Lil Copan

About Lil Copan

I’m best known for deep-diving with authors to discover ideas, develop projects, and bring out the author’s voice and insights while also thinking about readership, platform, media interest, and other factors that make projects as dynamic for readers and viable for publishers.I’m a collaborator, energized by team ideation, watching the “big idea” emerge. That is a complete joy and the best of all of us at the table. I push into concepts for unique angles and authentic approaches that unfailingly challenge and meaningfully engage readers. My motivators are my top values: Purpose, Diversity, Growth, Spirituality, Creativity, Empathy, Openness, Social Connection, Curiosity, and Collaboration.PROBLEMS I FIXI can take “meh” ideas and work with authors to get those turning a corner into something dynamic, relatable, change-making, and fresh for publishers and readers. I’ve pushed authors into multiple appealing trade categories, including many major award-winning writers such as Lauren F. Winner, Pádraig Ó Tuama, Madeleine L\'Engle, Frederick Buechner, Brian McLaren, and Richard Lischer.THE EXTRA I BRINGEnthusiasm for projects, and loyalty to publishers and authors: I work hard to ensure books are supported, authors cheered, and publishers have A-list books they are excited about launching.Writers request me, because of the passion I bring to each project.I’m excited about ideas that create change. They open the world to us in new ways and transcend the page, helping to make our communities better.I’m also a writer. I write an arts column for a national magazine, and I have written several books. My latest book, a 2021 novel, “Little Hours,\" won the Nautilus Gold Award and was shortlisted for several others. ART FUELS MEI am inspired by visual art. That is what I write about for \"Christian Century\" magazine. My interest in visual as well as literary arts nurtures new perspectives, which I bring to projects that help others see in new ways. I’m always considering, “How can I—how can authors, how can publishers—make something a little better?” Readers notice the small touches that add up to something dynamic. I hope that they come to their reading experience not just “thinking,” but “acting” into the new insight they discover. A BOOK I RETURN TO OFTEN \"Journeys of Simplicity: Traveling Light,\" with Thomas Merton, Basho, Edward Abbey, Annie Dillard, and others. It’s a little gem of a book that reminds me to keep things simple and to name and focus on what’s important for life, for work, for spirituality.

Experience

1. Acquisitions Editor

   Orbis Books

   Jan 2023 — Present · Ossining, NY, US

   Acquisitions and developmental editing for trade books in religion, spirituality, justice, advocacy, personal growth, and creativity categories. Key Roles: acquisitions, developmental editing, author care, contract negotiation, collaborating with internal teams, networking with industry professionals, literary agents, and authors.

Education

• University of Connecticut

  BA, MA, English, Art

Skills

• Creative Direction
• Manuscript Development
• Published Author
• Non-Fiction
• Editorial Development
• Writing
• Web Content
• Literature
• Freelance Writing
• Books
• Content Management
• Editing
• Content Development
• Publications
• Editorial
• Social Media
• Ebooks
• Online Publishing
• Manuscript
• Magazines
• Copy Editing
• Publishing