Danielle Barthel

Danielle Barthel – Editor

10+ years of developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading experience with traditionally published and prospective authors.

Overview

I began my career at a literary agency in New York City focusing primarily on children's and YA books, before branching out five years later to provide freelance editorial services--specifically developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. I've been in the industry for ten years now, working with established authors, as well as prospective writers who haven't yet been published.In terms of a partnership with authors I work with, I provide developmental edits, which include notes on characterization, worldbuilding, plot, pacing, and more, in an effort to make your book stand out in the marketplace. I welcome questions on my notes, and always hope that they are a jumping off point for authors, because your vision is the most important and my role is simply to help support you. I am also proficient in proofreading and copy editing, which focus more closely on details like grammar and fact checking, to make sure your work is clean and polished for your audience. I look forward to reading your manuscript and working with you!
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Magical Realism Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Certificate in Publishing, Denver University

Work experience

Self-Employed

Mar, 2017 — Present

New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.

Jan, 2012 — Feb, 2017 (about 5 years)

Writers House

Oct, 2011 — Dec, 2011 (2 months)

Portfolio

How to Sell a Romance

Alexa Martin

Penguin

AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a ... read more
Proofreading
Look on the Bright Side

Kristan Higgins

Penguin

From the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life’s detours.Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: f... read more
Proofreading
Blood Beneath the Snow

Alexandra Kennington

Penguin

A heart-pounding romantasy following a rebellious princess who must compete to the death against her siblings for the crown to ensure justice, while fighting her feelings for her country's mos... read more
Proofreading
Change of Heart

Falon Ballard

Penguin

A workaholic is faced with striving for the one goal she never wanted: love.Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in life: incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at... read more
Proofreading
Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark

Jessa Hastings

Penguin

Book five in the sensational Magnolia Parks Universe series! How many loves do you actually get in a lifetime? Everyone knows by now that Magnolia and BJ are in the stars, but is that enough? ... read more
Proofreading
Enchanted Hill

Emily Bain Murphy

Escape to Enchanted Hill in this historical mystery where two people with a dark, shared past collide while working undercover at a glittering mansion on the California coast. The year is 1930... read more
Developmental Editing
In this beautifully dark and enthralling YA, four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town. For fans of House of Hollow and Wilder... read more
Developmental Editing
Right on Cue

Falon Ballard

From the beloved author of Just My Type and Lease on Love comes a new romantic comedy in which a former actress-turned-screenwriter finds herself back in the spotlight, only for her romantic l... read more
Proofreading
Blood Metal Bone

Lindsay Cummings

‘Blood Metal Bone surprises you in the very best ways. Unique world-building, a bold heroine with a heartbreaking past, and awe-inspiring magic that simply cannot be caged.’ Andrea Stewart, au... read more
Developmental Editing
Fans of Far from the Tree, We Are Okay and Emergency Contact will love this epic, utterly unforgettable contemporary novel about a lost shipwreck, a missing piece of family history, and weathe... read more
Developmental Editing
A lost princess. A mysterious puppet master. And a race against time—before all is lost. Princess Rani longs for a chance to escape her gilded cage and prove herself. Ria is a street urchin, s... read more
Developmental Editing
Relax with family and friends the hygge way with this whimsical collection of Scandinavian-inspired recipes, crafts, and entertaining ideas Scandinavian Gatherings is your hygge handbook (pron... read more
Developmental Editing
Diamond City

Francesca Flores

"A thrilling adventure, through a vibrant city as alive as any character, about a girl willing to do anything to better her circumstances. " – Emily A. Duncan, New York Times bestselling autho... read more
Developmental Editing
Tracers

J. J. Howard

In the vein of great box-office blockbusters, the high-stakes romance here sizzles within this page-turning thriller that will leave readers feeling like they are flying through the streets of... read more
Developmental Editing
Cecilia Murray has been wishing for a dog for as long as she can remember. And when a cute pug named Potato is brought in to Orphan Paws, the shelter where she volunteers, she knows he is the ... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Dark and Shallow Lies

Ginny Myers Sain

A teen girl disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp like water rot, in this chilling debut supernatural thriller for fans of Nata... read more
Developmental Editing
Maybelle Lane is looking for her father, but on the road to Nashville she finds so much more: courage, brains, heart--and true friends. Eleven-year-old Maybelle Lane collects sounds. She recor... read more
Developmental Editing

Danielle has 27 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ewelina M.

Ewelina M.

Nov, 2025

I recommend working with Danielle! She's really kind, professional and provided me with a lot of great feedback. Also, she completed the work early.
Ralph B.

Ralph B.

Sep, 2025

Danielle is an excellent line editor. She is professional, and I would definitely want to work with her again on future projects.
Lidia S.

Lidia S.

Sep, 2025

Danielle replied quickly and reviewed my query letter within the deadline. She did a highly professional job and provided many useful suggestions, as well as a thoughtful second look at my revised letter.
Nicole M.

Nicole M.

Jul, 2025

Danielle is absolutely incredible at what she does! I could not have asked for a better editor for my debut novel. Danielle is professional, kind, and completed the work early. I would recommend her to everyone, she's amazing!
Logan B.

Logan B.

May, 2025

Danielle found multiple opportunities for me to strengthen my query letter. She was both thoughtful and thorough.

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Danielle

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

Julie Mianecki

Julie M.

Fiction editor with 10 years' experience (partially at a major NY publishing house), specializing in romance, women's fiction, and mystery.

100% reply rate

View profile
Sarah Ridding

Sarah R.

Senior Editor with 13+ years' experience. Specialist in Romance, Thrillers, YA, LGBTQ+ and Historical for both new and established authors.

Lincoln, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile
Jessica Powers

Jessica P.

Award-winning author of 9 books. 22 years of experience as publisher, editor, and publicist. I edit books across all genres and ages.

Pacifica, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile