| In 1970, at
the age of 19, Wendy stumbled into her first job in the
book business at Pickwick Bookshop in Hollywood. The experience
left such a profound impression on her that she never
left the industry. Deciding to postpone college, Wendy
gradually progressed in the book business, continuing
in retail bookselling for a few years, and then working
for Rolling Stone/Straight Arrow Books in San Francisco.
She began repping for publishers in 1975. Since 1983,
Wendy has worked for herself as a commission sales rep
for over one hundred publishers, from small independent
presses to major houses.
In 1985 Wendy returned to school with the intention
of becoming a psychologist. She graduated from Antioch
University in Los Angeles in 1987. While the decision
to study psychology had an intensely positive effect
on her, Wendy ultimately decided to remain in the book
business and has never looked back.
As a freelance author escort, Wendy has worked with
a variety of writers. Among her favorites are Jeffrey
Eugenides, Maxine Hong Kingston, Jonathan Franzen and
the late Wendy Wasserstein. Her ability to put writers
at ease while drawing out their best with her supportive
humor has made Wendy a favorite choice among book publicists
when their authors need special care on the road.
She
is also a professional photographer. Over the last fifteen
years, Wendy has taken photos of rock stars for corporate
sponsors, actors for their personal family scrapbooks
and authors for book jackets. Her work has appeared
in the New York Times, People Magazine, American Photo
and many other places. You may view her work at wendywerrisphotography.com.
Wendy lives in Los Angeles.
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