Andrew Hodges – Editor

I specialize in fantasy, horror, upmarket fiction with speculative elements, and novels with queer protagonists.

My sweet spot is the space between genre and literary fiction. I'm drawn to character-driven novels, weird fiction, stories where the setting comes alive, and fiction that engages with contemporary social, political, or ecological tensions. I particularly enjoy helping authors navigate difficult transitions: second books, novels in a new genre, etc. My approach is generally not the best fit for complete beginners or discovery drafts.

I've worked as a freelance editor or consultant for HarperCollins (Harper Fire imprint), Penguin Random House (Viking, Philomel, and Putnam imprints), Pan Macmillan, and for other traditional publishing imprints. Authors I’ve worked with include Hugo finalists (Kaliane Bradley) and New York Times bestselling authors, such as Alwyn Hamilton and Petra Lord.

Alongside working with authors, I teach the course Editing Fantasy Fiction for the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

I hold an MA from the University of Cambridge in History and Philosophy of Science (very useful for worldbuilding!), a PhD from the University of Manchester, and a certificate in Developmental Editing from the University of Chicago Graham School.

As a former cultural anthropologist, queer editor, and author myself, I am sensitive to publishing traditions beyond Anglo-American publishing. I love building relationships with authors across languages and cultures.

Please note: I do not provide guidance for first drafts. Manuscripts should be complete and revised before inquiry.

TESTIMONIALS

"The biggest value I received from Andy was in the way he helped me to deepen my entire story. He showed me where beats or characterizations I took for granted had gaps to a reader, or raised questions I hadn't considered."

—Robert Winter, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Author

​"Working with Andy made my debut novel better, and the results in distribution and reviews prove it."

—Nathan Wagner, Speculative Western Author