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 51 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bernice V.

Bernice V.

Mar, 2024

Tenyia Lee, as CopyEditor, is a force to be reckoned with. She not only edited my manuscript with a microscopic view, but she also kept me updated, regularly, by sharing her thoughts and/or concerns. That is, there was no "waste time" during the Collaboration. Her periodic phone conferences were quite an integral touch to clarify several points towards enhancing the overall outcome. Tenyi...
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Maxi M.

Maxi M.

Feb, 2024

Amazing editor, very kind and thoughtful. Highly recommend.
James L.

James L.

Feb, 2024

Tenyia's eye for detail was exactly what I needed to wrap up my memoir. She caught everything from awkward sentences to suboptimal word choices. I considered myself to be a careful writer before - minimizing mistakes and going through sentences with a fine tooth comb. However, Tenyia took my manuscript to the next level. It felt like a much, much smoother read after we worked through it. Thank...
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Michael Patrick S.

Michael Patrick S.

Feb, 2024

Tenyia provided a concise and attentive assessment of an in-progress work. Throughout the collaboration, she was extremely responsive and provided detailed notes on techniques to improve the tone, narrative, and arc . Her input was critically valuable in moving the work to the next stage.
Will S.

Will S.

Jan, 2024

Tenyia was supportive, professional, and invested. I am applying her recommendations to my work. Very comfortable to work with. I will seek her out for more help later on.

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