Lisa Fitzpatrick – Editor

It is my privilege and delight to work with writers to realize their visions. I’m a four-time author/co-author who’s developed hundreds of titles for the trade. An executive editor for over two decades, my unique background and skill set includes: developing the manuscripts of dozens of first-time writers and educators; collaborating with celebrated feature filmmakers (James Cameron, Clint Eastwood); and working with mainstream publishing houses (Abrams Books), film studios (Warner Bros, 20thCentury Studios, SONY, Universal, Paramount), production companies (Lightstorm, Lucas Film) and both public and private institutions (USC School of Cinematic Arts, Conservation International, Global Environmental Fund, and Technicolor, among others).

My specialties are prescriptive and long-form narrative non-fiction. I always try to be the editor I would want. I love puzzling through knotty structural challenges, sharpening the work’s voice, sharing trade wisdom, and finessing each nearly completed manuscript into the best version it can be. Whether its ghostwriting, co-writing or editing, I genuinely enjoy all aspects of the book development process. I revel in the big idea but will sweat with you over every last detail. I am my clients’ advocate, cheerleader and backup wordsmith. Each person’s goals are unique, every project has its own specific pathway to success. I tackle every new project with the same child-like enthusiasm – may I never lose it! Ultimately, I want to help you become a better writer.

Being successful in publishing requires a host of skills—an unwavering belief in your idea, a collaborative spirit, a savvy sense of the ever-changing marketplace and a quiet endurance until it’s your time and your turn.

No idea is too silly, no ambition too small. We all began somewhere and will begin again. Always happy to chat to see if we might be a good fit.

My most recent project was co-authoring a 80K book on business and leadership: The Power to Transform (Fall, 2023). My most commercial, well-known work includes: authoring THE ART OF JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (sold 100K copies) and the 250k-word AVATAR bible as a member of Cameron’s 6-person screenwriting team for the forthcoming film series ( a 2-year project); co-authoring the official MEN IN BLACK retrospective; and packaging the only authorized directorial biography on CLINT EASTWOOD: MASTER FILMMAKER AT WORK (sold to Abrams Books). I’ve worked with many global brands in the arts (MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, SHREK, THE BIG BANG THEORY, GOTHAM, KUNG FU PANDA, THE X-FILES, Emmy-award-winning 24, THE GODFATHER).

I’ve edited the work of Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield and Caroline Myss (NY Times bestsellers), Theodore Roosevelt IV, senator Barack Obama, H.H. the Dalai Lama, J.J. Abrams, Kiefer Sutherland, Laurie Anderson, Julie Andrews, Achim Steiner, David deRothschild, Christina Mittermeier (ILCP, Sea Legacy) and many more.

CLIENT REMARKS:

“Always professional, offering perceptive guidance…Lisa brings clarity, a wealth of experience and a calm, clear-headedness to collaborative work.” – Petrina Edge, Asst to feature film director George Miller (MAD MAX: FURY ROAD)

“Vivid, visual storytelling." —

“Written with a distinctive feel and flair encompassing all four Hollywood films...brimming with insightful commentary.”

—SyFy