Kevin Callahan

Kevin Callahan – Editor

Two decades editing fiction and nonfiction projects published by HarperCollins, PRH, Simon & Schuster, Amazon, and self-published titles

Overview

I provide a variety of editorial consultation options, from detailed editorial overviews to in-depth line edits. My menu of services allow you to pick and choose which aspects you need guidance on and include discounts for multiple options packaged together.

DISCOUNT: I happily offer a discounted rate to LGBTQ+ writers and for queer-focused projects. Inquire within!

For FICTION I recommend a four phase partnership covering all bases from Initial Read to Detailed Line Edit. As NONFICTION is heavily dependent on subject matter, I will work with you to create a partnership reflective of the topic of your project.

UPDATE: A recent client sold his thriller to HarperCollins Publishers (US/Canada/UK) and to a major publishing house in France. Television rights have been optioned by Kerry Washington's production company.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment LGBTQ Non-Fiction Music
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor's Degree - Fairfield University

Work experience

Sam Shaw Family Archives

Dec, 2024 — Nov, 2025 (11 months)
Ghostwriter for Dear Marilyn: My Friendship with Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw (Simon & Schuster, 2025) Conducted extensive archival research, translating primary materials into a cohesive first-person manuscript. Advised on positioning, audience, and long-term lifecycle planning in collaboration with publishing partners.

ABRAMS

Jan, 2022 — Jul, 2023 (over 1 year)

Penguin Random House

Nov, 2015 — May, 2017 (over 1 year)

Independent

Mar, 2014 — Present

HarperCollins Publishers

Jan, 2012 — Mar, 2014 (about 2 years)

HarperCollins Publishers

Jun, 2003 — Mar, 2014 (over 10 years)

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Wu Lou

Lu, Xinhua

Pine Bush Publishing, Inc.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
You Can Go Home Now: A Novel

Michael Elias

In this smart, relevant, unputdownable psychological thriller, a woman cop is on the hunt for a killer while battling violent secrets of her own.“My name is Nina Karim. I am a single thirty-on... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Make Believe: A Novel

Cory Wolfe

Cory Wolfe

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Made with Reedsy
Mafia Madame

Alexa Spagnoli

In The Eighties, Las Vegas was an amazing, glitzy, non-stop human circus fueled by booze, gambling, drugs and sex. This amazing scene is the lush backdrop for the story of an eighteen-year old... read more
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Truth Conspiracy

Burdick, Scott

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Song of the Bayou: Volume I

HENDERSON, KEVIN

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
I'll Never Be Long Gone: A Novel

Greene, Thomas Christopher

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
When Victorine Laurent joins the chorus of the grand Paris Opera ballet, she expects to become the mistress of a wealthy man; this is how young women without family survive in the decadent Cit... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review Book Coaching
From hitRECord, the immensely popular open collaborative production company, and its founder, Golden Globe-nominated actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, comes The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1. ... read more
Developmental Editing
For the celebrity obsessed, Ryan Casey’s pop-culture compendium But You Like Really Dated?! is a must-have collection of hilarious four-color cartoons, comics, and razor sharp caricatures that... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
In Here We Are Now: The Lasting Impact of Kurt Cobain, Charles R. Cross, author of the New York Times bestselling Cobain biography Heavier Than Heaven, examines the legacy of the Nirvana front... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
A revised and expanded edition of the bestselling parody that includes thirty-pages of new text, photos, and contemporary subjects—a clever and fresh historical chronicle.The Sun is now friend... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
In Last Night at the Viper Room, acclaimed author and journalist Gavin Edwards vividly recounts the life and tragic death of acclaimed actor River Phoenix—a teen idol on the fast track to Holl... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Kevin has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Barry L.

Barry L.

May, 2024

Kevin was fast, thoughtful, insightful, and above all, honest.
Kevin C.
Great project!
Kailin Z.

Kailin Z.

Nov, 2023

Absolutely fantastic developmental editor! It's clear they really dove into each page and connected with my characters. They weren't afraid to recommend the tough changes that are helping me push my novel to the next level. Couldn't be happier!
Angie C.

Angie C.

Oct, 2023

This was my second time using Kevin. He is extremely professional and straight forward. I will use him again!! Angie D. Comer
James G.

James G.

May, 2023

Kevin has been extremely helpful through this entire process. His expertise is greatly valued.
James G.

James G.

Feb, 2023

Kevin is great to work with. Open, positive feedback from him. A true professional

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