Elissa Curcio

Elissa Curcio – Editor

I am a copy editor and proofreader specializing in nonfiction with over 20 years of experience and 400 books under my belt.

Overview

Following a career in publications at a major American art museum, I embarked on a fly fishing and freelancing journey throughout the United States, living and working in Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, North Carolina, and Colorado. I began copyediting and proofreading for the Globe Pequot Press in 2003, and since that time have continuously worked on nonfiction titles for various imprints including FalconGuides, Lyons Press, and Stackpole Books. My portfolio includes over four hundred books, with a focus on outdoor recreation (including hiking, climbing, and, of course, fly fishing and tying) along with travel, nature, history, art, and cooking, all of which are personal interests of mine. I have a particular (some may say peculiar) affinity for notes and bibliographies, and am well versed in both Chicago and MLA style.

"A very special place in editor’s heaven is no doubt being reserved for Elissa [C.], who copyedited this book with extraordinary fastidiousness."—Suzanne Gerber, author, in acknowledgments, Vegetarian New York City

"Elissa [C.] is the best copy editor a travel writer could ask for, and I’m grateful for the many ways she made this a better book."—Eric Jones, author, in acknowledgments, New Hampshire Curiosities

"Elissa [C.] offered me invaluable editing and formatting assistance for which I am enormously grateful. Rarely have I ever encountered such careful, alert, and thorough scrutiny of a manuscript, accomplished so swiftly and efficiently."—Vreneli Farber, author, in acknowledgments, Stanislavsky in Practice

Services
Non-Fiction
Art Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits History Nature Sports & Outdoors Travel
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2003 — Present
Copyedit first-edition manuscripts and revised editions of books, with a focus on the outdoors, travel, nature, history, and cooking.

Carnegie Museum of Art

Sep, 1993 — Oct, 2001 (about 8 years)
Responsible for coordinating the production of and assisting in the editing of all publications originating in the Museum of Art. Titles included Aluminum by Design; Merchant Prince and Master Builder: Edgar J. Kaufmann and Frank Lloyd Wright; Japanese Prints from the Carnegie Museum of Art; Dream Street: W. Eugene Smith’s Pittsburgh Project; and the Carnegie International 1991, 1995, and 1999 catalogues.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Good Nonsense: A Body in Motion and A Mind at Play

Casson, Sarah Austin

Dair Press

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
How to Start Running (And Enjoy It)

Casson, Sarah Austin

Dair Press

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Elissa has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lisa M.

Lisa M.

Mar, 2025

I couldn't be more grateful for finding Elissa. She was exactly what was looking for and more. She's extremely knowledgable on a variety of subjects, including fly fishing! I mean what are the odds. Highly, highly recommend!
Sarah C.

Sarah C.

Mar, 2024

Elissa was amazing to work with. She did such an excellent job on the first book we worked together on that I immediately hired her for my second book. I will absolutely be contacting Elissa to work together on future projects.
mike C.

mike C.

Jul, 2021

This was my first time working with a copy editor and the experience couldn't have gone better. Elissa led me through the process by communicating consistently throughout. In addition to being very pleased with the improvements she made on my book manuscript, I have learned more about the craft...
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