Clients' Books
FIFTY MILLION RISING: THE NEW GENERATION OF WORKING WOMEN TRANSFORMING THE MUSLIM WORLD
Nation Books, January 2018
by Saadia Zahidi
Nonfiction
Across the Muslim world, representing a fifth of the global population, unprecedented numbers of women are going to work. In the span of just over a decade, millions have joined the workforce, giving them more earning and purchasing power and greater personal autonomy.
I ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT THAT: 101 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SCIENCE AND OTHER STUFF
Tumblehome Learning, December 2017
by Larry Scheckel
Nonfiction
You'll find entertaining answers to 101 questions you didn't even know you had, such as, "Why does glue stick?" "Why do batteries die?" "What would happen if you put human DNA into another creature?" and "How do people record memories in their brains?"
DEATH OF AN ASSASSIN: THE TRUE STORY OF THE GERMAN MURDERER WHO DIED DEFENDING ROBERT E. LEE
Kent State University Press, September 2016
by Ann Marie Ackermann
Nonfiction
From the depths of German and American archives comes a story one soldier never wanted told. The first volunteer killed defending Robert E. Lee s position in battle was really a German assassin.
A FIELD GUIDE TO TRACKING MAMMALS IN THE NORTHEAST
Countryman Press, July 2017
by Linda J. Spielman
Nonfiction
For novice and advance trackers alike, this field guide includes track measurements, gait diagrams, a glossary, and original illustrations of tracks from 40 mammal species and conveys all the significant details necessary for skillful animal tracking in the field
MARCEL’S LETTERS: THE MOVING STORY OF A FONT AND ONE MAN’S FATE
Skyhorse Publishing, June 2017
by Carolyn Porter
A graphic designer’s search for inspiration leads to a cache of letters and the mystery of one man’s fate during World War II.
365 THINGS TO DO IN ITHACA, NEW YORK: COMPLETE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO ALL THINGS ITHACA
Schiffer Publications, December 2016
by Laurel Guy
Nonfiction
Nostalgia, trivia, seasonal rituals, and local knowledge offer a mix of micro-stories and vibrant photographs in a pocket-sized guidebook to all things Ithaca
Compassionate Critical Thinking: How Mindfulness, Creativity, Empathy, and Socratic Questioning Can Transform Teaching
Rowman & Littlefield, November 2016
by Ira Rabois
Core concepts, simple practices, and a model for integrating compassionate critical thinking across the curriculum to increase student engagement and decrease classroom stress to improve teachers' effectiveness in secondary education.
UNDER OLD STARS: WANDERINGS IN ITALIAN HILL TOWNS
Kehrer Verlag, October 2016
by Rob Lloyd and Mauro Marinelli
Through black and white images and prose sketches, this book takes readers on a journey to discover a world largely lost today, among people deeply at home with their old ways in south-central Italy.
CHASING PORTRAITS: A GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER’S QUEST FOR HER LOST ART LEGACY
Fall 2016
by Elizabeth Rynecki
The memoir of one woman’s emotional quest to find the art of her Polish great-grandfather, lost during World War II.
THE BURDEN OF WINGS
April, 2015
by Mauro Marinelli
Nonfiction: Illustrated/Art
Iconic cemetery images captured on Polaroid juxtapose the inherent contradictions of the immediate moment: instant and everlasting.
OSCAR AND THE AMAZING GRAVITY REPELLENT
September, 2015
by Tina L. Peterson
Childrens: Middle-Grade
Tina L. Peterson's debut novel Oscar and the Amazing Gravity Repellent, about an intrepid third-grader who takes on bullies and other forces of nature with the help of a magical potion.
LEANING INTO LOVE
October, 2014
by Elaine Mansfield
Nonfiction: Memoir
“In her debut, Mansfield recounts her personal and spiritual evolutions following her beloved husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis…the book details both the painful months leading up to the death of Mansfield’s husband and the years of mourning and emotional exploration that followed…Her descriptions of her bereavement and slow recovery are honest and moving, rendered in subtly poetic language; at one point, she describes a group of dolphins as 'luminous revelations leaping from the great unconscious sea.'” -Kirkus Reviews
DEATH IN THE BALTIC: THE SINKING OF THE WILHELM GUSTLOFF
April, 2013 (Paperback August, 2014)
by Cathryn Prince
Nonfiction
The worst maritime disaster ever occurred during World War II, when more than 9,000 German civilians drowned. It went unreported. Cathryn Prince is the author of Death in the Baltic: The Sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013).
THE JOEY SONG
September, 2014
by Sandy Swenson
Nonfiction: Memoir
By the age of twenty, Joey has OD'd, attempted suicide, quit college, survived a near-fatal car accident, done time behind bars, and been kicked out of rehab. Now manipulative and hateful, the once sweet and charming Joey is long gone. This is the poignant story of a defiant addict and the mother who won't give up on him. She finally realizes that it hurts more to hang on than to let go, and that letting go is not the same thing as giving up. Sandra Swenson beautifully orchestrates a mother's lessons of love and loss, while surviving her son's addiction. Despairing parents of addicts will find comfort in this stark, yet hopeful tale.
Testimonials
Jill Swenson is smart about both the writing process and the book publishing world. This is key for any writer looking to get their work published. She is honest and practical with writers in her detailed and big picture feedback. She’s always encouraging, and appropriately honest when the writing needs minor and major revisions. I hired Jill as a book development editor, but also found a friend and tireless advocate for my project and writing.Elizabeth Rynecki, author of Chasing Portraits: A Great-Granddaughter’s Quest for Her Lost Art Legacy (Berkley/Penguin Random House, Sept. 6, 2016)
When I first contacted Jill, I had a rough draft of a manuscript and a book proposal. I had sent the book proposal out on my own in an attempt to secure an agent, but had barely received a nibble of interest. Jill reviewed the proposal and explained it included a few red flags that would have prevented almost any agent from representing the book. With her guidance, I revised the proposal, then secured an agent, and in turn, a publishing deal. Jill understands the publishing industry and is a tireless advocate for her authors. She provides a mix of guidance and inspiration sprinkled with a little tough love. Quite simply, I couldn’t imagine publishing a book without her involvement.Carolyn Porter, author, Marcel’s Letters: The Moving Story About a Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate (Skyhorse June 6, 2017)
Jill is writing coach, advocate, and mentor all wrapped in one; she helped me find my voice. I know my work is in the best hands with Jill because she pushes and prods until it is the best it can be — and then she pushes some more.Cathryn Prince, author, American Daredevil: The Extraordinary Life of Richard Halliburton, The World’s First Celebrity Travel Writer (Chicago Review Press, June 1, 2016)
Swenson Book Development taught me what every author needs to know. I learned to create a compelling narrative, use social media, write a book proposal, find a publisher, and promote my book. Jill Swenson patiently guided me as I polished and pruned various drafts. She recognized and helped me express my unique personal voice. Jill is a sensitive, professional, and informed editor and guide in the confusing world of publishing.Elaine Mansfield, author, Leaning into Love: A Spiritual Journey Through Grief (Larson Publications, October 7, 2014)
Writing a book can be like sitting in a room in the dark, alone, with a strong flashlight: you can see clearly what you feel or think, and maybe, hopefully, what you want to create, but have little or no idea what readers or publishers will want or how to go from your light to theirs. Jill was like turning the overhead lights on in the room.Ira Rabois, author, Compassionate Critical Thinking: How Mindfulness, Creativity, Empathy, and Socratic Questioning Can Transform Teaching (Rowman & Littlefield, October 25, 2016)
My mammal tracking guide would never have seen the light of day without Jill Swenson. Her thoughtful and penetrating editorial input helped me to transform my original, limited concept into a fully realized and publishable book. Jill guided me through the complicated process of preparing a book proposal and used her extensive knowledge of the publishing business to get my proposal to the most appropriate publishing houses. Jill is an excellent editor, and she makes her comments with a caring and encouraging attitude. Working with Jill has helped me to improve my writing, but I never felt pressured to make a change that I didn’t feel comfortable with.Linda Spielman, author, A Field Guide to Tracking Mammals in the Northeast (Countryman Press/W.W. Norton, July 4, 2017)
Jill knows the business, and gives it to you straight. Like a good coach, she will gently kick your butt when it’s warranted and soothe your ego when it’s raw.Tina L. Peterson, author, Oscar and the Amazing Gravity Repellent (Capstone, Fall 2015)