Emma Borges-Scott - Editor
Dedicated, creative editor with an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and years of experience at a top New York City literary agency.
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Overview
I’m a freelance editor based in Los Angeles, California. I received an MFA in Fiction from The Iowa Writers’ Workshop (2010), where I was the recipient of an Iowa Arts Fellowship, and spent eight years working in top New York City publishing houses and literary agencies.
In 2019 I made the decision to return to my home state of California and go out on my own, so that I could put all of my time and focus into working directly with writers. My time on both sides of the desk--as a writer and an agent--informs my approach to editing work.
During my time in publishing, after short stints at an independent publisher (Overlook Press) and Simon & Schuster’s literary children’s imprint (Atheneum), I found my home at the boutique literary agency McCormick Literary (formerly McCormick & Williams). During my time at McCormick Literary, I edited books and nonfiction proposals across an array of genres, including literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and food.
The books I’ve worked on have been named to “Best of the Year” lists by The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR, Library Journal, the New York Public Library, and Harper’s Bazaar; been on New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post bestseller lists; and been shortlisted for and won prestigious awards.
I take great pleasure in helping identify the unique merits of a work and collaborating with writers to hone their art into its ideal version, and I can offer valuable insight into the commercial potential of a book or idea, and how to position your project to attract publishers.
I hope you'll consider working with me as your editor.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
History
Political Science & Current Affairs
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Short Story
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Awards
- Iowa Arts Fellowship
Work experience
Literary Agent
McCormick Literary
March, 2012
–
March, 2019
(about 7 years)
I began at McCormick Literary, (formerly McCormick & Williams) in 2012, first working as a manuscript reader, then editorial assistant, before becoming a literary agent in my own right. McCormick Literary represents a wide range of distinguished authors, including critically acclaimed novelists, bestselling writers of children's literature, and award-winning journalists, essayists, and memoirists. Their authors have won or been shortlisted for many prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the MacArthur "Genius Grant," the Man Booker Prize, and the PEN America Award.
As a literary agent, I sought out and cultivated talented writers, serving as their champions throughout their careers. I worked in a hands on manner in the editorial process of novels, nonfiction book proposals, short stories, essays, and articles before and after selling them to top publishers and journals. I also gained insight into publishing trends and what makes a commercially successful work in a wide range of genres.
MFA Candidate
The Iowa Writers' Workshop
September, 2008
–
June, 2010
(over 1 year)
As a graduate (MFA in Fiction, 2010) of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, I have an extensive background in editing literary fiction including short fiction, and assessing MFA program applications.
Intern
Atheneum (a division of Simon & Schuster)
September, 2001
–
June, 2002
(9 months)
I worked as an editorial intern at Simon & Schuster's awards driven, literary children's imprint, Atheneum, gaining insight into the acquisition, editorial and production process for picture books, middle grade books, and YA novels.
Portfolio (11 selected works)
The Make-or-Break Year: Solving the Dropout Crisis One Ninth Grader at a Time
Emily Krone Phillips
A Washington Post BestsellerAn entirely fresh approach to ending the high school dropout crisis is revealed in this groundbreaking chronicle of unprecedented transformation in a city notorious for its “failing schools” In eighth grade, Eric thought he was going places. But by his second semester of freshman year at Hancock High, his D’s in Environmental Science and French, plus an F in Mr. Cas... read more
We the Animals
Justin Torres
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE In this groundbreaking debut, Justin Torres plunges us into the chaotic heart of one family, the intense bonds of three brothers, and the mythic effects of this fierce love on the people we must become. "We the Animals is a dark jewel of a book. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. It resembles no other book I’ve read.”—Michael Cunningham "A miracle in concentrated pa... read more
Permanent Record
Mary H. K. Choi
From the New York Times bestselling author of Emergency Contact, which Rainbow Rowell called “smart and funny,” comes an unforgettable new romance about how social media influences relationships every day.On paper, college dropout Pablo Rind doesn’t have a whole lot going for him. His graveyard shift at a twenty-four-hour deli in Brooklyn is a struggle. Plus, he’s up to his eyeballs in credit ... read more
The Turner House
Angela Flournoy
“Flournoy’s knockout debut is one of those books that should, by rights, be described as the Great American Novel.” — NPR A New York Times Notable Book Named a Best Book of the Year byO, The Oprah Magazine * Entertainment Weekly * NPR * Essence * Men’s Journal * Buzzfeed * Bustle * Time Out * Denver Post * Publishers Weekly * Kirkus Reviews * BookPage * Literary Hub * Kobo * The Week “A page-t... read more
The Lifeboat: A Novel
Charlotte Rogan
The sinking of an ocean liner leaves a newly married woman battling for survival in this powerful debut novel. Grace Winter, 22, is both a newlywed and a widow. She is also on trial for her life.In the summer of 1914, the elegant ocean liner carrying her and her husband Henry across the Atlantic suffers a mysterious explosion. Setting aside his own safety, Henry secures Grace a place in a life... read more
The best-selling author of How Children Succeed returns with a devastatingly powerful, mind-changing inquiry into higher education in the United States Does college work? Does it provide real opportunity for young people who want to improve themselves and their prospects? Or is it simply a rigged game designed to protect the elites who have power and exclude everyone else? For many of us, our ... read more
Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget
Sarah Hepola
*A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* For Sarah Hepola, alcohol was "the gasoline of all adventure." She spent her evenings at cocktail parties and dark bars where she proudly stayed till last call. Drinking felt like freedom, part of her birthright as a strong, enlightened twenty-first-century woman. But there was a price. She often blacked out, waking up with a blank space where four hours should be... read more
Fiction Ruined My Family
Jeanne Darst
"Beautifully paced . . . heartbreaking and hilarious."—USA Today Augusten Burroughs meets Mary Karr: a deeply funny and wickedly entertaining family memoir. The youngest of four daughters in an old, celebrated St. Louis family-- of prominent journalists and politicians on one side, debutantes and equestrians on the other-- Jeanne Darst grew up hearing stories of past grandeur. And the message ... read more
Now and Again
Charlotte Rogan
A provocative novel about the fallout from a search for truth by the author of the national bestseller The Lifeboat.For Maggie Rayburn--wife, mother, and secretary at a munitions plant--life is pleasant, predictable, and, she assumes, secure. When she finds proof of a high-level cover-up on her boss's desk, she impulsively takes it, an act that turns her world, and her worldview, upside down. ... read more
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie
Ayana Mathis
A New York Times Notable BookAn NPR Best Book of the YearA Buzzfeed Best Book of the YearIn 1923, fifteen-year-old Hattie Shepherd, swept up by the tides of the Great Migration, flees Georgia and heads north. Full of hope, she settles in Philadelphia to build a better life. Instead she marries a man who will bring her nothing but disappointment, and watches helplessly as her firstborn twins ar... read more
Illuminated by Dale Chihuly’s mesmerizing glass sculptures, this beautiful book presents the artist’s most recent nature-inspired work. It’s been over a decade since New York City hosted a new Dale Chihuly exhibition. Featuring the artist’s latest, dynamic glass sculptures on display at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), this book proves that it was worth the wait. Filled with panoramic vis... read more
Emma has 48 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Emma was exceptional. She gave attention to detail and was supportive in her guidance towards further recommendations. I really look forward to working with her for the completion of my book. Paula Smith
Paula Smith, March 2023
Emma was able to zero in on the issues with my manuscript and point me in the right direction. She provided me with the type of feedback she promised and delivered it in a timely way. She is not gushy, but kind and honest in her review.
Laura Nelson, January 2023
Finished in deadline. Asked right questions, improved flow, clarified meanings, great alignment with original idea.
Nemanja Jovanovic, December 2022
Worked with Emma many times, and she is a talent. Very intuitive, amazing attention to detail, and will overall improve your work in ways you didn't think. A true Editor.
Hays Blinckmann, December 2022
I've worked with Emma before. She is insightful and well-rounded in her comments and has helped me both with my manuscript and my query letter.
Kelsy Yates, December 2022
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