Holly Rubino

Holly Rubino – Editor

I'm a seasoned editor with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in nonfiction categories such as nature, adventure and memoir.

Overview

I’ve worked for more than twenty years in the publishing industry, acquiring and editing books in a broad range of nonfiction categories, including nature, adventure, memoir, current events, popular reference, history, humor, home and garden, as well as historical and upmarket fiction. As a developmental/content editor, I am knowledgeable and thorough and thrive on helping authors clearly and eloquently convey their ideas, expertise, and voice. My background in education has given me skills and sensitivity as a writing guide and coach. I graduated from New York University with a BA and MA in English Literature, was an English teacher for several years, and have worked at Simon & Schuster and the Lyons Press. I live on the Connecticut shoreline with my husband, who is a professional translator.


Here's what others have said:

“Holly is great. She edited my A North Country Life with a care and sensitivity too sadly lacking among editors in our time.” —Sydney Lea, author of A North Country Life and former poet laureate of Vermont

“I appreciated her attention to detail and eye for the inconsistencies that creep into a manuscript as it goes through its many iterations. She was a joy to work with.” –Marj Charlier

“Holly was professional, thorough, and constructive. I wholeheartedly recommend her as an editor for non-fiction projects that are pitched at a general readership." —Doug Boin

“Holly is a seasoned, exceptionally talented editor. She has a keen eye for writing talent and is beloved by her authors. Her books always display a creative flair.” —Jim Childs, former publisher of Rowman & Littlefield Trade Division

“Holly supported me on many levels. She guided me through the whole process, helped me to make so-so stories into riveting scenes, and she gave my confidence a tremendous boost. Her edits were spot on, while her method of delivery was gentle and respectful.” —Cynthia Hurn

“A great collaborative partner, she is a consummate professional and an editor’s editor.” —Carla Knorowski, Ph.D.

“I found [Holly’s] comments on my book to be thoughtful, measured, and most importantly, unafraid.” —Colleen Mondor

“What I’d like a book editor to be is someone who is patient, but pushy, and brutally honest, but in the nicest way. Holly is all of those things, and my experience working with her was wonderful and stress-free.” —Bob Halloran



Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Home & Garden Nature
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2017 — Present

Lyons Press

Oct, 2014 — Nov, 2017 (about 3 years)

• Acquired, developed, and edited 25-30 titles per year in the categories of nature, memoir, current events, popular reference, history, and humor.
• Oversaw the launch and continuation of the backyard life list, which included books on homesteading, gardening, raising animals, preserving food, and other self-reliant living topics.

Skyhorse Publishing

Jul, 2012 — May, 2014 (almost 2 years)

• Acquired, developed, and edited 20 to 30 titles per year in a broad range of fiction and nonfiction categories.
• Oversaw entire publishing process including editing, author management, and coordination with design, production, and sales departments during development and following publication.
• Prepared sales materials and presented titles at sales conferences.

Lyons Press

May, 2002 — Jun, 2012 (about 10 years)

• Acquired, developed, and edited 15 to 25 titles per year in the categories of nature, memoir, current events, popular reference, history, and humor.
• Oversaw the nature/animal studies category as acquisitions team leader.
• Prepared cover and catalog copy and sales and marketing materials.

Lyme-Old Lyme High School

Aug, 1993 — May, 2002 (over 8 years)

Simon & Schuster

Sep, 1989 — Jun, 1992 (over 2 years)

• Assisted in all aspects of serial, book club, and audio rights sales and contracts.

Holly has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Robert J. (Bob) R.

Robert J. (Bob) R.

Apr, 2022

Holly provided exceptional editorial support. Before starting the project, she spent 30 minutes with me discussing the book and what support I needed, and then she provided a provided a detailed explanation of the services she could provide as well as the cost associated with each option that helped me make an informed decision. She provided thorough review of the manuscript including in-te...
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Holly R.
Bob was such a pleasure to work with. Not only was his manuscript in very good shape, Bob was receptive to constructive criticism and line editing. The ideal relationship between an author and edit...
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Eric W.

Eric W.

Aug, 2021

Holly is the steady hand on the rudder that every writer needs. The depth and breadth of her experience is overwhelming. Use her only if you want an exceptional outcome.
Holly R.
Glad to assist! Hope my comments/edits are helpful.

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