Elena Vega

Elena Vega – Editor

Top-notch nonfiction editor for 30+ years. Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, Conde Nast, Hachette. Track record of acclaimed projects!

Overview

Back when editors still kept scotch in their file cabinets, I started in book publishing as an editorial assistant. Over the past 30 years+, during which I've worked for places such as Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Hearst, Conde Nast, and Apple, I've copy edited and/or done developmental editing for more than 200 books—many of which have gone on to earn heaps of praise from critics and readers alike. Specialities are memoir, biography, business, and entertainment. I'm also an award-winning self-published author myself, under a nom de plume.


I have endless enthusiasm for books and authors, and care deeply about every project. I'll go the extra mile to help you create something you're truly proud of, and I'm very easy to work with; my style is to be communicative and accessible. Whatever level of editing your project needs, you'd be in very good hands with me!


A few testimonials:

“Elena's work is flawless. I cannot recommend her enough!” —Rebecca Toscano, Program Director, Taliesin Nexus


“Elena can do it all. I love her passion, flexibility, speed, and attention to detail.” —Daniel Silver, Head of Performance Marketing, Backroads


“Incredibly professional, dependable, and thorough, she’s one of the only freelancers I trust with my Tier 1 projects.” —Rachel Hoge, Production Editor, Post Hill Press

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Entertainment Political Science & Current Affairs Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2022 — Present

I acquire and develop nonfiction books for my own imprint part-time, and freelance as a copy editor and developmental editor for other imprints. Specialities are business, self-help, and memoir, but I've edited many types of nonfiction as well as some fiction projects.

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present

Specializing in nonfiction books, particularly business, self-help, and memoir.

Yoga Journal and San Francisco magazine

Jul, 2000 — Nov, 2004 (over 4 years)

Oversaw copy editing for two major monthly publications and copy edited many articles myself.

Portfolio

Trial

Patterson, Richard North

Elena has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Anita D.

Anita D.

Jun, 2024

Pinned
Elena was great to work with, supportive and clear throughout. She provided the guidance I need as a fledgling writer of a memoir that is not an uplifting story. In her comments, she pointed out areas that need answers, highlighted weaknesses to address, and offered structural changes to improve the flow of my manuscript. Her constructive input makes my memoir a clearer story and easier to rea...
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Elena V.
I’m so happy to have worked with Anita on this, and feel honored that she trusted me with such a sensitive recounting. She’s a wonderful communicator, and I appreciate our collaboration!
Laura B.

Laura B.

May, 2024

Pinned
An Editor of My Dreams!
Elena V.
It was an honor to work on this and a pleasure to work with you, Laura! :)
Brandi H.

Brandi H.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Working with Elena is one of the best decisions I’ve made in the last year. I am so glad I listened to my intuition when I first read her bio and chose to reach out to her. She not only brought technical guidance, she brought wisdom and creativity. Her heartfelt and gentle recommendations pushed me to dig deeper, write with more clarity, and ultimately made the book so much better. Hell, she ma...
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The B.

The B.

Apr, 2024

Great editor with Awsome insight.
Elena V.
Wonderful working with you!

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