Carly Hayward - Editor
Developmental editor with 10+ years in publishing, specializing in romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. Contact me to start building your team!
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I am a developmental editor specializing in genre-fiction, including but not limited to romance, paranormal, erotica, fantasy, and YA. I will help you find your voice and bring your vision to the reader. I will be your book’s best friend.
I have worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years, including at a major publishing house, a literary agency, a small press, and an indie publishing house that helps indie-authors. I am a co-founding Revise & Resub (#RevPit) editor and a host on Story Chat Radio, a writing advice podcast. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Chicago Women in Publishing.
***
"I met Carly the same day I saw Mad Max Fury Road, so she'll forever be linked in my mind to Furiosa--someone you absolutely want on your side! With Carly's guidance, I turned my pretty okay novel into something so much more, something alive. I always felt she loved my characters as much as I did--she simply got what I was trying to do, and helped me do it. I have no doubt that my book (and hopefully many to come) are vastly improved by her involvement."
-Kim Alexander, International Bestselling Author of The Demon Door Series
"I've been lucky to work with several editors who've improved my books and made me a better writer. I appreciate Carly's style. The feedback is concise and easy to understand. Her willingness to discuss not just this first book but where I'm going in the series is a great help, the kind of support I need as I try something new."
-Cheryl Harper, USA Today Bestselling Author of Can't Help Falling in Love and Least Likely to Fall in Love
"Carly's incisive mind, solid understanding of storytelling, and experience in the traditional publishing industry set her apart from the freelance editing crowd. When I send her my best work I'm confident that her edits will make it even better."
I have worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years, including at a major publishing house, a literary agency, a small press, and an indie publishing house that helps indie-authors. I am a co-founding Revise & Resub (#RevPit) editor and a host on Story Chat Radio, a writing advice podcast. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Chicago Women in Publishing.
***
"I met Carly the same day I saw Mad Max Fury Road, so she'll forever be linked in my mind to Furiosa--someone you absolutely want on your side! With Carly's guidance, I turned my pretty okay novel into something so much more, something alive. I always felt she loved my characters as much as I did--she simply got what I was trying to do, and helped me do it. I have no doubt that my book (and hopefully many to come) are vastly improved by her involvement."
-Kim Alexander, International Bestselling Author of The Demon Door Series
"I've been lucky to work with several editors who've improved my books and made me a better writer. I appreciate Carly's style. The feedback is concise and easy to understand. Her willingness to discuss not just this first book but where I'm going in the series is a great help, the kind of support I need as I try something new."
-Cheryl Harper, USA Today Bestselling Author of Can't Help Falling in Love and Least Likely to Fall in Love
"Carly's incisive mind, solid understanding of storytelling, and experience in the traditional publishing industry set her apart from the freelance editing crowd. When I send her my best work I'm confident that her edits will make it even better."
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Fantasy
LGBTQ (Fiction)
Romance
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Certifications
- EFA (2015-Present)
- B.A. in English (Magna Cum Laude)
- Member of CWIP (2017-Present)
- Revise & Resub Co-founder and Editor (2017-Present)
- ShoreIndie Editor (2017-2018)
- Pitch to Publication Editor (2015 - 2016)
Work experience
Developmental Editor
Self-employed
May, 2014
–
Present
(over 6 years)
I offer editing services for those preparing to publish their book. If you have taken your book as far as you possibly can, I will be your "second pair of eyes."
My services include coaching calls, manuscript evaluations/critiques, and developmental editing.
I love diving into your story to help you find your voice and bring out the best version of your book. Every time we work together your writing will improve, some say it is like taking a personal writing course. Reading has always been my passion, and helping authors bring wonderful books to other readers is my contribution to the literary world.
My preferred genres are Adult Romance (historical, suspense, contemporary, paranormal, erotica), Adult Sci-fi, Adult Fantasy, YA (Sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary), and MG (Sci-fi, fantasy). I do not currently accept Horror or Non-fiction.
Associate Editor
Boroughs Publishing Group
May, 2017
–
January, 2020
(over 2 years)
I edit various romance titles for Boroughs Publishing Group. Including erotica, contemporary, and historical titles.
Assistant
HarperCollins Publishers
October, 2012
–
August, 2014
(almost 2 years)
I supported the editors of the Avon/William Morrow Imprint
Intern
Sterling Lord Literistic
November, 2011
–
May, 2012
(6 months)
Assisted Literary Agents where needed, including but not limited to: reviewing the slush pile, recommending manuscripts to the agents, crafting materials for publishers.
Portfolio (32 selected works)
Least Likely to Fall in Love
Cheryl Harper
Running the place. Like a boss.Lindy Mason is happy to be back at Lincoln High School. As principal, she’s faced with the tough decision on how to handle a bullying case involving Maddie Myers, daughter of the boy who made her high school days a misery. Getting better all the time.Ryan Myers is panicked when he rushes into the principal’s office to rescue his daughter and shocked to see Lindy ... read more
Least Likely to Marry a Millionaire (Likely Characters)
Cheryl Harper
Whether it's the equipment contract for the biggest college football program in the state of Texas or the championship coach who got away, Nina Montrose refuses to be defeated. Being a winner comes with perks, but Coach Jack Ford wants something more than a fat paycheck, fancy parties, and big house. He's moved to small-town Lincoln to do what he loves: teach kids. He's seen firsthand how spor... read more
Who will win his hand in marriage...and his love?Lady Eleanor de la Tour’s life turns upside down on her wedding day. She's ordered to wed the new earl, to whom the king has given her betrothed's title and lands. Though Richard Courtenay is handsome and intriguing, she wants the man she loves and chose. And Richard pursues alchemy, anathema to her because the obsession to turn base metals into... read more
The Heron Prince (The Demon Door Book 2)
Kim Alexander
The Demon Door can be opened...but the price is deadly. Rhuun, the half-human heir to the demon throne of Eriis, has found acceptance among the humans on Mistra. He even found love with the tempting and infuriating human, Lelet va’Everly. With Lelet at his side, his ability to create fire has finally awakened, proving that he is not the cursed cripple all of Eriis believed him to be. There are... read more
International bestselling author, Kim Alexander presents book one of the epic fantasy saga that brings action and adventure to a new level.Two worlds, bound by magic, divided by a door.On the war-ravaged demon world of Eriis, Hellne, the fierce young queen, fights to keep her people alive...On the green and gentle human world of Mistra, the demons have faded into myth. Only a handful of old me... read more
...the huge dark bulk of Gardenhour rose at his back…at once a blessing of family and security, and a curse of loneliness and lies… A dangerous man with a dark and tragic past An innocent girl with dreams of a bright future Can Gwenyth’s love drive away the shadows enveloping Max’s heart, or will she pay with her life for daring to claim him as her own? Readers of The Sand Prince will recogniz... read more
Dark Rooms
Sionna Fox
NO SAFE WORDSWomen beg Wes Oliver to dominate them in darkness. In the light, he’s finally getting his life back on track. College is priority number one—until he finds his new professor is the delicious Sub who ran out on him last weekend, a brilliant and mature beauty nothing like the girls who usually kneel before him. Suddenly, this is no longer just about pleasure. This is about his heart... read more
Pure
kim alexander
‘A unicorn walks into a bar….’ That is not a joke. Look, I’m a bartender, I have nothing to do with the xenos. I don’t care if it’s an elf or a vampire--as long as they don’t bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons--you can see them in the scars on my neck. I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of somethi... read more
Beyond Today
L. Simpson
THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESSWhen Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slaked his sexual needs keep him prisoner, and challenges her faith in people. With time, Hannah sees the real him, but when he does the one... read more
The Unseducible Earl (The Nightingales Book 1)
Sheri Humphreys
WOMEN SHOULD BE...The end of the Crimean War brings Victoria Thorne home to face a society that frowns on women with brains, education and experience, especially one who could be a physician. Though she proves herself a skilled nurse, Victoria finds she is no where near as revered as her namesake. And worse, she is falling for her patient’s betrothed brother, the Earl of Cheriton.CHERISHEDBuck... read more
Dirty Trick (Ballers Book 3)
Mickey Miller
A brand new standalone with an HEA from Amazon Bestselling Romance Author Mickey MillerEvaI've always been the good girl.Until one night in Tijuana.When the most gorgeous man in the bar struck up a conversation with me.He was so damn cocky, I decided to play a trick on him. So I made up a fake name.It was innocent, even if he was sinfully sexy.I never thought four hours later he would be moani... read more
Alannah, Lorcan and The Wolf
James Fallon
Alannah’s world is torn apart after her mother dies in a tragic car accident. Since then, she has struggled to fit in with her classmates at school. Just days before her twelfth birthday, Alannah’s dad brings home a lamb called Lorcan, whose mother was killed by an escaped wolf. Alannah and Lorcan quickly become inseparable, and she soon rediscovers she has a special gift.But the wolf still ha... read more
Trouble and Strife
Johanne Levesque
Sometimes the smallest voices make the deepest impact.Josephine Hadley, a 1930s Canadian housewife, fills her days looking after her children, her indifferent husband and a stream of Depression-era visitors. Her contribution to her guests is a bowl of stew and an open heart.Her small world, however, is soon shattered by a tragic event which forces her to become the breadwinner. Can she run a b... read more
The Glass Girl (The Demon Door Book 3)
kim alexander
"Kim Alexander's The Sand Prince is a thrill ride of fantastical proportion. Can hardly wait for the next wild installment." David Baldacci, New York Times and International Best Selling Author"Kim embraces the writing style of Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost with snarky heroines, exciting plotlines, and of course mythical creatures"--Nerd Girl OfficialLove opens all doors...but betrayal lock... read more
The Seduction of Cameron MacKay (The Nightingales Book 2)
Sheri Humphreys
ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRESCameron MacKay dedicated his life to atoning for an unforgivable mistake by becoming a surgeon beyond compare. During the Crimean War, he meets Nightingale nurse Elissa Lockwood in Turkey, and she makes him believe that redemption, love and happiness are within his grasp. When he returns to the battlefront, Cam learns his dreams were little more than fantasy.CAN MAKE... read more
Elizabeth in the New World
Maggie Mooha
Jane Austen's most famous lovers, Darcy and Elizabeth, return in a tale of romance, adventure, and danger set in the heart of the Caribbean.NO GREATER LOVEDarcy’s sudden, passionate kiss sweeps Elizabeth into a bliss she has never known...but their love is short-lived. On a field of honor, Wickham, once again, engages in an irresponsible act, which leaves Darcy mortally wounded and Elizabeth b... read more
Flip the Beat
Roxanne D. Howard
WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STARMolly Ivers thought she found Prince Charming, but without a devilishly sexy accent, and six months ago she gave into their undeniable attraction. But the swarm of ever-present groupies was so not part of the fairy tale. As much as it hurt her heart, she shut out rocker Evan Castle.Now, on the verge of finishing her graduate degree and moving to Paris—she even hires a ... read more
Faster: A Rock and Roll Romance
Deana Birch
After a quick but memorable fling, Louana Higgins leaves the drummer for The Spades exactly where he belongs: a tour bus. The junior producer knows she's dodged a bullet. Because, despite his melt-your-heart chocolate eyes and rising fame, Jake Riley is not boyfriend material. And those messages he sends in the middle of the night get filed under, "drunk text, best to ignore," without delay.Tw... read more
The Hotter They Come (Romancing the Seas Book 1)
Roxanne D. Howard
HAPPINESS HAS A PRICECaptain Jack Spencer owns and runs a whale watching company, Ahoy, Matey. When his business takes off, a jealous rival wants him and his company gone. Jack has no idea the delectable Piper Goldhirsch is tasked with scuttling everything he's worked for - he's too caught up in their magnetic attraction and her web of lies.Piper Goldhirsch, head reporter for the tabloid TV s... read more
Appetites & Vices (The Truitts Book 1)
Felicia Grossman
He’s her ticket into high society…Banking heiress Ursula Nunes has lived her life on the fringes of Philadelphia’s upper class. Her Jewish heritage means she’s never quite been welcomed by society’s elite…and her quick temper has never helped, either. A faux engagement to the scion of the mid-Atlantic’s most storied family might work to repair her rumpled reputation and gain her entrée to the ... read more
The Longer They Last (Romancing The Seas Book 3)
Roxanne D. Howard
NOTHING COULD BE MORE PERFECT...UNTIL IT ISN'TPiper is one loved-up woman after her romantic getaway with Jack on Catalina Island. Given all they've been through, she's amazed their love has thrived...and continues to sizzle. While heading home on Jack's yacht, he receives a distress call from an old friend, which leads to trying to free a trapped, massive blue whale that turns into a dangerou... read more
The Harder They Fall (Romancing the Seas Book 2)
Roxanne D. Howard
FROM NOW ON...Piper Goldhirsch has returned home for the holidays after being on assignment for two months in war-torn Syria. Still heartbroken over the way things ended with ship captain, Jack Spencer, she's wary when he offers to take her away to Catalina Island for a romantic weekend. She's begun to carve out a promising career, and doesn't want to sacrifice the strides she's made with Chan... read more
Slower: Book Two Jake and Louana
Deana Birch
Speed bumps are there for a reason. Especially after barreling through the genesis of a relationship. But when rock drummer, Jake, and his career-driven girlfriend, Louana, blow through stop signs and red lights, sirens flare. The two learn one thing: If they want their love to last, Slower is the only way to go.
The Memory Visit
Jenny Lynn Lambert
~Editor's Pick~All a person needs to escape the bombed-out cities and tormenting thirst of NorCoast is a fifteen-minute Memory Visit. Seventeen-year-old Rain, however, is not looking for an escape—she needs answers. When flashbacks of her twin brother’s drowning start to overtake her life, she relives that horrible day via a laser probe straight to her brain’s hippocampus.What she discovers in... read more
Good Trouble (Alpine Valleys Book 2)
Simpson, L.
Finally Home (Alpine Valleys Book 3)
Simpson, L.
Mend These Broken Stars
Hartley, Emma
Most Likely to Rule the World (Likely Characters Book 4)
Harper, Cheryl
See Me (Alpine Valleys Book 4)
Simpson, L.
Fireline
DeCapite, Anthony
The River King: The Demon Door Book Four
alexander, kim
The March Effect: New World Magic Book Two
alexander, kim
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Heidi Shoham
Editor with 14+ years experience with NYT/USA Today bestselling authors. Line editor at Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins.
Jessie Campbell
Freelance editor offering top-notch manuscript editing with a backlist of bestselling authors who repeatedly choose me for every new release
San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
