Lia Ottaviano

Lia Ottaviano – Editor

New York City-based editor with over a decade of experience. I specialize in business, self-help, memoir, true crime, and spirituality.

Overview

I'm an enthusiastic and creative NYC-based editor with over a decade of experience working in the publishing industry. I have worked with business and management authors such as Shark Tank star Mark Cuban (Kid Startup), Peter Block (The Empowered Manager 2e), Jeb Blount (Fanatical Prospecting), and Mark Horstman (The Effective Manager).

I've also brought a number of new age/spirituality titles to market, including The Complete Guide to Astrology (Louise Edington), Astrology for Relationships (Jacob Register), Modern Spirituality (Benjamin Decker), The Complete Book of Moon Spells (Michael Herkes), and many more.

I specialize in business, memoir, true crime, self-help, mind/body/spirit, psychology, and health and wellness. I also hold a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Hunter College. I have a strong eye for language, manuscript organization, and content development, and look forward to working with you to help make your project a success.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing LGBTQ Non-Fiction New Age Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement True Crime
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Callisto Media

Nov, 2018 — Sep, 2020 (almost 2 years)

At Callisto Media, I oversaw the writing and editing of up to ten nonfiction books at a time at varying stages of development, from initial idea to final manuscript, in the categories of new age spirituality, self-help, psychology, health, and more. I guided the structure and content of books during the writing process, and edited manuscripts, often entailing heavy rewrites.

Diversion Books

Jul, 2018 — Nov, 2018 (4 months)

At Diversion Books, I acquired and edited 15-20 new titles per year in the categories of true crime, self-help, business, management, health, and narrative nonfiction. I worked directly with authors to shape content on all acquired titles, and also crafted cover and marketing copy.

Diversion Books

Dec, 2016 — Jul, 2018 (over 1 year)

As an Editor at Diversion Books, I acquired and edited 15-20 new titles per fiscal year across a range of nonfiction and commercial fiction genres, including business, management, psychology, self-help, true crime, mystery, thriller, and romance. I worked closely with authors to shape content on all acquired titles, from large-scale developmental edits to nitty-gritty proofreading. I also crafted cover and marketing copy and solicited blurbs for all forthcoming publications.

John Wiley and Sons

Nov, 2014 — Dec, 2016 (about 2 years)

As an Associate Editor at John Wiley and Sons, I edited, and managed 15-20 new trade business books per fiscal year in the categories of business management, leadership, sales, startup fundraising, and more, working with category leaders like Jeb Blount and Peter Block. I coordinated creative, publicity, and marketing efforts with authors, and maintained project budgets and timelines across a heavy frontlist.

Portfolio

Your ticket to generating better results through infographics Visual Content Marketing is a more than just a guide to infographics. Written for business people dealing with complex offerings, this is a hands-on, in-the-trenches guide to leveraging this emergin... read more
A smart, practical guide to rocket-powered business growth Aligned to Achieve puts sales and marketing on the same page, creating a revenue 'dream team' that will drive your organization to new heights. Smart, practical explanations, case studies, and tips gui... read more
A powerful and personalized process to improve your life and advance your career Do you sometimes feel stuck, despite real efforts to gain momentum on goals you’ve set? Momentum means you’re doing more than simply getting things done. It’s that feeling of sati... read more
Ditch the failed sales tactics, fill your pipeline, and crush your numberFanatical Prospecting gives salespeople, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives a practical, eye-opening guide that clearly explains the why and how behind the most important activi... read more
Startup money is moving online, and this guide shows you how it works. The Art of Startup Fundraising takes a fresh look at raising money for startups, with a focus on the changing face of startup finance. New regulations are making the old go-to advice less r... read more
Develop the qualities of strategic leadership and become an active contributor to the short- and long-term success of your organization Today's organizations face two daunting challenges: 1. How to create new sources of competitive advantage to sustain long-te... read more
The how-to guide for exceptional management from the bottom up The Effective Manager is a hands-on practical guide to great management at every level. Written by the man behind Manager Tools, the world's number-one business podcast, this book distills the auth... read more

Lia has 60 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Matthew E.

Matthew E.

Sep, 2023

Lia helped me with developmental edits and an editorial assessment of an initial chapter to help guide the remaining manuscript. After some brief and relevant clarifying questions, Lia clearly understood the brief and delivered quickly. I found the feedback to be very clear and exactly what I was seeking to improve my writing going forward. I am sure Lia's advice on structure and what works i...
Read more
Winston Y.

Winston Y.

Aug, 2023

Lia has proven to be a very professional editor to assist me on my first manuscript. She has shown the patience and respect to me as a first time writer to get me to the next step of publishing. Winston Young
Doug F.

Doug F.

Jul, 2023

Lia was fabulous to work with. She delivered the final edits before the due date. The edits were spot on. Working in Word, I accepted every single edit she made. I don't believe that ever happened before. Thank you Lia!
Steve W.

Steve W.

Jul, 2023

I recently had the opportunity to work with Lia Ottaviano for a project I hired her for through Reedsy. Throughout our collaboration, Lia demonstrated commendable professionalism and an attention to detail that was reflected in her thorough quote and diligent approach to work. The quality of Lia's work was good. She exhibited a strong understanding of her craft, ensuring that the written mater...
Read more
Bill G.

Bill G.

Jul, 2023

Lia is just outstanding all around. Her comments and suggested changes were just what this author needed to drastically improve my work. I will definitely be reaching back to work with her on my next project.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Lia and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Lia

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Fritha Saunders

Fritha S.

Highly experienced development and structural editor (non-fiction) with almost 20 years experience working in trade publishing.

London, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Fiona Firth

Fiona F.

Professional accredited indexer delivering print and ebook indexing. Specialising in education, psychology/wellbeing, and business books.

100% reply rate

View profile
Adam Rosen

Adam R.

Scholarly and nonfiction editor with over a decade of experience in digital and print publishing. Reader advocate and prose polisher.

Asheville, United States

100% reply rate

View profile