Nancy Peske

A former editor in the adult trade division at HarperCollins Publishers, I have been working as a freelance editor, ghostwriter, book doctor, and writer for 15 years. I co-authored the bestselling Cinematherapy series (over 340,000 copies sold in 6 languages, TV rights licensed to Women's Entertainment) as well as Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Children with Sensory Processing Issues (written with Lindsey Biel, OTR/L), which is a backlist staple on the Special Needs Parenting shelf, and All the Good Ones Aren't Taken: Change the Way You Date and Find Lasting Love (written with Debbie Magids, Ph.D.) Recently, one of the books I ghostwrote hit the New York Times bestseller list.

I have also done substantial editorial work on several New York Times bestsellers and for authors such as Marianne Williamson, Dean Ornish, John Gray, Julie Morgenstern, Julia Ross, Colette Baron-Reid, Peggy McColl, Alberto Villoldo, and Phyllis Curott. I've ghostwritten several books for small spirituality/inspirational publishers, and line-edited many others.

I'm represented by Neeti Madan of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.

Because of my background as an in-house editor at a major trade publisher, and my experiences with my books Cinematherapy and Raising a Sensory Smart Child, I help my clients to understand the book publishing business, their need to build a platform, and how they can maximize their success in the marketplace.

"Her editorial assistance was completely invaluable. I cannot overestimate her talents or her help to me."--Marianne Williamson, author of THE GIFT OF CHANGE

"Nancy Peske is an extraordinary developmental editor. She understood my work with such depth and clarity and was able to deftly challenge me on my ideas. Because of her, I feel that I have a book that not only am I immensely proud of but will be still in years to come. I highly recommend her."--Colette Baron-Reid, author of THE MAP

"I'm completely awed by her exceptional talent and deeply grateful for your dedication. You are an exceptionally gifted woman."—Peggy McColl, author of YOUR DESTINY SWITCH

"Nancy Peske's writing and editing talents are absolutely unmatched: simply put, she turns words into gold. Just as importantly, her marketing sensibilities are incredibly well-honed and have personally helped me a tremendous amount in positioning my books in the marketplace. I would go to no one else for professional writing, editing, and marketing advice."--Carmen Harra, Ph.D. author of EVERYDAY KARMA and WHOLELINESS

"Nancy's editorial insights and expertise at structuring complex material on nutrition and her ability to help me craft an engaging voice for the lay reader was instrumental in the success of my book The Diet Cure." -- now with over 100,000 in print."--Julia Ross, author of THE DIET CURE

"I thank Nancy Peske for her persistent editorial expertise and creativity."--John Gray, author of MARS AND VENUS TOGETHER FOREVER

"This book could not have been written without the invaluable gifts of Nancy Peske, whose talents and perspective have helped me to bridge the worlds of the magical and the mainstream. It is a service that only history can reward sufficiently, but she has my deepest respect and gratitude."--Phyllis Curott, author of WITCH CRAFTING

"Nancy Peske brought life to my vision through her exceptional writing and insight as a person."--Debbie Magids, Ph.D., co-author of ALL THE GOOD ONES AREN'T TAKEN

“Nancy is an excellent writer, editor, collaborator, efficient, creative and one of the best in the field of writing and publication. Highest of recommendations, and a joy to work with. Most creative, personable, and gets the job done with joy and ease. Wonderful!!”—Ron Alexander, Ph.D. author of WISE MIND OPEN MIND

“I owe my gratitude and thanks to my editor, Nancy Peske, for her inspired hand and faultless pen. She has been a beacon of light in the difficult process of putting ancient ideas to paper.”—Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., author of THE FOUR INSIGHTS and COURAGEOUS DREAMING

"A gifted editor . . . Her skillful reorganization and tireless attention to the lyrical flow of the material deeply enriched the spirit of my book."--Doris Elaina Cohen, author of REPETITION

"I have had the wonderful experience of working with Nancy Peske in numerous roles, and in all of them she has been clear, focused, intelligent, responsive, collaborative, and willing to do whatever was needed for the book and author in question. She has "doctored" books for authors I was publishing who needed extra support to deliver the manuscript we hoped for. She has co-authored a book I acquired and published that has become a key title in its category. And, since I founded my own boutique publishing and strategy consulting firm, she has become a trusted colleague and occasional partner. I highly recommend her work...and her approach to it." --Janet Goldstein, Janet Goldstein Enterprises

“Nancy's long-time experience in the book business serves her well in her capacity as a ghost-writer and book doctor. She has a deep and detailed knowledge of the categories she works in and she knows what an editor/publisher is looking for. At the same time she gives great care to presenting accurately the author's concerns, views and voice. She makes every project she's involved with a winner! Highly recommended."--Stephen Hanselman, Literary Agent, LevelFiveMedia

“Nancy Peske is an A-list editor and writer. I’ve known her for at least fifteen years, since we started our careers together at HarperCollins Publishers, and I’ve watched her develop into an accomplished author of her own books, as well as into a highly skilled and insightful shepherd for bestselling authors published by major publishing firms. She has two things I believe are essential for her clients’ success with their books: marketing savvy and a breadth of experience. A third element she’s got, which I admire, is heart. I have been referring editorial clients to her for years, who were always satisfied with their results, and this year hired her myself as an editor for a project I was developing. Simply put, she does outstanding work. You can’t go wrong with Nancy.”--Stephanie Gunning

“Nancy Peske’s support preparing my book proposal for submission was invaluable. I know that her skills and experience as an editor and writer gave me the edge that helped to get an agent and a publisher.”—Elena Mannes, author of THE POWER OF MUSIC

“Believe, achieve, receive. Nancy’s amazing skills will help you sift through the publishing universe with ease. Always current, Nancy knows what publishers want and need. The pulse, the vessel, the heart. With her help, I sold my first manuscript to a major publisher, after only 5 submissions. Go with Nancy.” —Omar Rosales, author of THE ELEMENTAL SHAMAN

NANCY PESKE nancy@nancypeske.com
414-763-7094 in Wisconsin (central time)
www.nancypeske.com

See above.

All the Good Ones Aren't Taken by Debbie Magids, Ph.D. and Nancy Peske
Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Children with Sensory Integration Issues by Lindsey Biel, OTR/L and Nancy Peske
Many ghostwritten books in the area of spirituality/inspiration/psychology
One ghostwritten inspirational memoir, self-published

the Cinematherapy series
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom by John Gray
Mars and Venus Together Forever by John Gray
The Gift of Change by Marianne Williamson
The Diet Cure by Julia Ross
Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern
The Book of Shadows, Witch Crafting, and Love Spell by Phyllis Curott
Your Destiny Switch by Peggy McColl

Former editor in the adult trade editorial department at HarperCollins Publishers
Former editorial assistant at Basic Books and G. P. Putnam's Sons
B.A. in Classics (Latin) with a minor in English Linguistics and Grammar

Raising a Sensory Smart Child won a National Parenting Publications award and an iParenting Media Award
My Soul Looks Back 'Less I Forget, a book of quotations by people of color by Dorothy Winbush Riley, which I edited, won an ALA Best Book award

I ghostwrote a NY Times bestseller in advice/how to/miscellaneous

I am a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Editorial client projects:
1) Proposal for an compelling and inspirational memoir by a successful international business woman and mother of two children who was unjustly incarcerated for a crime she didn't commit. She learned the lessons of forgiveness and self-empowerment by spending 4 years in the spiritual bootcamp of a woman's jail. Bestselling authors are providing endorsements, a foreword, and publicity commitments.
2) Memoir by a metaphysical intuitive/clinical psychologist/European rock star with an extraordinary story of chutzpah and triumph over adversity with a little help from the other side. Shocking anecdotes about celebrity and international figures. Major award-winning Hollywood producer has expressed interest. Bestselling author endorsements and publicity commitments.
3) Memoir by a mother of a child with fetal alcoholism and reactive attachment disorder who drew national headlines when she and her husband unadopted the little girl
4) Memoir by a woman who built a fashion empire with her husband only to experience a devastating betrayal, crippling depression, and reinvention