Steven Genise

Steven Genise – Editor

Author, freelancer, and former 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 prose 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 Themes & Motifs
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

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.

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.

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 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tom P.

Tom P.

Jun, 2024

When I first connected with Steve, I felt hopeful that I'd finally found the right editor for my novel. He gave my sample pages a careful read, provided lively and insightful feedback that demonstrated an understanding of my project, and explained his services clearly and in depth. At that point, I enthusiastically retained him to complete an editorial assessment. Steve completed his work per ...
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Amanda R.

Amanda R.

Jun, 2024

Steve's developmental feedback was thoughtful, thorough, and helped me improve my writing style and manuscript immensely. Would definitely work with him again.
laura F.

laura F.

Apr, 2024

Steven and I are a very good fit for my writing project. I love his honesty and kindness. His edits and suggestions align with my concerns and will greatly enhance my story. He kept me up to date and finished on time. In addition, he has a few orangutans that he helps. He is a wonderful person to work with.
Z O.

Z O.

Nov, 2023

Steven has once again done an amazing job of editing my work. It's always a pleasure to work with him. He gave amazing feedback and was very knowledgeable on various topics I touched upon in my action/ adventure novel. The only setback in working with him was life events that were beyond his control. I have no complaints.
noah P.

noah P.

Sep, 2023

I used Stevens services on my debut novel and can not overstate how thrilled I was with the end product. His expertise in history and culture help to ground and give context to my story in ways that didn’t at all take away from my own writing. His notes are matter-of-fact and easy to follow. I specifically appreciate the way he was willing to state his opinion on both aspects of my story that n...
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