PJ Dempsey – Editor

I retired from a full and satisfying career at many major NY publishing houses as an acquiring and developmental nonfiction editor, but that lasted only a few months. Since then I have had a second career as a freelance editor. I specialize in all areas of nonfiction, including cooking, health, parenting, reference, biography, memoir, humor, writing/publishing guides, history, business, careers, antiques and collectibles, and pets. I've worked with many celebrities, but my specialty is working with first time authors. My goal is not just to edit, but to educate writers in this business of editing and publishing. I am proud that many authors have been returning to me over the years and have been a great source of referrals.

Over the years I have worked with authors ranging from celebrities such as Steve Allen, Lindsay Wagner, Soupy Sales, Henry Hill (of Goodfellas fame), and astronaut Mike Mullane, to bestselling authors Marlene Koch, The Atkins Foundation, Steven Carter, Anthony Summers, The Physicans Desk Reference, Suzette Hayden Elgin, and the Kovel's Antique Guides, to name a few. I will be pleased to send a more detailed list of published titles and author references on request.

During my career in publishing I was a member of the board of Creative Nonfiction (other board members included Tracy Kidder and Annie Dillard), and the New York Center for Independent Publishing. I have presented in workshops on editing nonfiction for The Learning Annex and writing nonfiction book proposals for the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and am a member of the Authors Guild.

I am also a published author: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO HORSES and ghostwriter: HEART HEALTH FOR BLACK WOMEN AND LATINAS (St. Martin's).

Overall, what I am most proud of is the fact that many of my authors moved with me when I changed publishers. Many have become life-long friends and those who haven't have sought me out years later and hired me to edit their new projects. I have also experienced the greatest compliment of all and that is to be recommended to their colleages and friends. Being an editor means more than just having a job--it is a lifestyle. I am privileged to be a part of this amazing community of writers.