Paul Stevens, Editor in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Overview

Throughout my time working in traditional publishing, first at Tor then at the Donald Maass Agency, I certainly learned tons about the business side of publishing. But I always found that the most fulfilling part of the job was working directly with authors to polish their books. To have a part -- however small -- in helping an author realize their vision for their book was always extremely gratifying.

I have experience editing books in many different genres, but I specialize in science fiction, fantasy, and horror for the adult marketplace. I have a particular interest in projects with LGBT characters and themes. As an agent I’ve placed clients’ books with Orbit, Harper Voyager, Tor, Titan, Baen, Angry Robot, Audible, and others.

While my experience has been in traditional publishing (editing, pitch letters, synopses, elevator pitches) I’ve also worked with authors who later decided to explore indie publishing and have seen a great deal of success there.

My edits generally consist of in-manuscript notes and suggestions as well as a letter discussing more global concepts. I look at plot, characterization, theme, etc. I’ll often brainstorm ideas and include them as suggestions for the author to consider. But at the end of the day, any suggested changes I make are just that: suggestions. It is always very exciting to see an author take my comments and use them as a jumping-off point to come up with something completely new that neither of us expected.

Services

Developmental Editing

Fiction

Fantasy Horror Science Fiction

Languages

English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Literary Agent

Donald Maass Literary Agency

Feb, 2016 — Dec, 2022 (almost 7 years)

I represented science fiction, fantasy, and horror authors in deals with traditional publishers with sales to Orbit, Harper Voyager, Tor, Titan, Baen, Angry Robot, Audible, and others. * Specialized in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. * Represented clients’ interests in business dealings with publishers. * Edited clients’ manuscripts prior to submission. * Marketed and pitched clients’ new books to editors. *Negotiated publishers’ offers on behalf of clients in order to get the best deal. * Reviewed and negotiated contracts. * Marketed and licensed subsidiary rights on clients’ behalf. * Monitored payments, collected funds, and reviewed royalty statements.

Editor

Tor Books

Mar, 2000 — Jan, 2015 (almost 15 years)

I acquired books such as Marie Brennan’s A Natural History of Dragons, which was a finalist for the World Fantasy Award. I also managed some of Tor’s largest properties including Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time and new books by Brandon Sanderson. * Solicited manuscripts and proposals and acquired new books for publisher's lists. * Edited each book, in consultation with the author, to refine style and story. * Analyzed potential sales and prepared detailed profit-and-loss statements for each book. * Negotiated contracts, working out territories, authors’ advances, and subsidiary rights. * Pursued pre-publication blurbs from established authors for use in marketing. * Wrote catalog copy, cover copy, tip sheets, and contributed to marketing materials. * Coordinated with various departments such as production, art, marketing, publicity, subsidiary rights, and sales from pre-acquisition to publication.