Laurie Bernstein – Editor

I’m a developmental editor with 20+ years’ experience editing non-fiction and fiction at Big 5 publishers with a track record of publishing titles adapted into major films, featured in national media, and generating millions in revenue. I was vice president, executive editor at Simon & Schuster; executive editor at Putnam (now Penguin Random House); and senior editor at Dutton (now Penguin Random House). I specialize in message-driven memoir; non-fiction books that change how we think or that seek to improve our lives; health and wellness; and contemporary fiction (all kinds of novels, except science fiction—sorry!) I’m also a literary agent, which means I know first-hand what it takes for a manuscript to break through and stand out in today’s competitive landscape. I’m especially drawn to books (of all types!) that draw you in because they have a distinct voice and strong point of view or simply have a wonderful and compelling story to tell.

Many of my bestselling authors have confided that each new book feels like their first, with all the same moments of terror and uncertainty. I’ve got your back as I’ve had theirs! I’ve had the privilege of working with #1 bestsellers Catherine Coulter, Sue Klebold, and Barbara Delinksky, legendary director Wes Craven, Jane Seymour, Pulitzer Prize-winner Ed Humes, Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer, Rob Bilott, the real-life Erin Brockovich whose book Exposure was made into the feature film Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo, and the viral sensation and TikTok-famous ‘Traveling Grannies’ featured in national media and launching Here We Go (Sept. 18, 2025) with Gayle King on CBS. I excel at giving writers the encouragement, confidence, and guidance needed to soar. I love working with first-time authors to make sure the manuscript is as good as it can be. Indeed, my Spidey power is the ability to see a manuscript’s full potential and to help writers realize it on the page. I believe the key to success in both fiction and non-fiction is narrative propulsion, making page-turners, no matter the subject. My goal is to make your work un-put-downable! I can also help you with your book proposal and query letter if you want the best shot going down the traditional publishing route. My experience as both editor at Big 5 publishers and an agent placing projects with them, is invaluable in helping to edit and correctly position both manuscripts and pitches.

I am hands-on and will provide in-depth, detailed but always encouraging feedback and edits. I’m passionate about what I do and committed to helping make clients and their work shine. I can’t wait to start working with you!

***

“To say that Laurie goes above and beyond is pure understatement: nobody works harder or smarter for her authors than she does. Her level of involvement in any given project is so much greater than other editors, it almost seems like she’s doing a completely different job.”

-Carol Colman, Bestselling co-author, and writer of more than 30 books