Brittany Dowdle

Brittany Dowdle – Editor

Skilled, empathetic editor with over a decade of experience with NY publishers. Finalist for 2022 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (nonfiction).

Overview

**Currently only booking manuscript evaluations for summer 2022**

You’ve taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own. You sense that more is needed, but you’re not sure where to focus. Maybe feedback from beta readers has been inconclusive.


Enter the manuscript evaluation, an affordable way to get professional guidance on your manuscript without investing in a full developmental edit.


A manuscript evaluation is a concise, big-picture analysis that will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and provide suggestions for improvement. It will focus on the top three to four areas for improvement that will help take your text to the next level.


If you’re looking for general feedback on plot, structure, characterization, narrative voice, writing style, narrative flow/pace, and setting, this is a good place to start.


You’ll receive an eight- to ten-page report, but there will be no markup in the actual manuscript. After you review the assessment, I offer thirty minutes of email follow-up free of charge so we can address any questions you have and make sure you’re ready to move forward with revisions.


Now booking manuscript evaluations for summer 2022.

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You’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, but you need an experienced professional to help you get to the finish line.

For over a decade, I've been working with major New York publishers, niche presses, and independent authors on both fiction and nonfiction projects.

My favorite genres are science fiction/speculative fiction, historical fiction, and mystery
(cozy, police procedural, historical), but I also enjoy nonfiction—from quirky pop culture to women’s history to the economics of the Star Trek universe.

As a developmental editor and manuscript evaluator, I balance my enthusiasm for my clients’ projects with the objectivity needed to provide an actionable analysis of story structure, characterization, narrative voice, and more. Finding the nexus where theme, plot, and character coalesce is one of my strengths as an editor.

As a copyeditor, I’m proficient with Chicago style and Merriam-Webster (despite my unrequited love for the OED!). If you're planning to self-publish, it's important to have a copyeditor who understands industry standards and best practices—and who can ensure consistency while maintaining the author’s voice. Whether working with NY publishers or indie authors, I’m known for my solution-oriented queries that make it easy for authors to implement revisions. I believe there’s tangible value in creating a positive editing experience for authors, and I enjoy being part of that process.

If you’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, message me to talk about how we can work together to make it ready for publication.

***
Here's what my clients are saying:

"I am very pleased with Brittany's advice for my novel. She has an excellent understanding of my theme and the story line. Her comments are easy to understand, yet professional and knowledgeable. She provided a progress report while she was working. Her communication with me was regular, purposeful and encouraging. . . . In short, I highly recommend Brittany."
—Doug Saldivar

"Brittany was the best choice I could have made on Reedsy. She is very helpful and professional. You can tell she cares about each project she takes on."
—Tyrell Simon

"Working with Brittany is a pleasure. Every book we place for copyediting receives the same excellent and professional edit with an attention to detail that never fails to impress. Highly recommended."
—Debra Dixon, Publisher, BelleBooks/Bell Bridge Books, Author of GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict

"Brittany may be the best copyeditor I've ever had. She queries where needed, she knows her grammar and checks for consistency and never goes too far. I would crawl on glass to have her copyedit my books."
—Diana Pharaoh Francis, Author

"I'm finally getting thru the details of your edits and they are amazing--you have far exceeded my expectations. I am so impressed by your attention to detail, how thoroughly you look at the big picture and give a global view as well as a line-by-line view . . . I will never work with anyone else."
—Shannon Hammer, Author

"Brittany is a versatile proofreader and copyeditor. She has handled different fiction genres and has always been reliable and efficient."
—Robin E. Cook, Production Editor, Kensington Publishing

***
I’m active in these professional organizations:
• Editorial Freelancers Association: I’m a founding member of the EFA Diversity Initiative and the co-director of the Diversity Initiative Welcome Program.
• Independent Book Publishers Association
• ACES: The Society for Editing
• Professional Editors Network (PEN)
• Bay Area Editors’ Forum

My continuing my professional education includes:
• The Author-Editor Clinic: Developmental Editing
• Editorial Freelancers Association: Developmental Editing Series (Three-course series); Book Mapping for Developmental Editors; Additional Continuing Education (line editing, etc.)
• Trauma-Informed Editing
• Independent Study

As an editor, reader, and writer, I support diverse voices and believe in the power of representation.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Romance Science Fiction Urban Fantasy
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Finalist for 2022 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for my book, Networking for Freelance Editors
Certifications
  • The Author-Editor Clinic Developmental Editing Course
  • Developmental Editing Series (Intro-Advanced)
  • Book Mapping for Developmental Editors
  • Bachelor of Arts in English, UNG, graduated summa cum laude

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2011 — Present

Since 2011, I’ve been providing authors and publishers with professional editing services, including developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. If we work together, your manuscript will receive a balanced, professional edit, and you’ll be treated with respect and consideration. I’ll be candid, courteous, and help you make your work the best it can be.

Girl Friday Productions

Jul, 2014 — Present

St. Martin's Press

Aug, 2012 — Present

BenBella/Smart Pop Books

Feb, 2012 — Present

Belle Books

Dec, 2011 — Present

Kensington Publishing

Dec, 2011 — Present

Peachtree Publishers

Jan, 2006 — Apr, 2006 (3 months)

Portfolio

A heart-pounding novel of unspeakable crimes and unforgivable sins from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Rain.Homicide detective Nicole Foster has finally balanced an unsteady life and is anxious for a second chance. There’s no better p... read more
This FBI agent has come to expect almost anything—just not this…When Agent Mercedes Ramirez finds an abused young boy on her porch, covered in blood and clutching a teddy bear, she has no idea that this is just the beginning. He tells her a chilling tale: an a... read more
From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of An American Princess comes the true story of an unconventional family divided by war and prejudice during WWII.When they fell in love in 1928, Rika and Waldemar could not have been more different. She was a thirty-s... read more
An emotional, revealing memoir of one family’s life in seclusion—and the love, strength, and faith it took to save it.Seahawks star running back Curt Warner and his wife, Ana, were prominent figures in Seattle in the early 1990s. When they dropped from the pub... read more
A mysterious wooden cross appears on a hilltop, towering over the craggy Baltic Sea coastline. The body of a young man hangs from the cross, nailed by the hands and feet.Detective Johannes “Hannes” Niehaus arrives at the scene, hoping to make quick work of thi... read more
The Murder of Willie Lincoln is an exciting historical fiction debut by award-winning political journalist and Washington insider Burt Solomon.Washington City, 1862: The United States lies in tatters, and there seems no end to the war. Abraham Lincoln, the leg... read more
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a psychological thriller exploring the things we dare to do when no one is looking . . .The community along Oregon’s Deschutes River is one of successful careers and perfect families. For years, up-and-comers... read more
Ten seemingly random people in Los Angeles just found $100,000 sitting on their porches. No one knows where the money came from or why. When seasoned TV news reporter Kate Bradley starts asking questions, this feel-good story becomes a mystery. How far will Ka... read more
"Manu Saadia has managed to show us one more reason, perhaps the most compelling one of all, why we all need the world of Star Trek to one day become the world we live in." — Chris Black, Writer and Co-Executive Producer, Star Trek: Enterprise What would the w... read more
Runner-up, 2016 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book CompetitionHonorable Mention, Genre Fiction, 21st Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book AwardsSelf-e Selection, Library Journal A compelling, fast-moving contemporary thriller: In Albany, New York, the governo... read more
When Anne McCaffrey passed in November 2011, it was not only those closest to her who mourned her death; legions of readers also felt the loss deeply. The pioneering science fiction author behind the Dragonriders of Pern® series crafted intricate stories, enth... read more
The Ridge

John Rector

“A creeping, pitch-black window into a suburban America like nothing you’ve ever read....You know something is deeply wrong with this neighborhood, and yet nothing will prepare you for the mind-melting final pages.” —Blake Crouch, international bestselling aut... read more
"Terrific. Smart, knowing, clever...and completely original. A taut, high-tension page-turner--in a unique and fascinating setting. An absolute winner!" Hank Phillippi Ryan Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author In the deep waters off the coast of Beaufor... read more
Two of Scotland Yard’s most gifted detectives navigate the darkest corners of London to solve a series of murders that will blur every line between right and wrong… Chief Inspector Michael Sinclair, Lord Acton, and rookie detective Kathleen Doyle ruffle more t... read more
She had Mr. Right all sewn up . . . until Mr. Wonderful came along. Ethan is smart, funny, kind, gentle, great with Arianna's toddler son, a fantastic lover, and finally ready to settle down to a teaching job in Manhattan after years of nomadic work as a freel... read more
Spring is just a few weeks away, but winter is still digging its claws into Moosetookalook, Maine. With business at the Scottish Emporium frozen up, Liss MacCrimmon is cautiously optimistic when a twist of fate lands her on a reality competition show—until the... read more
Earnest

Kristin von Kreisler

“Von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals.”--Jacqueline Sheehan From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly insightful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story ... read more
"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling authorSet in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Makin' Miracles is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and f... read more
Shadow Lover

Anne Stuart

Victim. Lover. Both? His dark game is seducing her-- just as it was when they were young.How can he still have that power over her? Eighteen years ago, she saw him die. Wealthy, selfish, and greedy, the McDowell family raised Carolyn McDowell--a foster child--... read more
Stranded

Anne Bishop

On the edge, all things are possible...From Stranded, by Anthony FrancisShe crested a ridge overlooking the wreck--and froze, bewitched.Climbing from the ship were the most beautiful people she'd ever seen.They wore armored spacesuits, patched in a thousand pl... read more
“An amazing first novel.” –Sydney Landon, New York Times bestselling authorIn this sparkling debut novel, Mary Ann Marlowe introduces a hapless scientist who’s swept off her feet by a rock star—but is it love or just a chemical reaction?...Biochemist Eden Sinc... read more
No Ordinary Love

J.J. Murray

Nurse Trina Woods never really expected to make the reality-show cut for Rich Man, Lucky Lady. She's used to losing in love, and past believing in fairy tales. So she's sure the handsome plain-talking man she encounters on her lunch break is just a shy eccentr... read more
Abomination

Gary Whitta

"Whitta is a master of suspense. Abomination grabs you and doesn't let go." —Hugh Howey, New York Times-Bestselling Author of WoolHe is England's greatest knight, the man who saved the life of Alfred the Great and an entire kingdom from a Viking invasion. But ... read more
Out of Sorts

Aurélie Valognes

Ferdinand Brun hasn’t always been a grumpy old man. Many years ago, he was a grumpy young man. Now he’d much rather spend time with his canine companion, Daisy, than any of his nosy neighbors. But as his behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his daughter gro... read more
From European shores to the heart of the African jungle, Captain Riley’s Pingarrón embarks on new action-packed adventures.On their last mission, Captain Riley, his loyal crew, and his girlfriend, Carmen, bravely averted a global disaster. Now, while World War... read more
Stormy Cove

Bernadette Calonego

As a globe-trotting freelance photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lori Finning has seen just about everything. But when she lands an assignment on the barren, snow-swept island of Newfoundland, she finds herself in harsh and unfamiliar territory... read more
A crumbling palazzo in nineteenth-century Venice holds a buried secret.After she nearly ruins her family with a terrible misstep, Elena Spira is sent to Venice to escape disgrace and to atone by caring for the ailing Samuel Farber. But the crumbling and decayi... read more
Cry Love

Eve Gaddy

An undying love. An enduring threat.When Claire Westbrook and Jonas Clark meet, the attraction is instantaneous. And dangerous. Neither plans a workplace romance. Jonas is a top notch neurosurgeon, single with no plans to change. Claire is a trauma surgeon wit... read more
"Heartfelt and emotional." --Rebecca Phillips, author of Faking Perfect"I can't ever be the blazing star that Iris was. I'm still just a cold, dark satellite orbiting a star that went super nova." Andria's twin sister, Iris, had adoring friends, a cool boyfrie... read more
4 ½ Stars TOP PICK --RT Magazine"Best book of the year!" --Faith Hunter, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Jane Yellowrock series Even the most powerful tracers can't track you if the magical trace you leave behind is too old. But I can track almost any... read more
Storm Rose

Corina Bomann

When newly single Annabel Hansen moves to the coastal town of Binz, all she wants is to leave her former life behind. Soon after settling into a beautiful home overlooking the Baltic Sea, she stumbles upon an old fishing boat in a nearby harbor and discovers a... read more

Brittany has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mark P.

Mark P.

Jul, 2022

Brittany's editorial assessment was thoughtful and comprehensive. Brittany demonstrated her understanding of the intent of my story before digging into the suggestions for improvement. The suggestions were very helpful. I would work with Brittany again.
Tyrell S.

Tyrell S.

Feb, 2021

Brittany is the absolute best! Easy, straight forward and cares about the vision of your project.
Tyrell S.

Tyrell S.

Nov, 2020

Brittany was the best choice I could have made on Reedsy. She is very helpful and professional. You can tell she cares about each project she takes on.
Doug S.

Doug S.

Aug, 2020

I am very pleased with Brittany's advice for my novel. She has an excellent understanding of my theme and the story line. Her comments are easy to understand, yet professional and knowledgeable. She provided a progress report while she was working. Her communication with me was regular, purposeful and encouraging. I will be spending the next few months working on revisions and correcting pun...
Read more

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