Photo by Thomas Newberger

I am an independent editor of general nonfiction with a focus on memoir, narrative, health, spirituality, inspiration, how-to, and lifestyle. Before going independent, I was an editor for twelve years at top publishing houses including HarperCollins, Hyperion, and Doubleday. I have extensive experience in editing, writing, and developing projects from start to finish, both in proposal form and full-length manuscripts. My passions are helping authors tell their stories in a compelling way, and working on prescriptive projects that instruct, enlighten, and entertain. An expert on trends in the industry, as well as what works and what doesn’t, I will help you bring your project to the highest possible level and make it commercially viable. I can adjust my level of involvement to your needs, everything from conceptualization to light editing and polishing.

"Anne Cole Norman edited my book BARDISMS: SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL OCCASIONS, and I could not have asked for a better experience. Anne made positive and often transformative contributions to the book on countless levels. She supplied crucial insights on its conception and structure, she provided gentle nudges regarding its tone, and she offered astute and sensitive thoughts on the copy. Her every suggestion was leavened with kindness, and not a jot of feedback came at any other than exactly the right moment. And best of all, Anne’s a lovely person, possessed of great good humor and a love of writing. She’s the one you want in your corner."

--Barry Edelstein, author of BARDISMS: SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

"The moment I met Anne Cole I knew that my book and I were in great hands. She is a savvy editor—delivering both praise and necessary criticism in a thoughtful, effective manner. She gives excellent direction and stopped me from stumbling over myself several times. In addition to being a diligent professional, she is also a joy to work with."

Samara O’Shea, author of FOR THE LOVE OF LETTERS and NOTE TO SELF

PROJECTS AS AN INDEPENDENT EDITOR:

Back in Control: A Spine Surgeon’s Roadmap out of Chronic Pain by David Hanscom, MD (Vertus Press)

The Fab-YOU-List: List It, Live It, Love Your Life by Susan Campbell Cross (February Books)

Loves Me…Not: How to Survive in the Face of Unrequited Love by Samara O’Shea (February Books)

Ride or Fry: The Dante Fried Chicken Experience by Dante Gonzales (Sterling Epicure)

PROJECTS AS AN EDITOR AT COLLINS/HARPERCOLLINS:

Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano (New York Times bestseller)

Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life Beyond Factory Farms by Nicolette Hahn Niman (Named a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book for 2009)

Piggybanking: Preparing Your Financial Life for Kids and Your Kids for a Financial Life by Jeff D. Opdyke (Books for a Better Life Awards finalist)

Rapid Recovery Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Faster Healing After Surgery by Mark Mead