Best Book Editors: How to Find and Hire a Top Editor for Your Book
The best book editors go beyond correcting grammar and spelling—they enhance your manuscript’s clarity, structure, and emotional impact. Whether you’re looking for a developmental editor to strengthen your story, a copy editor to polish your prose, or a proofreader for a final check, an experienced editor will help you take your manuscript to the next level.
This information about top book editors is part of our free guide on How to Hire a Writing Editor for a Book. You can find local book editors on our Book Editors Near Me page. This book editing website was created by a former literary agent who’s now helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional book publishers as an author coach and consultant.
In this guide you’ll discover:
The Best Book Editors in the World
Book editors are often the unsung heroes of the literary world. Behind every bestselling novel, award-winning nonfiction book, or unforgettable memoir lies the guiding hand of an editor. From polishing prose to shaping the very structure of a manuscript, editors play a pivotal role in elevating a writer’s vision. In this article, we explore the best book editors in the world—both legendary figures and contemporary professionals—who have made a significant impact on the publishing industry.
Famous Book Editors Who’ve Shaped Literary History
Some editors are so influential that their names have become synonymous with the masterpieces they helped bring to life.
- Maxwell Perkins: Known as the “editor of genius,” Perkins nurtured the careers of F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby), Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises), and Thomas Wolfe (Look Homeward, Angel). His editorial vision was transformative.
- Robert Gottlieb: A legend at Simon & Schuster, Knopf, and The New Yorker, Gottlieb worked on classics like Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 and brought Toni Morrison’s voice to prominence.
- Gordon Lish: Dubbed “Captain Fiction,” Lish was instrumental in shaping the minimalistic style of Raymond Carver, turning good stories into iconic ones.
- Diana Athill: This British editor championed authors like Margaret Atwood and Jean Rhys, combining a keen literary eye with an empathetic approach to editing.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Beyond her public persona, Onassis had a keen editorial sensibility, shepherding significant projects at Doubleday.
Top Book Editors – Search by Genre
Contemporary Book Editors Making an Impact
Today’s publishing world boasts exceptional editors who continue to influence literary culture.
- Editors at major publishing houses like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster are behind some of the most popular modern titles, from debut novels to blockbuster nonfiction.
- Niche specialists: Editors like Becky LeJeune (specializing in crime fiction) or Jennifer Jackson (known for speculative fiction) are trusted names within their respective genres.
- Independent editors and freelancers often bring fresh perspectives, working closely with authors to craft standout self-published and indie works.
Best Book Editors and Companies
Here’s a curated list of top editors who have earned stellar reputations in the industry:
- BookBaby: This all-in-one self-publishing company includes editing services alongside formatting, marketing, and distribution.
- The Book Butchers: Focused on genre-specific editing, this service is ideal for authors seeking specialized expertise.
- BluePen: Known for their expertise in genre fiction, particularly fantasy and science fiction.
- Book Editing Associates: This collective of experienced editors covers everything from developmental editing to proofreading.
- Editage: Offers developmental, copyediting, and proofreading services, catering to authors worldwide.
- Elite Authors: Provides a full range of editing services, including manuscript critiques, developmental editing, and formatting.
- FirstEditing: Specializing in academic, nonfiction, and creative manuscripts.
- Kirkus Editorial: Famous for their editorial services, Kirkus provides detailed critiques and final manuscript polishing.
- NY Book Editors: This team is known for helping authors achieve publication with major houses through expert developmental and line editing.
- ProofreadingServices.com: Offers expert-level editing tailored to both creative and technical manuscripts.
- Reedsy: Connects authors with top-tier freelance editors specializing in every genre and editing type.
- Scribendi: Known for its quick turnaround, Scribendi provides editing services for fiction, non-fiction, and academic works.
- Susan Malone: A highly respected editor specializing in fiction and memoir, with decades of experience in the industry.
- Wordvice: Offers editing tailored to both traditional publishing and self-publishing needs.
- The Writer’s Ally: Known for helping authors polish their prose to meet publishing standards.
Regional Highlights
Editing talent spans the globe, with standout professionals in every region:
- North America: Known for its bustling publishing hubs in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
- Europe: Home to literary giants in London and Paris, with editors specializing in translation and historical fiction.
- Asia: Rising demand for bilingual editing services, especially in Japan and South Korea.
- Australia: A thriving community of editors catering to both traditional and indie authors.
Final Thoughts: Top Book Editors
The best book editors are the secret ingredient behind some of the world’s greatest literary successes. Whether you’re working with a legendary editor or a skilled freelancer, their insights and skills can transform your manuscript. Explore your options, invest wisely, and embrace the collaborative magic that great editing brings to the writing process. Explore the top editors listed above to find one who matches your needs, and take your manuscript to the next level.
How to Hire a Book Editor - The Bestselling Author, LLC
This guide about How to Hire a Writing Editor for a Book was created by The Bestselling Author, LLC, a coaching and consulting company established in 2011 that's helped 400+ writers get literary agents and/or traditional book publishers. Mark Malatesta, the founder, is a former: literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts.
Writers Mark has worked with include Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, published by Thomas Nelson and now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker; Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; and Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob's Life, which is being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek. Click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta by authors and publishing industry professionals he's worked with.
