Andy Ross

Andy Ross – Editor

I am a literary agent and freelance developmental book editor. I also edit and consult on query letters and non-fiction book proposals.

Overview

I am a literary agent representing most genres of fiction and non-fiction. My clients include Daniel Ellsberg, Fritjof Capra, Tawni Waters, Susan Griffin, Jeff Arch, and Jeffrey Moussaiev Masson. I am also a freelance editor working with literary, commercial, and YA fiction as well as narrative non-fiction genres. I do developmental editing of complete texts and editorial consulting and assessment of shorter portions. Additionally, I consult and edit book proposals, query letters, and provide advice on how to get published. I am the author of The Literary Agent's Guide to Writing a Non-fiction Book Proposal and I have given classes and presentations at numerous writers conferences and writing workshops throughout the country. Since I have had extensive experience submitting books to acquisition editors at the major book publishers, I try to help shape projects based on my understanding of how book acquisition decisions get made.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Political Science & Current Affairs Sociology Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2008 — Present

I am the author of The Literary Agent's Guide to Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal. As an agent, I have worked with authors in a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres. I also do developmental editing on complete manuscripts, editorial assessment on partials, and consulting on query letters and non-fiction book proposals.

Portfolio

Patterns of Connection: Essential Essays from Five Decades

Capra, Fritjof

The Long Ride Home

Tawni Waters

After the loss of her mother, Harley can barely handle her grief. But the start of summer marks new beginnings, and Harley leaves for a cross-country road trip to scatter her mother's ashes with Dean, her friend (with benefits). The two ride by motorcycle, rec... read more
The Girl Who Wouldn't Die

Randall Platt

It’s 1939 in Poland and Arab (don’t call her Abra Goldstein) knows that being Jewish doesn’t pay. Neither does being a girl. No, Arab will tell you that claiming any people at all can get a person killed—and she’s not about to let this war take her down.So as ... read more
The Tango War: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America During World War II

Mary Jo McConahay

One of WW2 Reads "Top 20 Must-Read WWII Books of 2018""A long-overdue history...a fascinating read." ―Jon Lee Anderson, Staff Writer, The New Yorker, author Che Guevara "Fast-paced and informative, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to better under... read more
The Woman in Black

Erik Tarloff

Chance Hardwick, the fictitious star of the breakout film Plains and Hills, is widely considered the greatest, most charismatic young movie actor of the postwar generation. However, his meteoric rise to fame and his tragic demise have remained an inexplicable ... read more
Beasts: What Animals Can Teach Us About the Origins of Good and Evil

Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

In his previous bestsellers, Masson has showed us that animals can teach us much about our own emotions--love (dogs), contentment (cats), and grief (elephants), among others. In Beasts, he demonstrates that the violence we perceive in the "wild" is a matter of... read more
The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner

Daniel Ellsberg

Shortlisted for the 2018 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in NonfictionFinalist for The California Book Award in NonfictionThe San Francisco Chronicle’s Best of 2017 ListIn These Times “Best Books of 2017”Huffington Post’s Ten Excellent December Books List... read more
Beauty of the Broken

Tawni Waters

In this lyrical, heartwrenching story about a forbidden first love, a teen seeks the courage to care for another girl despite her small town’s bigotry and her father’s violent threats.Growing up in conservative small-town New Mexico, fifteen-year-old Mara was ... read more
The Literary Agent's Guide to Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal

Andy Ross

To get your non-fiction book acquired by a commercial publisher, you are going to have to write a book proposal. This book, written by literary agent, Andy Ross, will lead you through the steps to constructing a convincing book proposal that will make the best... read more

Andy has 58 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

William H.

William H.

Apr, 2024

Excellent service and editorial work..
Andy R.
Thanks, Bill. I hope our collaboration was productive. I have enjoyed working with you and reading about your fascinating research.
Arnold S.

Arnold S.

Apr, 2024

Andy is professional, friendly, effecient, to the point, insightful, and makes very useful recommendations on how to resources for making my writing crisper, clearer, and accesible to a broader audience.
Samuel S.

Samuel S.

Mar, 2024

Andy provided a wealth of knowledge about query letters and the publishing industry. He was an absolutely pleasure to work with.
Andy R.
Thanks, Sam. I enjoyed working with you as well and hope our work together will be helpful and productive in your writing journey.
Marcy K.

Marcy K.

Dec, 2023

I was looking for feedback on my proposal for a memoir. It helped that Andy liked my writing and thought I was off to a good start. He shared a book he had written: The Literary Agent's Guide to Writing a Non Fiction Book Proposal. It's the best I've every read. Andy took the time to suggest avenues I might follow to get an agent and/or publisher and said he'd make himself available if I have...
Read more
Andy R.
Marcy, thanks for the good review. I enjoyed working with you and hope our time together was helpful. Andy
Bubble B.

Bubble B.

Dec, 2023

Andy went above and beyond not only to assess my query letter and synopsis thoroughly, but also to give me a Zoom meeting to provide very useful tips on how to find and query agents. Many thanks.

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