“Adept at both the macro and micro level, Margaux Weisman has the supreme editorial ability to see the story underneath the story—the one you'd been trying to tell all along. She will take your work and show you the many ways it might transcend, bust open, rise up, or break free—in other words, she will fix it. She's tremendously talented and I trust her implicitly; she tugged the book of my heart out into the world.”
— Kimberly King Parsons, National Book Award long-listed author
"Working with an editor is all about chemistry and trust and in that regard, working with Margaux was a dream. Her notes and comments were always clear, nuanced, encouraging but unshakeable. She forced me to make my novel unmeasurably better. That's what gifted editors do."
— Joe M., California
“I have been working with Margaux for over a year now, and her edits have been indispensable in shaping my novel. Her critique and praise is thoughtful, constructive and kind, and her suggestions have helped expand my thinking and explore new avenues for my characters. I look forward to continuing to work with her on this and all current projects.”
— Katherine L., New York
They say everybody has a book inside them.
Let’s let yours out…
I am an editor-turned-sales-manager at a major publishing house, where I've honed my skills in both structural overhauls and line-level attention to detail. Among the honors and distinctions my authors have enjoyed are Whiting Awards, National Book Award long lists, New York Times notable books, LAMBDA Literary Nominations, Edgar Awards, Anthony Awards, and New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. Prior to working in publishing I was a PA in film and television. A writer myself, I received my MFA from The New School.
Being a writer and an editor, I have a unique and holistic perspective on the craft of writing and the publishing industry. I am uniquely sensitive to a writer's needs and understand the heart and soul that goes into a manuscript. I also have nearly 20 years of experience in writers' workshops and am adept at discussing an author's work with the author's vision in mind first and foremost. Now, having pivoted to the sales side of the business, I have unparalleled insight into the marketplace, and how retailers position and promote books.
I've also worked at three major imprints, between HarperCollins and Penguin Random House, and have a 360 view on trade publishing. I've worked on almost every type of book in some capacity. While I have published mostly upmarket commercial fiction and self help, I've edited action adventure novels, romance novels, fantasy/horror novels, reported nonfiction, and even a prescriptive book about what to expect when you're expecting twins or triplets.
I can find the core thread of any story.
As an editor, my first question is always: what do you want this book to be? And then I see it as my duty to help you get it there.
In my full-time roll as an editor, one of my greatest joys is making authors' dreams come true. I've helped countless writers craft the perfect query letter. When it comes to your query, I know what the gatekeepers are looking for, because I am one!
The best query should be able to have a long life, changing very little from its role as agent query, to editor pitch, to book jacket copy. And, I’ve spent hundreds of hours writing jacket copy and SEO copy for the books I published. I know what catches the eyes of agents, editors, and consumers.
In my freelance experience, I have helped over a dozen burgeoning authors bring their manuscripts up to the highest level possible. I offer developmental editing, line editing, and query editing.
