Sarah Cisco - Editor
Nonfiction editor formerly of Wiley and Pearson. I help authors create AWESOME books (including a #1 bestseller on Amazon).
Request a quote
Overview
As a professional editor, I've worked for a range of businesses—including some of the world's top publishers. I'm passionate about helping my clients become leaders in their field by publishing great content.
But that's not always easy. It's hard to be objective about our own writing because we're so close to it.
Even strong writers tend to make the same types of mistakes. We overuse certain words and phrases without realizing it. We make silly blunders like typing "there" when we mean "their." And sometimes we forget that our audience doesn't know all the stuff that we know. We skim over topics that we really need to explain better.
And that's where I step in. As an experienced editor, I serve as the bridge between you and your readers, helping you to give them a book that's engaging and easy to read, logically organized, and crystal clear.
My primary focus is business and self-help, but I've worked on a range of topics—everything from tech and Tai Chi to real estate and social media. I also enjoy working on how-to guides, investing, and general reference. Just scroll down the page to see a sample of books I've worked on.
WHAT IT'S LIKE WORKING WITH ME
I love helping authors put their best work out into the world. Here are a few things clients have said about my work:
“Sarah was a Godsend. Her attention to detail was amazing. I'd give her an A+. She is a consummate professional. She finished on time and on budget. I recommend her without qualification.”
—Kurt Krauss
“I cannot say enough about Sarah's incredible talent as an editor and her professionalism as a partner in collaboration! She was supportive, flexible, and encouraging under a very tight deadline. If I could give 100 stars I would!! THANK YOU SARAH for helping me get my book and my message out into the world!”
—Megan Wilson
“There is no greater peace of mind than knowing your creative work is in the hands of a competent professional, and with Sarah, that's exactly what I felt. She is knowledgeable, experienced, responsive, and delivered the finished product ahead of schedule. Not only that, she went above and beyond, and really over-delivered. From start to finish, my experience with hiring Sarah to proofread/edit my manuscript was a relief, and a delight. I'll definitely utilize her services again, and again, and again. Wonderful experience!”
—Cindy Cooley
NEXT STEPS
If you're interested in working together, just send me your brief to get started. From there, we can discuss your editing needs and figure out the project details.
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Sarah
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Health & wellbeing
Work experience
Associate Editor
Pearson Learning Solutions
September, 2012
–
May, 2013
(8 months)
Interfaced with professors and universities across the country to create customized textbooks and e-learning solutions. Assisted the sales field with the acquisition of new and existing business while serving as the primary point of contact for custom projects. Ensured all projects met required sales margins and prepared sales forecasts.
Project Editor
John Wiley and Sons
October, 2007
–
October, 2009
(about 2 years)
Managed the publication process for multiple technical books per year at a global publisher. Guided authors throughout the writing process and performed developmental editing on all assigned titles. Coordinated workflow within the project team and approved the work of technical editors and copy editors. Worked closely with the graphics and production teams while ensuring adherence to publication dates. Liaised with legal and marketing to ensure copyrights and branding for all assigned titles. Reviewed page layouts and finalized books for press.
Education and Communication Assistant
Arnerich Massena
March, 2003
–
March, 2004
(about 1 year)
Collaborated with financial advisors to create a quarterly investment newsletter. Managed the newsletter production cycle and interfaced with vendors to coordinate printing and shipping. Ensured licensing, copyrights, and compliance for all content.
Nonfiction Editor
Self-employed
September, 2000
–
Present
(almost 20 years)
Currently providing professional editing services to a range of clients, including first-time authors, freelance writers, and tech-based businesses. Past projects include working with top publishers such as Alpha Books/Penguin, Que, Addison-Wesley, Wharton School Publishing, Cisco Press, and New Riders/Peachpit.
Editorial Intern
New Riders/Peachpit
May, 2000
–
August, 2000
(3 months)
Joined the New Riders/Peachpit team as a summer intern to develop proofreading and editing skills while learning about the computer publishing business. Took on the advanced responsibilities of project management at the request of the managing editor, and continued to work in a freelance capacity after the internship.
Portfolio (11 selected works)
Frustrated by the expectations and communication styles of your young employees? Stop losing productivity to disengaged, under-performing, unmotivated, young workers. This books gives simple, proven techniques supported by the author's nearly three decades of research and experiences to motivate, develop and retain high-performing young employees. The majority of the workforce is under 30, so ... read more
You’re SMART! You know that if you aren’t winning on Instagram, you aren’t winning. Having an audience that identifies with your message means doing more business, making more money, and gaining influence. You just don’t know where to get started. Or maybe you know that your message and your content has potential, but you haven’t been able to gain any traction yet. How can you grow your accoun... read more
Tribe of Hackers: Cybersecurity Advice from the Best Hackers in the World
Marcus J Carey, Jennifer Jin
There are already hundreds of thousands of cybersecurity professionals and according to some sources, there is a shortage of several more hundreds of thousands. Tribe of Hackers wants to change that. We asked for industry, career, and personal advice from 70 cybersecurity luminaries who are ready to break down barriers and shatter ceilings. It's about time.This book can be a catalyst for chang... read more
IT’S TIME TO STOP HIDING! You paid for the best coach training. You learned the marketing funnels. You’re working your ass off to get paying clients, but your business refuses to move forward, and the vision you had for becoming a kickass 6-figure BossBabe has faded to black. The truth is that the fastest path to taking your business to the next level is by becoming confident, radiant, and utt... read more
Praise for Tai Chi for Knee Health: The Low-Impact Exercise System for Eliminating Knee Pain“A must read for orthopedic specialists and anyone struggling with knee pain.” Paul G. Fendos, Jr., Ph.D., author of Taiji as Moving Meditation: Fundamental Principles and Practices)“Tai Chi for Knee Health offers millions of adults with an innovative option for relief from chronic knee pain.” Richard T... read more
Tired of drowning in mess and clutter? Are your children too embarrassed by your messy house to invite friends over to play because it looks like a bomb went off inside it? Whether it’s your home, car, drawer, linen closet, inbox, bank account, or body, most of us have pockets of clutter that drain us energetically, and derail our best-laid plans.In Messy Bed, Messy Head not only will you lear... read more
Home of your dreams - or financial nightmare? Before you fall in love with a money pit - or pay way more than you should - get the inside scoop from an expert. This step-by-step guide will make you a savvy home shopper. From pre-approval to negotiation, inspections, and closing, this entertaining book is a must-read for the smart home buyer.
The Simple Truth About Us: The Book of Truth
Dace Pavloviča
I believe each of us has a very special purpose in this world regarding our mission as souls. And by writing this "Book of Truth," and by sharing all of the knowledge I’ve gained since my awakening in 1997, I feel I am fulfilling mine.The Simple Truth About Us is a gateway to your true self, away from anxiety and fear. This book will be especially helpful if you have lost your direction in lif... read more
Investing is a skill that even non-finance people should learn to master. Whether your goal is to have comfortable retirement, finance your children’s education, reach financial independence or just retain the purchasing power of savings, investing is the way to reach these targets.Investing for Non-Finance People describes the basic investing principles in a straightforward way so you are abl... read more
Nikon D300s Digital Field Guide
J. Dennis Thomas
What you need to know to take amazing photos—or shoot movies!—with your Nikon D300s camera This portable, full-color guide explains all essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D300s camera, including the exciting new D-Movie with auto-focus feature, 3-inch LCD screen, quiet shutter release, and external microphone for movie recording. You’ll find step-by-step instructions and ... read more
Switching to a Mac Portable Genius
Paul McFedries
The Genius is in. You don't have to be a genius to switch from a PC to a Mac. But if you want to make the move with less hassle, put this savvy Portable Genius guide to work. Want to share data between your Mac and your PC? Understand the differences between Mac OS®X and Windows®? Learn how to perform everyday Mac tasks? Transfer important stuff like calendars, contact lists, and music? You'll... read more
Sarah has 21 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Sarah was a joy to work with. She kept in touch every few days to give me status updates and finished the work one week ahead of schedule. She left very detailed notes that have helped me learn and grow. I feel that my next book will be even better because of what I have learned from our collaboration. I would reccomend Sarah and hire her again if given the chance.
Christopher Savoy, May 2020
Sarah is very thorough, very detailed and very professional. Overall a pleasure to work with.
Mark Hawks, April 2020
Very grateful that I found Sarah and she was editing of my "Book of Truth". Incredible experience. Sarah put all her HEART and SOUL in my book and did much more as I could ever expect or wish! Her professionalism, her attitude, the way how she is working - simply amazing!!!
Sarah, thank you so much for all the work what you did in my book! You helped it to experience rebirth. And this book w...
Read more
Dace Pavlovica, December 2019
Decided to work with Sarah as copy editor on my first book. So happy I did!
In short, Sarah is a top-tier pro. Her manuscript input was sharp, detailed, authoritative, and clear, consistently improving the work. Her communication was timely and helpful. The working relationship felt collaborative, professional, and friendly.
It was a delight to have Sarah on my team for this book. And, if av...
Read more
Chris Cinnamon, November 2019
There is no greater peace of mind than knowing your creative work is in the hands of a competent professional, and with Sarah, that's exactly what I felt. She is knowledgeable, experienced, responsive, and delivered the finished product ahead of schedule. Not only that, she went above and beyond, and really over-delivered.
From start to finish, my experience with hiring Sarah to proofread/edit...
Read more
Cindy Cooley, January 2019
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Rose Goddard
I'm an editor and proofreader specialising in poetry and non-fiction; I've worked at Penguin and Oxford University Press. Big fan of words!
London
Candace Johnson
My background in traditional publishing led me to specialize in nonfiction self-help/self-improvement /mind-body-spirit books and proposals.
Portland, OR, USA
