Overview
Wherever you are in the process, I'm here to work alongside you to make your book stronger. With seven years experience at a big-five publisher, working with debuts to internationally bestselling authors, and fifteen years as a writer myself, I bring knowledge of craft as well as the business of publishing to every project I work on.
I can help you:
Develop an idea into a story with a pace-y plot, standout characters and a world your readers want to get lost in, whether it's a contemporary high school or a galaxy far, far away
Pinpoint problem areas in your manuscript--from pacing to character development to world-building--and brainstorm how to fix them
Polish your prose so it's concise, clear, with voice for days
Craft a pitch that communicates what your book is, where it fits in your desired market, how it stands out, and why an agent needs to read it
right now
Have fun and laugh a little along the way
I understand writers because I am one, with experience on both sides of the submission process. I have pitched and been pitched. I’ve received and written editorial letters. I’ve received and written rejections. I signed with my literary agent after querying five manuscripts, so when I say I get it, I *get* it. With my extensive experience of New York publishing, I can speak to matters of craft as well as the industry, and help writers achieve their dreams.
Writing is a solitary endeavor, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. Writers need a team, and I'd love to be part of yours.
Are we a match made in bookworm heaven? Get in touch!
“Bess is the perfect combination of psychiatrist, plumber, and cheerleader for your book. Rather than shoe-horn in her own ideas (as some fear an editor might), she’s a wizard at outlining the problem areas and asking the insightful questions that will lead you to your own natural corrections. She’ll get her elbows dirty with you to muck out the stalls, and squee with delight beside you when you nail it.” -- Nathan Makaryk, award-winning author of Nottingham and Lionhearts
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
Tor/Forge Books
Mar, 2013 —
Mar, 2020
(about 7 years)
Working my way up from assistant on major projects like A DOG'S PURPOSE to editing my own list of highly acclaimed commercial fiction, I worked with debuts, internationally bestselling authors, and everything in-between during my seven years with Tor/Forge Books.
DIY MFA
Aug, 2012 —
Jul, 2020
(almost 8 years)
I worked with a team of fifteen brilliant columnists to provide advice and wisdom on all areas of writing, from self-care to genre specialties. I also produced the podcast, DIY MFA Radio, hosting authors from all corners of the industry to talk craft, publishing, and more.
Portfolio
Nathan Makaryk's epic and daring debut rewrites the Robin Hood legend, giving voice to those history never mentioned and challenging who's really a hero and a villain. “The most pleasurable reading experience I've had since first discovering George R.R. Martin... read more
A CIA prodigy's cover is blown when he accidentally becomes an internet sensation in #Prettyboy Must Die, Kimberly Reid's fun, fast thriller inspired by the #Alexfromtarget story and perfect for fans of Alex Rider.When Peter Smith’s classmate snaps a picture o... read more
"Whimsical and imaginative, with just the right mix of humor, heart, and adventure. The Wishing World is everything you could wish for in a story--and so much more!"--Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of the Lost CitiesIn the Wishing World, dreams are real. ... read more
Empire of Lies is a sweeping thriller in the tradition of The Man in the High Castle, Fatherland, and Underground Airlines from New York Times bestselling author Raymond Khoury.“The best what-if thriller for a long, long time—makes you think, makes you sweat, ... read more
Demetra Brodsky's Last Girls is a twisting, suspenseful YA thriller about sisterhood, survival, and family secrets set in the world of doomsday prepping.No one knows how the world will end.On a secret compound in the Washington wilderness, Honey Juniper and he... read more
"Full of charm and sly humor, SIDE BY SIDE tells the story of Bonnie and Clyde’s slide from lovebirds to jailbirds—and what an action-packed story it is! Vivid storytelling and a few shots of humanity breathe new life into this notorious duo. This book should ... read more
Perfect for readers of Paula McClain, Lisa Wingate, and Hazel Gaynor, and fans of Bonnie and Clyde, Breaking Bad and Netflix's The Highwaymen, Jenni L. Walsh's sparkling debut tells the story of Bonnie Parker as it's never been told before―in her own words. It... read more
"A tense psychological drama with a voice that pulls you in and a twist you won't see coming."―Gretchen McNeil, author of TenA 2018 Junior Library Guild Selection Theo Mackey only remembers one thing for certain about the fire that destroyed his home: he lit t... read more
Bess has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Savannah S.
Aug, 2020
Sawyer H.
Jun, 2020
George K.
May, 2020
