Laura Chasen

Laura Chasen – Editor

Former St. Martin's Press Editor. Developmental and Line Editor. Proofreader. Chocoholic.

Overview

I am a freelance book editor who spent six years as an editor at St. Martin’s Press, where I worked on a range of wonderful books -- from literary fiction to young adult to upmarket women’s fiction, current affairs, memoir, science, and parenting. My interests are varied, but I’m particularly drawn to immigrant stories, international and school settings, family sagas, and anything to do with the dance world. I’ve edited many acclaimed books in my career, including an Editor’s Buzz Panel pick at Book Expo of America, several New York Times Book Review “Editor’s Choice” books, and numerous “Best Books of the Year,” in outlets like the Miami Herald, Bustle, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Redbook among others. My independent clients have gone on to sign with acclaimed agencies like Sanford J. Greenburger and Janklow & Nesbit, as well as secure publishing contracts with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Algonquin Young Readers, Picador, HarperCollins, and Lake Union. I am a proud graduate of Barnard College (BA in English and dance) and Georgetown University (MA in English), and a mentor for WriteGirl with my years of industry knowledge, I bring energy, compassion, and an open mind to all of my projects. To me, the editing process is a unique mix of rigor, collaboration, and reward. I find developing a rapport with an author, and together, bringing a book to new levels, an incredibly rich and fruitful experience.

I hope you’ll consider working with me.
Services
Fiction
Cultural & Ethnic Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Book Expo of America (BEA) YA Editors' Buzz Panel - 2015
Certifications
  • M.A. English Literature, Georgetown University
  • B.A. English, Barnard College

Work experience

Self-employed

Dec, 2015 — Present

Editor/Director of freelance book editing business

St. Martin's Press

Jun, 2010 — Jan, 2016 (over 5 years)

Acquired, edited, and published acclaimed and award-winning literary fiction, young adult fiction, and narrative nonfiction.

Portfolio

“A compulsively readable story. I was breathless and battling tears up until the very last stunning turns onstage and beyond. A dazzling, heart-wrenching debut.” —Nova Ren Suma, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Walls Around UsWould you die for the P... read more
"A tale brimming over with secrets, betrayals and redemption. Burdick keeps readers riveted." -RT Book Reviews (4 Stars HOT)"Moving, surprising, and thought-provoking." -The Emerald City Book Review"Burdick brings the sights and sounds of the Paris of the Impr... read more
Leo Brice is dead, in a sense (not the traditional one). When the neurotic law student meets his cosmic match in Fiona Haeberle, an impulsive spirit and burgeoning soap star, all seems well―the two fall fast in love, and spend three years navigating their twen... read more
Winner of the 2013 Desmond Elliott PrizeLonglisted for the 2013 Women's Prize for FictionYou're the author of the greatest plays of all time.But nobody knows.And if it gets out, you're dead.On May 30, 1593, a celebrated young playwright was killed in a tavern ... read more
"If someone asked me to name my ideal collection of contemporary short fiction, I'd point to The Weight of a Human Heart and say, ‘This is it.'" –Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind than HomeRanging from Australia and Africa to Eu... read more
A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice, winner of the International Latino Book Award for Best Latino-themed Fiction 2016, Longlisted for the 2015 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.Named a best book of the season by Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, Harper's... read more
In December 1992, three groups of teenagers head to the theater to see the movie version of the famed Eons & Empires comic books. For Adam it's a last ditch effort to connect with something (actually, someone, the girl he's had a crush on for years) in his sle... read more
Evan and Alma have spent fifteen years living in the same town, connected in a dozen different ways but also living worlds apart -- until the day he jumps into her dad's truck and slams on the brakes. The nephew of a senator, Evan seems to have it all - except... read more

Laura has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Marilee A.

Marilee A.

Nov, 2018

I contracted with Laura for a manuscript critique with editorial letter and follow up phone call. Her global remarks and page notes provided beneficial feedback that I’m using to improve my manuscript. It was obvious, through every exchange we shared, that Laura is a knowledgeable professional with genuine industry experience. In addition to offering helpful suggestions, she was easy to work ...
Read more
John K D.

John K D.

Apr, 2017

Laura not only executed the request for the job brilliantly, she did it ahead of time. I feel lucky that I found her available for the editing work.

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