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 Fantasy Historical Fiction Literary 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

Local: A Memoir

Machado, Jessica

Hello? Who Is This? Margaret?: Essays

Alpert, Dani

River Grove Books

The Trading Desk

Ginesin, Brad

"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 85 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jennifer M.

Jennifer M.

Apr, 2026

Tenyia did an excellent job on my project. Her communication was clear and timely, and she completed everything on schedule. She was friendly, supportive, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. Her pricing was also very affordable for the quality of work she delivered. I highly reco...
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James H.

James H.

Mar, 2026

Tenyia made carefully judged, professional criticisms of my work. She also included positive comments. She was very polite and responsive on the Zoom call.
Daniel G.

Daniel G.

Mar, 2026

Tenyia's work on my manuscript was excellent on every dimension. She identified many issues I had not and made helpful suggestions where appropriate. She was available whenever I needed to reach out and she completed the work on time. I would recommend her and work with her again in a heartbeat. ...
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Judy Auer S.

Judy Auer S.

Mar, 2026

The help I need is always available on Reedsy. Thanks to all.
Zol T.

Zol T.

Feb, 2026

Exceptional editor. Her notes led us to cut an additional 13,000 words from the manuscript, and every single cut made the novel stronger. She didn't just proofread — she helped us see the excess stone we still needed to carve away to find the sculpture underneath. The book came to life because of...
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