Steven Smith

Steven Smith – Editor

Now semi-retired and working from home, I look forward to taking on further editing projects in the military history field.

Overview

As the founder and CEO of the military history firm Sarpedon Publishers and then Editorial Director of Casemate Publishers, I have guided over 120 books to fruition. I am also, sometimes under the pen-name Stephen Tanner, the author or co-author of a dozen works of military history. While my projects have ranged from ancient to modern conflicts, I have a particular expertise in the Civil War and World War II, and also a certain weakness for alternative histories.

When I take on a project I consider my task to involve not only developmental editing, including advice on illustrative elements, but copyediting (UK or US English) to ensure the best chance of successful publication. These days publishing houses may or may not provide serious editorial capability; my own approach is to treat manuscripts as if I were developing them in-house, ensuring their respectful reception from fellow professionals and readers. During the process I look forward to engaging with the author for whatever is necessary to mold the project into its optimum shape.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Casemate Publishers

Oct, 2004 — Apr, 2016 (over 11 years)

Acquired and developed manuscripts for this Philadelphia-based military history publisher. Duties included hands-on edit of some projects and design and marketing guidance for all of them.

Sarpedon Publishers

Oct, 1991 — Oct, 2000 (about 9 years)

Founded and ran a New York City-based military history publishing company, taking part in every aspect of marketing and book production.

Steven has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

S J F.

S J F.

Aug, 2024

I hired Steve to edit my novel and found him knowledgeable and insightful. He caught a glaring plot error (that I was thankfully able to fix quickly) and a number of characterization improvements. His thoughts on adding a subtitle, changing the placement of maps, and fixes on my seeming inability to use commas correctly were spot on. What I most appreciated about working with Steve was his enco...
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Roderick S.

Roderick S.

Feb, 2024

Steve was utmost professional in the editing of my book manuscript. His knowledge of military history and historical novels in general was crucial in taking off the rough edges of my novel. His comments and recommendations were well thought out, not only from a technical point of view, but also from a reader's aspect.
James A.

James A.

Dec, 2023

All of Steve’s work was completed as scheduled. Communications were quite sufficient and satisfactory. Steven’s work was superior, He exhibited a background, interest, and motivation that quite clearly contributed to the quality of the biography. I am very pleased with the result of the collaboration. Regards, Jim Albright
Kimberly K.

Kimberly K.

Oct, 2023

Hiring Steven was the best idea! He helped me with my research, line edits, plot holes and timelines. He reviewed everything more than once, made wonderful suggestions all of which I used. He was supportive and honest and helped me understand what I needed to do. His guidance was golden. I highly recommend him.
Lynne A.

Lynne A.

Sep, 2023

Being not so young anymore, I made many choices in my life. Choosing Steve as my developmental editor for my first book is up there amongst the best of my decisions. I am a new writer and learned much from Steve who also became my mentor. He was very clear about his editorial process and taught me so much. My manuscript is very long and he was able to cut it down without losing facts and my...
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