Dan Edelman

Dan Edelman – Editor

30+ years' experience. I focus on developmental editing, ms assessment, and line editing in all fiction genres.

Overview

I have been editing professionally for over 30 years and writing for over 40. I have edited and written everything: novels, novellas, and short stories; marketing and social media content; educational content; website/blog content; and academic journal abstracts.

I am most interested in fiction developmental editing, as I have a strong grasp of the technical requirements for fiction writing. I also offer editorial assessments and line and copy editing. I do not handle formatting, book design, or submission packages.

My bids center on a single pass only. I offer unlimited communications to discuss feedback and to brainstorm ideas, but additional editorial passes or read-throughs require a new or extended contract.

I never use AI in my editing.

Although I love working in the SF/fantasy, horror, and thriller genres, I have no trouble in other genres such as romance and historical fiction. I am quite comfortable with LGBTQ+ stories and themes and am not easily triggered by dark or disturbing themes.

I am meticulous and frank and am committed to building long-term creative relationships centered on trust and support for the author's vision. Love working with new fiction writers.

Services
Fiction
Dystopian Epic Fantasy Military Science Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Thriller & Suspense Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Copyediting Course Sequence Award, UCSD Extension, 1994

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present
Provide developmental editing. Services include heavy developmental feedback, all levels of editing (proofreading, copyediting, line editing, and rewriting), editorial assessment, and brainstorming.

The Brand X Method

Jan, 2011 — Feb, 2020 (about 9 years)
Edited all written content including emails, web copy, marketing copy, blog posts, educational course copy, and social media copy. Wrote educational copy, blog posts, social media posts, marketing copy, website copy, and online journal articles.

Cambridge Scientific Abstracts

Jun, 1996 — Jun, 2006 (about 10 years)
Supervised the production of six online databases of academic journal article abstracts. Managed a team of six editors and up to twenty freelance abstractors.

Portfolio

STARLØK: Entangled Star

Michaelstar, J.T.

Jathtech Publishing

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Falling Sky: Dogs of Ore Book 1

Snow, Marcus

Snowline Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
The Last Shadow Knight (Shadow Knights Book 1)

Webb, Michael

Whatup Publishing LLC

Developmental Editing
Rise of the Shadow (Shadow Knights Book 2)

Webb, Michael

Whatup Publishing LLC

Developmental Editing
Shadow of Destiny (Shadow Knights Book 3)

Webb, Michael

Whatup Publishing LLC

Developmental Editing
Shadow of Betrayal (Shadow Knights Book 4)

Webb, Michael

Whatup Publishing LLC

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
The Fallen Ship 2

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
The Test Pilot's Wife

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
Heroes and Zombies: Escape to Black Canyon

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
Junket: Untamed Alien Worlds

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
ChronoBot Chronicles (USS Hamilton)

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
The Fallen Ship: Rise of the Gia Rebellion

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
Starship Oblivion: Sanctuary Outpost (USS Hamilton Book 5)

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
USS Adams: No Escape (USS Hamilton Book 6)

McGinnis, Mark Wayne

Avenstar Productions

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Worth His Salt

Hamilton, Dr. Joel Anthony

Independently published

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Black Brilliance

Hamilton, Dr. Joel Anthony

Copy Editing
The Conduit

Macko, Phillip

Developmental Editing

Dan has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Wayne M.

Wayne M.

Jul, 2026

As this is my first attempt at writing a novel I found Dan's advice to be very helpful. In fact I intend to revise a large portion of the novel based on his thoughts and comments which I felt were right on.
Harold A.

Harold A.

Jul, 2026

Picking Dan as my sci-if editor for my novel was the best decision I made. Since this was my first time writing science fiction, I knew I needed someone who understood the genre, and he exceeded my expectations. Besides introducing me to the term cli-fi which I’d never heard before, he also provi...
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Sean F.

Sean F.

Jul, 2026

Dan provided a fine developmental edit for my science fiction project, Dragons & Monsters. His high-level feedback, chapter-specific notes, and detailed Word comments are all actionable and worthy of attention. He delivered them ahead of the scheduled end date. Our Zoom conference was pleasant a...
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tom L.

tom L.

May, 2026

I'm a 70-year-old retired Engineer and I asked for Dan's help in reviewing my first book. He is a very kind gentleman and helped me by doing an editorial assessment. I enjoyed his frank opinions on where my writing was strong, as well as the many areas I could improve on. He has given me the di...
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mariana S.

mariana S.

May, 2026

Dan is an excellent editor: compassionate, empathetic, and a wonderful literary advisor. As a beginner author, I could not have asked for someone better to help me. I hope to return in the near future so we can continue working together on my literary projects, because he exceeded my expectations...
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