Susan B Kason

Hey there!

I’m Susan B. Kason — an award-winning author and historical nonfiction writing coach specializing in research-driven storytelling rooted in lived history, culture, and place.

I’ve published two award-winning biographies and a memoir, and edited a collection of short fiction. To date, all of my books are set wholly or partly in Hong Kong and China, where personal lives intersect with larger political, cultural, and historical forces. My work focuses on transforming deep research into compelling narrative that invites readers into complex worlds with clarity and emotional resonance.

In addition to my writing, I’m a regular book reviewer for half a dozen review sites, with a focus on Asian and Jewish fiction and nonfiction, which keeps me closely attuned to contemporary literary standards, trends, and reader expectations.

I bring more than 30 years of publishing experience, including a dozen years working directly with literary agents and editors at traditional publishing houses, and began my career in academic publishing. This gives me a rare, end-to-end understanding of how historically grounded nonfiction moves from research to manuscript to publication.

🧭 What I Bring to Uptales

I help writers of historical and narrative nonfiction turn complex material into stories that are both accurate and deeply engaging.

I bring:

• Deep expertise in biography, memoir, and historical nonfiction
• Skill in transforming archival research, interviews, and scholarship into narrative
• A strong editorial eye for structure, pacing, and voice
• Industry insight shaped by decades in academic and traditional publishing
• A global perspective informed by long-term engagement with China and Hong Kong

🛠️ Background & Experience

• Author of two award-winning biographies and a memoir
• Editor of a short fiction collection
• All published books set partly or fully in Hong Kong and China
• Regular reviewer for multiple literary review platforms
• Focus areas include Asian and Jewish literature (fiction & nonfiction)
• 30+ years in publishing, including academic and trade
• 12 years working with literary agents and editors at traditional publishing houses
• Native English speaker; proficient in Mandarin, Cantonese, and French

🎤 Susan’s Guiding Philosophy

“Historical writing succeeds when research serves story — not the other way around.”

I believe nonfiction history should feel alive on the page: grounded in fact, shaped by craft, and driven by human experience. My role is to help writers honor truth while building narratives readers want to follow.

✅ Work With Susan On

• Historical nonfiction, biography, and memoir development
• Structuring complex, research-heavy manuscripts
• Integrating cultural and historical context without overwhelming the reader
• Voice refinement and narrative pacing
• Revision planning and manuscript clarity
• Preparing work for agents, editors, and publication