Robert Berg – Editor

You've done the hard work of writing a story, and I'm here to help you polish it until it gleams. I'll work with you to find repeated words and the inevitable typos that infest any manuscript, clean up the grammar, and isolate and eliminate inconsistencies, along with all the other editorial bits that will help clarify and strengthen your voice. Editing isn't about simply conforming to arbitrary rules; it's about helping you tell your story in the clearest and most effective way possible that best suits the needs of your specific novel. That's what I'm here to do.

Hi! I'm Robert and I have over fifteen years experience working as a copy editor and proofreader, as well as a writer, media critic, and book coach (though I still think of it as dramaturgy, the subject I have my MA in). I've done copy editing and proofreading for traditional publishers such as Titan, as well as indie- and self-published authors. Some of the books I've worked on have been nominated for awards, such as A MARKET OF DREAMS AND DESTINY, which was shortlisted for the Mythopoeic Award for Best Novel in 2024. Additionally, my own critical writing appeared in the British-Fantasy-Award-winning and Hugo-nominated collection, SPECULATIVE FICTION 2012.

I'm also part of the editorial team of a small queer press in London that publishes Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Speculative fiction is my specialty and I'm very experienced in editing for sci-fi, urban fantasy, LitRPG, and LGBTQ+ fiction. I am also well-versed in editing non-fiction, including academic work (such as PhD theses) and media studies. For example, I edited BOHO DAYS: THE WIDER WORKS OF JONATHAN LARSON, a book which began its life as a thesis, bridged the gap between biography and critical study, and was one of the major source materials for Lin-Manuel Miranda when directing the film, tick...tick...BOOM!

On a personal level, I live with my husband on a narrowboat by the Thames, I absolutely adore the Muppets and the works of Jim Henson, and I read approximately 100 sci-fi/fantasy books a year for pleasure outside of my work.

Past clients have praised me for having a "razor-sharp eye" for detail. I tend to catch minor errors that others have missed. As an American expat living in London, I'm equally skilled in working with both US and UK English, and I am familiar with the publishing landscape of both countries. I work to the needs of you and your manuscript, whether you'd like me to help you elevate your language to further clarify your story, or just do a simple polish. When you work with me, you're in safe hands. Send me a message and let's chat about what we can do to make your book really shine!