Book Editors

8 Expert Literary Fiction Editors Who Can Elevate Your Story

Literary fiction is more than just a genre; it’s an exploration of the human condition, a mirror reflecting our deepest emotions, desires, and complexities. Behind these profound narratives, there’s an artisan, an editor, who meticulously shapes each sentence, ensuring that the prose resonates with readers and leaves an indelible mark on their souls. 

These champions of the written word possess a unique blend of intuition, expertise, and passion, transforming manuscripts into timeless masterpieces. As we delve into this ode to excellence, we present to you some amazing literary fiction editors, the unsung heroes who breathe life into the pages we cherish.

1. Britt Collins

Britt Collins is a London-based bestselling author, seasoned journalist, and editor with an unwavering passion for storytelling. With over 25 years of experience, she has contributed to renowned publications such as the Guardian, the Observer, Sunday Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Condé Nast Traveller. Britt’s international bestseller, “Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man and their Journey Across America,” was published in 12 countries and lauded by Bustle as one of the best non-fiction reads. Beyond her writing, Britt has a keen eye for editing, ensuring the author’s voice shines while maintaining the story’s integrity. Her expertise ranges from crafting compelling narratives to understanding what publishers seek, making her an invaluable asset for any literary fiction project.

2. Elinor Cooper

Elinor Cooper, based in Göteborg, Sweden, is a passionate and meticulous editor with a career as a literary agent in London. Boasting nearly two decades of experience, Elinor has a particular expertise in children’s books, spanning from picture books to YA novels, as well as literary fiction and narrative non-fiction. Her transition from a literary agent to a freelance editor has allowed her to offer a unique insider’s perspective on the publishing industry. Elinor’s extensive experience includes making book deals with major UK publishers and assessing manuscripts for their publication potential. Her dedication to crafting and refining narratives ensures that authors receive top-tier guidance to bring their stories to life.

3. Paula Marais

Paula Marais, hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, is a detail-oriented editor and proofreader with a profound understanding of both sides of the publishing spectrum, thanks to her dual roles as an author and editor. Her vast reading habits, encompassing over 100 books annually, have honed her sense of genre, plot, and characterization. Paula’s extensive non-fiction editing repertoire includes academic books, theses, cookbooks, and business books, and she has a special interest in psychology, cookery, travel, and business. As a person, Paula is detail-driven, respectful of authors’ intentions, and has a penchant for mentoring emerging writers. Her global perspective is enriched by her travels to over 80 countries.

4. Jeannine Thibodeau

Jeannine Thibodeau, based in Boston, MA, boasts a remarkable 20-year journey as an editor, having honed her skills across a spectrum of works, from academia to fiction. Her expertise encompasses line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Jeannine’s background in academia editing spans from 3rd grade to college texts, covering subjects like English grammar, literature, and history. In recent years, she has expanded her repertoire to fiction, embracing genres such as romance, erotica, mystery, and thrillers. Known for her impeccable work ethic, Jeannine is celebrated for her proactive communication, timely deliveries, and her commitment to elevating manuscripts to their utmost potential.

5. Lauren Hughes

Lauren Hughes, stationed in Atlanta, Georgia, is an editor with a distinctive blend of Big 5 and international experience. Since 2014, after enriching her skills in both New York and London, Lauren has dedicated herself to collaborating with writers aiming for the zenith of traditional publishing. Her editorial prowess is evident in the success stories of writers she’s partnered with, many of whom have secured representation from major agencies and published with the Big 5. Lauren’s approach is deeply empathetic; she understands the intricacies of crafting the perfect sentence and is committed to helping writers refine their unique voices. With a penchant for literary fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, and narratives with bold female protagonists, Lauren’s expertise is a beacon for writers seeking to illuminate their work.

6. Sade Omeje

Sade Omeje, stationed in London, is a seasoned editor with a fervor for storytelling and fostering close collaborations. Her illustrious journey includes a tenure at Harper Collins, one of the world’s leading publishing houses, where she worked alongside senior editors across two imprints. During this period, she collaborated with award-winning authors such as Hilary Mantel, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Joyce Carol Oates. Sade’s comprehensive understanding of the publishing realm is evident in her mentoring role at the Harper Collins Author Academy, where she nurtured budding writers. With a penchant for literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and a special interest in underrepresented voices, Sade’s expertise is a beacon for authors seeking to elevate their narratives.

7. Agnes Cserhati

Agnes Cserhati, based in Toronto, Canada, is a former publisher and seasoned editor with a deep affinity for Poetry, Literary Fiction, and Creative Non-Fiction. With a rich history of working alongside award-winning writers such as Matthew Francis and Erin Soros, Agnes is renowned for her meticulous approach to editing. She is passionate about assisting both emerging and established writers, guiding them to push their creative boundaries. Agnes believes in the transformative power of intelligent, soul-stirring writing and is dedicated to helping authors refine their voice and vision. Her editorial philosophy revolves around nurturing a writer’s work, ensuring that each piece resonates deeply with its intended audience.

8. Sharon Umbaugh

Sharon Umbaugh, based in Hawaii, is a contemporary and literary fiction editor with an impressive background, having previously worked with Big Five publishers, including notable imprints like Penguin Random House, Plume, and Dutton. With over 15 years in the industry, Sharon brings a unique blend of editorial expertise and market insight, ensuring that authors not only refine their work but also position it effectively in the market. Her extensive experience encompasses working with award-winning authors and guiding new writers through the editing process. Sharon’s approach is collaborative, offering authors honest and insightful feedback, all while maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere. Her deep understanding of literary fiction and contemporary women’s fiction makes her a sought-after editor for authors aiming for excellence.

It’s often literary fiction editors who elevate prose into art, ensuring each story not only entertains but also enlightens. As we wrap up our tribute, let’s celebrate these curators of culture and emotion, who craft the novels that linger in our hearts long after the final page is turned.