#348 What Makes Us Human? with Susan Chang

This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with Reedsy freelancer Susan Chang! The winner of this contest will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive personal feedback from Susan herself. For your chance to get insight from one of Reedsy’s very own professionals, read on!

Hello, all! I’m Susan Chang, a developmental editor based in New York City with nearly thirty years of experience acquiring and editing mostly children’s and YA books for publishers such as HarperCollins, Disney, and Tor Books/Macmillan. Now, as a Reedsy professional and an independent freelance editor, I’ve had the opportunity to branch out into other kinds of literature, from adult fiction to narrative nonfiction.

In working on such a diverse range of projects, I’ve discovered that my approach to developmental editing remains the same: I always try to lead with empathy. Because I understand that, as authors, you are putting yourselves out there, and that this takes courage. And I honor the important work you are doing — not only to enlighten and entertain, but to engender the empathy that, ultimately, makes us human.

With that in mind, this week’s contest asks the all-important question: What makes us human? Stories can be of any genre, whether that be science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, alternate history, supernatural, horror, magical realism… you name it! I look forward to your creativity and insight!