Laura Ross

Laura Ross – Editor

Expert developmental and line editor, ghostwriter, and consultant collaborates on all aspects of nonfiction and fiction for adults and kids.

Overview

I am a published author, bestselling editor, and publishing consultant with more than thirty years’ experience in New York publishing. I was the Editorial Director at Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers and Theatre Communications Group; Vice President/Director of Marketing at Pocket Books; Director of Advertising and Promotion at Simon & Schuster and Penguin Books; and the co-proprietor of a book-packaging firm, Cognoscenti Books. In 2008, I turned full-time to independent editorial work and have since edited more than 100 works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children's books. I have ghostwritten a variety of memoirs and works of narrative nonfiction for clients including HarperCollins, Sterling, Quayside, and Stonesong Press. My attributed works include a series of annotated classics, a wellness book, and several works of history—most recently, Traveling the Silk Road, Theodore Roosevelt: A Passion to Lead (both Sterling Publishing), and The Art of Bob Mackie (Simon & Schuster).

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Picture Books Poetry Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Jill Grinberg Literary Management

Nov, 2008 — May, 2011 (over 2 years)

Represented a variety of fiction and nonfiction clients, negotiated publishing contracts, perfected proposals and manuscripts for publication, discovered and nurtured talent.

Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers

Oct, 2000 — Apr, 2008 (over 7 years)

Supervised a staff of three editors and a list of 40-50 trade hardcover and paperback books per year; acquired and edited 10-20 books per year and oversaw design and production of each, many of them illustrated; directed the company’s marketing efforts, including publicity, promotion, sales materials, and advertising.

Pocket Books

May, 1998 — Mar, 2000 (almost 2 years)

Supervised marketing effort for a $150 million mass-market and trade publishing company; oversaw staff of 15 marketing, advertising and promotion professionals; administered budgets totaling $5 million annually, implementing numerous cost-cutting measures and increasing efficiency by 20 percent; responsible for conception and execution of all broadcast and print advertising, sales materials, catalogs, promotional materials and mailings, point-of-purchase efforts, conferences and sales meetings; played a key role in all phases of each book’s publication, including acquisition effort, packaging approach, position on the overall publishing schedule, and complete trade and consumer publishing strategy.

Simon & Schuster

Oct, 1995 — Apr, 1998 (over 2 years)

Managed in-house advertising agency for all imprints of Simon & Schuster Trade Division, overseeing concept, media planning and purchase, copywriting, design, and production; administered budgets totaling $4-6 million annually; hired, trained, and managed a staff of 12 full-time and numerous freelance employees; responsible for all collateral sales materials including catalogs, displays, brochures, posters, and other point-of-sale items.

Penguin USA

Oct, 1987 — May, 1994 (over 6 years)

Managed $5 million advertising and promotion budget, overseeing outside advertising agency and conception and execution of all print and broadcast advertising; supervised copywriting, design, and production of all catalogs and other printed sales materials, displays, and point-of-purchase items; directed a staff of six full-time and numerous freelance employees.

Theater Communications Group

May, 1981 — Sep, 1987 (over 6 years)

Expanded TCG’s hardcover and trade paperback book imprint from just 2 titles per year to 12, acquiring, editing, and publishing more than 30 books on performing arts topics; served as series editor on several annual reference series; coordinated promotional efforts on all books, including publicity, point-of-purchase, and sales materials; represented the company and handled sales efforts at trade, academic, and professional conferences.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Art of Bob Mackie

Vlastnik, Frank

Calling upon the same inner strength and faith that got her through her son TJ’s tragic death at age 22, Susan Barry decided to share their story. Complete with photographs, poems and journals... read more
Developmental Editing
The Secrets to Sensational Foreplay teaches you toe-curling touch techniques, creative kissing and mouth moves that will drive your partner crazy, and sultry seduction skills that will stoke all of your senses for maximum responsiveness and pleasure. You’ll le... read more
Outdoorsman, politician, patriot, soldier, bestselling author, naturalist, winner of the Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize, Theodore Roosevelt was both a consummate man of action and a prolific author. A Passion to Lead is a collection of excerpts from ... read more
An elegantly, lavishly illustrated history of the legendary Silk Road and the cultural pathway it blazed for the modern world. Spanning centuries of history, this engrossing book--created in conjunction with the world-famous American Museum of Natural History-... read more
"It was at summer camp in northern Wisconsin in 1953 that I first met Bobby Zimmerman from Hibbing. He was twelve years old and he had a guitar. He would go around telling everybody that he wa... read more
Developmental Editing
On March 11, 2011, fifty minutes after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit eastern Japan, a tsunami 45-feet high engulfed the nuclear power plant known as Fukushima Daiichi, knocking out electrical... read more
Developmental Editing
Playboy―the magazine, the empire, the lifestyle―is one of the world’s best-known brands. Since the launch of Playboy magazine in 1953, two elements have been remarkably consistent: the first, ... read more
Developmental Editing
In the third episode of the Pansy the Poodle Mystery Series of classic children's books, the fluffy chocolate poodle and her best human friend Avery are called to Venice, Italy, to help find a very important parrot. The beautiful bird, Penelope, is the beloved... read more
If Jay-Z and Warren Buffet collaborated on a how-to guide to building personal capital, it would combine invaluable financial expertise with street-smart wisdom. Guns, Drugs, or Wealth does just that. Jerry Ford overcame inner-city poverty, violence, and trage... read more
A memoir of surviving sexual abuse in the Air Force academy. I want to be in the Air Force someday.These are the words Polo Tate engraved on her junior dog tags at age eleven. It was an unpopular dream for most young girls, but her hard work paid off and at ag... read more
Curlee Girlee

Atara Twersky

Curlee Girlee's hair makes her mad! She wants it to grow down her back like spaghetti, not sideways and all curly-whirly. Curlee Girlee wants to look like everybody else- and she'll try anything to solve her problem.Then one day she discovers that her curly ha... read more
This invaluable “mentor in your pocket” by three dynamic and successful black female executives will help all black women, at any level of their careers, play the power game—and win.Rich with wisdom, this practical gem focuses on the building blocks of true le... read more
From bestselling author and former People magazine reporter Sara Hammel comes a twisty murder mystery packed with true celebrity stories and juicy blind items. Set at the fictional CelebLife magazine, FAMOUS LAST WORDS takes on the cutthroat business of celebr... read more
From one of the most respected figures in the dog rescue community come the harrowing, funny, and inspiring stories of nine incredible dogs that shaped her life.Tia Torres, beloved underdog advocate and star of Animal Planet's hit show Pit Bulls & Parolees, ch... read more
The writings of Confucius form one of the cornerstones of Eastern philosophy, and they resonate with everyone who wants to live a more meaningful life. This pocket-size edition of his most significant work-in the same popular interactive format as our Leaves o... read more
There is no better record of events than The New York Times, and now The Times of the Sixties captures the history, culture, and personalities of the decade through hundreds of articles and original commentary in this unique and fascinating book.Whether we liv... read more
Why AC/DC Matters

Anthony Bozza

Australian rock giants AC/DC have sold more records in the U.S. than Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and than the Rolling Stones, yet have always been undervalued and unappreciated by mainstream rock music critics. In Why AC/DC Matters, former R... read more
This pocket-size edition of the world's first self-help guide--venerated for more than 3,000 years as a work of philosophy, mysticism, and, by some, divinatory power--features highlighted passages and reflective writing exercises aimed squarely at contemporary... read more

Laura has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Iris N.

Iris N.

Jan, 2023

Pinned
I am convinced I won the "Editor Lottery" with Laura. Laura is a consummate professional and highly skilled editor. Laura's impeccable work ethic, wonderful communication and vast experience (which she generously provided at every turn) were not only invaluable on every level, they have been game-changing for me. I feel blessed to have found her and I have the deepest gratitude for her and the...
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Ashley K.

Ashley K.

Sep, 2022

Pinned
Laura is a talented editor and wise advisor. Writing is personal, and Laura takes great care of words and the person behind them. If you are looking for an experienced professional with skill and heart, look no further.
Marianne N.

Marianne N.

Dec, 2021

Pinned
This was my first collaboration with a professional editor and Laura delivered much more than I had expected. Not only did she fine tune the grammar, tone, consistency and rhythm of my story; she also provided invaluable feedback. I am not a traditional author. I could see from our beginning conversation that she understood my point of view and was enthusiastic about the project. Her communi...
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Laura R.
Thank you, Marianne, for your kind words. It has been a pleasure to work with you, and I have learned a lot as well. I hope we continue to collaborate!
Janice B.

Janice B.

Jul, 2024

Laura is absolutely amazing to work with! As a first-time writer, my learning curve was high, and she was so patient with me every step of the way. While it's difficult to receive feedback as a writer, Laura was always clear about why she was making the suggestions and was supportive of my original intent. She was so responsive and beyond professional. I couldn't be happier with the book we cre...
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sheila K.

sheila K.

Mar, 2024

Working with Laura far exceeded my expectations. She is insightful, knowledgeable, and simply a brilliant coach. Her work was extremely valuable and I would certainly choose her for any future projects.

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