Nancy Bryan

Nancy Bryan – Editor

Experienced developmental editor, coach, and agent, specializing in spirituality and religion, particularly from a progressive perspective.

Overview

I've been a developmental editor in religion / spirituality / progressive faith-based publishing for over two decades. I spent almost a dozen years as VP of Editorial for Church Publishing Incorporated, a publisher associated with the Episcopal Church, but working broadly across progressive Christianity. In addition to my professional experience, I have a seminary degree and will bring that background to my work on your behalf.


Editorially, my style is collaborative and engaged. How can I give you a fresh perspective? What questions can I ask to help you see the work in a new light? As we conclude our work together, you will have had the opportunity to consider the flow, writing style, and breadth of content in your manuscript, fully prepared for the next steps toward publication.


And - when you are ready to take those next steps - I can offer my services as a literary agent focusing in the same areas of publishing. Agenting can follow coaching and editorial work or can be a fresh relationship for the two of us.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Christian Non-Fiction LGBTQ Non-Fiction Music
Fiction
Children's
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2022 — Present

Freelance developmental editor and agency services

Church Publishing Incorporated

Jun, 2011 — May, 2022 (almost 11 years)

Portfolio

A Little Blue Bottle

Grant, Jennifer

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Songs My Grandma Sang

Michael B. Curry

In a conversation about his teaching and preaching style, Michael Curry notes with a laugh that hymns and songs of faith were always a part of the mix. “I learned what I believed in the songs ... read more
Developmental Editing
Crazy Christians

Michael B. Curry

The breakout star of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding shares his views on being unabashedly Christian for the 21st century.An expansion of his wildly popular sermon for the 77th Genera... read more
Developmental Editing
Without Apology

Stanley Hauerwas

Sermons from one of the country’s best-known theologians 17 sermons, from “Saints” and “Letting Go,” to “Recognizing Jesus/Seeing Salvation” and “Clothe Your Ministers in Righteousness” Two bo... read more
Developmental Editing
Shaky Ground

Traci Rhoades

New ways to heal the spirit during the most challenging times.Traci Rhoades, author of Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost, continues to find profound beauty and endless insights in her ... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Passionate for Justice

Catherine Meeks

"In Passionate for Justice, we find a compass that points us to the future, where we can each give voice and action to justice, equity, and life-giving community. Ida Wells would have had it n... read more
Developmental Editing
"“Love is my grounding,” says Becca Stevens. “It provides the axioms that inform and govern what I do. First is that love is the most powerful source for social change in the world. Second is ... read more
Developmental Editing

Nancy has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Justin S.

Justin S.

May, 2024

Pinned
I am sorry to be so delinquent with this. Nancy provided exceptionally good and valid feedback and I will be incorporating many of her suggestions before publication.
Mary K.

Mary K.

Oct, 2023

Pinned
Whenever I thought about working with an editor, I hoped it would be a collaboration to a better book. That's what I found with Nancy. She is an excellent editor - she understands what questions to ask to have me create a better product. She is funny and smart and a joy to work with. I am so grateful I found her as I know she is helping me create a great manuscript.
Kathryn (Kerry) P.

Kathryn (Kerry) P.

Jul, 2024

Nancy is a superb editor with years of experience in the publishing world. She was professional in all our interactions, and also gracious, kind and engaging. I knew I could trust the relationship and present myself not only as potential writer but a full person, so essential to the work of this memoir. Nancy's feedback helped me develop a memoir that was richer, more complex and directed towa...
Read more
Nancy B.
Working with Kerry on her memoir was a delightful experience. She was open to new perspectives and possibilities, always moving toward the best possible manuscript, and making our editorial process...
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