THE PUB PROS

THE PUB PROS

The Pub Pros was launched by Beth Blachman, Maria Gagliano, Celia Blue Johnson, and Nikki Van Noy, a dynamic team of editors with thirty+ years of experience working at big 5 houses, including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Hachette. These editors are also the force behind SLICE Literary, a New York–based literary nonprofit. SLICE serves as a hub in the publishing community, bringing together top agents, editors, and writers with the goal of nurturing emerging voices.

After years of working behind the scenes at Big 5 houses, we launched the Pub Pros, a book services firm dedicated to connecting writers with elite professionals from the most prestigious avenues of publishing. This firm leverages our deep industry network and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the publishing world. 

Click here for testimonials about the Pub Pros.

OUR community of editors And writers

The book professionals that make up the Pub Pros community represent the industry’s top talent. They have worked as acquisitions and developmental editors at esteemed publishing houses. They are ghostwriters and authors of award-winning books. They understand editors’ needs when it comes to creating a high-quality book because they have been in the editor’s chair themselves, or have worked closely with editors to bring their own books to market (and in some cases, they have served both roles at different points in their careers). 

Some of the publishers with whom our editors and writers have worked closely include:

• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

• Lee & Low Books

• Lioncrest Publishing

• Park Row Books

• Penguin Random House

• Simon & Schuster

• St. Martin’s Press

• Tor

• Workman

Click here for a list of genres our Pros specialize in.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Pub Pros was created by the founders of SLICE Literary, a New York-based nonprofit known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This literary firm holds the same values. Our book professionals represent a range of BIPOC and LGBTQ perspectives. Our roster of editors and writers is constantly growing, and as we expand, our ongoing commitment to building a diverse community of Pub Pros remains at the forefront of our work.

SELECT BOOKS EDITED & WRITTEN BY OUR PROS

Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi

A Book Riot Most Anticipated 2020 Book | A Buzzfeed Most Anticipated 2020 Book | A Paste Most Anticipated 2020 Book | A WBUR Most Anticipated 2020 Book

"Riot Baby, Onyebuchi's first novel for adults, is as much the story of Ella and her brother, Kevin, as it is the story of black pain in America, of the extent and lineage of police brutality, racism and injustice in this country, written in prose as searing and precise as hot diamonds." ―The New York Times

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

“The value in White Fragility lies in its methodical, irrefutable exposure of racism in thought and action, and its call for humility and vigilance.” —The New Yorker

Boy Erased by Garrard Conley

“[My agent] helped me shape Boy Erased into a book that would catch the attention of a Riverhead editor I continue to work with today. He helped me examine the scope of my memoir's vision, all the while helping to shape the tone and grammar of the story. He was absolutely essential to every step of the writing process.”—Garrard Conley, author of Boy Erased

From Scratch by Tembi Lock 

“This beautiful memoir takes us on Tembi’s personal journey of love, parenthood, and ultimately the loss of her husband, Saro. She learns to heal in the most beautiful way—through the support of three generations of women—and yes, there’s Italian food. Lots and lots of Italian food!”—Reese Witherspoon

“I’ve worked with the incredible [editor of From Scratch] on many projects over the years, across genres, and have consistently found her to be one of the most skilled editors in the publishing business. Her editorial work is precise, thorough, and unusually thoughtful and considered. My clients adore working with her and call her the author whisperer. Christine is the gold standard.” —Brettne Bloom, Agent, The Book Group

Dear World: A Syrian Girl’s Story of War and Plea for Peace by Bana Alabad

““When [the editor of Dear World] started her publishing career here at Doubleday all of those years ago, I knew she had a bright future and that prediction has been borne out.  She has all of the qualities that make for an outstanding editor—an innate feel for storytelling and narrative, a keen and curious mind, and an exuberant work ethic. It's no surprise why she has such a stellar reputation throughout our industry and that she's so respected by colleagues and agents and writers." —Bill Thomas, VP, Editor-in-Chief/Doubleday

Three-Fifths by John Vercher

Nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel | Nominated for the Stand Critics Awards for Best Debut Novel | Nominated for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel | Nominated for the Lefty Award for Best First Novel | Named one of The Best Books of the Year by The Chicago Tribune 

“Vercher deftly explores identity and the ethics of accountability in this debut. Fans of realistic social issue narratives will be immersed in the moral dilemmas of this timely novel.” ―Library Journal, starred review

“A sad, swift tale bearing rueful observations about color and class as urgent now as 24 years ago.”―Kirkus Reviews 

On the Come Up by Hannah Weyer

An NAACP Image Award Finalist | An ALA/YALSA Alex Award Nominee

“Formidable. . . . A moving account of AnnMarie’s struggle to free herself of her baby’s poisonous father and leverage her experiences into a better life.” —San Francisco Chronicle

Cut Me Loose by Leah Vincent

“[My editor was] exceptional. She seemed to have an intuitive sense of what I was trying to describe and helped me figure out the clearest way to express myself. She was kind, sensitive and generous and always framed her suggestions in an encouraging and empowering way. I learned so much from her. Her editing made my book immeasurably better.” —Leah Vincent, author of Cut Me Loose: Sin and Salvation After My Ultra-Orthodox Girlhood

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins 

“Guaranteed to galvanize more than a few couch potatoes into action.” —Kirkus Reviews

Monsoon Mansion by Cinelle Barnes 

“Reminiscent of both Jeanette Walls’s memoir, The Glass Castle (2005), and Sandra Cisneros’s seminal novel The House on Mango Street (1984), this is a story of a tragic childhood told in a remarkably uplifting voice. Barnes imbues scenes from her interrupted childhood with an artistic touch that reads like literary fiction. Luminescent and shattering, Barnes’s first book is a triumph: a conquering of the past through the power of the written word.” —Booklist, starred review

The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff

“[My editor’s] skillful guidance and feedback have in large part made possible my career as a writer.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale (2017), The Lost Girls of Paris (2019), and many more novels 

Me and My Daddy Listen to Bob Marley by Ann Pancake

“Pancake’s bravura tales carry the pulse of a betrayed yet beautiful place of loyalty and resilience.” —Booklist

Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy by Sherry Cashin

“A concise, powerful reflection on the 50th anniversary of the landmark case.” —Kirkus Reviews

Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights by Lennard Davis

“Unique and moving history…A perfect celebration of the ADA’s twenty-fifth anniversary.” —Booklist, starred review

“Rather than a standard, legalistic history of legislation and case law, this nonlawyer author provides an engaging and even chatty account covering the personalities and political machinations that resulted in bipartisan passage of the law. A lively and well-researched legal saga suited to general readers interested in current events and disability issues.” —Library Journal

We Won’t Budge: An African Exile in the World by Manthia Diawara

“[A] provocative, highly readable memoir.” —Booklist

Dear Martin by Nic Stone 

“Powerful, wrenching.” —John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down
“Raw and gripping.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling coauthor of All American Boys
“A must-read!” —Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give

Knockout by Mia King 

“Remarkable . . . Without missing a beat, Kang’s writing style flows from matter-of-fact intimacy to raw tenderness as she transforms from destructive self-hate to empowering self-love . . .         a must-read memoir for the #MeToo era about a resilient young woman who kayos the myth of perfectionism.” —Booklist, starred review

Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar

“I really enjoyed working with [my editor]. She is smart, encouraging, and helped me bring depth to my novel. I use what I have learned from her insightful notes to guide me when I start new projects as well.” —Supriya Kelkar, author of Ahimsa 

Semitism: Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump by Jonathan Weisman 

“With a keen eye for the superfluous, an attuned ear for rhythm, and an uncanny feel for flow and plot, [my editor] was able to turn my first novel into a work I am proud to call my own, and my non-fiction into concise, readable bullets. She is the complete package as an editor and a delight to work with.” —Jonathan Weisman, Deputy Washington Editor of The New York Times and author of (((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump and No. 4 Imperial Lane

The Healing by Jonathan Odell

“Engrossing. . . . This historical novel probes complex issues of freedom and slavery.” —Library Journal, starred review

Tomorrow Will Be Different: Life, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride

"[My editor] is the kind of collaborator, editor, and partner that every author hopes to work with. Her intelligence, compassion, and experience with a diverse range of books gives her a keen understanding of what readers will need to both pick up your book and to keep reading. My book was infinitely better because of Jen's guidance, support, and tireless work." —Sarah McBride, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and author of Tomorrow Will Be Different: Life, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality