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If you’ve written a novel belonging to the mystery genre and need an editor, we’re here to help. Below we’ve featured 19 top mystery book editors.
1. Elizabeth Copps
Situated in Denver, Colorado, in the United States, Elizabeth Copps is a book editor that comes highly recommended from past clients. She’s been described as punctual, professional, and simply a pleasure to work with in general. Her editing services include developmental editing and query letter review for non-fiction like biographies and memoirs, as well as novels in various genres, including horror, mystery, crime, and young adult.
Since March 2020, Elizabeth has been the owner and editor of her own editorial outfit, Copps Editorial. In January of 2021, she expanded beyond simply editing to create Copps Literary Services, a full-service support system that provides writers with start-to-finish editorial support from Elizabeth and her team. Her past edits include “The Girl They Left Behind” by Roxanne Veletzos, “The Boatman’s Daughter” by Andy Davidson, and “Promises of the Heart” by Nan Rossiter.
Speak to Elizabeth Copps today!
2. Lindsay Newton
Lindsay Newton is an established editor with over four years of experience as an independent editor and over a decade of experience in editing overall. Based in Seattle, Lindsay has worked with Simon & Schuster, Writers House Literary Agency, and Sourcebooks, to name a few notable names in the industry.
Lindsay is able to deliver editorial assessment query letter review and developmental editing for both fiction and non-fiction books. From historical fiction and mystery novels to non-fiction biographies and self-help books, writers can expect to receive the very best quality in editing support. Her past edits include “Heads of the Colored People” by Nafissa Thompson-Spires, “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover, and “The German Girl” by Armando Lucas Correa.
Contact Lindsay Newton for more information!
3. Keith Gordon
Located in San Francisco, in the United States, Keith Gordon has been freelancing as an editor for over six years. With an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in international relations and ethics, he has the background to deliver the kind of editing that will help elevate your book to where it needs to be for publication.
Keith provides a range of editorial services for interested clients, including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. He is able to work on books of many different genres, including fantasy, mystery, biographies, and self-improvement. Samples of his editing can be seen in books like “Soul Weaver” by Eric J. Vann, The Immortals” by J.D. Cavan, and “Before the Fork: Getting Your Mind Right to Succeed on Any Diet” by Robin Shea.
Look to Keith Gordon to edit your next book!
4. Elizabeth Lotito
Elizabeth Lotito has been delivering reliable editing services as a freelancer for roughly the last six years. The Charlotte-based publishing professional worked for St. Martin’s Press from 2010 until 2017, before transitioning into her current self-employed status. Formerly clients have nothing but positive things to mention about her abilities to identify issues and present well thought out solutions.
Writers working on non-fiction biographies and books on health, contemporary fiction, mystery novels, and women’s fiction can rely on Elizabeth to have a concrete idea of how to help get the manuscript finalized. She’s able to provide developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Her work can be seen in “A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape from North Korea” by Eunsun Kim et al, “A Quilt for Christmas” by Sandra Dallas, and “13 Minutes” by Sarah Pinborough.
Start a conversation with Elizabeth Lotito now!
5. Emily Crawford-Margison
With experience editing for organizations like Anaphora Literary Press, Folio Literary Management, and MBA Curriculum, Emily Crawford-Margison is an experienced editing professional based in Columbus, in the United States. She is able to provide developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading for books written in American or British English.
Emily’s editing is available for books of fiction, like fantasy, mystery and science fiction, and non-fiction, including biographies and inspirational material, alike. She has edited books like “Mister Cinderella” by Ivy Oliver, “Victorious Underdog” by Roosevelt Sargent, and “The River Bends in Time” by Glen A. Mazis.
Reach out to Emily Crawford-Margison now!
6. Wendy Cornett
Columbus, Ohio is home to Wendy Cornett, an independent writer, and editor capable of developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Holding an undergraduate degree in journalism from Ohio University, Wendy has been freelancing since 1999, after leaving her position as special sections manager with The Columbus Dispatch.
Writers working on both fiction and non-fiction can rely on Wendy to help them elevate their writing. Past clients have described working with her as a positive experience that positively contributed to their manuscript. Wendy focuses on editing mystery and crime, women’s fiction, biographies, and self-improvement books. You’ll want to take a look at some of her past edits, like “The Gifted Journey: Five Transformative Steps to Uncovering Your Unique Path” by Stephanie Moore, “Justice Finds Her Way Home: The Ultimate Challenge Comes Full Circle” by Tina Tennyson, and “Fitness Frauds: Exposing the Truth About Drugs, Lies and Flex Appeal” by Bobby Whisnand.
Take a look at more of what Wendy Cornett has edited here!
7. Sandra Spicher
Sandra Spicher is an academically trained, professional experienced freelance editor. Situated in Austin, Texas, she graduated with an MFA in fiction and screenwriting and has been editing and indexing for over thirteen years. Her editorial services include proofreading, developmental editing, copy editing, and indexing.
Sandra will work on both fiction and non-fiction books. Whether it is historical fiction, mystery, biographies, or books about history or entertainment, authors will be pleased with the value that Sandra is able to deliver for them. Her edits include “All I Ever Wanted: A Rock ’n’ Roll Memoir” by Kathy Valentine, “Camera Hunter: George Shiras III and the Birth of Wildlife Photography” by James H. McCommons, and “Old Green World” by Jason Dewey Craft.
Speak to Sandra Spicher today.
8. Martin Roy Hill
With over forty years of experience in publishing, Martin Roy Hill would be an invaluable resource for any writer. He is a professional member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, as well as an accomplished, award-winning author for his own literary creations.
Martin works out of San Diego, in the United States and focuses on non-fiction books about history and writing, as well as fiction such as mystery, action, and adventure. Since 2012, he’s been working as a freelance editor, delivering developmental editing copy editing, and proofreading services. His editing can be seen in books like “The Day Before I Died” by Jf Whitaker, “On the Steps of St. Dymphna” by Tony Rocco, and “The First Harmony” by Clayton Schonberger.
Contact Martin Roy Hill for more information!
9. Lourdes Venard
San Diego, California in the United States is home to professional editor Lourdes Venard. She has been an independent editor since 2010, after a lengthy career including stints editing for The Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Newsday.
Lourdes offers editorial services that include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review. She mainly focuses on editing fiction, whether for African American fiction, anthologies, mystery novels, or science fiction. Take a look at “Human?” by Sara Ashley Brown, “A Knife in the Fog” by Bradley Harper, and “The Spider Catchers” by Marilynn Larew for a better idea of her editing style.
Speak to Lourdes Venard now!
10. Will Tyler
Currently a freelance copy editor and proofreader for Penguin Random House, Will Tyler has made a career of freelancing for various publishing houses. Since 2005, he’s edited professionally for American Literary Review, Crab Orchard Review, Scribe Media, Kirkus Editorial, and the University of Iowa Press. His academic background includes a master’s degree in English, as well as an MFA in creative writing.
Will’s editing services include copy editing and proofreading, and extend to mainly fiction, such as mystery novels, fantasies, science fiction, and short stories. Writers will enjoy working with this Chicago-based editor who is as savvy with his writing as he is a joy to communicate with. “Relentless” by Mark Greaney, “Absence of Mallets” by Kate Carlisle, and “A Holly Jolly Diwali” by Sonya Lalli are a few titles that he’s contributed to as an editor.
Take a look at more of Will Tyler’s works here!
11. Cassie Gutman
Cassie Gutman is a reliable self-employed editor located in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. She’s able to provide services in developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and query letter review for fiction and non-fiction written in American English, Canadian English, and British English. Writers working on biographies, children’s non-fiction, or fiction like mysteries, romance, or novels for young adults should think to go to Cassie for editing support.
Since 2015, Cassie has been a senior production editor at Sourcebooks. Past clients will attest to her reliability, consistency, and professional communication. You can see some of her editing work in “The Lost” by Natasha Preston, “Shadow Weaver” by MarcyKate Connolly, and “Here There Are Monsters” by Amelinda Berube.
Go with Cassie Gutman for your next book!
12. Sasha Grossman
Situated in Chicago, Illinois, Sasha Grossman is a professional editor who does proofreading and copy editing for books in a range of different genres, including non-fiction memoirs, books on religion, fantasies, science fiction, and mystery novels. She has academic training from her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and is also certified in publishing through the Columbia Publishing Course.
Sasha has been a self-employed editor since 2012, prior to which she had experience editing for various reputable organizations, including Penguin Random House, Oxford University Press, and the American Medical Association. “The Last Equation of Isaac Severy” by Nova Jacobs, “All The Ways You Saved Me” by Jamie Howard, and “Legend Has It” by Elliott James are a number of books that demonstrate her standard of editing.
Consult with Sasha Grossman about your work in progress and how she might be able to help you out!
13. Angela Brown
Angela Brown has had over sixteen years of experience as a freelance editor, completing jobs for publishing houses like Kensington Books, Inkwater Press, Daedalus Publishing, and Midnight Shadow Productions, to name a few. The Los Angeles-based professional does developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and query letter review for interested clientele.
Angela is proficient in many writing styles of English and can support books written in American English, Canadian English, British English, Australian English, and New Zealand English. She mainly focuses on books of fiction, such as mystery, literary fiction, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Books like “Into the Dark of the Day” by Stu Jones, “The Dream Fantasy: Ghosts” by John Simes, and “Deviation” by Jennifer Collins will give you a better idea of her editing style.
Reach out to Angela Brown to start a conversation now!
14. Lorraine Martindale M
Based in Los Angeles, California, in the United States, Lorraine Martindale M is excited to work with writers of both fiction and non-fiction books. She holds an MFA in writing from NYC’s The New School and is also certified in publishing from NYU.
Since 2004, she has worked as a freelance editor, working on anything from non-fiction books about cooking, food, and religion, to mystery novels, women’s fiction, and books for young adults. She’s edited “Back Home Again” by Melody Carlson, “What You Hide” by Natalie D. Richards, and “The Moving Toyshop” by Edmund Crispin.
Speak to Lorraine Martindale M today!
15. Ryan Quinn
Ryan Quinn is a professional editor who has been freelancing since 2010 and working with Deutsch LA in a similar capacity since 2011. Beyond his current positions, his professional editing experience includes editing for Phoenix Books and Penguin Group USA. He is proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style and is able to provide both copy editing and proofreading services.
Ryan’s former clients describe his working style as meticulous, and his editing as both detailed and invaluable. For experienced and novice writers alike, Ryan adds value to every writing project. He is happy to work on non-fiction books on political science or history, as well as mystery novels, science fiction, and books for young adults. His edits include “Hoy Alley” by Scott Phillips, “Cementville” by Paulette Livers, and “The Last Days of Video” by Jeremy Hawkins.
Start a conversation with Ryan Quinn now!
16. Ilia Epifanov
For the last two years, Ilia Epifanov has honed his craft as a developmental editor at Creator Institute. In addition to his current position, the editor has worked as a freelance editor for over six years, specializing as a developmental editor of fiction such as mystery, crime, romance, and science fiction.
Located in Los Angeles, Ilia is a fiction author himself and is able to directly empathize with his clients that he helps with editing. Clients can trust that Ilia recommends and advises based on his own experience as a practicing author, and someone who understands the process, struggles, and keys for success. Look at samples of his editing in books like “Spinning Threads” by Maria Suarez, “The Last Minder: The Chronicles of Majjen” by Fish Phillips, and “The Year Cricket Died” by Kiran Sampath for more details.
Contact Ilia Epifanov now!
17. Kat Nics
Kat Nics is an experienced book editor based in New York, New York. After eight years of working at Penguin Random House as an associate editor, she is currently the story lead at Radish, a role that she holds in addition to her freelancing editing services. The New York-based editor delivers developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review to interested authors.
Genres that Kat usually works in include cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, thriller, and historical romance. Clients call Kat knowledgeable, insightful and professional in every aspect of her work, from assessing the manuscript to providing valuable insight. Take a look at some of her work, including “The Scarlet Bride” by Cheryl Ann Smith, “Dangerously Divine” by Deborah Blake, and “Assault and Buttery” by Kristi Abbott.
Reach out to Kat Nics now!
18. Rachel Kowal
Located in New York, New York, Rachel Kowal is a reliable freelance editor who does both copy editing and proofreading. Her focus is usually fiction, including mystery novels, coming of age fiction, literary fiction, and books for young adults. She is certified in copy editing and proofreading through NYU, and has been the managing editor of Soho Press for over nine years.
Proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style, Rachel’s breadth and depth of knowledge make her a joy to work with. In addition, past clients describe working with her as a joy, due to her great communication skills and ability to assess and understand the writer’s intent. You’ll want to see samples of her editing, like “Breath, Eyes, Memory” by Edwidge Danticat, “Innocence; or, Murder on Steep Street” by Heda Margolius Kovaly, and “Nine Island” by Jane Alison.
Allow Rachel Kowal to take a closer look at your work in progress!
19. Julie Mianecki
Julie Mianecki is a New York-based editor with years of experience in the industry. She’s moved from being an assistant editor at Penguin Random House, from 2012 to 2016, to freelancing with the same organization, something she continues to this day. Her editorial services include developmental editing, copy editing, and query letter review.
Julie’s able to work on manuscripts in American English, British English, and Canadian English. A specialist in fiction, she can provide editorial support for contemporary romance, thrillers, mystery novels, and women’s fiction, to name a few genres she has expertise in. Her editing can be seen in books like “Death at First Sight” by Lena Gregory, “A Lady’s Guide to Ruin: A Birch Hall Romance” by Kathleen Kimmel, and “Seams Like Murder” by Betty Hechtman.
Let Julie Mianecki know what you’re looking for in an editor!