"The person with whom the writer wants to be in touch is his reader. To that end, we are continually evolving as a literary agency and editorial firm to help authors and publishers get the books out and impact readers' lives with good books."

"Barbara Ellis understands publishing the way a great choreographer understands movement, dance,
and bottom-line performance. She is the consummate professional--innovative, alert, engaged, determined,
committed. I adore working with her and have learned so much from her."

--Jodee Blanco, public relations consultant, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author
(The Complete Guide to Book Publicity and Please Stop Laughing at Me)

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Getting the Books Out

Attracting literary representation today is becoming increasingly competitive. And as publishers face ever tighter production schedules, and the dizzying pace and complexity of modern publishing make it impossible for editors to sit and edit all day, editorial outsourcing firms are becoming an important and much needed source in the publishing industry.

Scribes' passion for books along with its championing of literary talent and commitment to authors--and publishers--has become a hallmark of our ten-year, three-person editorial/production and literary services firm. Our staff combines the talent of two veteran editors and a seasoned professional production manager.

Scribes carefully works with authors on book concepts, helps develop and write top-notch book proposals, prepares outlines and sample chapters, and thoroughly preps and edits or copy edits manuscripts to ready them for polished submission to publishers. We can become involved with a book or project at any stage of the process--before or after a book is under contract to a publisher. We are a full-service editorial and production house--offering both individual services, and turnkey solutions to authors and publishers.

AUTHORS, PLEASE NOTE:
IF YOU COME TO US (writers must initiate contact and inquiry) AND HIRE US FOR EDITORIAL SERVICES, WE CANNOT THEN OFFER AUTHOR REPRESENTATION--THERE'S A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. (No fees should ever be associated or connected with author representation.)

For authors with already well-defined and professionally prepared proposals or manuscripts, we offer author representation and work closely with you to further edit and fine-tune proposals or manuscripts, refine concepts, and ensure that your best work reaches editors.

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PLEASE SEE
QUERY & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
AT THE END OF OUR WEB PAGE

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We are currently especially on the lookout for--and enjoy working with editorially:

NONFICTION titles of progressive ideas and vision:

on socioeconomics
covering political economics and moral philosophy
exploring eco- and third-wave feminism
about the social and economic impact of agribusiness
on corporate accountability and the workplace
that encourage self-reliant living in harmony with the environment
on creating a more sustainable world
that inspire action and advocacy on human rights and civil liberties
about conscientious consumerism
on the relationship between mind, body & spirit
facilitating media reform activism
on the influence of alternative news vs. commercial media
on the ecological and human costs of technology
about grass-roots success stories
on the politics of war
about the practical application of philosophy

other nonfiction interests:

cutting-edge business titles (particularly narrative titles)
personal finance & self-help
reference
age-related and over-the-hill titles
commercial titles on popular culture
any subject matter that examines people and ideas central to contemporary culture
“how-to”
extreme sports
consumer awareness
memoirs, especially from business entrepreneurs; also
Native Americans, Africa, China, India, Iran, Mexico, North Korea, Pakistan, Peru
Southeast Asian studies
Southern regional studies
literary studies
rhetoric
metaphysical & holistic health
wildlife & home & garden

FICTION

commercial literary fiction
Black & Hispanic women’s fiction
Southern women’s fiction
contemporary Southern fiction
contemporary Pacific literature
American Jewish literature
folklore
medical, legal & financial thrillers
character-driven mysteries

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Where there's books

there's SCRIBES

Scribes' mission is to help publishers and authors impact readers' lives with good books. Our work as an editorial and literary services firm--one that has a keen eye for marketability, book trends, and publishing niches--has largely been shaped by our experience as trade book and magazine editors. We also operate as a book packager, recently finishing up with a 12-book trade biography series (Lives & Legacies, Crossroad Publishing).

Led by founder and director B.L. Ellis, Scribes builds on her ten years as a reporter, and her fifteen years in the book publishing industry as an editor, production editor, and two years as a publisher's sales rep, as well as three years as a business coach for freelance writers--and many years as a book dealer.

Scribes has worked with a number of team authors, and helps principal authors find co-authors. And we specialize in working with academic authors who wish to cross over to the popular market. Scribes also has a strong background in intellectual property and copyright law. For authors not wishing to work with an agent for whatever reason, we offer contract review and negotiation, and publishing consulting services.

"We understand the ins and outs of the publishing industry. We approach our business with insight, a strong marketing perspective, a sense of humor, and no small amount of common sense. We have built our reputation on our hard work and dedication, and our long-lasting relationships with writers and publishers. And I think part of our success has to do with the fact that we don't pretend to be more than we are, and clients--publishers, authors--appreciate that."

WE OFFER CONSULTING AND BUSINESS COACHING FOR FREELANCE WRITERS,
AND PUBLISHING CONSULTING TO SMALL & INDEPENDENT PRESSES
Trade and special markets publishing:
. General editorial development,acquisitions,
distribution, sales, marketing, and publicity consulting
. Strong industry contacts

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SPECIAL NOTE:

Our firm is neither associated with New Scribes Literary Agency in Westport, Ct.,
nor with Techno-Scribes Literary Agency
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For Publishers

From the very small & independent press

to the large trade house

The challenge--and reward--of getting the books out
comes from putting the right outsourcing firm
together with the right projects.

[ ] Scribes works within the framework of traditional publishing standards & operating models.
[ ] We work on aggressive schedules tailored to the constraints & calendar of the book industry.
[ ] And we specialize in fast turnaround and routinely deliver rush & overnight projects.

As well, we have extensive experience working with series books and authors and understand the importance of maintaining brand consistency and integrity. We are as solidly sales-oriented and consumer-focused as we are editorially-oriented and focused. The Scribes' team has superb collaborative and change-adaptive skills, and we are able to see each book through the various stages from contract to final publication—coordinating and ensuring on-time chapter delivery, copy edit, art, proofing, indexing and composition stages. Scribes is a detail- and results-oriented editorial vendor that takes a proactive approach to all tasks and jobs.

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For Authors & Publishers

"You guys provide the editorial professionalism and publishing expertise no independent publisher can afford to be without. We've always received more than 100%. And that's something we can take to the bank."

--John Weber, Publisher, Welcome Rain Publishers
************

"What good is an editor, anyway? You aren't likely to know until you've worked with one like Barbara Ellis. She was the angel at my wing as I labored over my first biography, Frantz Fanon. Without her immeasurable enthusiasm, encouragement and clear-sighted direction I can't imagine I would have finished the book so much to my own satisfaction (more likely, I would not have finished at all). She knows what will work and what won't, and she knows when to step forward and when to step back. Her remarkable comprehension of the business of publishing is bettered only by her distinguished intuition of the literary -- a rare convergence among editors and agents alike. I am convinced she will prove an invaluable ally to any worthwhile undertaking that puts ink to paper with the aspiration of sustaining its luster for years to come."

--Patrick Ehlen, Frantz Fanon
***************
"Barbara, you consistently radiate confidence in an author's abilities-- even through the most difficult stages. Your way of describing an organic process of writing is very helpful. Your stressing of point of view and narrative style enables an author to write from what they know and believe most strongly. You're a remarkable editor, author's advocate, and editorial administrator--one who maintains interest in the book's promotion and gives so much helpful advice along the way."
--Reverend Janna Tull Steed, Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography
**************
"I have found Scribes to be a key component in my production and editorial planning to meet the increasingly tight schedules demanded by trade publishing."
--Diane Aronson, Copy Chief, HarperCollins
***************

"As the author of over twenty books on alternative health, you were a godsend in editing my first book on spirituality. My appreciation to you for your unfailing enthusiasm and endless knowledge. With a light and gentle yet firm touch, you guided me through uncharted waters and helped me produce a book of which I am most proud."
--Nancy Pauline Bruning, Rhythms & Cycles: Sacred Patterns in Everyday Life
***************

"Need an excellent, substantive, and market-savvy manuscript evaluation? Then call Scribes; I mean it, it's that simple. Or, for those writers who occasionally lose their courage or waver in their inspiration during the lonely business of writing, Barbara is an indispensable coach."
--Beverley Anne Foster, Communication, Relationship & Sexuality Consultant (Victoria, Australia)
***************
"Your work as both an editor and an agent are truly tops. Your creative suggestions are always invaluable. As my agent, I am always impressed by your intelligent matching of book and publisher, and by your indefatigable efforts on behalf of your authors. Having an energetic agent like you makes all the difference."
--Ilil Arbel, Maimonides: A Spiritual Biography and Among the Ruins
***************
"First of all, I must thank you, thank you! You took the time, energy, and concern to approach my novel with thoughtful, constructive reflections, and substantive and concrete assessments about the fundamentals in the novel. You've given me an honest and in-depth evaluation with the kind of detail and specificity I didn't expect. I truly appreciate your generosity and sensitivity."
--Mel Donalson, A Room Without Doors and The River Woman
***************

"You introduced us to the trade book market, and we would never have been able to pull off this biography series without your marketing savvy."
--Gwendolin Herder, Publisher, Crossroad Publishing
****************

"Barb, you're a dream of an editor. I love how you support and help shape an author's vision, without imposing your own ideas, and then polish a manuscript with your impeccable editing skills. What a pleasure.
--Carol Schaefer, bestselling author of The Other Mother and Mary Queen of Scots
***************

"Solid nuts-and-bolts consultant for anyone who wants to run a publishing company."

--Elizabeth Franklin, Publisher, Allgood Press
***************

"Especially as new freelance editors and writers, we often know a lot about editing and writing, but many of us know too little about the business end of our business, and if there were ever a time when we needed to, now is that time. So, need a great coach? I highly recommend Ellis's marketing and business coaching for any freelancer who needs the advice of an experienced, creative, and competitive book industry professional to help them develop an effective plan for growing their business and marketing their work and services."
--Dana Chicchelly, Editorial Writing Services
**************

"Your editorial expertise and administration and your commitment to our For Beginners Series has been indispensable."
--the late Glenn Thompson, Publisher, Writers & Readers

****************

The Franklin Report, HarperCollins, Basic Books, John Wiley & Sons, Welcome Rain Publishers, Allgood Press, The Crossroad Publishing Company, American Management Association, Quite Specific Media, Balliett & Fitzgerald, Book Builders, Silver Moon Press, Seven Stories Press, Simon & Schuster, Todtri Books, Allworth Press, Rizzoli Books, Disney Press, Chelsea House, Humane ExposuresParmenides Publishing, Random House

Maggots in My Sweet Potatoes: Women Doing Time by noted Rancho Santa Fe photojournalist Susan Lankford (a student under Ansel Adams and other acclaimed photographers), the first book of a photo trilogy that documents—with in-your-face images accompanied by graphic commentary from both the jailed and the jailers—the revolving door of life behind bars; The Dog Diet: What My Dog Taught Me About Shedding Pounds, Licking Stress and Getting a New Leash on Life by "Dogs...Dieting... & Dating" columnist Patti Lawson (HCI) (Health Communications, Inc.: spring 2006); The Thunder of Angels: Behind the Scenes of Segregation by Donnie Williams with Wayne Greenhaw (Chicago Review Press: fall 2005); Subway People by David Perlmutter and renowned subway and NYC historian and Fox Channel sports commentator Stanley Fischler; Aldous Huxley by Dana Sawyer (Crossroad Publishing); Lives & Legacies biography series (Crossroad Publishing) [Titles in series include Joan of Arc by Siobhan Nash-Marshall (internationally acclaimed in the areas of metaphysics and epistemology); Frida Kahlo by Jack Rummel (award-winning juvenile biographer, and co-author of Under a Hoodoo Moon, the autobiography of the legendary blues and rock musician Dr. John); Rumi by Leslie Wines (veteran journalist and reporter); and Henry Ossawa Tanner by Marcus Bruce (noted cultural lecturer, and associate professor of religion and a member of the African American Studies and American Cultural Studies programs at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.]

Looking for God in New York City: A Guide to Places of Spiritual Community, Nancy Bruning & Carol Schaefer; The God Who Failed, Dana Sawyer & Cynthia Humes; Star Struck Dead, Sheila York (Pocket Books) (2004 Best Mainstream Mystery/Suspense of the Year at the du Mauriers); Walter Falls, Steven Gillis (Brooke Street Press); Edward Payson Weston: The Man Who Invented Walking, Konstantin Doren; The Fugitive Family by Andie Kuhse with Sheila Arp

Before founding Scribes Barbara Ellis was a reporter for several years with the Daily Worker. Starting out her career in the book publishing industry, she worked for a summer with the late Diane Cleaver, affiliate, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. As an acquisition editor at Banner Press, a progressive publisher of scholarly and popular political, sociopolitical and cultural titles, she had the opportunity not only to acquire books but also to create ideas for a number of books that were later published in-house. She was also responsible for managing the successful publication of a folio of books each year, including working on content development of manuscripts, manuscript preparation, and trafficking projects through pre-press.

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After several years she moved over to Channels Magazine as a production editor. A few years later, as a manuscript and then production editor at Clark Boardman Callaghan (legal book pub), she managed the intellectual property and copyright law titles, and developed an energetic background in permissions (editorial/text & art). Signing on with The American Management Association, she acquired titles and worked with authors to develop AMA's management workshop training materials.

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She's also worked as a legal and financial proofreader, and as a copy editor and copywriter in the advertising industry. She teaches writing and publishing workshops, independently and through several professional organizations, in New York City and the Catskills, NY.
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Education: BA English literature (UC Berkeley); De Anza College Film & Television School (Calif.) (2 yrs); MA Journalism (NYU); Publishing Certificate (NYU summer publishing program)

"We're a committed business partner to the community of publishers and authors,
who knows how to harness considerable resources to ensure a project's success.
We are proud to have the small but dedicated roster of clients we serve and represent."

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Konstantin Doren, Production Manager (also a desktop publishing & production consultant for R.R. Donnelley & Sons), Hannah Greenberg, Editorial Assistant, ScribesEditorial@aol.com

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Query & Submission Guidelines

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QUERIES

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1. Address your query to either Barbara Ellis or Hannah Greenberg.

2. We prefer to receive queries & pitches via email; they're easier to reply to and saves us all a great deal of time. In the subject line of your email, write QUERY and the title of your manuscript or proposal. Please do not include sample chapters, or any other ms or proposal materials.

3. Unless asked for, we do not accept any sort of attachments or downloads.

4. All queries should include a short pitch--no more than 300 to 350 words (think jacket copy)--for your book, as well as a short narrative AUTHOR BIO. Give your professional credentials and list of publications if applicable.

5. Please don't call us to find out if we received your query. We respond to all queries within a week of receipt.

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If we've requested to see your work:

SNAIL MAIL SUBMISSIONS

(SUBMIT BY REQUEST ONLY)

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1. Please mark the outside of your package "Requested Materials," otherwise it will end up aheap the slush pile. Write the title of your manuscript on the outside of your package as well.

2. Enclose a copy of your original query along with your manuscript or manuscript pages.

3. Unless you do not have email, please don't send an SASE simply for a reply; it's much easier for us to reply via email (and if you have email, that's how we'll be replying, so save those stamps!). If you would like your submission returned, then, of course, you will need to include appropriately addressed packaging and return postage.

4. Manuscripts MUST be in complete standard manuscript form:
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.....12 point font
.....COURIER or TIMES ROMAN typeface

.....double spaced, with no extra space between paragraphs, and standard paragraph indents

.....text unjustified

.....one inch margin all around

.....pages consecutively numbered

.....header or footer containing author name and title of manuscript on each page

5. Please do not send any original materials. Copies only. If you want materials returned, you'll need to include self-addressed packaging with postage.
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EMAIL SUBMISSIONS

(SUBMIT BY REQUEST ONLY)

1. When sending your email submission, in email subject line, type "Requested Material" and the title of your manuscript.

2. Name your Word or WordPerfect file the title of your manuscript.

3. Cut & paste your original query to us (including author bio) into the beginning of the Word or WordPerfect file of the first 20 or 30 pages we've asked for AND, following the cut & paste up query, type in your email address. (PLEASE NOTE: Everything should be submitted in not just one folder, but ONE FILE.

4. Please follow #4 above in SNAIL MAIL SUBMISSIONS for guidelines on submitting manuscript in standard manuscript form.

Finally:

Brief inquiries about the publishing process or industry and market from authors or new publishers are always welcome. Got an idea you just want to kick around? We are always eager to hear about new book ideas, whether or not the subject fits into one of our categories of interest listed earlier on this page.

And while we always very much appreciate authors following up, please do give it a week before following up re a query or partial submission, and two weeks re a full manuscript submission.

Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!