Michael Tizzano

Michael Tizzano – Editor

Experienced, empathetic, knowledgeable. MS in Publishing. A decade at major houses Penguin Random House, W. W. Norton, Simon and Schuster.

Overview

In my decade of publishing, I've developed books that teach, inspire, enrich, and sell. My nonfiction work spans self-help, science, business, psychology, how-to, philosophy, medicine, and more. In fiction, my expertise centers on fantasy and other speculative genres. I hold a master's degree in Book and Online Publishing.

I love helping both new and seasoned writers find their unique voices on the page and in the marketplace. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, developing a proposal, pitching to agents and publishers, drafting your manuscript, or in need of structural or line editing, I offer comprehensive editorial support tailored to your needs.

I'm here to assist you at any point in your journey. Having worked at agencies and publishers large and small, I can help you understand and navigate the world of publishing with empathy, patience, encouragement, and—best of all—proven professional experience.

Let’s discuss your passions, goals, and aspirations regarding your book. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Sample edits available.

Services
Non-Fiction
DIY & Crafts Health & Wellbeing History Home & Garden Inspirational Nature Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sports & Outdoors
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Academic Excellence in Publishing Award
  • Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award
Certifications
  • MS in Book and Online Publishing, Pace University
  • BA in English Literature, Boston University

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Aug, 2021 — Oct, 2023 (about 2 years)
Editor at the esteemed Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, working on nonfiction titles related to health, philosophy, cooking, culture, and more for the Knopf and Pantheon imprints.

Pace University

Aug, 2025 — Present
I teach professional line editing and rewriting for Pace University's Masters in Publishing program.

W. W. Norton & Company

Apr, 2016 — Aug, 2021 (over 5 years)
At Norton, the world's largest independent and employee-owned publishing house, I acquired and edited books in the categories of self-help, mindfulness, career, home and garden, health and wellness, science, technology, nature, pop-culture, travel, and more.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Old: What Happens As We Age?

Doreen Parkhurst

You can blame it on Biden and Trump, who had their last presidential debate in June 2024 watched by 51 million people. The explosive coverage began immediately. Both men appeared very old—Bide... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Zen of Slime: A DIY Inspiration Notebook

Pattanaporn, Prim

Countryman Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Recipes from Feast of Fiction, the innovative YouTube show featuring fantastical and fictional recipes inspired by books, movies, comics, video games, and more. Fans of Feast of Fiction have b... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Michael has 47 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dave C.

Dave C.

Apr, 2025

Pinned
Working with Michael on this book has been incredible, and if I were to define one word, the closest I'd come up with is transformative. He wasn't just an editor; he was a true thought partner. As a thorough professional, his insightful feedback helped me not just fix errors, but truly clarify ...
Read more
Michael T.
Dave, I'm honestly so touched! It was a fantastic experience for me too. I learned so much from your work and truly believe it will find a receptive, eager readership. Thank you for your collaborat...
Read more
Luke K.

Luke K.

Apr, 2025

Pinned
I’m a novice writer who handed Michael an initial draft of my non-fiction book, which falls somewhere between psychological science, self-development, and prescriptive memoir. Michael did an outstanding job on three fronts. First, he was exceptionally responsive and professional. Second, he was i...
Read more
Michael T.
Thank you for such a stellar review, and for your kind words. It was a genuine pleasure, personally and professionally. Your work is important and will only become increasingly relevant as the book...
Read more
Meaghan L.

Meaghan L.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
I am absolutely thrilled to share my experience working with Michael on my first book! From the very first draft, he brought an incredible level of insight, creativity, and professionalism that transformed my manuscript into something truly special. Michael has an exceptional ability to understa...
Read more
Michael T.
Thank you for the kind words, Meaghan! Your book was genuinely really special, and I'm thrilled to help it reach the readership it deserves. It was a sincere professional and personal pleasure to w...
Read more
Gerard F.

Gerard F.

Nov, 2025

Paid AUD $1,500 for an edit that was started and finished in the final 90 minutes using AI. Disappointed, and I wouldn’t recommend.
Mark B.

Mark B.

Nov, 2025

My project was different. I needed someone clear-minded and creative, yet willing to get into the spirit of the work. Michael followed the flow. He was easy-going and professional from day one. I'm not sure anyone else would have had the vision and patience to do so. Michael nailed it. I couldn'...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Michael and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Michael

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Michael Benge

Michael B.

I specialise in wellbeing, social care, mental health and learning disabilities, as well as English Language Teaching (ELT) books.

Hove, England, UK

85% reply rate

View profile
Cathy Suter

Cathy S.

Formerly with Hachette Book Group and Columbia University Press. Over fifteen years of experience editing award-winning nonfiction titles.

Annapolis, MD, USA

90% reply rate

View profile
Tess Jolly

Tess J.

Friendly and sensitive editor specialising in self-development, wellbeing and mental health, women's narratives, and memoir.

Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile