stephen@stephenpwilliams.com 212-229-1656
I build books for people with great stories to tell.
BA in comparative religions from Grinnell College
MA in communications from Stanford University
MBA from Bard MBA in Sustainability
Ghost writing projects:
Into the Brain: Uncovering the Mystery of What Makes us Human, by Joshua Bederdson, MD. A look into the art, beauty and science of the brain, and complex ways we fix it, by an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and artist.
Making the Case for Equality: 50 Years of Legal Milestones in LGBTQ History, by Lambda Legal. This anniversary book honors the legal work of a legendary civil rights organization.
Citizen Science, by Peter Zahos, a brain surgeon with an intense interest in the science that’s being done by regular humans. Proposal currently being marketed.
Co-author, Lighting the World: Transforming our Energy Future by Bringing Electricity to Everyone, (St. Martin’s Press, August 2015) with Jim Rogers, former Chair and CEO of Duke Energy and thought leader on the environment and electric power. I traveled through East Africa and India to research our proposition that clean, sustainable electricity is a fundamental human right in the 21st century. 2013-2015
Private memoir. This small edition memoir explores the fascinating, complex life of a New York City billionaire. 2015-2017
True Story, by Ty Montague. Harvard Business School Publishing, 2012. Conducted interviews and did research for this groundbreaking guide to innovative branding and marketing, using new tools of 21st century capitalism and storytelling, by the former CEO and creative director of JWT, and current co-founder of rule-breaking agency, co: collective. 2011-2012
I'd Rather Be in Charge: A Legendary Business Leader's Roadmap for Achieving Pride, Power, and Joy at Work, by Charlotte Beers. Vanguard Press, 2012. A business memoir and inspirational guide for women climbing the corporate ladder, by the former CEO of Ogilvy and JWT, and former undersecretary of state. 2010-2011.
Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices, by John Quiñones. Harper, 2009. Sales unknown. A memoir of this ABC News anchor’s journeys among the world’s unsung heroes. 2008-2009
Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel, by Alek Wek. Amistad (and English, Italian, German, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish and other editions), 2007. Over 160,000 copies sold. The gripping memoir of a barrier-breaking, inspirational model and businesswoman. 2005-2007
Ask the Fruitcake Lady: Everything You Would Already Know If You Had any Sense, by Marie Rudisill. Hyperion, 2006. 35,000 copies sold. Wit and wisdom from Truman Capote’s Aunt, who also was Jay Leno’s collaborator. 2006
Steak, by Alan Stillman, founder of Smith and Wolensky’s restaurants, and other chains. Michael Friedman Publishing, 1994. Sales unknown. 1993-1994
BioPotency: A Guide to Sexual Success, by Richard Berger, M.D., and Deborah Berger. Rodale Press, 1986. 90,000 copies in print. Noted urologist advises men about potency. 1985-1986
Journalism:
Founding editor, Stephen’s People, a newsletter about how we live. Text, photographs, video and sound.
Writer and visual journalist, An American Family. Imagined and executed this book and documentary project based on a 30,000 mile road trip through America during the early pandemic. March, 2020-present
Executive Editor, Argonite. Produced a lavish 180-page ad-free one-off magazine about America in all its imperfect glory for Shinola, the Detroit luxury brand. I conceived the editorial ideas, assigned articles and edited all copy, working with founder, Carolyn Murphy. I also ghost wrote all the branded stories for the magazine. February-October 2016.
Freelance digital, magazine and newspaper writer, New York.
Writing a steady stream of articles for a variety of publications, including Forbes FYI, Yoga Life, Men’s Journal, The New York Times Magazine, Word.com, Smithsonian, Self, Smart Money, Business Week, GQ, Men’s Health, Newsweek (contributor of a health column for six years), Martha Stewart Living (contributor for 6 years), The New York Times House and Home (regular contributor for five years), The New York Times Sunday Real Estate Section (contributed a column for three years), and others. 1995 - present
Researcher and writer, Colors Magazine, New York. Working beneath legendary design misfit, Tibor Kalman, I researched and wrote stories, and worked on concepts for this multilingual international magazine published by Bennetton. 1994
Editor in Chief, Tern Enterprises. I conceived of and edited 15-18 books a year for this packager of illustrated coffee table books. Produced books such as Country, The Encyclopedia of Judaism, The Southern Handbook, Hunting, and more. 1989-1992
Senior Writer and Editor, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA and New York 1984-1987. Generated title ideas, edited a variety of health books. Wrote chapters for numerous self-help health books such as Cancer Free: an A-Z Guide.
Reporter/Feature writer, Pacific Stars and Stripes: The Voice of America in the Pacific, Tokyo, Japan. Covered a variety of news and feature stories of interest to American residents of the Pacific Rim. 1982
Books:
An American Family, a memoir, currently being shopped by my agent.
Blockchain: The Next Everything, published March 26, 2019 by Scribner.
How to be a Hollywood Star, Three Rivers Press, 2006. A satirical, yet factual look at what it takes to make it in Hollywood.
How to be President: What to Do and Where to Go Once You Are In Office, Chronicle Books, 2004. A satirical, yet factual guide to everything you need to know about being president, except how to govern.
Cuba: The Land, the History, the People, the Culture, Running Press, 1994. A close look at Cuba during “the special period.”
Fluent in Spanish (lived in Ecuador and Guatemala; travelled throughout Latin America)
IG: stephenspeople_ TikTok: stephenspeople_