Stephen Brewer

Stephen Brewer – Editor

I am a project editor who has developed photography, architecture and other nonfiction titles for Random House and other publishers.

Overview

I have been an editor and writer for more than 40 years, working with many national magazines and major publishers. As a book editor, I have worked on dozens of titles, often illustrated photography and architecture works, for publishers that include Abbeville, Watson-Guptill, Random House, Phaidon Press, and Monacelli Studio. I have developed and edited books with leading photographers (the legendary Norman McGrath and Brenda Tharp, among others), celebrities (including Kaye Ballard and Katherine Hepburn), and many other no less talented authors who wish to showcase their work. Some of my recent and extremely satisfying projects with Reedsy have included editing a wonderful illustrated autobiography of British photographer Carole Latimer and a scholarly monograph by Domenico Lanera about the architectural and engineering feats of Castel del Monte, a medieval castle/fortress in the Puglia region of Italy.


I collaborate with clients to develop and structure a manuscript in progress or edit an existing manuscript, beginning with an evaluation and suggestions of what I can do to help produce the book an author or publisher envisions. This usually includes a sample edit to show my style and approach and to ensure we can work together well. Once we have agreed on the approach, I do a thorough line edit, often coordinating text and illustration. I like to work closely with clients, sending chapters as I complete them for review, including any questions and suggestions I have as I go along. This can be a lengthy process, but close collaboration is key to ensuring a successful project. Once we have reworked and enhanced the text in this manner I do a second edit and present the manuscript, with photographs and illustrations in place, as a Word document or in another format the client prefers.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Calendars Nature Photography Travel
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 1978 — Present

I've been an editor at national magazines, including Geo and Connoisseur, and have written for Esquire, Good Housekeeping, and others. I have a passion for books and have edited dozens of titles, often illustrated photography and architecture works, for publishers that include Random House and Monacelli Studio. I have also written newsletters, annual reports, and other communications for Accenture, Mercedes-Benz, and other corporate clients.

Frommer's, Fodor's, Insight Guides

Jan, 1990 — Present

I cover England, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Scotland and other European destinations, doggedly digging up the details to bring these places to life for travelers. I also write about New York City, where I live when I am not residing in a small Tuscan hill town, an ideal place to work on long, involved projects.

Stephen has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Carole L.

Carole L.

Apr, 2022

My review is based on the most important fact of all that Stephen B. is the exactly right person for me. Experience, sense of human and ability to deal exceptionally with writers
Psychitecture M.

Psychitecture M.

Dec, 2021

I highly recommend Stephen Brewer for your next book proposal project!
Paul R.

Paul R.

Nov, 2021

This was my first time putting a photo book together with stories about my travels. I looked at Stephen's past work and was impressed. I was even more impressed when we started working together. He is a traveler which is of value because we have some shared experiences and a similar mindset. We agreed on a time schedule and he met all the markers. Remembering I am inexperienced, he was ver...
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Stephen B.
Thanks, Paul. It was a pleasure to work with you, and it's really nice to know that travelers like you are out there roaming the world.

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