Marsha Zinberg - Editor
Toronto, ON, Canada
A former executive editor for Harlequin Books, offering more than thirty years of extensive editorial knowledge and expertise.
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Overview
“Working with Marsha has been such a joy. She has the energy and vision of fifty editors, and I have enjoyed every single venture we’ve shared. She is that rare bird who can combine a keen business sense with extraordinary creative powers…and strong writing chops to boot!”—Meg Ruley, literary agent, Jane Rotrosen Agency
“I think of Marsha as excellent and inspirational in anything she undertakes. She has experience, knowledge and presence.”-- USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Ferrarella
"Marsha Zinberg was a joy to work with. Not only does she identify plot problems, she finds solutions and then polishes the manuscript until it shines! I highly recommend her editing services." --Theresa Ragan, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author of Abducted
My life’s work, for more than thirty years, has been in the publishing industry. From assistant editor with Harlequin Books, the world’s largest publisher of romance fiction, I made my way up the ladder to executive editor, with responsibility for many of the innovative programs that have hit the shelves over the last several decades.
I was instrumental in launching the Harlequin Heartwarming series, and conceiving and executing over twenty year-long continuity series—loved that creative challenge!-- as well as managing the anthology, mystery, More Than Words and original non-fiction programs.
Over the course of my career, I have edited many USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling authors, such as Erica Spindler, B.J. Daniels, Jill Shalvis, Sarah Morgan, Theresa Ragan, Lori Foster and Roxanne St. Clair, among others. I‘ve also been nominated for several industry editing awards.
Now, with my own company, The Write Touch, I bring together the editorial expertise gained from working with hundreds of authors, as well as years of exposure to our now vastly changed publishing landscape, so that I can offer my clients the kind of comprehensive, practical suggestions they are seeking.
My greatest pleasure is in collaborating with authors to help structure and polish their projects in order to develop them from first draft to publication-ready. I typically speak with my clients by telephone so that we can get to know each other a little, and agree on our goals. I also like to give an overview of my assessment in a conversation before sending along a written analysis and notes.
If you have an unusual project, a “project of the heart”—that story you just had to write, or a novel that isn’t quite working, I’d love to dig in and help you make it blossom!
Languages
English (CAN)
English (US)
Fiction
Anthologies
Crime & Mystery
Romance
Short Story
Thriller
Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Parenting & Families
Weddings
Certifications
- Honours B.A., English Language and Literature, University of Toronto
- M.A. University of Toronto
Awards
- two Northern Lights Editing Awards for Best Novella of the year
- Several nominations for editing for the RITA award, the Oscars of the romance writing industry
Work experience
Executive Editor
Self-employed
July, 2006
–
Present
(over 12 years)
As a senior publishing professional with more than thirty years of experience in shaping writers' words, I have helped to refine and polish the prose of hundreds of authors, as well as numerous executives, students and proud families. Aside from editing many USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling authors, I have conducted communications workshops, made regular media appearances, and been a frequently-invited speaker across North America and internationally. In addition, I have guided C.E.O.'s and philanthropists through keynote events, and assisted families to shape their thoughts at significant life cycle milestones. I also specialize in helping university applicants to craft their personal statements for maximum impact to admissions boards.
Executive Editor
Harlequin Books
July, 1983
–
May, 2013
(almost 30 years)
As Executive Editor of all reissue and special projects, I oversaw the publication of more than 400 titles per year, managed a staff of five, and developed strategy, acquisition and editorial direction for a number of different programs, including anthologies, continuities, mysteries, mainstream fiction, reissue programs, and a wide variety of categories within the romance genre.
Portfolio (30 selected works)
A Heartwarming Christmas: A Boxed Set of Twelve Sweet Holiday Romances
Melinda Curtis, Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, Carol Ross, Cheryl Harper, Amy Vastine, Tara Randel, Leigh Riker, Cari Lynn Webb, Liz Flaherty, Rula Sinara, Patricia Bradley
This holiday season, warm your heart with 12 connected sweet holiday romances set in Christmas Town from 12 Harlequin Heartwarming authors who are USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors.There are four connected books in A Heartwarming Christmas. That means each set of three novellas shares characters and storylines! This collection of PG-rated holiday romances are all set i... read more
Dead Man Running
Theresa Ragan
NYT bestselling author Theresa Ragan’s newest suspense, DEAD MAN RUNNING, is set in motion when an accused murderer escapes prison in a body bag and sets out to prove his innocence.
Full Pursuit (MIRA)
Jasmine Cresswell
DEEP IN RURAL IDAHO, A BRIGADE OF MILITANT WHITE SUPREMACISTS CALLING THEMSELVES THE SOLDIERS OF JORDAN IS PREPARING TO LAUNCH A DESPERATE STRUGGLE THAT THREATENS TO FOREVER ALTER THE NATION'S BALANCE OF POWER. When the country's ultrasecret Unit One goes on high alert, operative Melody Beecham is ordered to infiltrate the Soldiers of Jordan. Her instructions: to exploit their leader's penchan... read more
The Disappearance
Jasmine Cresswell
When an extremist group kidnaps environmentalist Summer Shepherd, her father thinks she staged it herself to ruin his bid for the U.S. presidency, but her step-uncle knows she is a pawn in a bigger game--leaving her to choose between saving the rain forests and her own life. Original.
Missing (The Ravens Trilogy)
Jasmine Cresswell
For twenty-five years, multimillionaire businessman Ron Raven played the loving husband and father -- to two very different households. But when Ron disappears, his deception is revealed. Now both families are left with questions, while the man who holds the answers is...MISSING. Megan Raven is desperate to save her mother's Wyoming ranch, used as collateral on a three-million-dollar loan -- m... read more
The Inheritance
Jasmine Cresswell
A disk. A simple disk that named names. That was Isabella Joubert's inheritance from her father, a man she loved but could not trust. To right his wrongs, she was determined to turn the incriminating list over to the authorities. But danger was stalking her. Her home was ransacked, threats were made—and people were turning up dead. Someone wanted the disk even more than Isabella. And she was f... read more
The Refuge
Jasmine Cresswell
Was it a place of safety… or deadly danger? Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the Wainscott Ranch is a place of hope and promise for expectant mothers from war-torn regions of the globe. Here, women with nowhere to go, and no one to help them, find refuge. Though raised in a life of privilege, Marisa Joubert, too, has escaped a terrible fate and understands the fear of being alone, penniless an... read more
His Brother's Fiancee (The Trueblood Dynasty)
Jasmine Cresswell
Isabella Trueblood made history reuniting people torn apart by war and an epidemic. Now, generations later, Lily and Dylan Garrett carry on her work with their agency, Finders Keepers. Circumstances may have changed, but the goal remains the same.LostOne groom. Emily Sutton is up to her ears in the final plans for her lavish society wedding when her fiancé informs her that he can't marry her.F... read more
The Third Wife
Jasmine Cresswell
On her wedding night, seventeen-year-old Anna Langtry stole her husband's car and fled into the darkness, racing toward freedom. She felt only desperation to escape the nightmare of her Colorado home—an isolated rural community that condoned her forced polygamous marriage to become one man's third wife. Fifteen years later, Anna is working as a federal probation officer in Denver. A fighter fo... read more
Decoy (MIRA)
Jasmine Cresswell
Art gallery owner Melody Beecham was raised in the elite social circles of her English mother, Rosalind, and her American father, Wallis Beecham, a self-made millionaire. But when her mother dies suddenly, a shocking truth is revealed: Wallis is not Melody's father. Worse, he is a dangerous man. Furious, Melody is determined to uncover the secrets hidden at the heart of Beecham's vast empire, ... read more
Dead Ringer
Jasmine Cresswell
Charlotte Gray's world has been turned upside down. Her husband of six months has disappeared, and now FBI agents inform her that Dan, the love of her life, is a wanted international terrorist. But before Charlotte has a chance to absorb their shocking revelation, a dangerous chain of events completely shatters her perceptions of good and evil. Kidnapped by a mysterious stranger, she is warned... read more
More Than Words, Volume 2
Debbie Macomber, Sharon Sala, Jasmine Cresswell, Beverly Barton, Julie Elizabeth Leto
More Than Words: The Greatest Gift/ Close Call/ Hanging by a Thread/ Small Packages/ Built to Last
Diana Palmer, Carla Neggers, Emilie Richards, Brenda Novak, Susan Mallery
More Than Words Volume 3: Homecoming Season\Find The Way\Here Come The Heroes\Touched By Love\A Stitch In Time
Susan Wiggs, Karen Harper, Kasey Michaels, Catherine Mann, Tori Carrington
Five bestselling authors Five real-life heroines They're your neighbors, your aunts, your sisters and your best friends. They're women across North America committed to reaching out and changing lives, one good deed at a time. Five of these exceptional women have been selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words Award. And once again five award-winning bestselling authors ... read more
More Than Words, Where Dreams Begin: Black Tie and Promises\Safely Home\Daffodils in Spring
Sherryl Woods, Christina Skye, Pamela Morsi
Three bestselling authorsThree real-life heroinesEach of us can effect change. In our own unique ways, we can all make the world a better place. We need only to take that first step, do that first good deed and the ripple effect will be life- changing to so many. Three extraordinary women who were compelled to take that first leap and make a difference have been chosen as recipients of Harlequ... read more
Married In Spring
Stella Cameron, Bobby Hutchinson, Sandra Marton
Moontide (Famous Firsts\60th Anniversary)
Stella Cameron
When pediatrician Andrew Monthaven delivered the news, the light left Greer Beckett's life. She'd lost her husband and her baby. Her future was suddenly as uncertain as moonlight on water. Now, two years later, Greer has returned to face her past…and the man she still can't forgive.But in Andrew's golden gaze, Greer sees the promise of hope…and a love deeper than any she's ever known.
7B
Stella Cameron
Bestselling author Stella Cameron welcomes you back to 7 Mayfair Square, an elegant London town house where the unusual is routine. Sibyl Smiles possesses a most unfashionable leaning toward independence. At eight and twenty, she remains unmarried, yet fosters one great desire: to be a mother. To that end, she requires…a willing gentleman. There is only one man she dares present with such an o... read more
Island Promises: Hawaiian Holiday\Hawaiian Reunion\Hawaiian Retreat (Harlequin Anthologies)
RaeAnne Thayne, Marie Ferrarella, Leanne Banks
Destination Wedding Guest List:THE EX-WIFEMegan McNeil is genuinely happy to escort her little girls to their father's wedding in Kauai, Hawaii—even though she feels like a third wheel. One gorgeous groomsman definitely disagrees. But are they both carrying too much baggage to begin a new romance?THE BEST MANDevlin Marshall won't let anything spoil his buddy's big day—not even his own rocky ma... read more
Snow Day: Heart of the Storm\Seeing Red\Land's End (Harlequin Anthologies)
Shannon Stacey, Jennifer Greene, Barbara Dunlop
Tucker's Point three-day forecast: stormy with a chance of romanceHEART OF THE STORM by Shannon StaceyBrody Rollins is back in tiny Tucker's Point, Maine, for the first time in five years, and now he can't escape… from former neighbors, old regrets or maddening glimpses of his ex-fiancée.SEEING RED by Jennifer GreeneStranded at her grandfather's seaside cottage, Whitney Carr prepares to face t... read more
Triple Six (The Lightkeepers #2) (Volume 2)
Erica Spindler
Detectives Micki Dare and Zach Harris are back in TRIPLE SIX, their second adventure in Erica Spindler’s supernatural thriller series The Lightkeepers.It's been three months since that night - the night that Micki almost died. Physically, she's healed but the nightmares remain, and she can't shake the feeling that more happened that night than Zach is telling her. The only thing she can do is ... read more
Fallen Five (The Lightkeepers Book 3)
Erica Spindler
Descended from an ancient race, Earth’s few remaining Lightkeepers battle the forces of darkness that threaten humanity... Detectives Micki Dare and Zach Harris are called in to investigate when a millionaire developer leaps from atop his luxury hotel on the night of its grand opening.After Micki receives a mysterious package from her long-dead mentor, and Zach suspects something supernatural ... read more
Eyes of the Tiger
Patricia Rosemoor
Gems and jewelry speak to Gemma Hewitt, inspire her designs, and send her across the globe to seek out historic pieces. After her mother is brutally murdered, Gemma inherits her famed jeweled collar, which she hopes will lead her to her mother’s killer. Instead, she's thrown back to 1901 India where she sees a young woman about to be married with a pendant that matches the collar. When she's h... read more
Lady of the Night (New Orleans Nights Book 1)
Emilie Richards
The fragile young woman, lying comatose in the ward of City Hospital in New Orleans, has no name and no memories. When she finally awakens, the one thing she can remember is a man's voice calling her back to consciousness. In all his years of training, no one has touched psychologist Joshua Martane in the same way, and he is determined to help her. Suspected prostitute. Near victim of a serial... read more
Night Magic (New Orleans Nights Book 3)
Emilie Richards
Despite the onset of summer, Doctor Fantôme's Sanctuary of Voodoo in the French Quarter sends chills through psychologist Daphne Brookes. This is tourist voodoo, meant to shock and titillate. Daffy is fascinated by the man behind the counter, but less fascinated by the shop. One of her teenage clients may be under the influence of someone there.Easy-going portrait artist Skeeter Harwood is bri... read more
The Kiss of a Viscount (The Daughters of the Aristocracy Book 1)
Linda Rae Sande
A kiss is just a kiss ... or is it? Having just inherited his uncle’s viscountcy, George Bennett-Jones is encouraged by his mistress to find a bride, preferably the daughter of an aristocrat. Through a series of lessons, she instructs George on the finer points of meeting and courting a woman of the ton—and she has one in mind for him. It’s love at first sight when George spies Lady Elizabeth ... read more
The Tale of Two Barons (The Sisters of the Aristocracy Book 1)
Linda Rae Sande
What will you discover when you read between the lines?Jeffrey Althorpe is in need of more income for the struggling Sommers barony. As a peer of the realm, he’s not allowed to work, but if he’s able to earn money from a book he’s written – anonymously, of course - no one will be the wiser. A dowry would be easier, but then he would have to find a woman willing to marry a baron.While her broth... read more
It’d been a long time; a lot of things had changed. Since sailing away from Cane Garden Bay, Jesse McDermitt had changed.Waking one morning, the smell of rum still on his breath, Jesse realizes he doesn’t much like the change anymore. The mask which he’d freely put on didn’t fit right. It was the mask of a drifting, womanizing, boat bum, and it concealed his inner turmoil. Peeling off the mask... read more
New Second Edition of the 2nd novel in the 14 volume Caribbean Adventure Series.Jesse McDermitt lives alone on an isolated island in the Florida Keys where he runs a charter fishing business. Retired from the Marine Corps for six years, he wanted nothing more than to relax, fish, dive and enjoy the laid back lifestyle of the islands.Russ, his former Platoon Sergeant and old friend, dies unexpe... read more
New Second Edition of the 1st novel in the exciting 14 volume Caribbean Adventure Series.When Jesse McDermitt retires from the Marine Corps at age 37, he has no idea what he will do for the rest of his life. He only knows he doesn't want to spend the coming winter anywhere cold. His greatest skill is killing people from up to a mile away and he knows there aren't many job opportunities in the ... read more
Marsha has 9 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
Working with Marsha provided me with the straightforward, honest and professional developmental edit that I needed to improve my manuscript. She pointed out where my story needed improvement, where my style faltered and how to improve my characters to make them more interesting to the reader. She also showed me how to make my story stronger and improve its flow. Marsha pointed out common mista...
Read moreChris D, January 2019
Chris, I am so pleased you found my comments and suggestions helpful, and thanks very much for your kind words. I found your project ambitious and creative, and would be most pleased to work with you again in the future.
Reply from Marsha Zinberg
Marsha provided constructive industry insight in editing my query and synopsis. She delivered on time and at a reasonable rate. It was a pleasure working with her.
Read moreLaurie Peel, August 2018
Mrs. Zinberg was a true find for me. She is honest, straightforward, and went the extra, extra mile to assist me. I trust her and her experience is a gold mine for inspiring writers.
Read moreBillyNahn Nahn, August 2018
Billy, many thanks for your kind praise, and confidence in me. I'm delighted you found my input helpful and hope to work with you again on future projects!
Reply from Marsha Zinberg
It was a pleasure working with Marsha. Her insights were invaluable. My manuscript is, without a doubt, worlds better as a result of her input. I would work with her again.
Read moreRachael Krikorian, July 2018
I enjoyed working with Marsha. She provided a valuable analysis of my book and gave me detailed suggestions for improving it. I highly recommend her.
Read moreLisa Wanttaja, January 2018
Many thanks for your kind words, Lisa. I enjoyed working with you as well, and hope Death Tide receives the recognition it deserves! I wish you much success with it!
Reply from Marsha Zinberg
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