Michael Kaler

Michael Kaler – Editor

Skilled editor of prize-winning nonfiction, focusing on history, politics, and science. Previously at Hachette, W. W. Norton, and NYMag.

Overview

I'm a former Hachette editor now working as an agent at Lucinda Literary, where I collaborate with expert authors across history, politics, science, and business. My heart lies in thought-provoking nonfiction that reshapes our understanding of the past and reimagines what our future could look like.

With over five years of industry experience, I bring a sharp and discerning editorial eye to every project I take on. Whether helping to develop a book proposal or refine a draft manuscript, I provide thorough, high-level editorial feedback as well as detailed line edits, and I'm available for hands-on advice throughout the revision process.

Books I've edited have been featured in the Best Books lists of The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, and won major awards, like the Pulitzer Prize in History and the L.A. Times Book Prize.

Books have the power to help foster a more just world, and I'm dedicated to championing projects that inspire meaningful change. I'm excited to collaborate with motivated authors looking to make a lasting impact with their work. Writing a book is hard, but I'm here to help you navigate every step of the journey!

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"Having published more than a dozen books at almost as many publishing houses over my four decades as a historian, I consider Michael as one of the very best editors I’ve ever been privileged to work with."

— Maurice Isserman, Publius Virgilius Rogers Professor of History, Hamilton College

"Michael is a gifted editor who knows how to bring out the best in his authors. His feedback and guidance help us figure out what we are trying to convey. Working with him is a true delight."

— Frank Andre Guridy, Dr. Kenneth and Kareitha Forde Professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies, Columbia University

“Michael played an essential role in shaping a complex, multi-author manuscript into a cohesive, accessible, and impactful book. On top of his exceptional skill, he brought warmth, patience, and kindness to every interaction. I truly cannot imagine writing another book without his support, and I enthusiastically endorse him to any author seeking an editor who is not only highly effective but also a joy to work with."

— Laura Lindenfeld, Executive Director, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science; Dean, School of Communication & Journalism, Stony Brook University

Services
Non-Fiction
History Math & Science Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Pulitzer Prize in History
  • Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History

Work experience

Hachette Book Group

Sep, 2020 — Oct, 2024 (about 4 years)
• Edited books that received major prizes, including the Pulitzer in History, L.A. Times Book Prize for Science and Technology, and Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History. • Scouted prospective authors, developed book proposals, and commissioned new titles. • Triple promoted to associate level in span of year and a half.

New York Magazine

Jan, 2020 — May, 2020 (4 months)
• Provided direct support to editorial staff of New York magazine.

W. W. Norton

Sep, 2019 — Dec, 2019 (3 months)
• Provided direct support to editorial staff of W. W. Norton.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine

Scanlan, Padraic X.

Basic Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Reds: The Tragedy of American Communism

Isserman, Maurice

Basic Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

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