Collaborating Editor

Memoir · Narrative Nonfiction · Idea-Driven Books

I specialize in books that need shape, story, and lift—memoirs, idea-driven nonfiction, case-based medical insight, and business projects that become more human and resonant through narrative.

Philosophy and Approach

I write with my authors, not for them. Together, we shape scenes, ideas, and memories into something true and textured.

Every author comes to the page with a mix of conviction and doubt. My work is to honor both. I listen deeply, ask questions that reveal story and meaning, and help you write the book only you can write—without losing your natural voice.

I’m both a narrative technician and an emotional steady hand. I know when to guide you forward and when to give you space to circle back.

My goal is simple: a book that is honest, beautifully built, and unmistakably yours.

Representative Collaborations

Joan Lunden

Memoir

Collaborative restructuring and narrative development for a forthcoming memoir blending personal history with emotional insight. Joan has publicly acknowledged my role in shaping her extensive life story into scenes and a cohesive narrative arc.

Whoopi Goldberg & M.E. Hecht, MD

Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative shaping and editorial support for a co-authored project blending personal narrative with medical insight.

Sheila Kilbane, MD

Pediatric Health & Self-Help

Extensive editorial collaboration on a parent-focused pediatric guide, including case-study development, substantial writing support, and the creation of a companion online course.

Brian Shannon, CMT

Financial Trading & Market Structure

Developmental and writing support for a book explaining Anchored VWAP through narrative case studies illustrating market structure, support, and resistance.

How I Work

I’m a working writer, and my own books require space and attention. For that reason, I take on only a small number of collaborative projects each year. I carry no more than two authors at a time—and some seasons, none at all.

This discipline allows each book to develop at a thoughtful, steady pace. As a writer myself, I understand how to balance the spaciousness required for reflection with the realities of deadlines.

I rarely begin by writing the opening of a book. It’s more productive to start where an author’s energy is strongest—where the truth is warmest. We build the book from that core.

Who This Is
(and Is Not) For

This work is best suited to authors who want to remain present in their books and are willing to think, revise, and stay with uncertainty as the work takes shape.

It is not a fit for writers looking to hand off authorship or rush a book into form.

Praise from Author Clients

I was quite naive when I thought my book was finished prior to handing it over to my wonderful editor Tamela Rich. She helped me organize the manuscript in its present form, then brought together a great team to make a good book great!

Brian Shannon

CMT

Tamela made the editing process a thousand times more fun than when I was sitting solo in front of my computer. She took my 120k word manuscript and shortened it, rearranged it, asked me probing questions to make me remember and write more detail on the case studies.

Sheila Kilbane

Inquries

If you’re considering a collaborative project, you’re welcome to get in touch with a brief description of your work and where it stands.

Contact Tamela Rich