Katie Zaborsky

Katie Zaborsky – Editor

Former editor at Penguin Random House with broad experience across genres, including literary fiction, memoir, humor, and more.

Overview

During my 5+ years in book publishing, I've had the opportunity to work on many titles across several genres, including literary fiction, short story collections, memoir, humor, narrative non-fiction, thrillers, and more. I also have extensive experience working with celebrities and high-profile authors, so I pride myself on being a thoughtful and trusted messenger of editorial feedback.

With editorial roles at both independent and corporate publishing houses (as well as a year at a literary agency), I can help you approach your manuscript from a variety of perspectives. Whether you're wondering what to include in your query letter or need a careful editorial eye for your manuscript, I'll offer a tailored assessment that will help you reach your goals - and your readers!
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Political Science & Current Affairs
Fiction
Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (AUS)

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Nov, 2014 — Dec, 2018 (about 4 years)

• Acquired fiction and non-fiction titles for two PRH imprints
• Edited my own titles as well as titles for other editors, providing in-depth developmental edits and line edits
• Wrote all editorial copy for acquired titles, including jacket copy, catalog copy, title information copy, bookseller mailing letters, and blurb request letters
• Evaluated incoming book proposals and provided detailed rejection letters for unsuitable projects
• Collaborated with different departments during each step of the publication process
• Networked and negotiated with literary agents

Trident Media Group

Dec, 2013 — Nov, 2014 (11 months)

• Evaluated solicited and unsolicited book proposals; provided CEO with reader reports
• Prepared proposals for submission by creating tailored submission lists and writing pitch letters
• Researched potential clients for CEO's list

Europa Editions

May, 2013 — Nov, 2013 (6 months)

• Requested and evaluated manuscript submissions; provided Editor-in-Chief with reader reports
• Wrote and edited copy for Europa’s website, weekly newsletters, news blasts, and catalogs
• Maintained correspondence with authors, foreign rights managers, publishers, and booksellers

Portfolio

New Erotica for Feminists: Satirical Fantasies of Love, Lust, and Equal Pay

Caitlin Kunkel

He calls me into his office and closes the door . . . to promote me. He promotes me again and again. I am wild with ecstasy. Imagine a world where all erotica was written by feminists: Their daydreams include equal pay, a gender-balanced Congress, and Tom Hard... read more
The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies

Dawn Raffel

“A mosaic mystery told in vignettes, cliffhangers, curious asides, and some surreal plot twists as Raffel investigates the secrets of the man who changed infant care in America.” —NPR, 2018's Great Reads What kind of doctor puts his patients on display? This i... read more
My Year of Running Dangerously: A Dad, a Daughter, and a Ridiculous Plan

Tom Foreman

CNN correspondent Tom Foreman's remarkable journey from half-hearted couch potato to ultra-marathon runner, with four half-marathons, three marathons, and 2,000 miles of training in between; a poignant and warm-hearted tale of parenting, overcoming the challen... read more
Love, Sex and Other Foreign Policy Goals

Jesse Armstrong

The debut novel from the creator of HBO's Succession, premiering in Summer 2018. It’s 1994, and war rages on in Yugoslavia—Sarajevo is under siege, and Bosnia’s different ethnic groups are battling for control of the newly independent country.Hundreds of miles... read more
The Lost Chapters: Finding Recovery and Renewal One Book at a Time

Leslie Schwartz

Leslie Schwartz's powerful, skillfully woven memoir of redemption and reading, as told through the list of books she read as she served a 90 day jail sentence In 2014, novelist Leslie Schwartz was sentenced to 90 days in Los Angeles County Jail for a DUI and b... read more
Shadowbahn

Steve Erickson

A LA TIMES' BEST BOOK OF 2017 (FICTION)"A beautiful, moving, strange examination of apocalypse and rebirth.” - Neil Gaiman"Erickson has mobilized so much of what feels pressing and urgent about the fractured state of the country in a way that feels fresh and n... read more
The Bodies in Person: An Account of Civilian Casualties in American Wars

Nick McDonell

Since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, uncounted thousands of civilians have died in the fighting, and as a result of the destruction. These are deaths for which no one assumes responsibility, and which have been presented, historically, as f... read more
Saratoga Payback (Charlie Bradshaw Mystery)

Stephen Dobyns

The latest installment in Stephen Dobyns's Charlie Bradshaw mysteries, Saratoga Payback follows the latest exploits of Saratoga Springs' most unusual and sardonic detective. Ever since the cops revoked his private investigator's license, Charlie Bradshaw has b... read more
Almighty: Courage, Resistance, and Existential Peril in the Nuclear Age

Dan Zak

**A Washington Post "Notable Nonfiction Book of 2016"**ON A TRANQUIL SUMMER NIGHT in July 2012, a trio of peace activists infiltrated the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Nicknamed the “Fort Knox of Uranium,” Y-12 was supposedly one of t... read more
Radio Free Vermont: A Fable of Resistance

Bill McKibben

“We've got a long history of resistance in Vermont and this book is testimony to that fact.” –Bernie SandersA book that's also the beginning of a movement, Bill McKibben's debut novel Radio Free Vermont follows a band of Vermont patriots who decide that their ... read more
K Street (A Kay Hamilton Novel)

M. A. Lawson

The latest installment in M.A. Lawson's thrilling Kay Hamilton series, K Street finds the ex-DEA agent working solo to uncover the motivations behind a gruesome shooting at a covert intelligence agency in Washington, D.C.It’s been almost a year since Kay Hamil... read more
Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey

Sean Avery

**One of Sports Illustrated's Best Sports Books of 2017**Controversial hockey star Sean Avery's no-holds-barred memoir of high living and bad behavior in the NHL—coupled with the behind-the-scenes glitter of celebrity and media nightlife in New York and LA. As... read more
The Way of Sorrows: The Angelus Trilogy

Jon Steele

The highly anticipated final book in Jon Steele’s thrilling cosmic Angelus trilogy, The Way of Sorrows counts down the dwindling hours between humanity and the apocalypse. Steele again sets the stage for an epic battle, played out in Alaska, Russia, Switzerlan... read more

Katie has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Isabel C.

Isabel C.

Aug, 2020

Katie was wonderful to work with. She had incredible insights and feedback that I would never have seen on my own and have given me clarity in my revision process. Katie gave me the direction I needed to elevate my manuscript and writing. She was super responsive and professional throughout the entire process and delivered her edits ahead of schedule. I look forward to collaborating again with ...
Read more
Matthew M.

Matthew M.

Aug, 2019

Katie is the ultimate professional. Brilliant insights and ideas, prompt responses and she delivered on-time while exceeding my expectations. I highly recommend her no matter what stage you are on your MS.
Nora H.

Nora H.

Jul, 2019

Katie was a total professional and shared great insight on my novel in progress. Her reading was thorough and helpful, and our followup call was wonderful in clarifying further. She is a great resource! I would highly recommend her as a developmental editor!
Matthew M.

Matthew M.

Jun, 2019

I used Katie for a developmental edit and I found her to be professional, prompt, and full of great insight and ideas. I know my novel is going to be better having worked with her.
larry C.

larry C.

May, 2019

Great work!

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