Lindsay Newton - Editor
"Big Five" Editor of NYT Bestselling Thrillers, Self-Help, and Memoirs who specializes in helping authors find literary agents.
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Overview
The process of pitching literary agents is inherently confusing, tricky, and even scary. There's nothing worse than losing your manuscript to the slush pile without any real explanation as to why. Was your query letter not catchy enough? Did the manuscript need work? Did you just pitch the wrong agent? It's a frustrating and even demoralizing process, but I'd like to help you through it.
As a "Big Five" editor of NYT bestselling nonfiction and fiction, I was proud to work with inspiring authors like Isabel Allende, Alice Walker, Neil Gaiman, Cleo Wade, Colleen Hoover, and Kevin Hart. However, I loved working as a lowly assistant at Writers House Literary Agency even more. Why? Because that was where I could spend countless hours digging through the manuscripts of hopeful would-be authors and, on good days, make their dreams come true.
I guess it is fitting, then, that today I work as a publishing consultant. I fully devote my time to helping authors turn rejection letters into offer letters! I can help you during any stage of the process of getting literary representation: from book doctoring, to drafting query letters and book proposals, to even consultating on which agents to pitch. It would be my absolute pleasure to help you one day see your book on the shelves.
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SERVICES INCLUDE:
-Development editing/Book Doctoring: Take the next big step on the path to getting your book published with an in-depth edit of your full manuscript. Includes commentary throughout the manuscript as well as an editorial "roadmap" to guide you through the your next revision, addressing ways in which you can tighten your narrative, develop your characters, and convey your message with skill.
-Editorial Assessment: Identify your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses with this bird's eye review of your full manuscript. Includes a 3-5 page response letter that provides thoughtful feedback concerning plot, characterization, structure, consistency, style, and the marketability of your project.
-1-Hour Publishing Consultation Calls: Navigate the publication process and ask any questions you may have about finding an agent, submitting queries, getting published, and more.
-Query Letter Drafts: Sell your book to a literary agent with an eye-catching, market-savvy pitch.
-Non-fiction Book Proposals: Break into the nonfiction space with a professional book proposal that highlights your projects strengths.
As a "Big Five" editor of NYT bestselling nonfiction and fiction, I was proud to work with inspiring authors like Isabel Allende, Alice Walker, Neil Gaiman, Cleo Wade, Colleen Hoover, and Kevin Hart. However, I loved working as a lowly assistant at Writers House Literary Agency even more. Why? Because that was where I could spend countless hours digging through the manuscripts of hopeful would-be authors and, on good days, make their dreams come true.
I guess it is fitting, then, that today I work as a publishing consultant. I fully devote my time to helping authors turn rejection letters into offer letters! I can help you during any stage of the process of getting literary representation: from book doctoring, to drafting query letters and book proposals, to even consultating on which agents to pitch. It would be my absolute pleasure to help you one day see your book on the shelves.
*******
SERVICES INCLUDE:
-Development editing/Book Doctoring: Take the next big step on the path to getting your book published with an in-depth edit of your full manuscript. Includes commentary throughout the manuscript as well as an editorial "roadmap" to guide you through the your next revision, addressing ways in which you can tighten your narrative, develop your characters, and convey your message with skill.
-Editorial Assessment: Identify your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses with this bird's eye review of your full manuscript. Includes a 3-5 page response letter that provides thoughtful feedback concerning plot, characterization, structure, consistency, style, and the marketability of your project.
-1-Hour Publishing Consultation Calls: Navigate the publication process and ask any questions you may have about finding an agent, submitting queries, getting published, and more.
-Query Letter Drafts: Sell your book to a literary agent with an eye-catching, market-savvy pitch.
-Non-fiction Book Proposals: Break into the nonfiction space with a professional book proposal that highlights your projects strengths.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Humor & Comedy
Mystery & Crime
Thriller & Suspense
Work experience
Editor and Publishing Consultant
Self-employed
November, 2017
–
Present
(almost 4 years)
As a publishing consultant and editor, I support potential authors through the process of seeking literary agent representation. With editorial development and agent querying services—including professional book doctoring, query letters, and nonfiction book proposals—as well as consultations on pitching agents and navigating the publishing process, my clients can increase their likelihood of gaining literary representation and, therefore, becoming published authors.
Acquisitions Editor
Simon & Schuster, Inc. - Atria Books & 37 INK
May, 2015
–
November, 2017
(over 2 years)
As part of the 37 INK and Atria Editorial teams, I worked on high-profile, New York Times bestselling projects and maintained relationships with acclaimed authors such as Alice Walker, Kevin Hart, Isabel Allende, Thomas Mullen, Taraji P. Henson, Colleen Hoover and more. I built network of international and domestic agents, participated in auctions, and negotiated contractual terms in order to acquire projects on behalf of the company. I performed thorough development edits in a variety of genres such as literary and upmarket fiction (including mystery/suspense and historical), practical nonfiction, memoir, and humor.
Literary Agent's Assistant
Writers House Literary Agency
May, 2014
–
May, 2015
(about 1 year)
As the interim assistant to Merrilee Heifetz, I performed extensive editorial work on the manuscripts of both debut authors and existing clients. I evaluated manuscript submissions and utilized my knowledge of the current market to make recommendations for strategic client acquisition.
Assistant Editor
Sourcebooks, Inc.
June, 2012
–
April, 2014
(almost 2 years)
As the first member of a brand new Sourcebooks imprint, I was given many opportunities to grow quickly as an editor and make an impact across multiple departments. I evaluated manuscript proposals across imprints for publication consideration and collaborated with authors in developing trade nonfiction and commercial fiction manuscripts. Due to my strategic sales analyses of trade nonfiction markets, I was charged with building a line of trade study aids titles, and managed project development for their corresponding digital programs. My success in these efforts granted me opportunities to work directly with the CEO and Publisher in building a new junior nonfiction line as well. I served as a ghostwriter for key debut authors and supplied print and digital content, including chapter entries, articles for distribution in major media outlets, and blog posts.
Portfolio (12 selected works)
I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons
Kevin Hart
New York Times bestselling author, superstar comedian, and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have a “hilarious but also heartfelt” (Elle) memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself.The question you’re prob... read more
Heads of the Colored People: Stories
Nafissa Thompson-Spires
Longlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction and Kirkus Prize Finalist Calling to mind the best works of Paul Beatty and Junot Díaz, this collection of moving, timely, and darkly funny stories examines the concept of black identity in this so-called post-racial era.A stunning new talent in literary fiction, Nafissa Thompson-Spires grapples with black identity and the contemporary middle ... read more
It Ends with Us: A Novel
Colleen Hoover
Instant New York Times Bestseller Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from... read more
The Japanese Lover: A Novel
Isabel Allende
From New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende, “a magical and sweeping” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) love story and multigenerational epic that stretches from San Francisco in the present-day to Poland and the United States during World War II.In 1939, as Poland falls under the shadow of the Nazis, young Alma Belasco’s parents send her away to live in safety with an aunt and unc... read more
The German Girl: A Novel
Armando Lucas Correa
AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER Featured in Entertainment Weekly, People, The Millions, and USA TODAY “An unforgettable and resplendent novel which will take its place among the great historical fiction written about World War II.” —Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife A young girl flees Nazi-occupied Germany with her family and best friend, only to discover that the overse... read more
A beautifully illustrated book from Cleo Wade—the artist, poet, and speaker who has been called “the Millennial Oprah” by New York Magazine—that offers creative inspiration and life lessons through poetry, mantras, and affirmations, perfect for fans of the bestseller Milk & Honey.True to her hugely popular Instagram account, Cleo Wade brings her moving life lessons to Heart Talk, an inspiring,... read more
The Cutaway: A Thriller
Christina Kovac
“The Newsroom meets Gone Girl” (Cosmopolitan) in this stunning psychological thriller featuring a young television producer investigating the disappearance of a beautiful Georgetown lawyer—perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn.When brilliant TV news producer Virginia Knightly, “a tenacious, lovable heroine” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), receives a disturbing “MISSING” noti... read more
The New York Times bestselling 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse will jump-start your weight loss, increase your energy level, clear your mind, and improve your overall health as you lose ten to fifteen pounds in just ten days.Made up of supernutrients from leafy greens and fruits, green smoothies are filling and healthy and you will enjoy drinking them. Your body will also thank you for drinking ... read more
What We Become: A Novel
Arturo Perez-Reverte
#1 bestselling author and Dagger Award winner Arturo Pérez-Reverte delivers an epic historical tale following the dangerous and passionate love affair between a beautiful high society woman and an elegant thief. A story of romance, adventure, and espionage, this novel solidifies Pérez-Reverte as an international literary giant.En route from Lisbon to Buenos Aires in 1928, Max and Mecha meet ab... read more
The long-awaited first cookbook from the creator and host of the Internet’s most popular baking show, Nerdy Nummies: a collection of Rosanna Pansino’s all-time favorite geeky recipes as well as sensational new recipes exclusive to this book.The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook is quirky, charming, and fun, featuring the recipes behind Rosanna Pansino’s celebrated, one-of-a-kind creations, as well as bea... read more
Black Girls Rock!: Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth.
Beverly Bond - editor
From the award-winning entrepreneur, culture leader, and creator of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! movement comes an inspiring and beautifully designed book that pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of black women around the world. Fueled by the insights of women of diverse backgrounds, including Michelle Obama, Angela Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Misty Copeland Yara Shahidi, and Mary J. Blige, ... read more
Lightning Men: A Novel (The Darktown Series)
Thomas Mullen
“Writes with a ferocious passion that’ll knock the wind out of you.” —The New York Times, on Darktown “Reads like the best of James Ellroy.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review), on Darktown “Mullen is a wonderful architect of intersecting plotlines and unexpected answers.” —The Washington Post, on Darktown From the acclaimed author of The Last Town on Earth comes the gripping follow-up to Dark... read more
Lindsay has 34 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Lindsay has been great to work with. She’s a great communicator and was exactly on time with the edit. She responded to all of my questions very quickly. Her comments and encouragement were wonderful. I really feel like she has my best interest in mind.
Marilyn Slominski, October 2021
Lindsay gave me exactly the feedback I needed to move my memoir into top shape. She helped me step back from my very personal story when the fear was interfering. She was direct about what needed improving structurally, she pointed out areas where the drama needed to be enhanced and was encouraging where warranted. I would hire her again for a developmental edit, anytime.
Dana Killion, October 2021
I have used Lindsay for two collaborations. Her work is exceptional! She worked her "magic" on my query letter then did the same for my synopsis. As a result, both were now much improved. I plan to use her for any editing project I may have in the future. Highly recommended!!
Marshall Marshall, September 2021
Lindsay is very professional. Her analysis of my query letter was exactly what I needed to improve my chances to finding an agent. I would recommend her for most any writing assignment you have. She's the best!
Marshall Marshall, September 2021
Lindsay jumped in with both feet on a very tight deadline. She was wonderful to work with. No only did she turn things around in 24 hours but went above and beyond the scope to make sure I felt sure footed in my next steps. I cannot wait to work with her again.
Jess Davis, August 2021
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