(copyright: Laura Afolter)

Literature

I love literature, even if fiction books are not the type of text I personally love to write. Still I am very passionate about books, there is no day I don’t read and literature is one of the main gates to art itself in my opinion. I am actively engaged in cultural politics as the president of the German writer guild / Verband Deutscher SchriftstellerInnen. Organizing as well as moderating public readings and publishing anthologies about socially relevant topics are others tasks I take care of.

Readings:

I value the live aspect of public readings which can directly engage with the audience. I’m especially fond of bigger reading events with lots of creatives involved f.e. At the same time at many different places or for a couple of days in a row. According to this, my focus is on collective group readings to different topics which I organize, moderate and also sometimes read my own texts. And I like innovative formats like poetry slams against racism on the 9th of November or readings with live music.

Esther-Kaufmann-Lesung-Tropenhaus-Planten-un-Blomen-Tag-der-Poesie

(copyright: VS Hamburg)

Esther-Kaufmann-fur-Ruth-Frobeen-Mucken-an-der-Wand

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, cover: Eva Gieselberg)

Consultation:

When I am consulting for book projects, I have a focus on supporting my colleagues. I like helping with serial projects because I have a lot of experience with serial projects and looking into the serial potential of content. Mostly I work with fictional texts and enjoy reading manuscripts. Thanks to my various creative writing classes I am always on top when it comes to content and I have a lot of experience with including others into my literary expertise, even though I myself am more involved in writing scripts and plays instead of books.

Esther-Kaufmann-Dorothy-und-der-Parfumeur-Lektorat-fur-Ruth-Frobeen-Covergestaltung-Eva-Gieselberg-Foto-Frobeen

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, coverdesign: Eva Gieselberg, photo: Frobeen)

Esther-Kaufmann-Lil-Bob-Roman-Lektorat-fur-Ruth-Frobeen-Covergestaltung-Eva-Gieselberg-Foto-Frobeen

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, cover design: Eva Gieselberg, photo: Frobeen)

Esther-Kaufmann-Irmelin-Fuchs-Roman-Lektorat-fur-Ruth-Frobeen-Covergestaltung-Eva-Gieselberg-Coverfoto-iStock-alexkotlov

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, cover design: Eva Gieselberg, cover photo: iStock alexkotlov)

Publishing:

As a publisher I take on all tasks together with my colleagues from the board of the German writers guild / Verband Deutscher SchriftstellerInnen – from concepts of book projects to proof reading and finally the marketing for the final books. We are publishing a new anthology yearly and have cooperated with different publishing houses so far.

Cover-Fluchtpunkt-Hamburg-Esther-Kaufmann-VS-Hamburg-Anthologie

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, cover design: Eva Gieselberg, photo: Frobeen)

Cover-Hummeln-im-Mors-Esther-Kaufmann-VS-Hamburg-Anthologie

(copyright: Ruth Frobeen, cover design: Eva Gieselberg, photo: Frobeen)

Cover-Wir-haben-Wolfe-gehort-Esther-Kaufmann-VS-Hamburg-Anthologie

Cover-Von-Menschen-und-Masken-Esther-Kaufmann-VS-Hamburg-Anthologie

Esther-Kaufmann-with-BjA-Tobias-Kiwitt-at the Writers' Congress

With Tobias Kiwitt at the writers’ conference

(copyright: VS Hamburg)

“Esther is s very clever and humorous sparring partner. She has helped me tremendously with working on the narrative structure of my non-faction project. Her Feedback made me go a long way because she was able to cleary make me understand where there were problems and what the reader might need to be able to follow the story smoothly. Esther has so many methods available that we were always able to find the perfect solution. It was very structured workflow. ”

Maxie Schreiber (author)

“Esther is the right fit for everyone who is looking for an honest, helpful and professional input for narrative projects. I learned about these qualities during one of Esther writing classes. With her passionate input she made everyone discover their absolute best inner writer. Many thanks!”

Jutta Meinhold (children’s book author)

“What I love about Esther is her friendly and open-minded personality. When communicating she also managed to be professional as well as show her true self. She is a reliable and empathetic writing colleague. Each year again she demonstrated her knowledge about theatre with her kids project. She also regularly joins public readings and helps out moderating the Jour Fixe of the writers board with helpful topics for all our members. ”

Christine Sterly-Paulsen and Christina Oskui (authors and board members of the Association of German Writers)

“I had a – in my mind – perfect kids book concept, which seems to be not exactly ready. I didn’t know how to polish it on my own to make it better. After three amazing meetings In finally had the manuscript of my dreams: Esther managed in a really short amount of time to shorten my story, analyze the characters and places and crystallize it into its true essence making it more exciting and fast-paced. The fact that she is also writing script for movies also really helped my book. I met Esther during a childrens book seminar and immediately fell for her positive, productive and humorous way of making people tackle creative projects. She works extremely focused an efficient while also making critical advice heard in a charming, respectful and humorous way. She is a well of ideas and chances and I would ask Esther for help again anytime.

Mareike Milde (children’s book author)

“What I like most about Esther is her reliability, her honesty, the clear and enthusiastic way of giving advice and offering feedback. ”

Olivia Osterburg (children’s book author)

“My creative chaos was huge and beautiful, but a total mess. Until Esther came along – and honored my creative chaos while systematically restoring Order. She always takes my worries and ideas serious and is able to effortlessly offer me all the input I need to move things forward or let them go. ”

Ruth Frobeen (author)

“Esther has been active for the rights of writers for many years. Her friendly ways and reliability also recommended her for participating f.e. at our peace-reading for the day of human rights in Hamburg. Thanks so much.”

Tobias Kiwitt (BVjA board spokesman, executive board member of the PEN Center Germany)