds," a stash of junk food, and plenty of good vibes to enjoy this ultimate marijuana lover's companion to coloring. With over 40 original illustrations from the minds of nine artists, this adult coloring book is a must-have for the cannabis connoisseur. These coloring pages plumb the depths of human imagination and creativity--not to mention the trippy or other... read more
Ignite their passion for exploring the night sky―the astronomer's guidebook for kids.“No matter how many times you’ve orbited the Sun, Astronomy for Kids is really for kids of all ages. Dr. Betts shows you how to become an astronomer―an observer of the stars. With this book, you can know the cosmos and your place within it. Read on, walk out, and look up!”―Bill Nye, science educator, author, a... read more
The guide to raising happy backyard chickens that'll have you ruling the roost.The Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens makes it simple and easy to start keeping these surprisingly smart birds right in your backyard. From constructing coops to rearing chicks, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy all year round.Which breed of chicken is righ... read more
Super fun experiments for kids to get super excited about scienceGetting kids excited about science can be difficult. Science Experiments for Kids provides young scientists ages 5-10 with hands-on experiments that teach them how to apply the scientific method. From the home laboratory of former chemistry teacher and blogger behind the Science Kiddo, Crystal Chatterton combines fun experiments ... read more
Everything a kid needs to bake delicious treats.When a child is ready to take the spatula into his or her hands, it can be difficult to find recipes suited to their level, ability, and tastes that also capture their interest. Catering to ambitious chefs ages 8–13, this kids cookbook and culinary crash course shows your chef-in-training what it takes to bake from start to finish. With tips for ... read more
Help your hive thrive with this guide to beekeeping for new-bees.Wouldn’t it be great to raise your own bees, have a fresh supply of honey, and bring thousands of healthy pollinators into your yard? Beekeeping for Beginners is a simple, step-by-step guide that helps you learn the fundamentals of modern beekeeping. You (and your bees) will be buzzing with delight.From picking the right hive and... read more
Healthy, homemade meals with a lot less effort ― the magic of meal preppingThe secret to savoring healthy meals throughout the week is simple―prep work. The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook offers expert advice that takes the challenge out of meal prep with practical and straightforward advice anyone can master. Featuring three, 2-week meal plans―as well as over 100 healthy, storage-friendly recipes... read more
A toolbox for kids to understand their ADHD and live happier, healthier livesFor millions of kids who live with ADHD, feelings of loneliness, frustration, and helplessness are all too common. Thriving with ADHD is a workbook specially designed to helps kids with ADHD develop essential skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, while also providing a powerful message of hope and encouragement for... read more
Daily inspiration and meditations for positive thinking and living Yes, you can change your life by changing your thoughts. In A Year of Positive Thinking, you’ll transform your mindset and motivate positive life changes one thought, one day, and one year at a time.From day one, this book teaches you the power of positive thinking through quick and digestible affirmations based in positive psy... read more
How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas That Matter Most
Marietta McCarty
Discover how great philosophers can help you live a more purposeful and peaceful life. This inspiring new book from the bestselling author of Little Big Minds reveals how the heartbeats of philosophy- clear thinking, quiet reflection, and good conversation- are essential ingredients in a well-lived life. Full of great discussion ideas and activities you can do with a group, How Philosophy Can ... read more
"Talk doesn't cook rice." —Chinese ProverbAccording to Socrates, knowledge is "food for the soul." That's all well and good for the Socratic but, according to Maslow, food for the stomach is a far more pressing matter.But why can't you have your talk, and cook rice too? With The Philosopher's Table, Marietta McCarty shows you that you can. In this book, you will find all of the necessary ingre... read more
The Science of Mind: The Complete Edition
Ernest Holmes
"The founder of the United Church of Religious Science, an international religious movement, presents his basic spiritual tenets, showing readers how to get in touch with nature's forces and God's healing power."—Amazon.com.
The Reiki Manual: A Training Guide for Reiki Students, Practitioners, and Masters
Penelope Quest, Kathy Roberts
The definitive text on Reiki-for students, practitioners, and Masters alike-from one of the most respected Reiki teachers today. Reiki is a holistic system for balancing, healing, and harmonizing all aspects of the person-body, mind, emotions, and spirit-encouraging deep relaxation and the release of stress and tension, and promoting awareness and spiritual growth. This comprehensive manual pr... read more
Internationally acclaimed bestselling author Byron Katie presents inspiring sayings in this beautiful work, which features illustrations by award-winning artist Hans WilhelmIn this vibrant book of inspiring and challenging wisdom, Byron Katie offers powerful aphorisms that can change the lives of readers forever. These delightful “Katieisms” are presented along with full-color, full-page illus... read more
"Anderegg's clear-eyed look at a damaging cultural truism does nerds and jocks-all Americans, really-a service." (The Washington Post). Thick glasses, socially awkward, a math whiz with a pocket protector- everyone knows what a nerd is. But where did this stereotype come from? Children aren't born knowing what a "nerd" or "geek" is, so why do they know by the age of five or six that they don't... read more
The next book in the strange and fascinating series that began with the national bestseller Why You Shouldn't Eat Your Boogers & Other Useless or Gross Information About Your Body. The national bestseller Why You Shouldn't Eat Your Boogers & Other Useless or Gross Information About Your Body uncovered everything one might want to know (and a few things one might not) about the human body. The ... read more
Choosing Happiness: Life and Soul Essentials
Stephanie Dowrick
The message of this book is very simple: Right now, you can be happier! Whatever your age or outlook, Choosing Happiness shows that real change can happen: in how you see yourself - and how you perceive and relate to other people. The most practical of Dr Stephanie Dowrick's bestsellers, this wide-ranging, deeply personal book offers succinct, compassionate guidance. It also shows clearly that... read more
If you have not encountered Chuang Tzu before, prepare yourself for a treat. He was the sage who stood apart from all others in Chinese history. He was a unique presence, a great mind like no one before or since. Chuang Tzu quickly distinguished himself and became well known for his deep understanding and sense of humor. His mastery was such that he could explain the Tao with simple stories, a... read more
"We need to open our eyes to see life itself as a gift, and perceive the goodness embedded everywhere. Every day is a blessing, and every moment is an opportunity to express the Tao." -Derek Lin In Eastern wisdom traditions, it is taught that practicing one small bit of wisdom each day will add up to a life of insight and joy. This volume of 365 life-transforming readings brings the sacred tea... read more
Change Your Aura, Change Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Unfolding Your Spiritual Power, Revised Edition
Barbara Y. Martin, Dimitri Moraitis
2017 Nautilus Award WinnerA new guide to the source of your spiritual energy--the aura--from renowned spiritual teachers Barbara Y. Martin and Dimitri Moraitis. Discover your source of unlimited spiritual energy! Everything you think, feel, and do radiates a spiritual energy that comes through in various colors and hues: This is your aura. The aura is your spiritual blueprint. By changing the ... read more
Patience: The Art of Peaceful Living
Allan Lokos
"As founder and guiding teacher of the Community Meditation Center in New York, Allan Lokos has an arsenal of tools for coping with stressful situations." - Rachel Lee Harris, New York Times To survive the roller-coaster ride of life, with its ever-changing shifts from pleasure to pain, gain to loss, and praise to blame, requires a substantial depth of patience. In this life-changing book, All... read more
I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are
Howard Falco
"I AM is a fascinating, in-depth and eye-opening look at the very essence of how each of our lives are created in every moment." - Hale Dwoskin, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Sedona Method and featured teacher in The SecretFor centuries humankind has been asking fervent questions about the meaning of life. As Howard Falco learned, the answers to these questions can ultimately be... read more
Heaven on Earth: Timeless Prayers of Wisdom and Love
Stephanie Dowrick
Winner of the 2014 Nautilus Award represents “Better Books for a Better World”—the Gold Award (Best Book of the Year) in the category of Religion/Spirituality: Other Traditions & Practices.Here is a prayer book that offers you the wisest, most comforting of prayers, while also guiding you on how to pray. Whatever your experience of prayer, you will find a new depth of inspiration and support i... read more
Andrew has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Andrew Yackira is an excellent editor and a great professional to work with. The diligent developmental editing he did on my book truly reflects his impressive professional credentials. He is very punctual, responsive, and pleasant in his interactions. I enjoyed working with him.
Clarisse Tur, July 2020
Andrew is a highly professional editor. His feedback was clear, thorough, and insightful. I couldn't have asked for a more comprehensive copy edit. Thank you Andrew for a job well done!
Ryan Irmick, April 2020
Andrew did a great job with my developmental edit. He was very easy to communicate with and honored the deadline by completing the edit within the agreed upon timeframe. Andrew is a straightforward thinker and a master of" turning less into more." I am able to accept his edits with confidence because of the experience he has accumulated over his career as a editor.
I felt like Andrew real...
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Chris Matthews, March 2020
Reply from Andrew Yackira
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Vanessa Ta
Professional non-fiction editor specializing in body, mind, spirit; self-help; and beyond.
Albany, CA, USA
Stephanie Gunning
Former HarperCollins Publishers and Delacorte Press acquisitions editor, specializing in mind-body-spirit books. Award-winning clients.
New York, NY, United States
