Chris Fortunato

Chris Fortunato – Editor

Having been a managing editor at Bantam, I now work freelance for publishers such as Kensington and Hachette.

Overview

During the 1990s, I was managing editor at Bantam Books, in charge of editorial production for all hardcover books. During the early 2000s, I production packaged books for Doubleday and Broadway. Currently, I copy edit for Hachette and for Kensington. My book of psychological thriller stories, Deadly Guests, has recently been published by Close to the Bone, a small UK publisher. It is available on Amazon.

I help authors achieve historical accuracy and write clear, concise prose. I query where necessary and, where I can, suggest solutions to problems.

Having worked at highly charged commercial publishers, and having copy edited many Westerns, cozies, and hard-edged thrillers, I especially understand commercial genre fiction. I am able to help writers bring their stories into sharper focus.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Thriller & Suspense
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Bantam Books

Jan, 1990 — Dec, 1995 (almost 6 years)
As managing editor, I was in charge of the editorial production of the entire hardcover list.

Self-employed

Feb, 2000 — Present
Currently I copy edit for HarperCollins and Kensington. I work on both nonfiction and fiction (mostly thrillers and Westerns).

Chris has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Edward W.

Edward W.

Aug, 2025

Pinned
Chris Fortunato fixed all my mistakes. His suggestions are of great value, I highly recommend him.
Studio K.

Studio K.

Aug, 2025

Working with Chris was a breeze. Very quick to response and delivered edits in a timely manner. Thanks!

Professionals similar to Chris

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Amanda Oraha

Amanda O.

Copy editor and proofreader with 12+ years in fantasy, action/adventure, sci-fi, litRPG, romance, and cozy mysteries. I do not use AI.

95% reply rate

View profile
Nina Bruhns

Nina B.

Fast and supportive! 15+ years editing experience specializing in thrillers, romance, and memoirs. NYTimes and USA Today bestselling author.

Summerville, SC, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Tammy Salyer

Tammy S.

Your wordsmithing ally. With 300+ novels edited, I specialize in genre fiction, including action-adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy.

100% reply rate

View profile