Book Editors

New York Book Editors: 8 Experts Who Can Polish Your Book

New York City, the heart of the publishing industry, is brimming with top-tier book editors who have honed their craft amidst the city’s vibrant literary scene. These seasoned professionals, with their keen eyes for detail and storytelling prowess, have played pivotal roles in shaping countless bestsellers and award-winning literary works.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the dynamic world of book editing, and shine a spotlight on some of the finest book editors in New York. Their expertise spans across various genres, from tantalizing thrillers to evocative memoirs. Whether you’re an established author or an emerging talent, the guidance of these editors can transform your manuscript into a polished masterpiece. Stay tuned as we explore the crème de la crème of New York’s editing scene.

1. Lauren Salkeld

Lauren Salkeld is a seasoned food writer and editor specializing in cookbooks and recipes. With 12 years of experience and a Grand Diploma in Pastry Arts, she has worked extensively with chefs and food bloggers, as well as renowned publications such as Bon Appétit, Epicurious, and The New York Times. Lauren offers a range of services including developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. She is celebrated for her work in the non-fiction genre, particularly with cooking, food, wine, and spirits. With her solid background and commitment, Lauren is a sterling choice for those in need of comprehensive book editing services​.

2. Julie Tibbott

Meet Julie Tibbott, an experienced editor based in New York City. With nearly two decades of experience in the publishing industry, Julie’s diverse portfolio includes senior editorial roles at reputable institutions like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Scholastic, and Barefoot Books. She’s also a published author and has worked as an agent with the Jill Corcoran Literary Agency​.

With her deep understanding of the publishing process, Julie provides valuable insights to aspiring authors, helping them hone their manuscripts to be marketable and publication-ready. Julie is well-versed in various genres, such as dystopian, fantasy, historical fiction, middle-grade, mystery and crime, science fiction, short story, thriller and suspense, and young adult fiction. She’s committed to making your work shine and presenting it in the best light possible​.

3. Melissa Frain

Melissa Frain is an accomplished book editor based in New York with over 15 years of experience, including 13 years at Macmillan, editing for Tor Books, the world’s leading publisher of science fiction and fantasy​. She has worked with numerous bestselling and award-winning authors, and her extensive portfolio includes over 100 novels across a range of genres, most notably romance, fantasy, and young adult​. In her freelance career, Melissa has continued to make significant strides, working with top publishers and authors of all experience levels. The books she has edited have become bestsellers, award winners, and critically acclaimed titles​. Described as having an “expert sense of story and character” and being “creative and thorough,” Melissa comes highly recommended by authors who trust and value her invaluable feedback​.

4. Deri Reed

Meet Deri Reed, an experienced editor based in NYC with over 20 years of experience in editing and copyediting cookbooks for both major publishers and indie authors. Deri has worked with esteemed publishers such as Rizzoli, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Hachette Book Group, and her portfolio boasts names like Michael Solomonov’s Zahav and Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Cookbook. Not only does she provide developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting services, but she also specializes in shaping, organizing, and polishing cookbooks without compromising the author’s voice. Whether you’re a publisher or an independent author, Deri is passionate about helping you bring your culinary vision to the printed page​.

5. Julie Blattberg

Julie Blattberg is an accomplished copyeditor and proofreader based in New York, boasting a track record of supporting authors of high-quality fiction and nonfiction since 1993. Known for her comprehensive approach, Blattberg not only rectifies inconsistencies and grammar issues but also offers useful keywords and industry-specific BISAC codes for your project’s positioning. She has held prestigious roles such as the Managing Editor at Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and Disney Publishing, working with award-winning and best-selling authors. In her freelance career, she has been commissioned by top publishers like Random House and Hyperion.

6. Cassidy Sachs

With over seven years of experience in the industry, Cassidy Sachs has established herself as an editor par excellence, specializing in adult commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. Having worked with Big 5 publishers and edited New York Times bestsellers, Cassidy brings a wealth of expertise to the table. She provides a range of services including developmental editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. Her forte extends across genres such as history, politics, memoir, journalism, and romance.

7. Kristin Purdy

Meet Kristin Purdy, a skilled editor based in New York, NY, with nearly a decade of experience in academic publishing, including a rich history working with renowned publishers such as Cambridge University Press, Palgrave Macmillan, and Routledge. With two Oxford University degrees, her expertise lies in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields, and she’s as comfortable with the history of science as she is with mathematics and statistics​. Kristin offers an array of services, including developmental editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review. She enjoys engaging narratives that are well-researched and insightful and has a special fondness for working with first-time authors​.

8. Grace Ross

Grace Ross is a seasoned book editor based in New York with a diverse background in publishing. Since 2011, she has honed her skills across genres, from textbooks to literary fiction, working with both journalists and academics. As a literary agent at Regal Hoffmann & Associates, and a freelance proofreader for St. Martin’s Press, Grace places a strong emphasis on author care. Her services include developmental editing, editorial assessment, proofreading, and query letter review. With a sterling rating and extensive work experience from renowned institutions like Oxford University Press and Denise Shannon Literary Agency, Grace offers unparalleled expertise and a passion for helping authors fulfill their writing goals​.

With the vibrant literary talent New York City has to offer, these top-tier book editors truly stand out for their prowess, dedication, and the remarkable works they’ve helped shape. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding writer, aligning with the right editor can be transformative — here’s to finding your perfect literary partnership among these exceptional New York editors.