ADRIENNEKERR.NET

About Adrienne

I have more than twenty years of experience in book publishing, with expertise in retail, sales, acquisitions, and editing. I started my career as a bookseller at Nicholas Hoare in Toronto, became a book-buyer for a national chain now called LS Travel Retail, and eventually joined Penguin Canada as a sales rep. In 2009, The Canadian Booksellers' Association named me Sales Rep of the Year.

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As Senior Editor at Penguin Random House Canada from 2009 to 2015, I acquired and edited thirty national bestsellers. In 2011, The Canadian Booksellers Association named me Editor of the Year.

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These days, I speak at events such as the Surrey International Writers' Festival, Calgary's When Words Collide, and the Ontario Writers' Conference.  I lecture on publishing topics at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada.

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Since 2016, I've been a freelance editor working with publishers, literary agents, and private clients. I'd love to work with you, too.

Nicholas Hoare courtesy Tim Shore

Penguin Classics courtesy ClareNol

Getting Started

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Having acquired and edited literary and commercial novels for Penguin Canada for years, I know exactly what publishers and readers are looking for. There might be a wide and appreciative readership for your novel. Here's how we'll find it:

Step One: Assess your manuscript. I'll tell you who your readership is, what their expectations are, and how to exceed those expectations.  I'll point out the strengths and weaknesses of your novel, and offer encouragement, advice, and concrete solutions in a ten-page report.

Step Two: Substantively edit your manuscript. This is broad-stroke, big-picture editing. I'll consider your novel's genre, readership, and influences to recommend improvements to structure, character, plot, pace, dialogue and style in your manuscript using 'Track Changes' over multiple drafts.