I began my career in book publishing over 25 years ago, initially working in rights sales, and moving quickly into editorial and commissioning roles for publishers in the UK, Ireland, France and the US. Since 2007, I have been a partner in the Feldstein Literary Agency, which offers a range of services to publishers, authors and other corporate and individual clients; my main focus for the past 12 years has been the ghostwriting, rewriting and editing of numerous books for publishers and private clients in the UK and beyond.
As a ghostwriter, I specialise in memoir, self-help and personal development, and general narrative non-fiction.
I love words, I’m passionate about writing, and I have always been fascinated by human stories. Many of my clients have been people with remarkable life experiences to relate, but who have simply not had at their disposal the time and/or writing experience to put their story down in book form. I’m most inspired by projects which will speak to a wide range of people, and where the client author has something important to say about life which they want to pass on to their readers.
One of my biggest strengths as a ghostwriter is the ability to tune in to the perspective and circumstances of my client, and to capture the essence of this on the page in a convincing and relatable way, which rings true to the person that they are, and what they want to say in their book. From the earliest stages of a project, I aim to work with a client to identify the most unique and compelling aspects of their experiences, as well as the most effective form and structure to enable them to get their story across to a reader.
I also bring to the table two-and-a-half decades of experience of the publishing industry and, thanks to my ongoing working relationships with editors in some of the biggest publishing houses, a truly current knowledge of the book market and its latest trends. All of this means that I am in a strong position to help my clients determine the viability and appeal of a project to potential publishers.
Testimonials:
‘I’ve worked with Susan Feldstein on many different editorial projects, where she has completed substantive editing and/or ghost-writing, working closely with the author and managing a project to delivery of final manuscript. I have continually found her to be extremely conscientious, professional and solution-focussed, always delivering on deadline. Our authors have only the highest of praise for Susan’s work and for the working relationship they had with her during projects. When Susan takes a project on, she becomes fully invested in fulfilling her role and works hard to ensure that the best possible book comes to market.’
Ciara Doorley, Editorial Director, Hachette Books Ireland
‘Without Susan Feldstein’s skill, experience and patience, it is doubtful if my first book . . . would ever have made it to publication. . . She afforded me not just her valuable time, but her expertise in the often fraught field of publishing, and her personal encouragement at times when she realised it was most required. Susan had faith in me and in my version of events. She never faltered at times when others, who should have known better, quickly fled the scene. For that faith alone, I will be forever grateful to her.’
Johnston Brown, former RUC detective and author ofInto The Dark
‘Susan did an amazing job. This was my first book and she approached the project with patience, offering advice and guidance as she led me through the process. She quickly found my voice and even I struggle to find where my contribution ends and hers might begin. Susan really is a pro.’
Paddy Brosnan, author
If you’d like to get in touch to discuss your project, please send me an email: ghost@thefeldsteinagency.co.uk
If you’d like to find out more about me, you can visit my website: www.susanfeldstein.co.uk