Lori Kusatzky

Lori Kusatzky – Editor

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

Overview

I've been working on the editorial side of the business since 2020, 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
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BFA in Drama from UNC School of the Arts

Work experience

Crown (Fiction)

Sep, 2025 — Present
Was promoted after two years on the Crown Fiction team.

Crown (Fiction Division)

Oct, 2023 — Sep, 2025 (almost 2 years)

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

Five: A Novel

Bannister, Ilona

Crown

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Letter Carrier: A Novel

Giannone, Francesca

Crown

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Proofreading
The Wedding People: A Novel

Espach, Alison

Henry Holt and Co.

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Our Secrets Were Safe: A Novel

Trench, Virginia

Crown

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Peach Seed: A Novel

Jones, Anita Gail

Developmental Editing

Lori has 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Molly R.

Molly R.

May, 2026

Lori is a true professional. She was easy to contact and very responsive. Prior to starting she provided a snapshot of what working with her will include and she even provided past work examples. Her developmental edit included a very detailed editorial letter and notes in my ms. Lori's great in...
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Sue H.

Sue H.

Apr, 2026

I can't recommend Lori enough. I hired her to do editorial work (twice!) on my manuscript and her suggestions really helped me flush out the story. I knew there were weak spots and her suggestions really helped clarify what I needed to do and I was able to create a much stronger, cohesive story l...
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Sue H.

Sue H.

Sep, 2025

I have been stuck on a manuscript for some time but unable to decide how to move it forward. I’ve had a few beta readers, who overall provided positive feedback, but I felt the story was still missing something and could be better. I asked Lori to do a developmental edit and her thoughtful and ...
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David O.

David O.

Sep, 2025

This is who I used last time. This is who I will use again. Amazing work product. Lori is a true professional. If you have any doubt, ask her for a sample of her editing.
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.

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