Our Book Editors
Whether you’re seeking help with shaping your story or need a final polish, our experienced editors are here to provide the support you need.
Take your time to browse through our team below, each with a unique set of skills and specialties. You can review their profiles, learn more about their experience, and see which editor best aligns with your project’s needs.
When you’re ready, contact the editor(s) of your choice here.
Penny Arnold
Nonfiction, both academic and commercial: African American Studies, Business, History/Biography/Autobiography, International Studies, Journalism, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Politics/Public Policy/Government, Self-help/How-to, Social Work
Developmental editor, copy/line editor, proofreader
Penny Arnold’s first career was in journalism. After eight years as a reporter and a year as a rewrite specialist, she moved up to assistant city editor, learning line and developmental editing at such papers as the (Baltimore) News American, Dayton Daily News, and San Jose Mercury News. Reporters on her teams at those papers, as well as the Times-Herald Record of Middletown, New York, received Pulitzer nominations. She also worked as a copy editor at Newsday.
She turned to freelance book editing in the 1990s, gaining assignments from both university presses and trade publishers. Through word-of-mouth and personal referrals she also has amassed a loyal group of authors who come back to her for book after book. She has edited more than one hundred book manuscripts.
Amelia Beamer
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Erotica, Romance, Young Adult, Thrillers, Literary Fiction
Developmental Editor, Manuscript Critiques, Work-in-Progress Beta Reading, Query Letters and Book Proposals
Amelia Beamer has a long list of publishing industry credits. Her background includes 15+ years of magazine editing, running an imprint of translated titles for a major Japanese publisher, and being a traditionally published and critically acclaimed novelist.
As an independent book editor, she approaches novel editing as a fan first, with a reverence for the craft, diligence, and integrity that it takes to write a novel. Her feedback is designed to make sure books are as competitive as possible, without changing the author’s voice. She strives to live in that balance between being kind and being thorough in her editing.
Besides her favorite genres listed above, she’s also happy to take on nonfiction and books that don’t easily fit into categories.
Martine Bellen
Commercial Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Young Adult, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, (Education Specialist)
Developmental Editor, Manuscript Critique, Manuscript Editor, Work-in-Progress Reader, Copy/Line Editor
Martine Bellen, a poet—whose ear guides her when line editing—began her editing career over thirty years ago at Conjunctions, a literary journal on whose masthead she remains. She was the co-editor, with Bradford Morrow and Lee Smith, of issue 28, “Tributes,” comprised of personal essays in which authors that include playwright Ntozake Shange; film director and screenwriter John Sayles; poet Robert Creeley; and master of terror and the supernatural Peter Straub pay homage to a writer they hold in high esteem.
From there, Bellen’s book-editing work extended to editorial positions at the houses Henry Holt and Company and Carroll & Graf Publishers; authors whose books she acquired include Denise Mina (now published by Little Brown), Amanda Filipacchi (now published by Norton), and Can Xue, who has been longlisted for the Booker Prize and is a Nobel Prize for Literature favorite.
Theodora Bryant
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, RomanceDevelopmental Editor, Copy/Line Editor, Manuscript Evaluation
Theodora Bryant has thirty years of experience in the editing and publishing businesses, first through her own small press, and then as a freelance developmental editor, experience that has produced an impressive track record of successful novels.
Her work has resulted in several authors who have garnered US and international “Amazon Book of the Year” awards in science fiction and fantasy, “Finalist” and “Winner” awards in romance and mystery, and excellent reviews from critics such as Library Journal.
She believes the author/editor relationship is a valuable part of the job and thinks that lends to the success of the hundreds of authors she’s helped in multiple genres–some who’ve only finished one book, others who are on their fifth–by keeping that relationship front and center.
Karin Cather
Apocalyptic Fiction, Autobiography, Memoir, Police Procedural, Narrative Nonfiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thrillers, True Crime, Martial Arts
Author, Ghostwriter, Developmental Editor, Copy Editor
Karin Cather, with her background as a former prosecutor and a Krav Maga black belt, uniquely blends her skills in editing and ghostwriting. She specializes in detective, dystopian, select fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction. Karin also brings her expertise to forensic psych reports, providing valuable insights into behavioral health issues.
Her focus is on preserving the author’s voice and balancing creative expression with writing conventions, making her an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and insightful editor or ghostwriter.
Stacey Donovan
Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Erotic Romance, Erotica, LGBTQ, Memoir
Author, Ghostwriter, Developmental Editor, Manuscript Critique, Copy Editor, Proofreader, Publishing Consultant
Stacey Donovan is an award-winning book editor, ghostwriter, and author, celebrated for her work across multiple genres. She has edited or ghostwritten dozens of published books, many receiving critical acclaim and prestigious awards, such as New York Times Bestsellers and International Thriller Awards.
Donovan’s approach to editing and ghostwriting is marked by her close engagement with the material and her clients, providing thorough, insightful, and sometimes humorous feedback. She is praised for her ability to understand and enhance unique writing styles, including those that push the boundaries of language and style. Her clients commend her for her professionalism, insightful evaluations, and the transformative impact she has on their work.
Stacey is the author of Dive, a novel noted for its pioneering portrayal of LGBTQ themes in young adult fiction.
John David Kudrick
Action/Adventure, Children’s Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary/Mainstream, Detective/Crime, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense Copy Editor, Proofreader John David Kudrick is a fiction specialist who offers copy editing and proofreading to authors. With almost thirty years of experience as a writer/editor, along with an MA focused on fiction, he’s had the opportunity to work on nearly 300 published fiction and nonfiction titles, serving authors from all over the US and around the globe. Along with editing and proofreading novels, John David continues to read a wide variety of fiction outside of work, allowing him to sharpen and increase his feel for and familiarity with the Land of Story. So when he partners with an author, he focuses on making sure that their story is as clean and coherent as possible and that it’s ready to submit to agents/publishers or indie-publish.
Kendra Langeteig
Memoir, Literary Fiction, Personal Growth, Self-Help, Mind-Body, Science and Spirituality, How-to Guides
Writing Coach, Developmental Editor, Copy Editor, Proofreader, Publishing Consultant
Kendra Langeteig, “The Book Doctor,” holds a PhD in English Literature from Indiana University. With a diverse background in teaching, research, and publishing, Kendra is adept at assisting experienced and first-time authors, including non-native English speakers.
As a specialist in “transformation,” Kendra resonates with powerful, heartfelt messages on behalf of positive societal change. Her clientele often includes life coaches, healing practitioners, and spiritual teachers seeking to share their insights and expertise in a practical book. Personal storytelling is featured in most of the self-help books she works on, and this former literature professor loves partnering with authors of memoirs and novels as well.
Kendra’s commitment to nurturing the potential of every new book and author is reflected in her intuitive holistic approach. Skilled at deep listening, she encourages authors to grow as writers as the journey unfolds. Working with Kendra, authors learn more about the finer craft of book writing and develop the confidence to launch their books into the world.
Kevin Miller
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Screenplays, Historical Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, How-To, Self-Help, Christian Fiction and Nonfiction, Graphic Novels
Developmental Editor, Copy Editor, Proofreader, Typesetter, Cover Designer
Kevin Miller is a thirty-year veteran of the publishing industry who has edited hundreds of books for traditional publishers as well as indie publishers and authors. Throughout his career, Kevin has shepherded dozens of writers toward publication, including those who have gone the traditional route and those who have chosen to self-publish.
Some of Kevin’s clients include actor William B. Davis (X-Files, Upload), Hollywood storyboard artist Doug Brode (Maze Runner, Thor), broadcaster and former NFL football player Spencer Tillman, and Glass Hammer co-founder Steve Babb.
Kevin has extensive experience at every stage of the publishing process, from developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading to typesetting, cover design, and marketing.
His clients appreciate his extensive knowledge of story structure, his attention to detail, his knowledge and experience of the marketplace, and his friendly, honest approach to the writer-editor relationship.