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So, you’ve finished your manuscript, have self-edited it and are good to go?
Wait one moment.
Before you send over the fruits of your hard work, which you might have agonized over the past few months, or previous few years to a literary agent, or publisher, make sure you get another pair of eyes to look over your book.
We’re talking about the pair of eyes, which only a book editor has.
Editing your book is so important.
The process of professional editing can find errors in spelling, grammar, and usage of terms, and even more importantly, mistakes in the actual structure and content of your story! And all of this can be topped off with a thorough proofread.
And if you’re an author based in Texas, you might be looking for a book editor who is close to home.
That’s why we’ve created this post. To help you find an editor you can work with.
Continue reading to learn about 15 top book editors in Texas, with a particular emphasis on those editors in Houston and Austin.
1. Sophia Dembling
Former clients have nothing but incredible things to say about Sophia Dembling and the service that she provides. A professional editor based in Dallas, Texas, Sophia worked as a writer with publications such as St. Martin’s Press before transitioning to her current freelance editing business about ten years ago. She’s known for being articulate in her suggestions and respectful of the writer’s artistic decisions and voice.
Sophia provides developmental editing and proofreading. She can edit both non-fiction and fiction material, from biographies and books on health and self-help to contemporary fiction, thrillers, and women’s fiction. “I Am Not A Serial Killer” by Dan Wells, “Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk” by Kathleen Rooney, and “Downward Dog, Upward Fog” by Meryl Davids Landau, are all books that have benefited from editing by Sophia Dembling.
Contact Sophia Dembling today!
2. Britta Jensen
Britta Jensen is an award-winning writer, an experienced editor, and writing teacher with post-graduate credentials. Her various professional experiences make her a great partner to work with and learn from and gives her incredible resources to draw from when giving feedback and ideas for your writing.
For the last three years, Britta has been self-employed as an editor, in addition to editing for Yellowbird Editors. Her services include developmental editing, editorial assessment, and query letter review. Fiction books categorized as coming of age, epic fantasy, women’s fiction, and young adult are specialties. Some titles from her portfolio that show her best work include “Second Chance” by W. Stone Cotter, “Chemical Detective” by Fiona Erskine, and “Paris Mon Amour” by Isabel Costello.
Reach out and start a conversation with Britta Jensen.
3. Salima Alikhan
Salima Alikhan is an editor with an incredible depth of experience and expertise based in Austin, Texas. An author and illustrator since 2006, she has published over twenty books during that time. Salima is also a creative writing and English professor at St. Edward’s University and Austin Community College.
In addition to her own writing and teaching, Salima currently works as an editor at Yellow Bird Editors, a post she’s held for roughly a decade. Whether for developmental editing, proofreading, query letter review, or editorial assessment, authors can trust Salima to find ways to improve their work in progress. She’s provided editing support for action fiction, dystopian novels, and young adult fantasy, to name a few. “Six Angry Girls,” by Adrienne Kisner, “Dangerous Play” by Emma Kress, and “In the Same Boat” are by Holly Green are a few books in her extensive portfolio.
Salima Alikhan will provide you with the objective, professional voice of reason that you’ve been looking for.
4. Jim Edmonds
If you are looking for someone to help edit a technical book that you’re writing, Jim Edmonds is someone who can help. His professional experience includes being a technical editor with Hewlett Packard Enterprise for over 11 years, an associate professor with the Regional University in Texas, as well as a self-employed writer and editor.
Jim provides developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading, working with writers of cultural fiction, women’s fiction, and non-fiction genres like technology and parenting. He’s been a key contributor towards the publication of materials such as “Handbook of Children and Prejudice” by Hiram E. Fitzgerald et al., “International Handbook of Early Childhood Education” by Marilyn Fleer and Bert van Oers and “Messages from God” by John Kaufman.
Let Jim Edmonds know what you are writing about and learn how he can help.
5. Gregory Dobie
With almost thirty of experience as an independent editorial and educational consultant, Gregory Dobie is an experienced editor of non-fiction books. With academic degrees in American studies, history, and bicultural studies, he’s able to engage with authority on books written about education, ELT, history, art, and architecture.
Authors can go to Gregory for proofreading, editorial assessments, copy editing, or developmental editing on their written work. He has worked with reputable organizations such as the Cornell University Press, Chronicle Books, and the Getty Education Institute for the Arts. His portfolio includes books like “Donald Sultan: The Disaster Paintings” by Alison Hearst, et al., “Art & Science: A Curriculum for K-12 Teachers from the J. Paul Getty Museum” by Elizabeth Nicholson, and “American Studio Ceramics: Innovation and Identity, 1940 to 1979” by Martha Drexler Lynn.
Connect with Gregory Dobie to learn more about him and his process.
6. John Ewing
Tyler, Texas, is home to freelance editor and writer John Ewing. A veteran of the publishing industry, John has been working in the business for close to twenty years. He started copy editing at Freedom House, New York Restoration Project, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
John now works at QueensBooks.NYC, which he founded in 2015. He also continues to freelance as both a writer and an editor, doing quality copy editing and proofreading for non-fiction books on art. He’s helped many authors get their books to publication, including “Alex Da Corte: Free Roses” by Susan Cross and Alex Da Corte, “What Ever Happened to New Institutionalism?” by James Voorhies, and “Colin De Land, American Fine Arts” by Dennis Balk.
For any authors in the art genre, go with John Ewing for the editor you have been looking for.
7. Molly Spain
Molly Spain is a professional proofreader and copyeditor who works out of Fort Worth, Texas. After receiving her Certificate of Publishing from the University of Denver, Molly was hired by TCU Press as an editor and continues to work there to this day. Separate from her responsibilities at TCU Press, she is also a freelance editor who does copyediting, editorial assessment, and proofreading for authors and writers of academic papers.
Molly has worked on art, history, music, and philosophy books, as well as biographies, historical fiction, and literary fiction. She comes highly recommended by former clients, who speak to her analytical ability, attention to detail, and approachable personality. “The Iron Orchard” by Tom Pendleton, “The Art of Texas: 250 Years” by “Dr. Ron Tyler, and “Shots of Knowledge: The Science of Whiskey” by Rob Arnold and Eric Simanek are all books that she’s been responsible for editing.
Start a conversation with Molly Spain to tell her about your writing and see how she might be able to help.
8. Kevin C. Neece
Equipped both academically and professionally, Kevin C. Neece is a detail-minded editor with a primary interest in Christian non-fiction and books on theology, philosophy, and culture. Formerly an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University, Kevin holds a certification in video production and degrees in communication, philosophy, and fine arts.
Kevin has worked as a writer, editor, and proofreader throughout his career. A local to Fort Worth, Texas, he currently works at OnFire Books and Capucia Publishing as a freelance content editor and proofreader. He’s edited for multiple successfully published books, including “Rembrandt Rides a Bike” by P.J. Peterson, “Proverbs Leader Guide: Pathways to Wisdom” by Dominick Samuel Hernandez, and “Courageous Christian Leadership” by Fitzgerald Reed.
Kevin C. Neece has the expertise and experience to help you develop your book – learn more about him here.
9. Robin LeeAnn
A member of ACES: The Society for Editing, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), Robin LeeAnn is a freelance editor who works with young adult fantasy, dystopian fiction, and books on gaming, time travel, and urban fantasy.
Robin holds an undergraduate degree in creative writing in English and a copyediting certificate from UC San Diego Extension. Her experience as a professional editor includes working as a nonfiction editor with North Texas Review, a publishing intern with the University of North Texas Press and a copyeditor for Unsolicited Press. Her portfolio includes “Traveling Left of Center” by Nancy Christie, “Working Title” by Chuck Harp, and “The Omnipotent Sorcerer” by Roger Aplon.
Look to Robin LeeAnn for editing your next book.
10. Barbara Sissel
As an acclaimed author herself, Barbara Sissel knows something about how to write a book. Located in Marble Falls, Texas, she provides insightful developmental editing for authors based on that experience. She works for Texas Press as an acquisitions and developmental editor and has been a freelancing editor for the last 21 years.
Barbara’s editing is focused on refining the writer’s voice rather than adding or altering it in some way. Past clients attest to her ability to find the storyline and clearly identify what is necessary or absent from a final product that will attract interest from publishers. Barbara works on mainly fiction books, including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and women’s fiction. A number of books that she’s contributed towards include “The Off Season” by Colleen Thompson, “The Moonlight Child” by Karen McQuestion, and “The Dark Hour” by K.J. Young.
Connect with Barbara Sissel and learn about how she can help you and your work in progress.
11. Jessica Lee Anderson
An author and editor with a background in education, Jessica Lee Anderson provides clear insight and valuable tips for books targeting young readers. She provides proofreading, developmental editing, and query letter reviews for children’s non-fiction, as well as fiction for middle grade, young adult, and picture books for children.
Jessica has experienced her share of successes as a writer, having published over 40 fiction and non-fiction books since starting out in 2002. She has also been recognized with multiple awards for her writing, including the Milkweed Prize for Children’s Literature and the Shirley Henn Memorial Award. In 2005, she joined the Institute of Children’s Literature as an editor, at the same time as she started freelancing as an editor, and continues to work there to this day. Books like “The Canadian Inuit Dog: Icon of Canada’s North” by Kim Han, “Solstice” by P.J. Hoover, and “Shortcuts” by Amy Bearce have benefited from Jessica Lee Anderson’s careful editing.
Let Jessica Lee Anderson take a look at your book.
12. Laura Edge
Laura Edge has been working around publishing for over twenty-three years. Starting out as a freelance professional author and editor of children and young adult material, she’s branched out from that to offer her editing services to other genres, including biographies, Christian fiction, and historical fiction.
Laura has written sixteen books, all nationally acclaimed, and the experience that she’s gained from that process is something that writers will benefit from as well. Among books that she’s helped along as an editor include “Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly, “The Sweetest Thing” by Christina Mandelski, and “Army Camels: Texas Ships of the Desert” by Doris Fisher and Julie Buckner.
Start a conversation and tell Laura Edge more about your literary vision.
13. Christine Mandelski
From Houston, Texas, Christine Mandelski is a passionate editor and author. Her editing services, including developmental editing, editorial assessment, and query letter review, are an invaluable resource to authors interested in working with her. In particular, she has the experience and an interest in working on women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, and books for young adults and middle-grade students.
Past collaborators and clients will describe Christine’s method as interactive and thoughtful, not to mention focused and with a deliberate intention to maintain the book’s authenticity. You can take a look at her editing work in books like “Apollo 13: A Successful Failure” by Laura B. Edge, “Librarian on the Roof! A True Story” by M.G. King, and “Chained” by Lynne Kelly.
If you’re a writer who’s excited about finding ways to improve your story and storytelling, then Christine Mandelski is someone that you’ll want to speak to!
14. Miriam King
Great communicators come from all kinds of walks of life, and Miriam King is a great example of this. An experienced registered nurse and teacher, she is a professional author and editor of children’s fiction and non-fiction books and books on health, life sciences, and medicine. She is a certified TESOL (teaching English as a second language) instructor and certified editor in the life sciences (ELS).
From 2010 to 2016, Miriam ran Story Soup Workshops, dedicated to creating workshops for grade school children. She also has experience teaching writing at Lone Star College and serving as Baylor College of Medicine’s senior editor. For additional examples of her editing ability, look at “Sony for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly, “The Sweetest Thing” by Christina Mandelski, and “Fizz & Peppers at the Bottom of the World” by M.G. King.
Rely on Miriam King for your next edit!
15. Lynne Ferguson
For over two decades, Lynne Ferguson has served as University of Texas Press’ senior manuscript editor. She is a professional editor and proofreader with experience checking manuscripts and communicating between writers and publishers. Alongside her position at the university, Lynne has also worked as a self-employed editor and proofreader since 1989.
From books on art, biographies, and entertainment to history, sociology, and travel, Lynne has been delivering quality edits to writers for years. She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and insight about the publication process to every project. “Woman Walk the Line: How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives” by Holly Gleason, “Too Few Women at the Top: The Persistence of Inequality in Japan’ by Kumiko Nemoto, and “Jessica Hopper’s “Night Moves” are a few titles that showcase Lynne’s experienced editing.
Connect with Lynne Ferguson to speak about how you might benefit from having her look over your work.
Some More Top Book Editors in Texas
16. John R
John R is an experienced editor based in Austin, Texas, who largely focuses on non-fiction material. John started out tutoring English at Texas Tech University and has had a number of jobs teaching English in the past, at Miami University and then at Rutgers University.
Since 2009, he has been working as a freelance editor, delivering developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading to writers looking for editorial support on their manuscripts. His specialties include subject matter like biographies, Buddhism, history, music philosophy, political science, and sociology. “Art, Vision, and Nineteenth-Century Realist Drama” by Amy Holzapfel, “How College Works” by Daniel F. Chambliss and Christopher G. Takacs, and “Racial Reckoning” by Renee C. Romano.
John R will help raise your writing to a new level – speak to him today!
17. Williamaye Jones
Williamaye Jones has been behind the successful launch of over 1200 published books. Holding degrees in literature and creative writing, she has been working as an independent editor for over 18 years. Companies that she’s worked with include well-known names like Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Sterling Publishing.
Williamaye’s editorial services range from developmental editing, copy editing, and editorial assessment to proofreading and query letter review. Genres that she has expertise working in include biographies, historical and literary fiction, science fiction, women’s fiction, romance, and books on cooking, health, and crime. Her portfolio includes titles such as “Dirty Dining: An Adventurer’s Cookbook” by Lisa Thomas, “The Blinds: A Novel” by Adam Sternbergh, and “The Good Daughter: A Novel” by Karin Slaughter.
You won’t regret speaking to Williamaye Jones and having her take a look at your book!
18. Susan Hughes
Texas-based editor Susan Hughes has worn many hats over the years. She has over three decades of experience as an educator, has an academic background in English literature, and is a freelance professional editor. Over the ten years of her editing career, Susan has worked on pieces for The Huffington Post, the College and Career Readiness Department of Fort Bend ISD, and Fox News Latino, not to mention countless independent books of various genres.
Susan works with manuscripts across many non-fiction subject matters, from biographies and Christian non-fiction to education, political science, and self-help. In addition, she’s also more than capable of providing edits for books labeled fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction or young adult. “Counteract” by Tracy Lawson, “Collapse” by Richard Stephenson, and “Jungleland” by Alton Bock, are a few of the books that she’s helped go from draft to published book.
Speak to Susan Hughes about what you have in mind and see how she can help you!
19. Sandra Spicher
Award-winning editor Sandra S is based in Austin, Texas. With an MFA in fiction and screenwriting, along with her commendations, including a Michener fellowship and University of Texas Press Publishing Fellowship, Sandra will be an asset for any writer. She has been a professional writer, editor, and indexer since 2008 and continues to receive rave reviews from satisfied clients.
Sandra’s services run the gamut, from developmental editing to copy editing to indexing and proofreading. She’s happy to work on literature classified as biography, women’s fiction or short story, or books on entertainment, history, mystery, or cooking. The list of her past successfully completed edits is extensive and include “All I Ever Wanted: A Rock ’n’ Roll Memoir” by Kathy Valentine, “A Plain Vanilla Murder” by Susan Wittig Albert, and “Beyonce in Formation: Remixing Black Feminism” by Omise’eke Natashi Tinsley.
Go with Sandra Spicher to work with one of the very best in Texas!
Do you need a book publishing house for your manuscript? One of these 21 top book publishing houses in Texas might be able to help.
Hiten Vyas is the Founder and Managing Editor of Writing Tips Oasis.