Other Specialists
Developmental editors focus on the big-picture elements of a manuscript — structure, plot, pacing, characters, and overall story development.
When to hire: Hire a developmental editor after you have a complete first draft, or once you know you need help re-shaping the story. Their work happens before line-level polish and before beta readers.
60 listed. Open full directory with filters →
Reedsy editor and graphic novel specialist with a background in art direction and sequential storytelling. Alex helps graphic novelists develop scripts, pace visual beats, and collaborate effectively with illustrators. He works with both prose-first writers adapting to comics and artists developing original work.
Former Big Five editor now offering freelance developmental editing through Reedsy. Specializes in commercial and upmarket women's fiction, book club fiction, and family sagas. Known for detailed editorial letters and collaborative approach.
Former acquiring editor now offering freelance developmental services with expertise in diverse voices and #OwnVoices narratives. She works with both debut and established authors on literary and commercial projects.
Ariel Anderson is a developmental editor specializing in self-help, business books, and narrative nonfiction. She helps thought leaders and entrepreneurs structure their ideas into compelling book-length works with clear arguments and engaging prose.
Ariel Bronz is a Reedsy developmental editor with expertise in picture books, middle grade, and children's literature. She holds an MFA and has edited books for major publishing houses.
Military sci-fi and hard science fiction specialist with a background in aerospace engineering. Benjamin focuses on technical accuracy, realistic worldbuilding, and action pacing. He consults with authors on plausible future technologies.
YA and new adult specialist who previously worked at Penguin Teen. She excels at authentic teen voice, contemporary issues, and high-concept genre mashups that appeal to young readers.
Romance and women's fiction specialist with extensive experience in both traditional and indie publishing. Offers developmental editing, sensitivity reads, and trope consultation. Known for expertise in contemporary and historical romance.
Beth Hill is a fiction editor specializing in genre fiction including mystery, thriller, and romance. She focuses on pacing, plot structure, and genre conventions while helping authors develop their unique voice. She runs The Editor's Blog.
Hugo-nominated editor with extensive experience in science fiction, fantasy, and anthologies. Bryan has edited for major publishers including St. Martin's and Baen, specializing in space opera, epic fantasy, and tie-in fiction. He offers developmental editing and anthology consulting.
Bryony Leah is a UK-based developmental editor and sensitivity reader specializing in YA, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ fiction. She offers editorial assessments and developmental editing with a focus on representation and authentic character development.
Reedsy-vetted developmental editor specializing in fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction. Former creative writing instructor who focuses on worldbuilding, magic systems, and plot architecture. Works with both debut and experienced authors.
Irish developmental editor specializing in historical fiction, literary fiction, and book club fiction. Former editor at Penguin Random House UK. Known for helping writers balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling.
David Gatewood is a developmental editor who has worked on numerous bestselling self-published novels across sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller genres. He specializes in plot structure, pacing, and helping indie authors polish manuscripts to professional standards.
Developmental editor with a specialty in graphic novels and comics. David has worked with Dark Horse and Image Comics as a freelance consultant. He focuses on visual storytelling, panel pacing, and script-to-art transitions.
Middle grade specialist and former Scholastic editor who has worked on multiple bestselling series. She excels at voice, humor, and creating stories that resonate with 8-12 year old readers.
Diana Urban is a thriller author and developmental editor who works primarily with YA and adult mystery/thriller writers. She brings author insight to helping clients with pacing and twist mechanics.
Tiffany Yates Martin has over 30 years of experience in the publishing industry as an editor and writing instructor. She specializes in fiction across genres and offers developmental editing focused on story structure, character arcs, and craft.
Bilingual developmental editor specializing in fantasy and science fiction with complex magic systems and diverse cultural influences. She previously worked as an editor at Tor Books.
Developmental editor and writing mentor on Reedsy with a specialty in middle grade adventure and fantasy. Ella previously worked at Disney Publishing and understands how to balance humor, heart, and action for the 8-12 audience. She offers both manuscript assessments and full developmental edits.
Ellen Brock is a developmental editor and popular YouTube educator specializing in genre fiction, particularly fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. She offers comprehensive manuscript evaluations and developmental editing with detailed video explanations.
Emma Dryden spent 20 years as an executive editor at major children's publishers before becoming an independent editor and publishing consultant. She specializes in picture books, middle grade, and YA across all genres and formats.
Emma Heathcote-James is a Reedsy editor specializing in narrative nonfiction, memoir, and self-help books. She has helped numerous first-time authors develop book proposals and full manuscripts for publication.
Harold Underdown, known as 'The Purple Crayon,' is a former children's book editor with over 20 years in publishing. He specializes in picture books, middle grade, and chapter books, offering editorial services and publishing guidance.
UK-based developmental editor with expertise in fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction. Former publisher and writing instructor with over 20 years in the industry. Specializes in world-building, plot structure, and pacing.
Jade Zivanovic is a developmental editor on Upwork who specializes in graphic novels and sequential storytelling. She works with both writers and writer-artists on narrative structure and visual pacing.
Horror and dark fantasy specialist with published credits in the genre. James focuses on atmosphere, pacing, and visceral storytelling in horror, supernatural thriller, and grimdark fantasy. He works with both indie and traditionally published authors.
Fantasy and sci-fi developmental editor with expertise in worldbuilding, magic systems, and speculative fiction conventions. James has edited over 200 manuscripts in the SFF genre. He also offers sensitivity reads for disability representation.
YA and middle grade specialist who focuses on contemporary issues, diverse voices, and authentic teen perspectives. Jasmine previously interned at Macmillan Children's and understands the YA market. She offers query and submission package reviews.
EFA member and developmental editor with expertise in romance and women's fiction across all heat levels. Offers both comprehensive manuscript evaluations and detailed developmental edits. Known for her supportive, encouraging editorial style.
Jennie Nash is a book coach and developmental editor who founded Author Accelerator. She works with fiction and nonfiction authors on story structure, character development, and argument architecture. She has authored multiple books and trained hundreds of book coaches.
Developmental editor and book coach who works primarily with horror, dark fantasy, and thriller writers. Jessica focuses on building dread, crafting effective scares, and developing compelling antagonists. She's a Bram Stoker Award-nominated author herself and understands the genre from both sides.
Katie McCoach is a developmental editor and book coach who works with fiction and memoir authors. She specializes in YA, romance, and women's fiction, offering both manuscript evaluations and comprehensive developmental edits.
YA and middle grade developmental editor with expertise in contemporary, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ narratives. Former children's librarian and kidlit blogger. Passionate about helping marginalized writers tell their stories authentically.
Freelance developmental editor on Upwork specializing in genre fiction including fantasy, romance, and paranormal. Self-published author who understands indie publishing needs. Offers affordable rates with quick turnaround.
Kisa Whipkey is a developmental editor and former creative director specializing in speculative fiction for teens and adults. She brings a visual sensibility to her edits and has particular expertise in anime/manga-influenced storytelling.
Kristen Stieffel is an ACES and EFA member who provides developmental editing for speculative fiction and Christian fiction. She brings expertise in genre conventions and faith-based storytelling.
Children's book editor specializing in picture books, early readers, and middle grade fiction. Kristen has worked with bestselling children's authors and focuses on age-appropriate language, pacing, and illustration notes. She offers both developmental editing and manuscript critiques.
Developmental editor specializing in speculative fiction, including fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal romance. Lisa focuses on world-building consistency, magic system logic, and pacing in genre fiction. She offers tiered editing packages for indie authors.
Renowned book editor and founder of Free Expressions literary consultancy. Has worked with multiple New York Times bestselling authors across genres. Teaches developmental editing at major writing conferences nationwide.
Fiverr Pro editor specializing in romantasy and fantasy romance with strong character arcs and emotional beats. Luna has edited over 150 indie romance and fantasy novels. She offers fast turnarounds and tiered service packages.
Former Simon & Schuster editor specializing in Latino and multicultural literature. EFA member offering developmental editing, manuscript evaluation, and publishing consultations. Passionate about amplifying diverse voices.
Award-winning sci-fi author and developmental editor who has worked with both indie and traditionally published authors. He focuses on worldbuilding, plot structure, and character development in speculative fiction.
Former Penguin editor now freelancing on Reedsy, specializing in literary and historical fiction. Brings traditional publishing sensibilities to indie authors. Known for sensitive handling of complex themes and period accuracy.
Maxwell Cade is a developmental editor on Fiverr specializing in mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. He offers comprehensive manuscript evaluations with attention to plot mechanics and suspense building.
Former agent's assistant turned freelance editor specializing in science fiction and fantasy world-building. Michael helps authors develop consistent magic systems, political structures, and speculative elements while maintaining narrative momentum. He's particularly passionate about diverse voices in SFF.
Michael Chen is an Upwork Top Rated developmental editor with a background in creative writing instruction. He specializes in genre fiction including mystery, thriller, and crime, helping authors with plot mechanics and suspense building.
Michelle Rascon is a developmental editor on Fiverr specializing in romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. She provides detailed manuscript critiques and developmental letters, with quick turnaround times and affordable packages.
Children's book specialist with expertise in picture books, board books, and early readers. Natalie helps authors understand age-appropriate content, illustration collaboration, and the children's publishing market. Former children's librarian.
Upwork Top Rated developmental editor specializing in diverse YA and middle grade fiction. Focuses on authentic representation and helping authors from underrepresented backgrounds share their stories. Also offers sensitivity reading services.
Commercial fiction editor with 18 years of experience at major UK publishers including HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan. Nigel specializes in high-concept fiction and beach reads. He offers market positioning advice alongside developmental feedback.
Nina Amir is an EFA member and nonfiction developmental editor specializing in memoir, self-help, and business books. She helps authors transform their expertise into compelling narratives.
Upwork Top Rated developmental editor specializing in YA contemporary, romance, and LGBTQ+ fiction. Nina brings a sensitivity reader's eye to her developmental work and helps authors craft authentic, diverse characters. She's particularly skilled at dialogue and teen voice.
Top-rated Upwork developmental editor specializing in self-help, business books, and personal development titles. She has helped over 50 authors develop and structure their nonfiction manuscripts.
Rachel Crocker is a UK-based developmental editor specializing in romance, women's fiction, and commercial fiction. She brings warmth and insight to her edits, helping authors craft compelling emotional arcs and satisfying genre conventions.
Former DC Comics editor specializing in graphic novels, comics, and visual storytelling. Offers developmental editing focused on panel pacing, visual narrative, and script clarity. Works with indie comic creators and publishers.
Sacha Black is a UK-based author and developmental editor specializing in villains, character development, and fantasy fiction. She offers workshops and one-on-one editing services for indie authors.
Former acquisitions editor at Penguin Random House with 15 years of experience in literary and upmarket fiction. Sarah specializes in helping authors develop complex characters and layered narratives. She offers developmental editing, manuscript critiques, and query letter coaching.
Former literary agent turned developmental editor with 15 years of experience in traditional publishing. She specializes in helping debut novelists shape their manuscripts for submission to agents and publishers, with particular expertise in literary and upmarket fiction.
Award-winning developmental editor and author with over 15 years of experience working with literary and upmarket fiction. Former acquisitions editor who has helped numerous authors secure traditional publishing deals. Specializes in narrative structure, voice, and character development.
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