"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)

Getting the Books Out

Attracting literary representation today is becoming increasingly competitive. Publishers face ever tighter production schedules. And with the dizzying pace and complexity of modern publishing, it is impossible for agents and editors to sit and edit all day. The 21st century represents a new publishing marketplace, and editorial outsourcing firms like Scribes provide an important and much-needed service to the industry.

Scribes’ passion for books, its championing of literary talent, and its commitment to authors—and publishers—have become hallmarks of our 16-year, 3-person editorial/production and literary services firm. Our staff combines the talent of two veteran editors and a seasoned magazine and book production manager. We’ve built our reputation on our hard work, dedication, and long-lasting relationships with writers and publishers. Our goal is to assist publishers and authors in creating greater value, according to their needs and expectations, as they face the challenges of today’s marketplace.

Scribes carefully works with authors on book concepts and helps to develop and write top-notch book proposals, prepare outlines and sample chapters, and thoroughly prep and edit or copy edit 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 outfit—offering both individual services and turnkey solutions to authors and publishers.

Scribes has strong industry contacts and also offers publishing consulting—trade and special markets—to writers and small and indie presses. Our expertise covers issues of general editorial development, as well as acquisitions, distribution, sales, marketing, and publicity.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where there’s books there’s Scribes

AUTHORS, PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU COMMISSION 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 refine concepts, edit and fine-tune proposals and manuscripts to ensure that your best work reaches editors. (PLEASE SEE QUERY & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AT THE END OF OUR WEB PAGE.)

“Generally, if an author is not already a client, or a project is not already well-defined and professionally prepared, I’ll offer editorial suggestions to his or her manuscript only if I am seriously interested in considering a second draft for representation. Although I can’t make a firm commitment to a project until I have a draft in hand that I believe I can sell to a publisher, I try, in fairness, to offer editorial advice only when I am optimistic that the manuscript will turn out to be salable and likewise when I think there is a fair chance of my representing the author. At the same time, authors should always bear in mind that assessing or reacting to any book is a subjective process, that no one’s editorial response should be regarded as law, and that opinions may and, more often than not, inevitably, do vary (often hugely). Authors should decide for themselves whether an agent’s editorial suggestions make sense or not before they undertake extensive revisions."

*We also offer contract review and negotiations for a flat fee.

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

NONFICTION titles of progressive ideas and vision—

. addressing political economics & moral philosophy
. rethinking eco- and third-wave feminism
. arguing social & economic impact of agribusiness
. encouraging self-reliant living in harmony with environment
. focusing on creating a more sustainable world
. inspiring action & advocacy on human rights & civil liberties
. covering conscientious consumerism
. analyzing social impact of new technology
. exploring relationship between mind, body & spirit
. facilitating media reform activism
. looking at ecological & human costs of technology
. studying cultural globalization trends
. examining practical applications of philosophy

other nonfiction interests:

. age-related and over-the-hill titles; antiquarianism; archeology
. business titles (cutting-edge/guerrilla)
. cognitive psychology; community development; contemporary/pop culture; critical pedagogy
. development theory
. extreme sports
. farming & rural living
. gastronomic & philosophic wisdom; grass-roots success stories
. historical revisionism
. indigenous cultural survival; intercultural relations
. literacy development & ESL; literary studies
. memoirs; metaphysical & holistic health
. off-grid living; organic farming
. rhetoric (classical & contemporary)
. Southeast Asian studies; Southern regional studies
. theology & analogous discourses
. wildlife & home & garden

FICTION

. African American, Hispanic & East Indian women's fiction
. American Jewish literature
. contemporary Pacific literature
. folklore
. literary fiction (commercial)
. medical, legal & financial thrillers
. mysteries (character-driven)
. Southern & Southern women’s fiction

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. Led by Barbara Ellis, Scribes boasts a strong background in intellectual property and copyright law. We have worked with a number of team authors and help principal authors to find co-authors. Scribes also specializes in working with academic authors that wish to cross over to the trade market.

"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 also understand that the challenge—and reward—of getting the books out comes from putting the right outsourcing firm together with the right projects.

How we work:

[ ] 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.
[ ] We have extensive experience working with series books
and authors, and we understand the importance of maintaining
brand consistency and integrity.
[ ] We are as solidly sales- and consumer-focused as we are
editorially-oriented.
[ ] And the Scribes team has superb collaborative and change-adaptive
skills, so we’re able to see each book through the various stages
from contract to final publication.

Scribes is a detail- and results-driven editorial vendor
that takes a proactive approach to all tasks and projects.

And that always delivers on time and on budget.

“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
************

“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, Communications, Relationship & Sexuality Consultant
************
“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
************

“I highly recommend Barbara for any freelancer or writer 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 or writing.”
—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 Exposures Publishing . Parmenides Publishing . Random House

“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.”

Maggots in My Sweet Potatoes: Women Doing Time by Susan Lankford; The Dog Diet: What My Dog Taught Me About Shedding Pounds, Licking Stress and Getting a New Leash on Life by Patti Lawson; The Thunder of Angels: Behind the Scenes of Segregation by Donnie Williams with Wayne Greenhaw; Subway People by David Perlmutter with Stanley Fischler; Aldous Huxley by Dana Sawyer; Joan of Arc by Siobhan Nash-Marshal; Frida Kahlo by Jack Rummel; Rumi by Leslie Wines; Henry Ossawa Tanner by Marcus Bruce

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; Walter Falls, Steven Gillis

————Barbara has an educational background in English literature, film & television, and journalism. Before founding Scribes she worked as a newspaper reporter for several years. She started her career in the book publishing industry working for a summer with the late Diane Cleaver, affiliate, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. As an acquisition editor (after 2 years as a sales rep) 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. She joined Channels Magazine as a production editor when Banner Press closed. Later, first as a manuscript editor and then production editor, she managed the intellectual property and copyright law titles at Clark Boardman Callaghan (legal book pub). She left CBC after 6 years, signing on with the American Management Association, where she acquired titles and worked with authors to develop AMA’s business management workshop training materials.

————She teaches writing, copy editing, and publishing workshops in New York City and Upstate New York.

---

---

Hannah Greenberg, Editorial Assistant (ScribesEditorial@aol.com)

Query & Submission Guidelines

Queries:

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 they 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. Specify also the WORD COUNT of your manuscript or proposal and proposed manuscript.

3. Please do not include sample chapters, or any other manuscript or proposal materials. Unless requested, we do not accept any sort of attachments or downloads.

4. All queries should include a short pitch—no more than 250 to 300 words (think book jacket copy!)—for your book, as well as a 2-line 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.

If we’ve requested to see your work:

SNAIL MAIL SUBMISSIONS

(SUBMIT BY REQUEST ONLY)

1. Please mark the outside of your package “Requested Materials,” otherwise it will end up lost in 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 responding to your query, so save those stamps!). If you’d like your submission returned, then, of course, you’ll need to include appropriately addressed packaging and return postage.

4. Manuscripts MUST be in complete standard manuscript form:

.....12 point font
.....COURIER or TIMES ROMAN typeface

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

.....text unjustified

.....1 1/2-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.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS

(SUBMIT BY REQUEST ONLY)

1. Type “Requested Material” and the title of your manuscript in the email subject line.

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 & pasted 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 for a query or partial submission, and two weeks for a full manuscript submission.

Many thanks. We look forward to hearing from you!