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.
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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.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History
Political Science & Current Affairs
Sociology
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Young Adult
Work experience
Literary Agent
Self-employed
January, 2008
–
Present
(about 15 years)
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 (9 selected works)
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 case possible for your project. Writing a great book proposal shouldn’t be a daunting task if you have a great idea for a book. Andy Ro... 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 never given the choice to be different. Her parents—an abusive, close-minded father and a detached alcoholic mother—raised Mara to be li... 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 LitHub’s “Five Books Making News This Week”From the legendary whistle-blower who revealed the Pentagon Papers, an eyewitness exposé of ... 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 projection. Animals predators kill to survive, but animal aggression is not even remotely equivalent to the violence of mankind. Humans... 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 puzzle to all who knew him, as well as to his millions of fans around the world.But all these years later, famed producer and film histo... read more
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 understand World War II..." ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)"What a dazzling array of stories...entertaining, original." ―Stephen Kinzer, aut... 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 killedand she’s not about to let this war take her down.So as the Nazi occupation goose steps its way into Warsaw, Arab plans to survive the way she always has: take to the streets, king her gang, a... read more
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, reconnecting with people who knew her mother along the way.But it's not long before Harley realizes she's pregnant...with Dean's child. And... read more
Patterns of Connection: Essential Essays from Five Decades
Capra, Fritjof
Andy has 44 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Andy's advice about my query was on time, on point and very useful.
Jim Fairhall, February 2023
Andy was very helpful in providing direction, constructive critique, and suggestions for improving the book.
Essmat Sophie, February 2023
Reply from Andy Ross
Andy prepared an excellent manuscript critique. He was very articulate and provided feedback and guidance that I found to be valuable. I highly recommend him.
Jana Wilson, January 2023
Reply from Andy Ross
While I appreciated the work that Andy did on my project, I did not feel that he took me very seriously as a writer. I hired this professional for support with my draft book proposal, and while he did provide some valuable feedback on my writing style and proposal structure, he pointed me to his own book on writing book proposals for further advice and examples instead of providing more specif...
Read more
Audrey Thompson, January 2023
Reply from Andy Ross
I really enjoyed working with Andy and benefiting from his experience
Natasha B, November 2022
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