Who we are
Comma & Dash Literary was founded to provide you with guidance through an opaque process. The publishing world is full of unwritten rules and confusing terminology. With our decades of experience, we help demystify every step of the journey.
We meet you where you are. Some authors arrive with a spark of an idea and need help bringing it to life. Others come to us with polished manuscripts ready for publication. Some wish to launch a press or take one to the next level.
No matter where you're starting, our approach is the same: We listen and develop strategies tailored to your unique goals. We're selective about the projects we take on because we believe in doing exceptional work, and that means ensuring we're the right fit for your vision.
Our expertise spans a wide range of nonfiction categories. We're also passionate about amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented in publishing.
Shannon Berning is an entrepreneurial book publishing executive with 30 years' experience transforming complex ideas into award-winning, bestselling books that reach global audiences.
Shannon was most recently publisher of Wharton School Press, where she led a boutique imprint at the Wharton School. She built the press from startup concept to global brand, acquired books featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Financial Times. Prior to that, she acquired and edited titles for other presses across many categories, including business, health, psychology, memoir, popular science, history, LGBTQ studies, and YA. She has acquired and edited hundreds of books and worked with many more authors.
At Comma & Dash Literary, Shannon partners with authors and publishers on book coaching, all levels of manuscript development and editing, and publishing strategy and execution.
Celina De León has more than 25 years' experience as a ghostwriter, editor, journalist, social media strategist, and publicist. Celina partners with writers and thought leaders to craft compelling narratives and build authentic platforms.
Celina has ghostwritten more than 20 memoirs for a variety of clients. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, School Library Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and a Lammy Award-winning anthology. She also works with writers across various disciplines and genres, including authors published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and MIT Press, to promote their books in the press and on social media. Her earned media placements include the New York Times and Lambda Literary.
At Comma & Dash Literary, Celina partners with authors to get the books inside them on the page and in the hands of readers.