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

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 23 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Logan B.

Logan B.

May, 2025

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

Soumya G.

May, 2025

Danielle completed the project on time and provided valuable feedback.
James L.

James L.

Apr, 2025

I was having trouble getting my query letters to a point that I felt they were suitable to send to agents and publishers. Danielle helped me polish those letters and made them shine. She was prompt, thorough, and understanding with me and my mistakes. If you need an editor, Danielle can definitel...
Read more
Nathan L.

Nathan L.

Aug, 2024

Danielle has helped me with two manuscripts now, and I have been happy to work with her both times. She's very responsive, helpful, and definitely helped to improve upon both books. I'm happy I found her and glad she was able to work with me again.
Cari G.

Cari G.

Jun, 2024

Danielle was fantastic! She was prompt, professional, and flexible (with timing and my file formatting issues). She answered my many questions and was very kind throughout the process. I would definitely work with her again!

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.

Amy Ewing

Amy E.

I'm a New York Times bestselling author and experienced editor specializing in MG/YA, speculative fiction, and romance.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Jennifer Rees

Jennifer R.

Bestselling Editor of PICTURE BOOKS, MG, and YA like The Hunger Games! Excited to help make your story stand out, shine and be market-ready!

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Cassie Armstrong

Cassie A.

Editor with over 16 years experience. I specialize in copyediting and proofreading children's middle-grade fiction, YA , and nonfiction.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

100% reply rate

View profile