Steven Genise

Steven Genise – Editor

Author, freelancer, and prose editor for CASCADIA MAGAZINE, focusing on literary fiction/creative nonfiction.

Overview

I am currently an acquisitions editor for Split/Lip Press, and was formerly the fiction editor for CASCADIA MAGAZINE, a nonprofit dedicated to publishing and supporting the underrepresented authors of the Pacific Northwest. In the past, I have interned for Counterpoint Press, where I worked on books by Wendell Berry, Gary Snyder, on the National Book Award Finalist collection REFUND by Karen Bender, and on the Barnes and Noble Discover Award-winning THE LIGHTKEEPERS by Abby Geni. I have also interned for McSweeney’s, where I worked on the bestselling WHITE GIRLS by Hilton Als, as well as THIS BRIDGE WILL NOT BE GRAY by Dave Eggers.

I love working with writers with the goal of not just improving the text, but helping the author express their truth. I take a careful eye to the tone and language, but I see the editorial process as a collaborative one, and one that arrives at the most faithful intent of the author through communication and cooperation with them. I especially enjoy working with new and emerging writers who are trying to hone their skills and learning the publishing landscape for the first time.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Nature
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Cascadia Magazine

Dec, 2018 — Jun, 2020 (over 1 year)

Acquisitions editor for fiction and certain creative nonfiction, also provide developmental editing, copy editing. Help organize readings and events for authors to promote their work, and have partnered with the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, the Jack Straw Foundation, and other local nonprofits.

Split/Lip Press

Jul, 2020 — Present

Acquisitions editor for novel- and novella-length works. I help find the highest-quality fiction from both emerging and established authors, selecting a small number for publication from a pool of several hundred submissions through collaboration and discussion with the fiction editor and a team of five or six fellow acquisitions editors.

Counterpoint Press

Aug, 2015 — Dec, 2015 (4 months)

Worked on projects by Wendell Berry, Gary Snyder, and others. Worked on the National Book Award finalist collection REFUND by Karen Bender, and the Barnes and Noble Discover Award-winning THE LIGHTKEEPERS by Abby Geni.

McSweeneys/The Believer

Aug, 2014 — May, 2015 (9 months)

Worked on the bestselling collection WHITE GIRLS by Hilton Als, as well as THIS BRIDGE WILL NOT BE GRAY by Dave Eggers, along with other projects. Provided copy editing, fact checking, and certain developmental edits for THE BELIEVER, and some acquisitions reading for novel submissions.

Steven has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rose C.

Rose C.

Feb, 2023

Highly professional, thorough, and approachable! You can definitely tell he cares about his clients and their works. Highly recommend.
Louis V.

Louis V.

Oct, 2022

Steve, thank you very much for your comments and suggestions. I went through it all, after returning from a brief adventure on the Pacific coast in California, and will do so several times. Your insight into the changes were right on, and I will implement them as much as I see fit. Is it possible to connect by phone, maybe next week, for some brief questions, and completion. If so leave a da...
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Z O.

Z O.

Mar, 2022

Steven has done a great job in editing my book both of the times he has worked on it. He gives great insight, has plenty of knowledge and resources on many topics, and is very personal in his comments. I loved working with him both times. I will surely come back to him on future projects.
Brent E.

Brent E.

Feb, 2021

Steve gave me insightful feedback on a project which needed a fresh perspective. His approach was helpful in guiding and directing where I needed to go to get my project completed and he delivered on time.
Andrew B.

Andrew B.

Feb, 2021

Steven's expertise helped me in the process of turning my novel into something far more communicable toward a wider audience. He offered plenty of insightful observations and criticisms while maintaining a respect for the overall spirit of the story and even offered some advice with publishing.