Nancy Cortelyou

Nancy Cortelyou – Editor

Specializing in memoir, cookbooks, and female-led fiction, I am a developmental editor and coach of 25 years working with authors.

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 page-turning 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.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Kline & Dine

Matthew Kline

Matthew Kline

A Memoir-Cookbook with my cooking memoir narrative, 100+ recipes, photo recipes and archival photos. 12 chapters and approximately 370 pages. Covers from my exposure to great Chinese food as a... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
One Troy Ounce

Wren, Carolina A.

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Eat the Cake

Clark, M.H.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Lex Files

Castro, Celeste

Developmental Editing
Trying

Yamada, Kobi

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Nancy has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kaye L.

Kaye L.

Feb, 2025

Pinned
Working with Nancy was one of the best decisions I’ve made! She is a fantastic coach and truly detailed editor. Not only did she help me hone my voice, but she gave me tools that I will use for as long as I write. If you want an editor who will push you to elevate your writing while respecting yo...
Read more
Sabeel K.

Sabeel K.

May, 2024

Pinned
I had the pleasure of working with Nancy, and her transformative impact on my manuscript cannot be overstated. From the very first interaction, it was clear that she is not just highly skilled but also incredibly dedicated to helping authors create their best work. Her thorough understanding of n...
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Matthew S.

Matthew S.

Nov, 2023

Pinned
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 ...
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Kim P.

Kim P.

Jan, 2026

Nancy was amazing to work with, both with book coaching and later with developmental editing. Over the course of our collaboration, I began to "hear" her voice when it came to deciding how to write a scene or a character, making my book much more polished and interesting. I learned so much! I wi...
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Bojana K.

Bojana K.

Jan, 2026

As a first time writer, I really didn’t know what to expect. Working with Nancy is super easy. She responded to my questions quickly and delivered the edit on time. The feedback was so detailed and comments really thorough. I am impressed. I will continue working together as I now put some real w...
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