Caerwyn Hawksmoor

Caerwyn Hawksmoor – Editor

Developmental editor, specialising in helping first-time novelists shine. An award-nominated writer with 10 years editing experience.

Overview

As a specialist developmental editor, I love working with all things speculative: from fantasy and sci fi, to romantasy, young adult novels, and paranormal romance. I help authors in every stage of their writing career, but I'm especially passionate about helping first-time novelists—helping to transform your story into a polished manuscript ready for publication.


Writing a book is an enormous journey, and I'm here to guide you through every step. Whether you're unsure about your pacing, need help with your worldbuilding, or are looking for insights into the publishing industry, I've got your back. My goal is to help you shape your novel into its best possible self—teaching you everything you need to know along the way.


What can you expect? I provide comprehensive feedback on the "big picture" elements: plot, pacing, point of view, dialogue, and character development. But I go beyond just pointing out what needs work—I offer a range of solutions to any issues I find, building on your unique vision. We'll brainstorm together, and I'll suggest multiple ways to fix tricky spots, always keeping your voice and intentions in mind.


I've spent decades studying storytelling and working within the writing and publishing world. With my experience as an award-nominated author and background as an English and Creative Writing graduate, I know what makes a story tick—and how to make yours stand out. I was also blessed to attend the prestigious Clarion West workshop, where I studied with some of the most celebrated voices in speculative fiction, such as N.K. Jemisin and Elizabeth Bear. I bring all that experience to my editing, along with my deep love for stories that push boundaries, evoke big emotions, and explore profound questions.


I'm here not just as an editor, but as a mentor—someone who will support you as you bring your dream book into reality. Together, we'll tackle the challenges, build on your strengths, and ensure that by the time we're done, you feel confident in both your manuscript and your next steps towards publication.


Let's bring your story into the world, one step at a time.



PRAISE FOR MY EDITING WORK

"Working with Cae has been a pivotal moment in my author career. I will be referring back to this information for years to come, and it has absolutely changed me as a writer!"

- Bree M


"I can’t recommend Cae highly enough. While I will come out of this collaboration with a far stronger story than I would have, the most lasting thing I will take away is the educational value, which I can carry with me into my next project. I will definitely be requesting more developmental edits from Cae in the future."

- Charlotte W


"Are you looking for an editor that will go above and beyond to guide you on your journey to making your story the best it can be, with a great sense of humour, exceptional skill, and outstanding commitment? You've found them."

- Josh E

Services
Fiction
Dystopian Epic Fantasy Paranormal Romance Post-Apocalyptic Romantic Fantasy Space Opera Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Eugie Foster Memorial Award for Short Fiction, Nominee, 2019
Certifications
  • Clarion West Writers Workshop, 2016

Work experience

Choice of Games

Jan, 2023 — Present

I am currently working on a text-based high fantasy game, provisionally due for release in 2025.

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present

Since starting as a developmental editor, I have worked with a wide range of clients—from established self-published authors with wildly successful crowdfunding campaigns, to first-time novelists whose creations are now out in the world.

Story Engine, Deck of Worlds

Mar, 2021 — May, 2021 (3 months)

I contributed a number of worldbuilding cards to the Story Engine add-on, Deck of Worlds.

Seven Seas Entertainment

Dec, 2017 — Present

I rewrite, edit, and proofread manga and light novels for Seven Seas, and have worked on dozens of popular titles, including Reincarnated as a Sword, and the High-Rise Invasion.

SteamPunk Magazine

Dec, 2008 — Jul, 2013 (over 4 years)

I spent five years as the lead editor at SteamPunk magazine, acquiring fiction and non-fiction pieces and arranging edits with the writers.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Insignitis: Destiny

Anderson, Leighann

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Futureproof

Albrecht, Stephen

Hybrid Global Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Umbra Moon: Divine Right Chronicles Book 1

Vaughan, Ash

Dark Horse Printing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Caerwyn has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bree M.

Bree M.

Jun, 2023

Pinned
Working with Cae has been a pivitol moment in my author career. They provided me with an extensive editorial letter that outlined my strengths and weaknesses and gave me invaluable insight into areas I could improve as a writer without being critical or demeaning. I will be referring back to this information for years to come, and it has absolutely changed me as a writer! Additionally, their d...
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Caerwyn H.
Ah, Bree, thanks so much for you're beautiful words. I will remember them for a long time. This is why I love my job! It was an absolute and genuine pleasure to work with you, and I cannot wait to...
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Charlotte W.

Charlotte W.

Jan, 2023

Pinned
I can’t recommend Cae highly enough. I personally came to Cae after being stuck in a rut for many years. I had been writing in fits and starts and working with critique groups while reading books on self-editing and craft. Working with Cae is a whole different kind of experience. Reading Cae’s feedback and framing my growth as a writer around a particular story solidified the concepts I had rea...
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Caerwyn H.
Thanks so much, Charlotte. It was an utter delight to work on your story. I can't wait to see it published!
Josh E.

Josh E.

Apr, 2022

Pinned
Are you looking for an editor that will go above and beyond to guide you on your journey to making your story the best it can be, with a great sense of humour, exceptional skill, and outstanding commitment? You've found them. Cae showed a consistent, very high degree of professionalism throughout this project and I am extremely glad I made the decision to engage them as a developmental editor...
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Caerwyn H.
Ah, Josh, thanks so much for your kind words. Working with you has been an absolute delight from the very start. I can't wait to see your book flourish out in the wild!
Rachelle H.

Rachelle H.

Nov, 2024

Cae's feedback was thorough and clearly rooted in experience and great skills in identifying where aspects of my story were working well and where they could be improved. It can be hard to have your work critiqued, especially when you realise you still have a fair bit of work to do to get it where it needs to be, but that's what makes Cae such a great developmental editor, you completely unders...
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Caerwyn H.
Thanks so much, Rachelle! It was such a joy working with you on your wonderful book, and I can't wait to hear what the future has in store for you!
Hesper V.

Hesper V.

Nov, 2024

Cae was absolutely fantastic throughout the project. They perfectly exemplify the editorial ideal of a trustworthy safe harbor for your work: a shipwright qualified to dry-dock it, someone who can lift it from the water for the most difficult and rigorous inspections without damage. Not only is Cae's actual craft expertise exactly suited for one with so many brilliant credits and qualificatio...
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Caerwyn H.
Hesper, thank you so much! I don't often get a review that makes me well up, but yours definitely did. Thanks for seeing me, and everything I aspire to do as an editor. It's made my whole weekend.

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