Hire the Best Developmental Editors in New York

Writing a book is hard. Figuring out why it isn't quite working is even harder. That's where I come in. I specialize in developmental editing, ghostwriting, manuscript evaluations, and collaborative rewrites for fiction and narrative nonfiction. Whether you've finished a first draft, have an AI-generated manuscript that needs a human touch, or simply know something about your story isn't landing the way you hoped, I'll help you identify what's working, what's not, and how to fix it. My goal is never to rewrite your book into my voice. It's to strengthen your story while preserving what makes it yours. I've worked on projects ranging from 20,000-word novellas to 150,000-word fantasy novels, as well as romance, thrillers, historical fiction, self-help, and narrative nonfiction. Some clients hire me for a straightforward beta read. Others need a developmental partner to restructure scenes, deepen character arcs, tighten pacing, or completely rewrite sections of a manuscript. Every project is different, and I adapt my approach to meet the needs of both the author and the story. I can help with: • Developmental editing • Ghostwriting and collaborative writing • Manuscript evaluations • Full and partial manuscript rewrites • Beta reading with detailed editorial reports • Story structure and pacing • Character development and dialogue • AI-generated manuscript refinement • Line editing, copy editing, and proofreading When I edit, I'm looking beyond grammar. I'm looking at reader engagement. Are the character motivations believable? Is the pacing keeping readers turning pages? Does the dialogue sound natural? Are emotional moments earning their impact? Those are the questions I ask on every manuscript. When I ghostwrite, I'm chasing the moments readers remember. The line that makes someone stop and think, Oh my God, did he really just say that? The conversation that feels so real it could have happened yesterday. The scene that keeps someone reading long after they meant to put the book down. Whether I'm working from a detailed outline or building a story alongside a client, my goal is always the same: write something that feels authentic, emotionally satisfying, and impossible to skim past. You'll receive honest, constructive feedback, clear communication throughout the project, and an editor who genuinely wants your book to succeed. Whether you need a second opinion or someone to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild a manuscript from the inside out, I'd love to hear about your project.

Words open worlds real and imagined. Whether it is creating characters, painting scenarios, provoking thought, making information come to life, or compelling the reader to emotions and actions words are beautiful and powerful. I help people find their voices and express themselves through the words they might have trouble finding or bringing from thought to page. Already have something written? Let me polish up what you've created to bring your writing to its full potential. For a detailed overview of my writing and editing work, please keep reading. If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to interview. Professionally, I've been a wordsmith since 2015. From semi-autobiographical fiction to full-fledged fiction and biographies, from business and marketing, academia to history books, About Us pages and mission statements, SEO-rich content to writing from the heart -- I've put it all to page for myself and others. I've helped many transform the scenes, stories, thoughts, and characters in their minds and transform them into words on a page. My portfolio includes having written and edited numerous published non-fiction books as well as content such as website Homepages, "About Us" and FAQs, and biographies. As a developmental editor, I help authors give depth and life to their work. On the other side of things, I've helped several sites grow working as an SEO-focused copywriter and bringing products to life with creative descriptions. I've also written and edited I'm a versatile writer that can adapt to any tone and style. I have experience writing long and short articles on a wide variety of subjects including those involving research, blogs, short public speaking pieces and wedding speeches, newsletters, press releases, fun/humorous pieces, and I especially love writing fun song parodies. AI is great--but it's not a human and it needs skilled human help. Whether you want AI assisted or 100% human writing, I am that skilled help. I've been honing my skills on a professional and volunteer level for many years. I'm also in an ongoing program one night a week aimed at improving research, writing, and public speaking skills. Extensive vocabulary, strong grammar, and syntax skills. I love the Oxford comma! Highly analytical. Strong skills in the logical development of themes and subject matter. See my Upwork test results for proof of skills.

I’m a published author, professional editor, and publishing company owner with 8+ years of experience helping writers prepare books they’re proud to publish. *I do not use AI to edit* I specialize in line editing, copyediting, and proofreading for fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and long-form content. My goal is simple: strengthen your writing while keeping your voice unmistakably yours. Every manuscript receives careful, honest, and professional attention. Let’s make your book the best version of itself.

I'm proud to have developed a high proficiency as a copy editor, supplemented by my experience at Writers House and HarperCollins, two esteemed companies in the publishing industry. Not only do I have a keen eye for detail and an ability to spot errors from a mile away, but I also provide superb line editing to improve a text's clarity and to add expressiveness without taking away from the author's voice, no matter the text. CMOS and Merriam-Webster are good friends of mine. I specialize in books (YA/Adult Romance, SFF, Action/Thriller, Mystery, Nonfiction), essays, academic writing, and personal statements (statements include developmental editing). I take genuine joy in helping others and making a difference in the work I do. I'm excited to work with you and can't wait to get started!

COPY EDITOR | PROOFREADER | FICTION EDITOR | DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR I'm a writer and grammar nerd who loves the technicalities of English and literary devices. I offer copyediting, proofreading, and developmental edits. I value prompt communication and clear expectations. —SOME DEFINITIONS— • "Proofreading" is correcting technical issues such as grammar, word use, capitalization, punctuation, formatting, citations, and consistency. • "Copyediting" is revising sentences for clarity and flow and, in fiction, literary concerns such as subtext in dialogue, pacing, tone, and light organizational issues (includes proofreading^^). • "Developmental editing" is the deep dive, revising for organization and structure, content, and plot/argument brainstorming and, in fiction, literary concerns such as plotting, characterization, and setting. —FICTION— I am a fiction writer and editor specializing in exploiting the creative aspects of fiction such as conflict/tension, movement, structure, characterization, dialogue, subtext, setting, symbolism, imagery, voice, pacing, point of view, and conventions in specific genres, like world-building. My passion is to make your story come alive without sacrificing your vision or voice. —Fiction Expertise— • flash fiction, short stories, creative nonfiction, novels • clarity and continuity • movement and point of view (POV) • dialogue, subtext, exposition • fantasy, magical realism, literary fiction —Fiction Qualifications— • 18+ years' experience critiquing short stories, creative nonfiction, and novels with focus on literary devices • BA in English literature, creative writing minor at University of Maryland, Baltimore County • Flash Fiction Editor at Barren Magazine • 19+ years' experience writing and submitting my own stories; publications include X-R-A-Y Literary Magazine, Riggwelter, Barren Magazine and sleep stories with Sleep Tales app on Amazon Alexa • previously creative nonfiction editor and junior managing editor at Bartleby literary magazine —NONFICTION— My experience includes resumes, press releases, dissertations, and everything in between. Together, we'll showcase your expertise by ensuring your document communicates your message with clarity and dexterity. We'll also bolster your credibility by ensuring your writing is technically flawless. My goal is not to transform your words into what I would say, but rather to excavate and highlight the heart of your message. —Nonfiction Expertise— • APA, Chicago, MLA, and AP style guides • academic documents • resumes and business letters • United States and United Kingdom English • meticulous eye for detail —Nonfiction Qualifications— • 19+ years of experience copyediting/proofreading over 360 projects • previous professional copy editor and trainer with ProofreadingPal • BA in English literature, creative writing minor, technical English elective focus at UMBC • College Reading and Learning Association Level II tutoring certification • 2 years' experience tutoring academic/creative writing at college level I can't wait to work with you! *** Review from a client without LinkedIn: "Katie has been editing and proofreading my papers for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program for more than a year now. Under Katie's guidance, I have seen great progress and improvement in my work, and I am so happy that I found Katie as an editor. Katie is able to read my long papers at a very fast pace whenever I request. I can proudly say that my professors are much happier with me now—Katie has helped improve my quality of writing. I would highly recommend Katie to anyone looking for a professional and dedicated editor." —Mary N., MSN, CRN, AGNP

I’m a senior book editor, manuscript consultant, and literary agent with extensive experience shaping, manuscripts, non-fiction proposals, and narrative projects for publication. As the founder of The Swyer Agency, I work closely with authors to strengthen structure, clarify ideas, refine language, and bring each project closer to its full potential. My background includes development reading for Netflix, international book scouting, foreign-rights research, editorial work for a nonfiction literary agency, and direct collaboration with authors. I offer thoughtful, strategic editing that preserves your voice while improving clarity, pacing, organization, narrative flow, and market appeal. I can help whether you are developing an early concept, preparing a book proposal, revising a complete manuscript, or seeking an objective editorial assessment. My services include: Developmental editing for nonfiction manuscripts and book proposals Manuscript assessment and editorial letters• Narrative structure, pacing, and flow Proposal review, positioning, and market analysis Copyediting for clarity, consistency, and polish Author-focused revision guidance I’m attentive, collaborative, and direct in my feedback. Regular communication is important to me, and my goal is always to help you create a stronger, more compelling book while maintaining the integrity of your voice.