Larissa Melo Pienkowski – Editor

Hi, authors! As a literary agent,* book editor, and sensitivity reader, I'm thrilled to bring creative insight, an encouraging attitude, and years of expertise to the craft of writing and the overall publishing industry. My experience as a former social worker has informed much of my approach to editing, as I focus on preserving the author's voice and illuminating diverse experiences with compassion, reverence, self-determination, and integrity.

After earning my MA in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College, I began my publishing career by working with Beacon Press, Barefoot Books, and Dottir Press. I developed years of experience in acquisitions, editorial, production, publicity, and marketing before becoming a literary agent at Jill Grinberg Literary Management.*

For nearly a decade now, I've edited for traditionally published and self-published authors, as well as publishers like Macmillan; St. Martin’s Press; Tor Books; Soho Press; Sourcebooks; Little, Brown; Hub City Press; And Other Stories; Dottir Press; Barefoot Books; and others. I'm passionate about editing across genres and themes, though I do have a soft spot for:

• literary fiction,

• commercial/upmarket/book club fiction,

• romance and rom-coms,

• new adult/coming-of-age fiction,

• light fantasy and magical realism,

• women's fiction,

• horror/cozy mysteries/dark academia,

• and middle-grade and YA fiction.

As the daughter of Brazilian and Polish immigrants, a proud member of #LatinxinPub, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am especially excited about working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent, and other historically marginalized authors to make their writing shine.

Across genres: I offer authors and publishers:

• editorial assessments

• developmental editing

• copyediting

• sensitivity reading for certain identities and experiences

• character assessments

• proofreading

• query letter and synopsis reviews

• narrative nonfiction book proposal reviews

• fully customizable editorial packages designed for your manuscript's particular needs

After I receive your query, I will work with you to learn more about your editorial needs and establish whether I would be a good fit for your work. I offer discounted package rates if you'd like to bundle together more than one editorial service (e.g., booking a developmental edit and copyedit in the same agreement), and I offer all returning clients a 15% discount on future editorial services. I prioritize flexibility when meeting authors’ needs, so please don't hesitate to ask about your options!

*Please note: For ethical reasons, I cannot offer literary representation to anyone with whom I work in a freelance editorial capacity.