David Lamb

David Lamb - Editor

Minneapolis, MN, USA

Expert editor of NYT bestselling and award-winning nonfiction books who helps craft compelling stories about complex topics.

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Overview

If you're a high-profile expert or well-known personality looking to craft the perfect story to launch your publishing career, I may be the partner you're looking for!

In my eight years editing nonfiction books--at Scribner, Hachette Books, and as a freelancer--working on titles such as Angela Duckworth's #1 NYT bestseller Grit, two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward's The Fire This Time, and business classic Blue Ocean Shift, I learned how to catapult ideas to the top of the bestseller list and help authors build narratives that earn raves in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and on The Today Show. I focus on idea-driven projects as well as memoirs, working to help launch thought-leaders with vital messages and personalities with stories to tell.

Titles that I edited have won awards including the African American Literary Award for Memoir (2020) and the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize (2017), achieved #2 on Amazon's bestseller ranking across all books, and been named among NPR's and Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

As a freelance journalist who has perfected the art of the pitch, writing cover features in publications such as The Progressive magazine, I also help authors craft and place articles; and I help others who are looking for representation draft query letters and target the right book agents.

Please let me know your goals for your project and your budget in your inquiry. Feel free to ask for more information about my experience with particular subjects and to discuss individual requirements.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Economics
History
Law
Political Science & Current Affairs
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sociology
Technology

Awards

  • African American Literary Award for Biography/Memoir (2020; I Tried to Change So You Don't Have To)
  • Barnes & Noble Discover Prize (2017; Red Light Run)
  • Raven Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment (2017; White American Youth)
  • NYC Big Book Award for Politics and Social Change (2021; Breaking Hate)

Work experience

Associate Editor

Hachette Books
May, 2016 – December, 2019 (over 3 years)

Editorial Assistant

Scribner
June, 2014 – May, 2016 (almost 2 years)

Portfolio (13 selected works)

David has 2 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Nadina Galle
From our first correspondence to our last deliverable, working with David was a dream come true. David combined his vast industry experience with impeccable writing talent to help me strengthen my voice and hone my communication skills. I’m looking forward to working with David again and I’d recommend him to anyone motivated to write a bestseller.

Nadina Galle, August 2021


Frederic Martini
Great to work with, thoughtful and insightful. Helped in many different ways.

Frederic Martini, June 2021

David Lamb
Fantastic working with you, Ric!

Reply from David Lamb

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