Overview
Put my high standards to work on your book! I collaborate on all kinds of titles, including fiction, children's/YA, academic journals, and exhibition catalogs, but I specialize in trade nonfiction related to the humanities and social sciences (history, memoirs and biographies, ethnic studies, languages, social justice, journalism, architecture, nature and climate, regional studies, women's studies, art history and research, film, photography, dance, music, fashion, design, food and cooking, home and lifestyle). I work with major publishers, indie presses, academic institutions, nonprofits, community organizations, and self-publishing individuals, and my authors include Pulitzer finalists, celebrated journalists, venerated subject experts, groundbreaking community leaders and celebrities, and first-timers. A client who just won a 2024 American Book Award for her debut title said, "WOW, Lisa is incredible....I've been spoiled for years with good copy editors at the LA Times, but Lisa's care and attention to detail is next level." An indie novelist said, "Your work has cost by far the most I’ve spent on one thing pertaining to my writing novels—and it’s been worth every penny. Many thanks for all you’ve put into developing such fine skills in editing and communication." A recent highlight has been working on Linda Ronstadt's latest book, a combination of memoir, social history, and recipes.
I specialize in copy, line, and developmental editing, but I also proofread, fact-check, index, write, Americanize, project manage, and consult/strategize on the publishing process, frequently bundling multiple services for single projects. I work digitally (Word, PDFs) and on paper, and I also have experience editing for digital/online publications that require testing usability and reviewing code. I generally follow CMOS and Webster's, and I'm as comfortable following a house style as creating a style sheet from scratch. Clients know me to be flexible, collaborative, punctual, and engaged with the publishing and reading community, which includes keeping up to date with modern styles and conscious language. I feel passionate about my work (editing is my dream job, and I love it every day!), and I always approach projects with respect for the needs and experiences of authors, publishers, and readers. My goal is to help you produce the best version of your text according to your priorities.
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- California Book Award Winner
- San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
- California Historical Society Book Award
- ForeWord Book of the Year Award
- Best Book of the Year, Oakland Public Library
- Great Read from Great Places selected by the Library of Congress
- Nautilus Book Award Winner, Restorative Earth Practice
- Golden Poppy Award Winner (voted on by California booksellers)
- NCIBA Book of the Year Award Finalist
- American Book Award Winner
Work experience
Self-employed
After writing and editing for magazines and newspapers as a teenager and young adult, I started working on books as an undergrad and have never looked back. Book editing is my calling.
Recent authors:
Linda Ronstadt, eleven-time Grammy winner
Rosanna Xia, LA Times journalist and Pulitzer finalist
Beth Pratt, California Director for the National Wildlife Federation
Greg Sarris, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
David Harris, Rolling Stone journalist
Select freelance clients:
Chronicle Books
Getty Publications/Getty Research Institute
Penguin Random House
Ten Speed Press
Yosemite Conservancy
Heyday
As one of two in-house editors for this respected independent press (celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2024), I worked in all stages of editorial toward producing high-quality, meaningful, beautiful community-building books. I continue to freelance regularly for Heyday.
Portfolio
