Bee Holekamp

Bee Holekamp – Editor

Published ghostwriter and former editorial assistant at Norton, enthusiastically seeking non-fiction projects. Let's polish your story!

Overview

I entered the world of publishing as ghostwriter of children's books, and followed that passion to the Columbia University Publishing Course in Oxford, England. From there, I immersed myself in the world of literature as an editorial and executive assistant at W. W. Norton. During this time, I absorbed a tremendous amount about the ins and outs of publishing, particularly as it pertained to non-fiction and academic writing. Norton's motto is, "books that live," and in line with this, I worked predominately on impactful memoirs and historical non-fiction. I had the pleasure of learning about some of the most fascinating subjects from some of the smartest people on the earth: my authors. I also gleaned a good deal about the acquisitions process: the how and why of when manuscripts are bought, or not - as well as what it takes to get an editor's attention, or lose it. It was a pleasure to learn from incredible mentors and to be a part of the creative process in-house, from proposal letter to production. Now, I'm ready to put my expertise to use by supporting authors and their manuscripts before they get to a house. I am most interested in working on projects that fall into the category of academic writing for a non-academic audience. I love anything that's a little bit brainy, with a fresh and approachable take. Do you know something that the rest of the world doesn't, but should? Sign me up! No subject is too small or too broad, and no topic is too niche if it's something the author loves and can speak to in an engaging manner. Even if they can't, that's what I'm here for: I am skilled at helping writers hone in on their unique voice and make it readable. This is easiest to do when the author is passionate about their subject matter, whatever it may be.I can help take an idea and turn it into a fully-fledged outline, I can take an outline and help make it into a draft, and I can help take a draft and make it into a submission-ready manuscript. I've observed and assisted authors at just about every stage of the writing process, and can cheerlead just as well I can help a writer buckle down. Using my knowledge of the industry and my editorial experience, I'm happy to skim or deep dive with you to get your manuscript or proposal where you want it to be!
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Political Science & Current Affairs Travel
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

W. W. Norton & Company

Mar, 2019 — Feb, 2021 (almost 2 years)
Facilitated every aspect of the editorial process from researching comps and sales histories, preparing title information sheets, managing permissions logs, submitting design transmittals, drafting catalog, jacket, and mailings copy, and editing manuscripts for upcoming fiction and nonfiction titles.

Self-employed

May, 2016 — Present
Over the course of the last six years, I've assisted in the writing and editing of several memoirs and business books. I enjoy the opportunity to help individuals hone their voice, and find that my strength is in assisting with the translation of personal experience onto the page. While someone may be an expert in their field and have an extraordinary amount of valuable information and experience to impart, it is often difficult for them to make it readable. I listen to my clients in order to find their style, and then help put their unique storytelling voice, along with their experiences and knowledge, onto the page.

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