Ruby Lee

Ruby Lee – Editor

Attentive, in-depth editor with 6+ years of Big 5 experience—specializing in literary/upmarket fiction and memoir.

Overview

As an editor with 7+ years of experience and a background in trade publishing at Macmillan and Hachette, I know how crucial editorial feedback and support from someone who has read your work inside and out can be.


I fell in love with editing because of its collaborative nature. I pride myself on working closely with writers to polish your work into the best version possible—from big-picture restructuring to the granular line level. I explore what makes each character tick in your literary ecosystem and how these ambitions inform takeaways. All while asking questions to protect your deeper meanings from getting lost during the revision process. It's your work—I'm here to refine and share my expertise.


I specialize in literary/upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction that give serious weight to contemporary social issues, ranging from coming-of-age stories to deep dives into recent pop culture, internet phenomena, and personal memoirs. I also have a soft spot for all things speculative or historical (particularly if wonky or a bit off-kilter), as well as atmospheric, plot-driven upmarket fiction.


Books I edited have been nominated for the Women's Prize for Fiction, The Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize, Waterstone's Debut Fiction Prize, and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence.


Reach out to me if we sound like a good match. I’d love to learn more about your project, whether fiction, memoir, or something in between!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • 2022 Star Watch Honoree (Publishers Weekly)

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2022 — Present

I have the privilege of working closely with writers to polish their manuscripts.

My services range from early editorial assessments to developmental work, line edits, and final query letter polishing.

Henry Holt and Company (Macmillan)

Jan, 2017 — Oct, 2022 (over 5 years)

I acquired and edited literary/upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction, ranging from coming-of-age stories to voice-driven memoir, speculative fiction, and psychological thriller.

Hachette Book Group

Jun, 2016 — Aug, 2016 (2 months)

Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster)

Feb, 2016 — Apr, 2016 (2 months)

Ruby has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kari L.

Kari L.

Jan, 2024

I can’t thank Ruby enough! Her editoral feedback was thorough, thoughtful and very helpful. I am excited to work on a 2nd draft thanks to her excellent guidance. Thank you!
Hazel I.

Hazel I.

Jul, 2023

Working with Ruby was beyond my expectations. Her editorial assessment was specific and thorough, and her feedback to help me improve was productive and honest, and she delivered it all thoughtfully and with kindness. I would definitely work with her again and highly recommend her!
David K.

David K.

Apr, 2023

I cannot say enough good things about working with Ruby. Her read was careful and perceptive. The recommendations she offered were clearly communicated, well reasoned, and excellent guidance to possibilities I hadn't considered. I look forward to working with her again.
Amanda V.

Amanda V.

Dec, 2022

Ruby was a joy to work with. She provided smart, helpful feedback and went above and beyond in terms of her edits. I highly recommend working with her!
Brooke M.

Brooke M.

Oct, 2022

Working with Ruby was incredible. She was very clear and easy to work with. She understood exactly what I needed to do to improve and was able to articulate things to me in a direct but gentle manner. She clearly knows what she's talking about and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her.

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