Book Development & Editorial Consulting
Sulay Hernandez — Former Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster & Other Press
Photo by Randy Ahart, Photo Pink NYC
About
Sulay Hernandez brings extensive publishing industry experience from her roles as editor at Simon & Schuster and senior editor at Other Press. Her early training included internships at Penguin, Avalon Books, Vigliano Literary Agency, and Kensington Books.
Over the course of her career, she has acquired and edited literary and genre fiction, narrative nonfiction, and books in translation — many of which have become national and international bestsellers and critically acclaimed award winners.
Sulay has taught the Editorial Process for City College of New York's Publishing Certificate Program and instructed Simon & Schuster's Publishing 101 Lecture Series.
Editorial Philosophy
"My job is to help refine the writer's voice, to help the writer clearly and effectively express his or her ideas."
I am passionate about books. You have to be if you decide on a career in publishing. Those of us who devote our careers to this world share a common motivation: a love of reading and a belief in the transformative power of stories.
As a child of Dominican immigrants, I became my parents' translator at an early age. That experience shaped my understanding of what editors truly do — we help writers translate their thoughts for the reading world through respectful, thoughtful questioning.
After fourteen years navigating the intersection of art and commerce at major publishing houses, I established Unveiled Ink to put writers first. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or charting your own path, my mission remains the same.
The editor-author relationship often transcends the purely professional. I believe the best editorial work comes from a place of genuine investment in the writer's vision — maintaining objectivity while being emotionally present for the work.
Selected Projects
Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and more — projects that have reached bestseller lists and earned critical acclaim.
Testimonials
"I cannot thank Sulay enough for helping me get my writing career off to a great start. Her editorial guidance was invaluable in shaping my manuscript into a published novel."
"I loved working with Sulay! Her passion, energy, and intelligence made this creative journey a joy."
"Sulay Hernandez helped my first novel, Final Theory, become a great success. Her editorial instincts are impeccable."
"I felt safe with Sulay. That's the best way I can describe it. She understood my vision and helped me realize it fully."
"Sulay is the greatest thing that could have happened to me since I started writing. Her dedication and expertise transformed my work."
"Sulay was absolutely instrumental to the success of my book. She brought out the best in my story."
"Sulay Hernandez understands that publishing is a business and writing is an art. She bridges that gap brilliantly."
"Working with Sulay Hernandez was a privilege. Her editorial notes were insightful, precise, and always in service of the story."
"Sulay is a dream boat editor. She is fearless, sensitive, with exceptional vision for what a manuscript can become."
"Sulay recognized something special in Prodigy's story and connected the dots between raw material and a compelling narrative."
"I often think of Sulay on my book writing journey. I have her to thank for helping me find my voice as an author."
"Sulay's editing approach is thoughtful, clear, and patient. She has a rare gift for understanding what a writer is trying to say and helping them say it better."
Services
Every project is unique. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis.
A comprehensive review including a detailed editorial letter and manuscript notes with page-by-page comments, suggestions, and queries focused on characterization, dialogue, plot, context, and narrative urgency.
A lighter-touch assessment with an editorial letter covering overall narrative thoughts — identifying issues like unnecessary characters, plot problems, or unresolved storylines without extensive marginalia.
For writers not yet ready for a full edit or still working on their manuscripts. A focused review of your work-in-progress with actionable guidance to keep your project moving forward.
Sulay works with novels, short story collections, memoirs, articles, and essays. If her schedule doesn't permit or another specialist is better suited, she provides referrals to trusted colleagues.
Get in Touch
Tell me about your writing background, provide a brief synopsis of your work, the genre you're writing in, and what kind of service interests you. Please allow up to one week for a response.