Nancy Cortelyou

Nancy Cortelyou – Editor

Fear not, I can help! I am a developmental editor and coach with 20+ years of guiding authors to get their best work onto the page.

Overview

"Nancy is an excellent shepherd for writing at any stage in the process. She can write and rewrite, edit and advise, collaborate and counsel, and will help battle the inevitable ups and downs of the editing process with a smile."

—Jess Thomson, cookbook author and memoir author


"Nancy is an excellent and astute reader. She gives large-scale revisions that have been invaluable to the content, structure, style, and character developing of my books."

—Sylvia Aguilar-Zéleny, professor and YA author


•••


Whether you need a partner to get your manuscript out of your head (or out of its drawer!), a coach to guide you chapter by chapter, or a developmental editor to smooth out a fully formed offering, let me meet you where you are. I love words. Details. The story. And I know what makes a great book.


What to expect: As an editor or a coach, I help you see what’s not on the page (and should be) and guide you toward keeping the right stuff. Together, we get your manuscript—and your confidence about it—to its apex. Past clients refer to me as a "calm in the storm." I'm patient and passionate, blending equal parts creativity and project management, flexibility and fun.


EXPERTISE:

• Developmental Editing

• Editorial Assessment

• Book Coaching


NONFICTION: Memoir, Cookbooks, and anything in the sphere of Creativity, Self-improvement, or Grief & Loss.

FICTION: Contemporary Fiction and Literary Fiction, especially female-led or character-driven novels.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Home & Garden
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • University of Washington Writing for Children Certificate

Work experience

Self-employed

Dec, 2010 — Present

Lit and Fig is where I combine my spectrum of interests and experience to help authors establish the best version of their work. I collaborate on book projects that need developmental editing, coaching, or manuscript review. I am also a copywriter offering voice-focused copy for individuals and entrepreneurs building their brand.

Compendium

Sep, 2017 — Jul, 2020 (almost 3 years)

For three years, I managed a team of editors and writers at inspirational publisher Compendium in creating illustrated children's books, gift books, journals, and greeting cards all focused on connecting people with others and themselves.

Becker & Mayer

Nov, 2016 — Apr, 2017 (5 months)

I managed a team of editors through the process of brainstorming, proposal curation, and project creation of illustrated and interactive books for children.

University of Washington Press

Nov, 2015 — Nov, 2016 (about 1 year)

I took a year off from traditional publishing to experience the very specific needs of a university press working with subject matter experts on, in some cases, their life's work. Formats spanned academic non-fiction and trade titles in memoir/biography.

Sasquatch Books

Jan, 2012 — Jan, 2015 (about 3 years)

The list of beautiful books from this Pacific Northwest publisher had me managing a team of editors who, along with myself, helped authors put into the world cookbooks, gardening guides, and illustrated children’s books.

Becker & Mayer / SmartLab Toys

Apr, 2003 — Jan, 2012 (almost 9 years)

I was an editor and writer of the children's book-plus products for clients such as Disney Press, Scholastic, and Silver Dolphin Books. As an Act 2, I was the sole editor responsible for the editorial direction of educational, empowering children’s products for the company's imprint on the topic of art and of science.

Nancy has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Heather B.

Heather B.

Jan, 2024

I was really impressed by the thoroughness of Nancy's responses and our project. She really provided some thought-provoking ideas and feedback on my book project, and I think the result will be a winner of a book for me! I plan to work at applying her advice and hiring her for future coaching sessions. I am so glad I took this step.
Matthew S.

Matthew S.

Nov, 2023

Nancy was a great fit for my illustrated fiction project. She brought direct feedback about what was not working as well as curiosity about elements that could be enhanced, letting me use my creative muscles to solve the challenges in my own way. This process with Nancy inspired me to develop my own editing process and gave me confidence for future projects. I will happily work with Nancy again...
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Cindy W.

Cindy W.

Jun, 2023

Nancy was an amazing collaborator. Being a first time author, she walked me through edit after edit via zoom helping me to understand what needed to be done to make my story much more interesting and readable. She was VERY thorough in her edits, often going above and beyond to challenge my story line which ultimately resulted in a manuscript I am proud of. I would highly recommend her as an edi...
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Richard O.

Richard O.

May, 2023

Nancy provided penetrating and thought-provoking feedback during the developmental editing assignment. She helped me "see" and "feel" improvements that were needed. I asked for an independent set of eyes on my manuscript. She delivered that and more. Thank you, Nancy!
Mary Ann C.

Mary Ann C.

Nov, 2022

Nancy's coaching has been amazing! This is my first try at writing a memoir, so I wanted tutoring and editing. Her feedback is thorough, helping me apply her principles to the rest of my book. Memoir is personal, and her insight gives me clarity about events I've lived through, and what a reader would want to know. Her foundation of empathy and respect makes this a wonderful collaboration. I lo...
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