Lindsey Alexander – Editor

Who I Am
At HarperCollins, I learned the art of editing from some of the most respected people in publishing, worked one-on-one with authors to develop their projects, and in concert with the publishing team helped bring these books to a wide audience. The books I’ve collaborated on have been New York Times best sellers and have won multiple awards.

How I Work
At the heart of my editorial practice is the belief that books make us better at being human. That is, a great book can help us become more empathetic and understanding of each other. These days, I help both veteran and first-time authors across genres (fiction and nonfiction) achieve their publishing goals. Editing requires a sharp eye and knowledgeability, but it’s also an invitation to act as a bridge between your intentions and a reader’s understanding. Does the reader’s experience of a text—factually, emotionally, or otherwise—correspond with your objectives? By identifying where and how this correspondence could be strengthened, I work as an advocate for both writer and reader, communicating clearly, constructively, and tactfully.

What I Can Offer You
My combined experience allows me to see my projects from multiple perspectives, and I have a solid understanding of the publishing process as a whole. As an acquisitions editor, I learned to assess the potential of a manuscript, worked with authors to hone their ideas, and helped find the right fit for their work in the marketplace. As a trained copyeditor, I bring an eye for perfection and excellence to my work, taking your writing from good to great. As a writer who has studied with a number of wonderful mentors, I understand the personal nature of the writing process and appreciate that, just like in a workshop or critique group, giving constructive feedback to my clients necessitates an understanding of the author’s intentions, respect for the work, and trust.

How I Serve, Learn, and Teach
In conjunction with my work, advocating for books and the people who create them is a big part of my life. I’ve served as an editorial associate with the journal of the PEN American Center, the world’s oldest literary and human rights organization, a judge for Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards, and a mentor with Girls Write Now. For five years, I served on the board of the Editorial Freelancers Association, and I am currently a member.

What Else You Should Know
I typically book projects a few months in advance, though I do occasionally have shifts in my schedule that create earlier openings. If you have a specific budget in mind, please let me know when you contact me, as it helps me send you a proposal that will meet your needs. I generally request a 50% deposit at booking, with the remainder due on delivery of project materials.