Eli Bortz

Eli Bortz – Editor

With 20+ years' experience as an acquiring editor and editor in chief, I offer comprehensive insight into the entire publishing process.

Overview

Hi, I'm Eli. I've served as an acquiring editor and editor in chief at university presses and a for-profit publisher for over twenty years. I have acquired books in Latin American studies, American history, political science, literary nonfiction, and the social sciences. I've worked with literally hundreds of authors from every background, nationality, and level of experience.


I now provide authors with the level of insight they would hope to get from their own acquiring editor at a professional publishing house; think of me as a test-run editor! Are you polishing your book proposal, query letter, or pitch? I've read hundreds of them, and I can tell you what editors really seek out when they're looking at your pages. Are you trying to interpret or respond to complex external reviewer reports or editorial feedback? I can serve as a seasoned pair of eyes to identify what's truly important to your editors.


If you're stumped by something in the publishing world, I bet I can help decipher it!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English English (US)

Work experience

Flatpage Publishing

Oct, 2024 — Present

Acquiring editor for Flatpage Publishing, a NYC-based nonfiction publisher specializing in social sciences and culture.

Manuscript Craftwork Publishing Consulting

Jul, 2022 — Present

With nearly 20 years' experience in professional publishing, I now provide authors insight into the many steps of the process. I can help you navigate the world of university presses, non-profit publishers, historical society presses, and trade scholarly and non-fiction publishing houses. I have experience in a wide variety of humanities and social sciences.

University of Notre Dame Press

Apr, 2018 — Jul, 2022 (about 4 years)

Managed operations of Notre Dame Press acquisitions department, including a staff of three, and acquired up to 25 books a year in regional and indigenous history and archaeology, global political violence and extremist studies, Latin American studies, Atlantic World and African American history, and colonial era and early American studies Books reviewed in Washington Post, Chronicle of Higher Education, New York Review of Books and elsewhere.

University of Notre Dame Press

Apr, 2016 — Apr, 2018 (about 2 years)

Vanderbilt University Press

Jul, 2008 — Apr, 2016 (almost 8 years)

Initiated new lists in Latin American studies, Southern and Nashville history and several book series. Managed co-publishing relationship with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to produce books on music and music history.

University Press of Florida

Feb, 2006 — Jul, 2008 (over 2 years)

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Sandinistas: A Moral History

Sierakowski, Robert J.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Matecumbe

James A. Michener

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Eli has 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Denelda B.

Denelda B.

May, 2024

Pinned
I love working with Eli. He gets me and tightens ruthlessly without losing my voice or plot details. I'm sending him Book One of the series after being delighted with his work on Book Four.
Eli B.
Likewise, Denelda is a pro and knows how books get done.
Matthew C.

Matthew C.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
Right off the bat I was impressed with Eli's communication and initial assessment. I was informed about status every step of the way. Eli's editing is clean, precise, and made my work easier to read. His recommendations and in-line commentary are thought provoking and allowed me to think through my ideas more clearly. His final report was excellent. Additionally, Eli's quote was cost conscious,...
Read more
Eli B.
It's work like this that makes Reedsy a remarkably valuable service. This is a very promising book.
Matt I.

Matt I.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
At first, I was nervous about spending $1000 on editing (which was cheap compared to the other offers), and I wasn’t sure how badly I needed it, but Eli walked me through it with grace and charm. He has an excellent communication style, and he did a fantastic job on my book. I am very glad I did it.
Ali M.

Ali M.

Oct, 2024

It was a great pleasure to work with Eli again. His comments were thoughtful, and he was very responsive.
chrissy H.

chrissy H.

Oct, 2024

Gave me more thank i could ever ask for. I’d love to work with him again.
Eli B.
Likewise Chrissy is a joy to work with, and brings a well-developed story to the world!

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