Sarah Massey, Editor in New York, NY, USA

Overview

As a seasoned editor and writer with over a decade of experience in art book publishing, I bring a sharp editorial eye, collaborative spirit, and deep understanding of what makes copy not just polished but powerful. From high-end illustrated books to high-stakes business proposals, my career has been dedicated to telling stories that resonate across audiences.

Prior to entering the art auction world, I spent years in the editorial departments at leading art and design publishers. There, I acquired, developed, and edited titles across the fashion, art, photography, lifestyle, interior design, and cooking categories, working closely with authors, designers, and internal publishing teams to bring beautiful books to life. Key titles included The Men's Fashion Book, Flower Color Theory, The Best of Nest, Live Beautiful, Supreme Models, The World of Anna Sui, and Harper's Bazaar: 150 Years, among many others.

In my current role as Senior Proposals Writer & Project Manager, I translate complex business ideas into clear, engaging narratives for an elite global clientele. My work is focused on crafting highly bespoke, compelling proposals across categories such as fine art, luxury, and design.

Clients who work with me can expect:

-- Meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense for voice and structure

-- Clear, timely communication throughout the editorial process

-- Deep experience in developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting/proofreading

-- A creative partner who respects your vision while elevating your work

Whether you're refining a manuscript or seeking editorial guidance for a visual or narrative-driven project, I'm here to help you shape your work into its best form.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Art Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Design Fashion & Textiles Home & Garden Photography

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Senior Proposals Writer & Project Manager

Sotheby's

Jun, 2022 — Present

Lead development of tailored, high-impact proposals under tight deadlines, collaborating with senior stakeholders across departments. Oversee the full proposal process—from scheduling and research to writing, editing, and layout coordination—while upholding editorial standards, mentoring junior writers, and maintaining internal style guides and content libraries.

Project Editor

Phaidon

Sep, 2019 — Jun, 2022 (almost 3 years)

Edited and project managed four to six illustrated titles annually across fashion, photography, art, and interior design, from concept through publication. Collaborated closely with authors, designers, and freelancers, while overseeing editorial development, sales copywriting, and cross-department coordination to ensure timely, high-quality publication.

Associate Editor

Abrams

Jan, 2018 — Aug, 2019 (over 1 year)

Acquired and edited eight to ten illustrated titles per year across fashion, lifestyle, design, art, and cooking and used strong editorial judgment and market research to evaluate submissions and develop new book projects. Oversaw all stages of editorial and production, from developmental editing and design direction to copy editing, budgeting, and scheduling.

Assistant Editor

Abrams Books

Jan, 2016 — Dec, 2017 (almost 2 years)

Edited and project managed seven to ten titles per year—across cooking, fashion, and art—from initial concept through to publication, while supporting senior leadership. Collaborated closely with authors, designers, and photographers to shape and execute visually driven content and ensure quality through developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.

Editorial Assistant

Abrams Books

Jan, 2014 — Dec, 2015 (almost 2 years)

Supported editor-in-chief and executive editors across a diverse list of titles, including cooking, photography, fashion, and art, by conducting market research, reviewing proposals, and providing editorial support. Project managed and edited approximately four titles of own per season.