Amy Spalding

Amy Spalding – Editor

I'm a bestselling author who loves working with other writers to level up their manuscripts (or query letters). Honest but a cheerleader!

Overview

Are you a new writer with a brand new manuscript?

Are you getting ready to query agents but don't think you're quite there yet?

Have you had no luck querying agents and want to take another look at your manuscript?

Do you already have an agent but want more feedback before your book goes out on (gulp) submission?

Do you just work better when someone's working with you?

Here's what I bring to the party:

Eye on character development, growth, consistency, relatability (don't worry, I don't want your heroines to be too likeable either)

Similarly, thoughts on voice in your work and how to make it as strong as possible

Working with you on overall themes and how to bring them out

Heightening and highlighting comedic elements in your book (if that's what you're wanting to do!)

Big focus on real emotional reactions; finding "reality" in heightened narratives

Help in structure/pacing/story -- all that stuff that makes a book a book

I can include sensitivity read(s) on: fat representation and bisexual/queer representation​

Optimistic, encouraging, super reachable, still honest. I am your biggest cheerleader but I'll also call out anything I think could be stronger.

"Amy doesn't just provide feedback in the most encouraging way possible; she gives specific ideas for how to fix what's not working, which makes her observations invaluable. My manuscripts are always stronger after I've gotten Amy's insightful reactions!"

-Developmental Editing Package Client

"As a first-time author, I knew I needed help with my manuscript but wasn't sure where to start. I am so thankful to have found Amy. She was recommended to me by an author I admire and now Amy is an author I admire too. I appreciate that she took the time to talk to me about my book and what help I was looking for and based on that conversation, she recommended a developmental edit. Her suggestions were spot on and delivered in an incredibly timely manner. More importantly, her feedback was thoughtful, thorough, and kind and I always felt like she was on my team."

-Jenn Smith, Developmental Editing Package Client

"I enjoyed working with Amy very much. She really helped me figure out what my book was missing and how best to move forward. She gave me great insights and valuable ideas on how to work through some of the hurdles. She is invaluable and I look forward to working with her again for the rest of my books. Sheesh...I sound so dry. Look, she's fabulous and I would be lost without her! "

-Julia Heart, Developmental Editing Client

Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance LGBTQ Fiction Romantic Comedy Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • HRC Visibility Award
Certifications
  • Masters, Media Studies (The New School)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2013 — Present
I work with clients (and friends and fellow authors) on a freelance basis to provide editorial services, including developmental edits, editorial assessments, and query packages (letters, synopses, first pages) across a variety of genres, but specializing in contemporary young adult and contemporary romance/romcom, particularly LGBTQ+ fiction, but not limited to.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Wedding Date

Guillory, Jasmine

Editorial Assessment
The Art of Wishing

Ribar, Lindsay

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Sister of the Bride

Morrill, Lauren

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Catch the Light

Sweeney, Kate

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Cover Story

Gomez, Valerie

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Amy has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Pamela L.

Pamela L.

Nov, 2025

Amy knew I was a first-time writer and she took time to temper her suggestions as such. She also provided useful links to resources. She was great to work with, and her remarks helped me understand where I needed improvement.
Amy S.
Thank you so much, Pamela! I was so impressed by your work as a first-time writer, and I hope you're inspired to take your work to the next level (and also bake more delicious things).
Jenny L.

Jenny L.

Aug, 2025

I had a wonderful experience working with Amy. Her editorial style is professional, friendly, and incredibly insightful. She helped me stay true to the heart of my story, while offering suggestions and questions to help improve my story and writing. I would absolutely work with her again.
Britt M.

Britt M.

Mar, 2024

Amy is a compassionate, supportive, and talented editor who provides actionable feedback while maintaining your unique voice as an author. I worked with her on my first manuscript. She made the process seamless by sharing her storytelling expertise, discussing my goals (both long and short-term),...
Read more

Professionals similar to Amy

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Billi-Dee Jones

Billi-Dee J.

Collaborative and experienced editor formerly at Hachette UK. Specialising in romance, thriller and crime.

London, UK

95% reply rate

View profile
Sarah Ridding

Sarah R.

Senior Editor with 13+ years' experience. Specialist in Romance, Thrillers, YA, LGBTQ+ and Historical for both new and established authors.

Lincoln, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile
Rosie Walker

Rosie W.

Copy editor, proofreader, and book coach who has worked with Hachette and HarperCollins. Specialises in psych thrillers and women's fiction.

Edinburgh, UK

100% reply rate

View profile