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 6 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.
Warren R.

Warren R.

Nov, 2026

Chris was great to work with, went beyond his contract requirements to give me some additional advice. His edits were easy to follow and to implement.
Julian B.

Julian B.

Aug, 2026

Working with Chris on Family Ties was exactly what I needed going into my debut launch. He caught things I had read past a hundred times — inconsistencies, pacing issues, punctuation habits I didn't even know I had — and every note came with a clear explanation, not just a correction. He understo...
Read more
Robert P.

Robert P.

May, 2026

I had a great experience working with Chris Fortunato on "Ashes of the Republic". He handled everything in a very timely manner and his notes were spot-on. I especially appreciated his straightforward approach and how thorough his process is. I’ll definitely be looking to work with Chris again on...
Read more
Roger J Lown Jr W.

Roger J Lown Jr W.

Apr, 2026

I appreciate Chris professionalism and honesty. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with his work. I would definitely refer Chris to anyone I know who on their writing project.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Chris and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Chris

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

James A.

Professional editor with 15 years of experience. Here to provide every editing service and prepare your manuscript for publication.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile

Holly K.

Meticulous editor and passionate bookworm with 10 years of experience (in-house & freelance). Specializing in thriller, horror, and romance.

Cincinnati, OH, USA

100% reply rate

View profile

Joanna N.

Proofreader and copyeditor: post-apoc, dystopian, action/adv, urban fantasy, PhDs/MAs, earth/space/env. science, medical/business reports

Napier, New Zealand

100% reply rate

View profile