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If you’re written a historical fiction novel and need an editor, this article is for you. Below we’ve featured 19 top historical fiction book editors.
1. Elizabeth Copps
Based in Denver, Colorado, Elizabeth Copps is a professional literary agent and editor who is able to deliver developmental editing and query letter review. A member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and the Association of Authors’ Representatives, Elizabeth is known by clients for her constant encouragement and clear editorial direction.
With an academic background in English literature and communications and over 10 years of experience working as an associate agent at Maria Carvainis Agency, Elizabeth stepped into self-employment in 2020 to establish her own editorial firm, Copps Editorial. She now supports fiction authors of various genres, including historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, and novels for young adults. “The Boatman’s Daughter” by Andy Davidson, “Promises of the Heart” by Nan Rossiter, and “The Infinite” by Nicholas Mainieri are a number of titles that she has edited.
Speak to Elizabeth Copps today.
2. Erin Cusick
Erin Cusick is a freelance editor and proofreader located in Seattle, Washington State. She’s worked with reputable companies like Sasquatch Books, National Geographic Books, and Coffee House Press and provides copy editing and proofreading services. Her professional experience includes editing for YES! Magazine and GoodTherapy.org.
Since 2014, Erin has been freelancing as a copyeditor and proofreader. Certified in editing from UC Berkeley, Erin is able to work on non-fiction literature such as biographies and books on travel or cooking and also fiction like historical fiction, literary fiction, science fiction, and women’s fiction. She has edited “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz, “Stephen Florida” by Gabe Habash, and “Flight Risk” by Joy Castro.
Contact Erin Cusick for more information!
3. Alyssa Matesic
Situated in San Francisco, California is experienced book editor Alyssa Matesic. The NYU graduate is certified in book publishing through her alma mater and has been providing freelance editing services, including developmental editing, editorial assessment, and query letter review, since 2018.
Prior to breaking out on her own as an independent editor, Alyssa has had experience editing with companies like Gibson Square Books, Macmillan, The Book Group, and Penguin Random House. She focuses on editing for fiction books, including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction. Take a look at some of her past editing in titles like “Something in the Water” by Catherine Steadman, “Believe Me” by JP Delaney, and “In her Shadow” by Kristin Miller.
Go to Alyssa Matesic for help on your next book!
4. Elizabeth Lotito
Elizabeth Lotito has over six years of experience working as an independent editor, with services that include developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, her editing career includes seven years of invaluable experience working as a senior associate editor at St. Martin’s Press.
Client’s describe Elizabeth as a thorough and helpful editor and someone who goes the extra mile to make sure they are beyond satisfied. She works on non-fiction like biographies and memoirs but mainly is a fiction editor, specializing in editing for historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance, and contemporary fiction. Her edits include “4 3 2 1” by Paul Auster, “A Quilt for Christmas” by Sandra Dallas, and “13 Minutes” by Sarah Pinborough.
Speak to Elizabeth Lotito for more details!
5. Brent Stypcyznski
Brent Stypcyznski is a trained writing instructor and editor with years of experience in working on both fiction and non-fiction books. Working out of Columbus, Ohio, he holds a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature. He has been self-employed as an editor since 2006, in addition to his teaching duties at Columbus State Community College.
Able to deliver copy editing and proofreading on various kinds of books, Brent is capable of working on material written in Canadian English, British English, and American English. These include non-fiction books on education, social sciences and publishing, and fiction such as historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and short stories. His portfolio includes titles such as “Dante’s Garden: Magic and Mystery in Bomarzo” by Teresa Cutler-Broyles, “Handbook of Research on Efficacy and Implementation of Study Abroad Programs for P-12 Teachers” by Heejung An, and “When Genres Collide” by Thomas J. Morrissey et al.
Rely on Brent Stypcyznski for your next work in progress!
6. Molly Spain
Certified in publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute at the University of Denver, Molly Spain is an editor with experience in copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. She is capable of working on material written in American English and is highly recommended by past clients, who praise her professionalism and degree of commitment to her role as an editor.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Molly has been self-employed as an editor since 2015. She joined TCU Press at around the same time and has been their assistant editor for about six years to date. She edits non-fiction literature such as biographies and writing about art, history, and music, as well as historical fiction and literary fiction. “The Iron Orchard” by Tom Pendleton, “Shots of Knowledge: The Science of Whiskey” by Rob Arnold and Eric Simanek, and “Plum Creek” by W. W. McNeal are examples of her editing.
Speak to Molly Spain today!
7. Nancy Tan
Located in Los Angeles, California, Nancy Tan is an experienced copy editor who’s able to deliver quality results for books written in American English. She edits fiction and non-fiction books alike, including biographies, memoirs, self-help books, historical fiction, science fiction, and contemporary fiction.
Nancy’s career in editing started by working for Oxford University Press and Harper Collins Publishers. Since 2008, she has been freelancing as a copy editor and continues to do work with some of the big names in the industry, including Grave Atlantic, Penguin Random House, and others. Her editing includes books like “Every Day Is Extra” by John Kerry, “Neruda: The Poet’s Calling” by Mark Eisner, and “Meddling Kids” by Edgar Cantero.
Rely on Nancy Tan for your next manuscript!
8. Aja Pollock
Aja Pollock works out of her home in Austin, Texas as a freelance editor. Past clients rave about her ability to understand the final product that they want to deliver, provide a professional, educated critique, and, at the same time, be a sympathetic, encouraging voice. She provides developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading services.
After working at Simon & Schuster for two years, Aja started freelancing in 2004, working on both fictions such as historical fiction, mystery and fantasy, and non-fiction books about art, travel, and history. Books that she has edited include “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John Mandel, and “The Searcher” by Tana French.
Speak to Aja Pollock about your next work in progress!
9. Joe Milazzo
Joe Milazzo is a professional writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas. With two years of experience as the creative director of an editorial agency, Joe now provides developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, editorial assessment, and indexing as part of his professional services.
Writers will benefit from Joe’s experience in multiple forms of marketing and content production. He has over fifteen years of providing direction on large-scale creative initiatives, is self-motivated, and provides excellent editing on books of multiple genres, including art, design, history, historical fiction, literary fiction, and poetry. Take a look at his editing in “Oft-Neglected Wars” by Hyronamus Atchley, “Get Excited M#th#rf#ck#r” by Owen Merth, and “The Division of Cultural Signifiers: Texas (North Central) / California (Southern) by Dr. Emory Johsnon.
Contact Joe Milazzo today!
10. Michelle Morgan
Dallas, Texas is home to Michelle Morgan, a professional editor who offers developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and query letter reviews to books written in American English and British English. She has been working as an independent novel editor for over eight years and is committed to connecting to each and every author that works with her.
Michelle works on mainly fiction books, such as fantasy, historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance, and urban fantasy. She has a strong interest in romance novels but can capably handle editing over genres, and is happy to speak with you about whether an arrangement with her would be the best fit for your book. Her editing can be seen in books like “More than a Threat” by Kennedy L. Mitchell, “R.I.L.Y Forever” by Norah Bennett, and “Roomie Wars” by Kat T. Masen.
Let Michelle Morgan know more about your work in progress now!
11. Annie Bomke
Annie Bomke is a literary agent and freelance editor with experience in working with various genres of writing, such as non-fiction business, self-improvement, historical fiction, literary fiction, and mysteries. Her editorial services extend to developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessments, and query letter reviews.
The San Diego, California local has experience working as an editorial assistant for Zoetrope but now works freelance as a literary agent who helps clients in ensuring that their work is publication-ready by editing it for accuracy and advising writers on how to best market their work. She’s edited “Pale” by Edward A. Farmer, “Murder at Hotel 1911” by Audrey Keown, and “Rental Style: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Apartment or Small Home” by Chelsey Brown.
Reach out to Annie Bomke to start a conversation!
12. April Gardner
San Antonio, Texas is home to April Gardner, a bilingual, certified editor who is capable of developmental editing and copy editing for books written in American English. Certified at UCSD in copyediting, she is an award-winning writer herself, winning the Grace Award for historical fiction in 2011 and the Selah Award for middle-grade fiction in 2012.
April has been a freelance line editor since 2012 and continues to provide stellar services to clients. Genres of books that she focuses on include Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, inspirational literature, historical fiction, and romance. Samples of her editing include “Wedding Gown Girl” by Kathy Bosman, “New Bay Wedding” by Nell Dixon, and “Falsify” by Kerri Nelson.
Start a conversation with April Gardner to learn more!
13. Rose Lerner
Rose Lerner is a self-employed editor based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She delivers developmental editing and editorial assessments to books written in American English, including historical fiction LGBTQ fiction, and romance. She’s worked with esteemed writers like Courtney Milan and Tessa Dare in the past.
Since 2018, Rose has been working independently and continues to operate as a freelance research assistant and editor for writers. A writer of historical romance herself, her clients will be able to get feedback from a peer and someone who understands firsthand the difficulty of getting published. For examples of her past work, check out “Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure” by Courtney Milan, “ The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” by Olivia White, and “Can’t Escape Love” by Alyssa Cole.
Go with Rose Lerner today!
14. Stacey Goitia
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Stacey Goitia is an experienced editor who’s been a freelance editor for over a decade. With an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education, clients will quickly see what sets Stacey apart from other editors. Her ability to identify issues and communicate them in a compassionate manner to writers is encouraging and edifying to everyone she works with.
Stacey’s editorial services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review. She primarily works on fiction books, including historical fiction, romance, magical realism, and fantasy for middle graders. Her edits include titles like “Goodbye, Rebel Blue” by Shelley Coriell, and “Cashing In” by Susan Colebank.
Speak to Stacey Goitia and learn how she can support you.
15. Williamaye Jones
Williamaye Jones is a professional editor located in Houston, Texas. She has been a self-employed editor for almost two decades since starting out in the industry in 2003. With her academic background in creative writing and literature, clients will benefit from her understanding of writing conventions and sense of writing style.
Williamaye Jones has over 1200 books on her editing portfolio, completed for reputable companies including Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins. Her editorial services include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading and indexing for biographies, books on cooking and fiction including historical fiction, literary fiction, and women’s fiction.
Rely on Williamaye Jones for your next manuscript!
16. MJ Johnston
Situated in Chicago Illinois, MJ Johnston has worked as an editor since starting out as an editorial assistant with Sourcebooks in 2016. Today, she is an associate editor of fiction and non-fiction books at Sourcebooks, providing developmental editing, editorial assessment, and query letter reviews. Her connections to others in the industry allow her to provide relevant advice and feedback to writers that she works with.
Her freelance services focus on largely fiction genres such as historical fiction, literary fiction, and women’s fiction. She’s worked with well-known authors including Kim Michele Richardson, a USA Today bestselling author. MJ’s editing can be seen in books like “The Book Women of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson, “Dark Things I Adore” by Katie Lattari, and “Farm to Trouble: An Organic Cozy Mystery” by Amanda Flower.
Let MJ Johnston take care of your next work in progress!
17. Sarah Johansson
Sarah Johansson has been a freelance editor and proofreader for over seven years. She is a skilled copy editor and proofreader, able to work on books written in British English and American English. She works on non-fiction books on cooking, history, political science, and fiction genres including historical fiction, short stories, and books for middle graders.
Sarah has experience working for Bloomsbury Publishing, an invaluable resource that writers working with her will be able to benefit from. Her background included various aspects of the editing and publishing process, including proofreading, handling corrections, and coordinating with various related groups and individuals. Books that Sarah has edited include “The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire” by William Dalrymple, “The Hollow of the Hand” by PJ Harvey, and Seamus Murphy, and “River College Gluten Free” by Naomi Devlin.
Reach out to Sarah Johansson for more information!
18. Laura Dragonette
Based in New York, New York, Laura Dragonette is a professional editor with experience in copy editing and proofreading. She works on non-fiction biographies and historical fiction, humor, literary fiction, and books for young adults. In addition to her undergraduate degree in professional writing, she is certified in copyediting from NYU and is also a successful graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course.
Laura’s professional editing experience includes working at Yale University Press and W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. She currently freelances for St. Martin’s Press as a copy editor and proofreader. Her portfolio includes “The Most Beautiful Women in Florence” by Alyssa Palombo, “Dog Dish of Doom: An Agent to the Paws Mystery” by E.J. Copperman, and “The Exact Nature of Our Wrongs” by Janet Peery.
Allow Laura Dragonette to support you on your next book!
19. Stephanie Lehmann
Stephanie Lehmann holds a graduate degree in English and creative writing from New York University, Located in New York, New York, she is an associate at the Elaine Koster Literary Agency, where she has been working for over fifteen years supporting authors and editing writing, including developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review.
In addition to her long experience as an editor and literary associate, Stephanie has also worked as an instructor of novel writing. Authors are sure to benefit from her experience tone and approach as it comes to the intricacies of writing. “Takeover” by Lisa Black, “Law of Attraction” by Allison Leotta, and “Stalking Susan” by Julie Kramer is a number of titles that demonstrate her level of editing
Start a conversation with Stephanie Lehmann now!