My first boss always points out that books change lives, and I would not have stayed in book publishing for two decades if I didn’t agree.

My roles in various arms of the business have given me a deep understanding of the industry’s ins and outs. I’ve worked for a literary agency, book producer, publishing house, and helped lead an editorial firm. I’ve learned that what I most love is learning and collaboration, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to focus on both.

My nonfiction book collaboration works allows me to delve deeply into a subject I’m curious about—and it turns out I’m curious about a lot. I’ve helped write book proposals and books about education, psychology, parenting, business, philosophy, and more. Along the way I’ve made meaningful connections with my clients, getting to know their needs, worries, and most importantly, their voice. I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are and flexibly adapting to their working style.

With my editorial work, primarily on novels, I stand back from the collaborator role and act more as a coach, sounding board, and cheerleader. I love nothing more than to hop on the phone with a novelist and talk through a sticky plot point or a character’s motivations. Then the line edit work begins, the finessing of language and dialogue.

Other basics about me: I grew up in Modesto, California, graduated from Stanford University in 1999, and attended the Radcliffe Publishing Course (now the Columbia Publishing Course). I live in Seattle with my husband, two daughters, a sweet dog, and a devil kitten who I’m told will mellow out one day.