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!

Services

Languages

Fiction

Non-Fiction

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

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

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