Tenyia Lee

Tenyia Lee – Editor

Experienced editor to bestselling authors at W. W. Norton and Macmillan—and now you! I specialize in creative nonfiction and YA.

Overview

I strongly believe that everyone has something valuable to say. My goal is to help you get your story and message out into the world, and to have it reach your readers through clear, engaging prose.

I began my career as a teacher of writing, and that has defined my approach as an editor. Every editing project begins with a conversation in which I ask you about your goals and concerns. Knowing what you want out of the editorial experience and what you hope to accomplish in your writing, I can then approach the piece itself with not only my industry expertise, but a firm grounding in your voice, style, and message.

As an editor, I don't shy away from messy first drafts, mid-process pieces that need some developmental heavy lifting, or press-ready books just looking for a final polish. No matter where you are in the process, I'm happy to listen, read, and help you make your writing shine.

My special passion is for stories told by authors of color and memoirs of lives lived daringly. In short, stories that expand our view of our world and what it could be.

I look forward to working and writing with you soon!
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cultural & Ethnic Fantasy Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BA in Creative Writing, Stanford University
  • MA in English Literature, Stanford University

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2018 — Present

W. W. Norton & Co

Jul, 2012 — May, 2018 (almost 6 years)

Macmillan

Jun, 2011 — Sep, 2011 (3 months)

Stanford University

Sep, 2009 — Jun, 2012 (over 2 years)

Portfolio

The Trading Desk

Ginesin, Brad

Local: A Memoir

Machado, Jessica

"Are You a N****r or a Doctor?": A Memoir

Stallworth Jr. MD MBA, Otto E.

Charlotte's War

Graham, J. Lawrence

Come November

Lord, Scott

Beyond the Indigo

Taylor Thomas, Tina

A responsive, refreshed, and media-rich revision of the best-selling anthology in the field The most trusted anthology for complete works and helpful editorial apparatus. The Tenth Edition supports survey and period courses with NEW complete major works, NEW c... read more
A responsive, refreshed, and media-rich revision of the market-leading anthology of American literature. The most-trusted anthology for complete works, balanced selections, and helpful editorial apparatus, The Norton Anthology of American Literature features a... read more
The best-selling book that demystifies academic writingThis book identifies the key rhetorical moves in academic writing. It shows students how to frame their arguments as a response to what others have said and provides templates to help them start making the... read more

Tenyia has 68 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laras A.

Laras A.

Jun, 2025

I genuinely regret not working with Tenyia sooner. She's that good! Lightning fast but still thorough. She didn't miss a thing. I've been spoiled by how detailed and efficient she is. She's also so kind and thoughtful in her feedback. Thank you so much, Tenyia!
Mary E C.

Mary E C.

May, 2025

Thank you, Tenyia, for your valuable help. Your thoughtful suggestions have improved my manuscript, and I feel confident in its acceptability.
L M.

L M.

Jan, 2025

Extremely skilled editor with great insight and a gentle hand. Every comment made from the overall structure of my manuscript to more granular elements were right on target. You can't go wrong with Tenyia. Very pleasant to interact with and she is highly sensitive to the author's needs and goals....
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Oliver F.

Oliver F.

Dec, 2024

When penning a review for Tenyia Lee, I believe the more appropriate question is, where do I begin!? Tenyia is, without a doubt, an absolutely prolific editor who stands on the top of editing prowess with confidence! To provide a bit of backdrop, I began pursuing a copy editor (post the developm...
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Gregg K.

Gregg K.

Dec, 2024

"I had the pleasure of working with Tenyia L., and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She was on top of every detail, providing a quick turnaround and offering exceptional insights throughout the process. Her professional assessment and suggestions truly elevated my manuscript. Tenyia fully en...
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