Please note: This article contains affiliate links to Reedsy. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you hire the services of any of the following editors, or another professional on Reedsy, but at no extra cost to you.

The nature of writing is such that we spend a lifetime working on a book.

You feel the stress, anxiety and tension should be over now that it’s done. Though once you are done, you realize now you have to share it. Is it ready? Will anybody like it?

We usually look to our spouses or family members or friends and offer them first look at our work. Novice readers or writers or just supportive members, they try to give you succinct advice or praise which isn’t helpful.

If you’re a writer living in Colorado, you have a lot of resources like conferences or writing workshops and summer camps. They offer excellent guidance for writers of all ages and groups that can make you a better writer. However, you still need constructive, detailed feedback that can help you steer the ship in the right direction. This is where a book editor steps in.

How then do you find the perfect editor?

Below is a list of 17 top book editors in Colorado, United States to help you make better and informed choices.

1. Julia Wallace

Julia Wallace is a professional editor working out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She offers developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading services to writers of Christian fiction, short stories, women’s fiction, and non-fiction books on parenting, religion, and self-improvement.

With certifications in English, folio magazine publishing, editing, and copy editing, Julia has gone above and beyond to prepare herself to deliver the very best editing. Her work experience includes past positions at CBA and Current, Inc. Since 2003, she has been working at Penguin Random House as an executive magazine editor. She has edited countless books, including “Everything Christmas” by David Bordon and Tom Winters, “Dating During the Apocalypse” by Cru Press, and “post cards from Corinth” by Rick James and Betty Churchill.

Speak to Julia Wallace today!

2. Renee Jardine

Denver, Colorado is home to Renee Jardine, an editor that specializes in developmental editing and editorial assessments. She is passionate about building a close relationship with the writers that she works with, in order to accurately present the message that they are attempting to get across to their readers.

Renee focuses on editing non-fiction material, including biographies, self-help books, and books on cooking, health, parenting, psychology, and sports. Her experience comes from nearly two decades of working with VeloPress as their acquisitions editor and publisher. “Believe Training Journal” by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas, “Running Rewired: Reinvent Your Run for Stability, Strength and Speed” by Jay Dicharry, and “The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion” by Simon Marshall Ph.D. and Lesley Paterson are a number of titles that she has worked on.

Contact Renee Jardine today!

3. Brooke Maddaford

Brooke Maddaford has been working as a self-employed editor since 2016. Based in Denver, Colorado, her editorial services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. Committed to understanding the authors that work with her, she even offers free sample edits to ensure that they feel comfortable with her approach and style of editing.

The genres that Brooke usually edits are non-fiction and include books about history, entertainment, humanities, philosophy, and music, among others. Now a freelance editor, she has extensive experience working with reputable publishing houses, including the Chicago Review Press and the Perseus Books Group. “Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men” by Leonard Sax, “Society and the Environment: Pragmatic Solutions to Ecological Issues” by Michael Carolan, and “The Social Dynamics of Family Violence” by Angela Hattery and Earl Smith, are a number of books that she has worked on.

Go to Brooke Maddaford and learn how she can help you!

4. Glenn McMahan

Local to Colorado Springs, Colorado is Glenn McMahan, alumni of the University of Denver Publishing Institute and an experienced book editor. A graduate of the University of Denver Publishing Institute, he has been working as a freelance editor since 1995, after years working as an award-winning journalist.

From developmental editing and copy editing to editorial assessment and proofreading, non-fiction writers will be able to rely on the professional editing skills of Glenn. He’s capable of taking on jobs related to books on business, economics, parenting, and religion. “America’s Youngest Hostages: The true cost of foster care and who’s paying for it” by Ian Keldoulis, “Innovation Matters: Competition Policy for the High-Technology Economy” by Richard J. Gilbert, and “Surviving Babies and Toddlers” by Joel Houston are a number of the books that he’s worked on in the past.

Speak to Glenn McMahan today.

5. April Kelly

April Kelly has been editing for over 15 years, with a particular interest in non-fiction biographies and fiction books on fantasy, romance, and short stories. Working out of her office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she is fully committed to working with her clients to create the best version of their book.

April has been a self-employed editor since 2007. In addition to that, she’s worked with companies such as Scribe Media and Best Version Media, experience that adds to her ability to deliver a well-rounded, nuanced edit that will help you along your writing journey. April’s edits include books like “Refined by Failure: Breaking Rules and Getting Burned: Breaking Rules and Getting Burned” by C Lloyd Brown, “Sasha’s Redemption” by Grayson Avery, and “When Sinners Like Me Come Home: Searching for Life After War” by Steele J. Kelly.

Look to April Kelly for professional support on your next manuscript.

6. Sandy Fuller

Hailing from Vail, Colorado is Sandy Fuller, a literary agent and editor with over thirty-four years of professional experience. Certified with a publishing degree from Yale and Radcliffe Publishing, where she was able to study under Maurice Sendak, Sandy is a specialist in the genre of children’s books, with a particular focus on picture books.

Whether it is developmental editing or copy editing, Sandy is prepared and committed to working with authors of children’s picture books and children’s non-fiction. Her professional experience before breaking out on her own includes stints at Weston Woods, Addison Wesley Publishing, and Gordon’s/Ingram. “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver and Christopher Canyon, “Solar the Polar” by Kim Constantinesco and Jessica Linn, and “Tall Tall Tree” by Anthony D. Fredericks and Chad Wallace are a few books that she’s contributed to.

Sandy Fuller will help you get your children’s book where it needs to be!

7. Kendall Davis

Colorado Springs, Colorado is home to Kendall Davis, a writer and editor who has set up her own business, Kendall Ashley Creative. Before creating her own brand in 2012, Kendall spent years editing for Penguin Random House, where she was able to hone her skills. Her services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading.

Kendall’s able to take on editing work on manuscripts written on a wide number of genres, from non-fiction material like biographies and books on religion, entertainment or self-help, and also fiction including fantasy, historical fiction, and science fiction. She edited “30 Days to Joy” by WaterBrook, “Prodigal Daughter: A Family s Brave Journey through Addiction and Recovery” by Rob Koke and Danielle Koke, and “Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared” by Jessica Honegger.

Connect with Kendall Davis for more information.

8. Kiley Kudrna

After getting her start in New York City with Fairchild Books, associated with Bloomsbury Publishing, Kiley Kudrna relocated to Colorado, where she now lives in Broomfield. She currently works as a communications specialist, in addition to focusing her energies on editing for non-fiction books on art, design, and fashion.

Kiley offers developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. With her experience in New York, she is a well-rounded, seasoned editor, with an understanding of how to create outstanding writing in the arts world. She edited “Silent Selling: Best Practices and Effective Strategies in Visual Merchandising by Judy Bell and Kate Ternus, “Brand/Story: Cases and Explorations in Fashion Branding” by Joseph H. Hancock, and “The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing and Marketing” by Davis Burns, et al.

Take a look at what else Kiley Kudrna has done in the past!

9. Stel Pavlou

Larkspur, Colorado is home to Stel Pavlou, an experienced editor with over eight years of experience working as a freelance edit, publisher, and writer. His editing services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review.

Working in both British and American English, Stel edits mainly fiction, including writing for middle graders, plays, short stories, and books on suspense, science fiction, and action. “Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology: Stories of Science Fiction and Fantasy” by Steven Savile and Alethea Kontis and “Doctor Who – Re: Collections – The Best of Big Finish Short Trips” by Simon Guerrier, Jonathon Morris, Paul Magrs, and Joseph Lidster are a few examples of books that he’s worked on.

Speak to Stel Pavlou today.

10. Bess Maher

Bess Maher has been editing for writers out of her location in Denver, Colorado since 2015. The writer/editor has been providing writers with quality editing since 2003 with her first position with Fairchild Fashion Media and has continued to lead an impressive career.

Bess accrued professional experience as an editor at organizations like Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, the Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book, and Orison Books. She works on anthologies, short stories, and also non-fiction books on business and the humanities. Check out her editing in books like “Tag Teaming the Press: How Bill and Hillary Clinton Work Together to Handle the Media” by James E. Mueller, “When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession” by Kathleen Ayl, PsyD, and “Creating Effective Groups: The Art of Small Group Communication” by Randy Fujishin.

Allow Bess Maher to take a look at your work in progress!

11. Katelyn Turner

After graduating with undergraduate degrees in English and journalism, as well as a certificate in publishing, Katelyn Turner entered the world of editing. Now based in Boulder, Colorado, she is currently an assistant editor at Rowman & Littlefield Publishers as well as a freelance editor at Waveland Press, a position that she’s held since 2018.

Katelyn is keen to help writers present their work in a way that is grammatically correct, stylistically attractive, and represents their authentic voice. She focuses on editing non-fiction books including biographies and books on cooking, education, history, and travel. “The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design” by Rebecca Cunningham, “Another Opening, Another Show: A Lively Introduction to the Theater” by Tom Markus, et al, and “Law, Courts, and Justice in America” by Howard Abadinsky are a number of titles she’s completed edited.

Rely on Katelyn Turner for your writing project.

12. Eric Hubler

Eric Hubler is a trained writer and editor with experience working for reputable companies like AP, Centura Health, and The Denver Post. Past clients know the Denver, Colorado-based editor to be consistent, with a knack for understanding the vision of the writer. He works on education and history books written in Australian English, Canadian English, and American English.

After working as a reporter for The Denver Post for over six years, Eric transferred his skills with the written word over to working as a writer and editor. Today, he’s an editor for McREL International, where he’s been working since 2017. He has edited countless titles, including “Tilting Your Teaching: Seven Simple Shifts That Can Substantially Improve Student Learning” by Glen Pearsall and Natasha Harris, “Curiosity Works: A Guidebook for moving your school from improvement to innovation” by Bryan Goodwin et al, and “Instructional Models: How to Choose One and How to Use One” by Elizabeth Ross Hubbell and Bryan Goodwin.

Go to Eric Hubler for your next work in progress!

13. Ashley Wyrick

Local to Windsor, Colorado, Ashley Wyrick is an experienced editor with a love of writing. Since 2014, she’s been working as a freelance editor, taking on her own clients. Past clients have described her as insightful and thoughtful, as well as having a clever sense of humor and being able to accommodate the writer’s vision and sense of style in her editing.

Ashley’s services include developmental editing, copy editing, as well as proofreading in British English and American English. She mainly works on works of fiction from Christian fiction and young adult novels to books on fantasy and horror. She edited “The Soul of Lyskerrys” by Robert Beck, “The Red Labyrinth” by Meredith Tate, and “Welcome Home” by Eric Smith.

Speak to Ashley Wyrick and see how she can support you!

14. Jennie Turcios

Jennie Turcios has been a self-employed editor since 2017, doing both copy editing and proofreading for books on historical fiction and non-fiction on education, history, political science, and sociology. She’s been described by past clients as a detailed worker who is able to work to schedule and still deliver phenomenal quality.

In 2018, while also managing her own editing business in Boulder, Colorado, Jennie worked for Paperwork, where she acquired familiarity editing academic papers in different styles, including AP, APA, Chicago, and MLA. She’s been an integral part of the success of many published works, including “Sixteen Teachers Teaching: Two-Year College Perspectives” by Patrick Sullivan, “Mobility Work in Composition” by Bruce Horner, et al, and “Black or Right: AntiRacist Campus Rhetorics, by Louis M. Maraj.

If you’re writing a book in any of the genres that Jennie Turcios edits, you will want to speak with her!

15. Bethany Davis

Based in Denver, Colorado, Bethany Davis is a professional editor who can help elevate your manuscript. Her services include copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading for non-fiction including biographies, self-improvement books, and books on business, health, new age, sex, and religion.

Bethany started out working with organizations like Rowman & Littlefield and The Author Incubator. Today, she is a freelance editor, and with over five years of experience running her own independent business, clients can be sure that she knows exactly how to get you the success you’re looking for. Look at “Facing Racism: The Guide to Overcoming Unconscious Bias and Hidden Prejudice to Be a Part of the Change” by Andrae Smith, “The New Billable Hour: Bill More Hours, Be More Productive and Still Have Work Life Balance” by Ritu Goswamy, and “Love: The Women’s Guide to Not Fucking Settling” by Carlen Costa for examples of her work.

Let Bethany Davis take care of your next book!

16. Karin Rathert

Karin Rathert is an editor who does developmental editing and copy editing for non-fiction books on political science and current affairs. Located in Longmont, Colorado, Karin has been writing and editing independently for almost twelve years. She is known for her ability to correct grammatical inconsistencies in the text, as well as identify stylistic improvements that help present the narrative.

An individual with a well-rounded background, Karin is not only a talented editor and grammar aficionado. Although her specialty is non-fiction books, she’s also passionate about fiction and screenplays, as well as health and wellness. For a better grasp of the end result of her editing, take a look at “Cross-Cultural Management: Essential Concepts” by David C. Thomas and Mark F. Peterson, “Introducing Comparative Politics: Concepts and Cases in Context” by Stephen Walter Orvis and Carol Ann Drogus and “Congress and Its Members by Roger H. Davidson, et al.

Speak to Karin Rathert today!

17. James Powell

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, James Powell is ready to lend his abilities in editing to you and your work in progress. Whether it is for developmental editing, proofreading, or query letter review, this professional editor is prepared to help you get your book to publication. Authors working on fiction like action, anthologies, comics, horror, and mystery will benefit from James’ editing.

James has been working independently as a writer and editor for over six years, and is best known for his own middle-grade comic “House of Fear”. Additionally, his editing experience comes from almost two decades of working as an editor for Jeppesen/Boeing. “Postcards: True Stories That Never Happened” by Jason Rodriguez, “Once Upon a Time Machine” by Lee Nordling, and “This Rough Old World” by Brandon Barrows are a few titles that demonstrate James Powell’s ability.

Contact James Powell today.

Some More Top Book Editors in Colorado

18. Susan Bruck

Susan Bruck is an experienced editor, proofreader, and indexer, specializing in editing non-fiction material. She has been a freelance editor for over five years, working on books written about art, education, health, law, parenting, and religion, among other topics.

Susan’s wide and eclectic range of interests allows her to connect with writers of various subject matters, and her background as a former lawyer and teacher gives her a familiarity with these advanced areas of study that make editing challenging for other editing professionals. Examples of her work can be found in books like “How Can So Many Be Wrong?: Making the Due Process Case for an Eyewitness Expert” by Margaret A. Hagen and Sou Hee Yang, “Like a Cuttlefish Spurting Out Ink: Studies in the Art of Deceit” by Edward S. Herman and David Peterson, and “Personal Names, Hitler, and the Holocaust: A Socio-Onomastic Study of Genocide and Nazi Germany.

Connect with Susan Bruck and let her know what you’re currently working on!

19. Elizabeth Copps

Elizabeth Copps is a literary agent and freelance editor situated in Denver, Colorado. Her developmental editing services center around a few key genres of writing that she prefers editing, including historical fiction, women’s fiction, literary fiction, and horror.

Her career in editing started in 2010 working at Maria Carvainis Agency, a position that she held for over ten years. Early in 2021, Elizabeth founded Copps Literary Services and is now fully an independent editor who is committed to continuing the quality work that set her apart in her previous position. Her editing includes titles like “Officer Clemmons: A Memoir” by Francois Clemmons, “The Girl They Left Behind: A Novel” by Roxanne Veletzos, and “The Boatman’s Daughter: A Novel” by Andy Davidson.

Speak to Elizabeth Copps today.

In conclusion, a book editor can be the person who nudges you, pokes and pats you at the right time. In an evolving publishing industry where the writer no longer needs a publisher to reach an audience, the role of the editor is also changing. The editor in the traditional publishing era was the one who was in a power position, asking you to edit or change your content to suit the market. Now, the editor’s job is to encourage you and suggest to you the best way to sell your book.

The editor of the present and the future should empower a writer; push the individual without compromising his or her integrity and being honest to readers. We hope you use this comprehensive list of 17 book editors in Colorado to find the perfect match for you.

Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.