Vanessa Ta

Vanessa Ta – Editor

Former in-house non-fiction editor specializing in self-help, psychology, spirituality, and prescriptive non-fiction

Overview

Hello! I'm Vanessa. I have an in-house (Callisto Media, North Atlantic Books, Red Wheel/Weiser, etc.) editorial background in the broad personal growth and transformation space, and have done a lot of work specifically with body, mind, spirit; Buddhism; self-help; psychology; and self-transformation. I work with independent authors and publishing companies and am available for query letter and book proposal review, editorial assessments, copyediting, proofreading, sensitivity review, and select developmental editing projects .


Services
Non-Fiction
Buddhism Business & Management Children’s Non-Fiction Health & Wellbeing New Age Parenting & Families Psychology Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Professional Editing Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension

Work experience

Callisto Media

Feb, 2021 — Mar, 2022 (about 1 year)

Callisto Media

Jan, 2018 — Sep, 2020 (over 2 years)

Self-employed

Jul, 2013 — Present

Freelance editorial services. Previous clients include Red Wheel/Weiser, North Atlantic Books, Parallax Press, Happenstance Type-O-Rama, Berrett-Koehler, Inkshares, and She Writes Press..

North Atlantic Books

Jul, 2013 — Dec, 2017 (over 4 years)

Project Editor July 2013–March 2017

I acquired, developed, and project-managed books across a variety of nonfiction subject areas and worked with authors and the in-house team to create covers, book positioning, and marketing copy in addition to various office duties.

Red Wheel/Weiser

Jun, 2012 — Jul, 2013 (about 1 year)

At Red Wheel/Weiser I project-managed up to 40 titles per year, leading them through copyediting to printer's proofs. I enjoyed the range of titles from magic to natural healing.

Portfolio

According to common wisdom, we all have a book inside of us. But how do you select and then write your most significant story―the one that helps you to evolve and invites pure creativity into your life, the one that people line up to read? In Rewrite Your Life... read more
The Art of Money is the book your money-savvy best friend, therapist, and accountant would write if they could. Bari Tessler's integrative approach creates the real possibility of "money healing," using our relationship with money as a gateway to self-awarenes... read more
Awarded the 2016 Nautilus Gold Medal for Parenting and Family!Spirit Rock founder, author, and teacher James Baraz’s Awakening Joy offers his large and devoted readership a program to gain contentment and happiness by cultivating the seeds of joy within. Here ... read more
The interest in teaching children meditation is growing rapidly, as a number of recent stories in the mainstream media have documented, including NPR, The New York Times, and London Telegraph. Child's Mind aims to teach parents and child professionals how to i... read more
The “trauma of childbirth” is a commonly heard phrase, but one that Calm Birth authoritatively counters. A resource for pregnant women and birth workers looking for empowering mind-body practices for a healthier kind of birth, this edition, revised with update... read more
Demonstrating that humanity faces an imminent and prolonged global food crisis, Michael Brownlee issues a clarion call and manifesto for a revolutionary movement to localize the global food supply. He lays out a practical guide for those who hope to navigate t... read more
Francis V. Tiso, a noted authority on the rainbow body, explores this manifestation of spiritual realization in a wide-ranging and deeply informed study of the transformation of the material body into a body of light. Seeking evidence on the boundary between p... read more
This practical, accessible guide to using CBD-dominant cannabis contains a wealth of information for both first-time explorers and experienced patients who want to know more about safely treating a number of health conditions with remarkable results and low to... read more
Palmistry is an ancient science and an unsurpassed tool for character and emotion analysis. Everyone has the ability to tap its potential for insight, reflection, and greater understanding―and world acclaimed palmistry expert Vernon Mahabal will show you how.T... read more
The ancient practice of tea leaf reading is one of the easiest forms of divination to learn―all it takes is tea leaves, some hot water, and a creative mind!The leaves left at the bottom of the cup of tea can form symbols and images―much like the shapes we ofte... read more
The Healing Power of Herbs will help you confidently grow, prepare, and use herbs to treat and nurture yourself and your family.For hundreds of years, herbs have been sourced for their countless benefits to our minds and bodies. Today, as information about her... read more
This practical guide helps expecting mothers discover the health benefits of aromatherapy to improve the childbirth experienceMany women experience anxiety and fear during childbirth. Essential Oils for Childbirth highlights the effectiveness of aromatherapy a... read more
Indigenous naturopathic doctor Nicole Redvers pairs evidence-based research with traditional healing modalities, addressing modern health problems and medical processesModern medical science has finally caught up to what traditional healing systems have known ... read more
As seen on Oprah's SuperSoul SundayIn a time of social and ecological crisis, what can we as individuals do to make the world a better place? This inspirational and thought-provoking book serves as an empowering antidote to the cynicism, frustration, paralysis... read more
A dream hacker explains how to explore liminal dreaming for creativity and spiritual inspiration At the edges of consciousness, between waking and sleeping, there’s a swirling, free associative state of mind that is the domain of liminal dreams. Working with l... read more
Essential Sports Nutrition is the new authoritative reference to eat right for an active lifestyle.Sports nutrition is a vital element for reaching peak physical performance. To maximize workouts and athletic ability, Essential Sports Nutrition offers the most... read more
Pregnancy and new motherhood are often thought of as the most joyful, exciting, and blissful times in your life––but they can also be difficult and overwhelming. Yoga therapy offers practical mind-body tools (simple breath, movement, and mindfulness practices)... read more
A luminous space is restorative and nurturing. It's a place that inspires us, helps us achieve our goals, and ignites our personal power. In Creating Luminous Spaces, Maureen shares her ground-breaking method using feng shui and biophilic design to achieve gre... read more
On the joyful day of her son’s birth, Thais Derich never questioned going to the hospital. A week later, she walked out physically, spiritually, and emotionally injured, and fully disabused of the idea that the medical field would ever put her best interests b... read more
Changlin Zhang provides a scientific basis for the success behind alternative therapies such as acupuncture, qigong, Ayurveda, and other traditional therapies in an illuminating discussion that explains the efficacy of these approaches in treating a number of ... read more
Breaking Convention--a collection of essays and articles from the international conference of the same name--is a multifaceted exploration of the history, use, and benefits of psychedelics since the dawn of humankind. Some pieces address the archaeological and... read more
How is it that pets are able to travel thousands of miles through unknown territory to reunite with their beloved humans? How can dogs detect cancer with up to a 98 percent accuracy rate, and foresee epileptic or diabetic seizures in their owners? How do anima... read more
With the rise of urban living and the digital age, many North American healers are recognizing that traditional medicinal knowledge must be recorded before being lost with its elders. A Cree Healer and His Medicine Bundle is a historic document, including near... read more
Did you know that:More than 80% of the foods you eat in restaurants and buy at supermarkets contain genetically engineered ingredients, and that these ingredients have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions in people; sickness, sterility, and fatalities i... read more
This is a book about ordinary people―plumbers, artists and accountants, bakers and beauticians, teachers and lawyers―who have been able to receive communication from loved ones who have died. Included here are accounts from over 80 people across the country wh... read more
Odin is arguably one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in Norse mythology. Revered since the Viking Age, Odin has been called the greatest of the gods―the god of words and wisdom, runes and magic, a transformer of consciousness, and a trickster who ... read more
Annie Kagan is not a medium or a psychic, she did not die and come back to life; in fact, when she was awakened by her deceased brother, she thought perhaps she had gone a little crazyIn The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There... read more
Every spiritual seeker knows that there are seven main chakras-also described as energy centers or wheels of light. Blocked energy in the chakras can often lead to physical illness as well as spiritual malaise. The trick is how to balance these systems in our ... read more
Nearly twenty years ago, Conari Press published Random Acts of Kindness, and launched a simple movement--of people being kind to one another in their daily lives.To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Random Acts of Kindness, the editors of Conari Press have com... read more
This guide to spiritual empowerment provides a spiritual approach to the psychology of everyday living by offering practical strategies and step-by-step methods for clearing out negative psychic energy. Addressing topics such as spirit interference, spirit pos... read more
Based on Stephens' best-selling Yoga Sequencing, this deck is the perfect companion or standalone for creative yoga students and teachers. The Mark Stephens Yoga Sequencing Deck empowers yoga students and teachers to be their creative best in designing yoga cl... read more
A three-week adventure becomes a tragic dilemma for a loving sister, a motherless child, and a terrified father facing unimaginable loss together and using their relationships with one another to survive. I Know It In My Heart: Walking through Grief with a Chi... read more
Read tarot card predictions within minutes with the Instant Tarot!The authors unique Instant Tarot system is devised to enable beginners to read virtually every Tarot deck. The clearly organized Instant Tarot text interprets every card in each of the eleven me... read more

Vanessa has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

The U.

The U.

Mar, 2024

Vanessa is always a pleasure to work with on my last two books. She's very professional. And straight to the point. I will definitely work with her again and again.
Soye Z.

Soye Z.

Aug, 2023

Vanessa was a real pleasure to work with. She was extraordinarily focused, very efficient, and went above the call of duty to deliver a high quality manuscript. Vanessa exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend her to future authors.
Vanessa T.
Thanks so much, Soye—really appreciate your review and wish you all the best!
Karie Ann N.

Karie Ann N.

Apr, 2023

When I received Vanessa's editorial assessment comments, I instantly got a window through which I could finally see where clarification and revision were needed in my book draft. It all resonated with me. I am immensely thankful for her thoughtful and caring assessment. Thank you for taking up the project, Vanessa.
Vanessa T.
Thank you, Karri Ann! It was great working with you. Wishing you all the best!
Melvin T.

Melvin T.

Mar, 2023

Vanessa did a phenomenal job! Overall great experience, the insights that were provided really filled in the missing pieces to make my book whole. Will definitely work with her again on my next project.
Vanessa T.
Thanks so much, Melvin! It was great working with you.
The U.

The U.

Feb, 2023

Vanessa preformed beyond my expectations. She was very considerate by providing me with options to choose from that best fit my writing style. And she has stayed in touch with me during the entire project. Overall, I am very pleased with how well my story became what I envisioned. I can't wait to work with her again on my next project. Thank you.

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