Lori Kusatzky

Lori Kusatzky – Editor

I specialize in commercial, adult fiction with a literary bent, and narrative nonfiction. Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree, 2024.

Overview

I've been working on the editorial side of the business for over four years, after starting on the literary representation side. I currently work at Penguin Random House on an all-fiction team, so my awareness of the marketplace and what editors and agents are craving is unmatched.


I specialize in detailed, thorough reader's reports and editorial assessments, editorial letters, and line editing. I love getting into the meat of a manuscript, developing characters, solidifying plot points, and grounding a story in truth. I studied drama in school, so I have particular affinity and appreciation for bold characters and snappy, sharp dialogue. I'm a quick and eager reader, and would be thrilled to help you get your manuscript or proposal into the best shape it can be!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Plays & Screenplays Psychological Thriller
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BFA in Drama from UNC School of the Arts

Work experience

Crown (Fiction Division)

Oct, 2023 — Present

Henry Holt / Andy Cohen Books

Jan, 2021 — Sep, 2023 (over 2 years)
Was an assistant editor at Henry Holt / Andy Cohen Books, acquiring contemporary fiction and nonfiction in the pop culture space. I also supported the publisher, and a senior editor. Prior to my promotion, I read and reviewed manuscripts and proposals for a senior and an executive editor; worked with authors on a daily basis to guide them through the editorial and production process; tracked changes between drafts with close reading and line editing

Self-Employeed

Oct, 2020 — Present
Did freelance editorial work from 2020-2022 for a small agency, which has comprised mostly of reader's reports with the intent to recommend work for representation, editorial letters when needed, and drafting up query letters. The novels I've assessed have run the gamut, from speculative fiction, to fantasy, to epic family sagas. Been working at Reedsy since 2022 until present day.

A3 Artists Agency

Jun, 2019 — Oct, 2020 (over 1 year)
Supported Simon Green; successfully pitched book ideas that netted the agency 33.7K in commission (225K worth of deals); worked collaboratively with A3's talent, digital, theatrical, TV, and film lit departments to create book opportunities for clients; edited proposals; helped build editorial submission lists.

Innovative Artists Agency

Jan, 2018 — Jun, 2019 (over 1 year)
Read scripts and tracked projects in theater, film, and TV; managed two agents' schedules; worked with casting offices, production offices, managers, and the Los Angeles branch on a daily basis; created and updated deal memos/handled contracts.

Portfolio

The Letter Carrier: A Novel

Giannone, Francesca

Crown

Developmental Editing
The Wedding People: A Novel

Espach, Alison

Henry Holt and Co.

Editorial Assessment
Listen for the Lie: A Novel

Tintera, Amy

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Prima Facie: A Novel

Miller, Suzie

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Strip Tees: A Memoir of Millennial Los Angeles

Flannery, Kate

Developmental Editing
Our Secrets Were Safe: A Novel

Trench, Virginia

Crown

Developmental Editing
The Last Illusion of Paige White: A Novel

McCausland, Vanessa

Crown

Developmental Editing
The Peach Seed: A Novel

Jones, Anita Gail

Developmental Editing
Deep Cuts: A Novel

Brickley, Holly

Crown

Developmental Editing
Not All Diamonds and Rosé: The Inside Story of The Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It

Quinn, Dave

Proofreading
Backstory: My Life So Far

Gregg, Avani

Query Letter Review

Lori has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rich M.

Rich M.

Jan, 2025

A great editor! The project was delivered ahead of schedule and with high quality. I would definitely hire her again.
Rafael F.

Rafael F.

Nov, 2024

Lori is a consummate professional and brilliant editor. Being able to work with her on my novel in its earliest, roughest stages has been a total gift. I can't recommend her incisive eye and uncanny nose for plot and pacing enough!
Martin W.

Martin W.

Aug, 2024

Lori was very professional. She sent examples of her work with her quote. The report she gave me reflected the work examples she showed me. She was very kind and thoughtful in her assessment and reviewed her manuscript report with me after I had time to read through it. I would highly recommend her.
Haley H.

Haley H.

May, 2024

Lori provided thoughtful notes on the concept and commercial viability of my manuscript, as well as key developmental edits on character and setting. She was very responsive and easy to communicate with, I’d highly recommend her!
Harmony S.

Harmony S.

Mar, 2024

I had a great time working with Lori. She was very upfront with what to expect and very responsive. I loved the way she laid out what she thought and what need a little polishing up.

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