Amanda Manns

Amanda Manns – Editor

Independent press cofounder, experienced editor, insightful reader. Edits literary and genre fiction at all stages of development.

Overview

I am a professional editor and publisher of literary fiction and horror fiction. I have a background in writing with an MFA in fiction and have taught creative writing at the university level. I enjoy working with literary fiction and genre writing with a literary bent, particularly horror and sci-fi; as a writer and reader myself, I also gravitate towards experimental writing, including, lyric essays, autofiction and other forms that mix or otherwise subvert genre, and I would be excited to receive these kinds of projects. Depending on the kind of editorial feedback you request, I will provide a detailed letter offering an overview of the strengths and areas for further improvement in your manuscript, extensive notes on the manuscript itself using Track Changes, and a number of questions designed to further develop the manuscript. I will always thoroughly read your manuscript and make suggestions based on my experience in the industry, and I will always work with your preferred editorial process, should you have one.


The books I have edited have been finalists for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year award, earned Booklist starred reviews, and have been carried in bookstores and book boxes internationally. As an independent press owner, I am familiar not only with all aspects of the editorial process but every aspect of book production, distribution, and sales. I bring this full range of experience to the editorial process.


If you’d like to work with me, please reach out! Helping authors achieve their writing and publishing goals is my goal too, and I’ll work with you to make your book the best version of itself and your intentions.


"Amanda’s intelligence and intuition as an editor extends far beyond the text! While working with her on Edendale, my first novel, she was able to understand and articulate my vision for the book better than I could myself and suggest edits—macro and micro—to realize it. She’s prompt, professional, tenacious, and all-around wonderful to work with."
—Jacquelyn Stolos, author of Edendale

Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Horror LGBTQ Fiction Literary Fiction Poetry Psychological Thriller Science Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Master of Fine Arts, Fiction
  • Columbia Publishing Course, Oxford

Work experience

Independent Press

Feb, 2019 — Present

I cofounded this independent press out of love for the niche genre of feminist horror. As a publisher and business owner, I work closely with authors throughout the editorial, production, and marketing processes, while also managing the business side of things. My favorite part of being a publisher (besides honing strategy and managing financials so that an author’s book can work in the world) is the editorial relationships that follow from acquiring debut authors. It is a deep pleasure to work with authors to bring out the best in their manuscripts from the early stages of developmental editing to the final stages of line and copyediting.

C&R Press

Jun, 2018 — Feb, 2019 (8 months)

I edited fiction, nonfiction, and poetry titles; I was also responsible for interior layout design and typeset prose and poetry for both print and ebook formats. While at C&R, I gained skills in InDesign, the Chicago Manual of Style, and working with authors.

Virginia Tech

Jan, 2015 — May, 2017 (over 2 years)

I developed writing curriculum and exercises for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and digital writing genres and provided extensive feedback on student work.

Freelance

Feb, 2014 — Jan, 2015 (11 months)

Portfolio

Amanda has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dante N.

Dante N.

Jul, 2022

I hired Amanda to do developmental edits for a manuscript of poetry and I absolutely loved working with her throughout the editing process. I truly felt that she gave the manuscript the time, thought and dedication that it needed solidify my writing and strengthen every single poem in the collection. She brought insights to my pieces that I had never considered before, and I feel like my manus...
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Meghan S.

Meghan S.

Oct, 2021

I absolutely loved working with Amanda. She took the time to really understand my manuscript and provided the most thoughtful edits that were spot-on with my vision for the project. I am grateful for her thorough approach, kind demeanor, and high level of professionalism. I'd recommend Amanda to anyone looking for a highly proficient editor who truly cares!
Cailyn L.

Cailyn L.

Jul, 2021

Amanda was a pleasure to work with. Her work was very professional and exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!

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