Mary Crum

Mary Crum – Editor

Freelance editor with ten years of experience. My goal is to improve the lives of everyone around me using the magic of the written word.

Overview

Are you looking for an experienced editor who can also function as a cheerleader and mom-friend? I love helping others achieve their dreams of writing and publishing.

It is my goal to provide my clients with the polished, unforgettable novel that they imagined upon first writing it. Sometimes editors treat you and your manuscript as nothing more than a robotic transaction, but that is not the case when you work with me. I understand your manuscript is meaningful and important, and I will treat it and you with respect.

I have a bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in professional writing and a minor in marketing. I have ten years of experience editing fantasy, paranormal, new adult, young adult, and romance novels of various lengths.

"A thorough and thoughtful editor. I cannot imagine publishing a book without her critical eye. She’s great at giving my book the final polish it needs and giving insightful feedback and suggestions on my prose when needed." - review from author Nicolette Andrews

Services
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Romantic Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor's of Science in English

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2015 — Present
Performed structural and copy edits on manuscripts to prepare them for publication. Communicated ideas for improvement with authors to help create the best novel possible.

The Red Bay News

Sep, 2011 — Aug, 2016 (almost 5 years)
Developed news articles and proofread them prior to publication. Managed special sections and created new content.

Portfolio

Finvarra's Circus

Sanz, Monica

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching

Mary has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Shantelle M.

Shantelle M.

Jun, 2026

Mary is wonderful!
Tani O.

Tani O.

May, 2026

I had a wonderful experience working with Mary! From the very beginning she was fully invested in helping me bring my manuscript to life, navigate plot and characters issues, and successfully complete my first draft! When I hit a wall, or got overwhelmed, she was happy to help me work through it...
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Rachel M.

Rachel M.

Dec, 2025

I am continuing to work with Mary on a long-term project. She is extremely knowledgeable about the industry, and I really value her patience and expertise.
Jerry S.

Jerry S.

Aug, 2025

Mary was amazing! She was flexible in our work schedule, her feedback and comments were insightful and pragmatic, and she was very kind and patient throughout. I very much enjoyed my time working with Mary and look forward to working with her again on a future project. Throughout the course of o...
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Rachel M.

Rachel M.

Jan, 2025

Mary is so helpful, offering insight into the full process from coaching in the early days of drafting to marketing the end product. I have learned so much from her and am enthusiastic to work with her again in future.

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Anna B.

I have 20 years' experience working on children's and YA writing at UK publishers including Hachette and HarperCollins.

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Heather R.

Insightful developmental editor specializing the futuristic and fantastical. Let’s make some magic! (they/she)

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Fiona M.

Shaping novels into the best version of an author's vision. Former clients published by HarperTeen, Macmillan, and more. US and UK markets.

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