Anna Bierhaus

Anna Bierhaus – Editor

Experienced editor specializing in commercial fiction, romance, women's fiction, thrillers, and literary fiction

Overview

While working at the literary agency Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (SJGA), I screened thousands of nonfiction proposals, fiction synopses, and manuscripts. So I know how to make a project stand out in the slush pile. After SJGA, I was an Assistant Editor at Oxford University Press specializing in Brain Sciences. I read, organized, and readied the material for our production team. I also scouted writers for Marvel Comics as a Writer-Recruiter. I looked for writers in different mediums and helped them transition into comic writing.

Throughout my time in publishing, I helped authors develop characters, improve pacing and conflict, work through blocks, tackle tricky scenes, punch up dialogue, and make their manuscripts shine. I want to do the same for you. Much of my work experience revolves around reading on behalf of New York publishers and agencies. I know what they look for, and if publishing is your goal, I can help you get there.
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Mystery & Crime Romance Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2013 — Present

New York University

May, 2013 — Aug, 2013 (3 months)

Taught Intro to Fiction and Poetry to awesome undergraduates

New York University

Sep, 2011 — May, 2013 (over 1 year)

Hunter College

May, 2009 — May, 2010 (about 1 year)

Marvel Comics

Apr, 2008 — May, 2009 (about 1 year)

Worked part-time at Marvel while I worked full-time at Oxford University Press

*Scouted writers from different mediums—book publishing, television, theater, film—and guided their transitions into writing comic books often through suggesting edits
*Reorganized Marvel’s writing submission process

Oxford University Press

Apr, 2008 — May, 2009 (about 1 year)

*Assessed potential projectsž
*Worked with authors on structure
*Transmitted manuscripts to the production team

Sanford J. Greenburger Associates Literary Agency

Sep, 2003 — Apr, 2008 (over 4 years)

*Edited manuscripts and proposals
*Pitched projects
*Negotiated contracts with editors
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Portfolio

A farmer in Nepal notices a sudden rotting of his fingers, rapidly followed by pneumonia... then a horrific death. As a virulent, drug-resistant form of leprosy spreads in a worldwide epidemic, a warring couple sets off on a danger-filled quest for a cure. The... read more
"As fanciful and inventive in its form... as it is in its observations. It fed tasty crackers to all the hungry parrots in my mental aviary." --TOM ROBBINSJoin cult favorite Tony Vigorito in his acclaimed, surreal whirlwind of a novel exploring chaos theory. A... read more
A Finalist for the PEN/ Faulkner Awardn Amazon Best Book of the Year A Washington Post Notable Book A Barnes & Noble Discover Pick One of Bustle's "Most Important Books of 2016" Named Most Anticipated Book of the Year in Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Week... read more
Philip Carlo's The Ice Man spent over six weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. Top Mob Hitman. Devoted Family Man. Doting Father. For thirty years, Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski led a shocking double life, becoming the most notorious professional assa... read more
In Tune

JN W.

A tour manager determined to revitalize her career.The client she can’t stop thinking about.Workplace romance hits the road in this enemies-to-lovers romance from JN Welsh.Luke Anderson needs a manager—fast. His last one quit, leaving his tour and his future i... read more

Anna has 69 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ashley B.

Ashley B.

May, 2023

This was my first book so I wasn't sure what to expect. Anna was amazing. She answered every question I had and gave great pointers. I will definitely be using her again.
Delphine C.

Delphine C.

May, 2023

Anna did an excellent job editing my novel. Her feedback and annotated comments were relevant and useful in helping me take my story to a higher level. She was also timely and responsive when I had questions. I would suggest any writer would benefit making use of her services. Thank you Anna.
Wesley P.

Wesley P.

May, 2023

Anna is a very professional editor who does a great job of offering helpful feedback and suggestions while doing so in a very encouraging manner. I would recommend her to others who need an editor for their manuscript.
Cheryl S.

Cheryl S.

May, 2023

I hesitate to even express what a terrific editor Anna is. (Once the word gets out, will she still have time for me?) Ah, I hope so. She's got that amazing gift of being able to discern what isn't working in your writing, as well as ignite a fire within you to turn it into what it could be. Her process includes an extremely thorough written review, and the phone call afterwards is golden. Dur...
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Charles H.

Charles H.

May, 2023

I have only good things to say about Anna Bierhaus.