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 59 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

D J.

D J.

Jul, 2024

Excellent editor with invaluable insight and patience, especially when dealing with new authors!
Chelsea B.

Chelsea B.

Jul, 2024

Tenyia provided great feedback, including professional insights into the plot points and characters that weren't quite working. She gave me thought-proving ideas and suggestions about how to resolve some of these issues as well as aspects to the reader experience that I hadn't considered or addressed yet. My novel will be much stronger due to her feedback.
Alex Y.

Alex Y.

Jun, 2024

It was good to have a professional editor look over your work and give helpful suggestions.
Tatiana Z.

Tatiana Z.

Jun, 2024

When I think of Tenyia L as an editor, I think of EXCELLENCE. She is one of THE BEST out there in an editor universe. Tenyia is highly knowledgeable, creative, spot-on in her suggestions, quick as lightning, and very thorough. I had dealt with quite a few mediocre editors before I came across Tenyia, and what a difference her involvement made! Immediately, I felt I was in good hands. Best hands...
Read more
Michael T.

Michael T.

Jun, 2024

TL/DR: You should definitely, absolutely, immediately, and enthusiastically hire Tenyia Lee. I've just completed a long-form project with Ms. Lee, and I could not be happier with her editorial guidance. My manuscript began as a 98,000-word medical memoir in need of a ten-thousand-word haircut. When I turned to Reedsy, I'd reached the limit of my ability to edit the book on my own, and knew I ...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Tenyia and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Tenyia

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Steve Anderson

Steve A.

Published author, editor and translator offering 15+ years of proven expertise. We'll focus on making your story as compelling as possible.

Portland, OR, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Emma Haviland-Blunk

Emma H.

Copyeditor with publishing experience; I bring an agent's meticulous eye. Word-obsessed, NYC-based, ready to help your book be brilliant!

Ridgewood, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Lottie Hayes-Clemens

Lottie H.

Editor and proofreader with 3+ years' experience at HarperCollins and an expert eye for detail! Keen on women's fiction and fantasy.

Montreal, QC, Canada

97% reply rate

View profile