Darryl Oliver

Darryl Oliver - Editor

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Experienced editor with Penguin Random House and former educator with an excellent editorial eye and content creation ability.

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Overview

With a wide variety of experiences and interests, I make an excellent editor or writer for a great many projects. I specialize in all things editorial. If your query letter, synopsis or manuscript requires any type of structural, proofreading, or plot edits then I'm your editor. My genres include, but are not limited to, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, History, Historical Fiction, Alternate History, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, and Memoir.

I'm currently an Editorial Assistant with Random House and have been a freelance editor/writer for some time. At Random House, I've worked with numerous award-winning and best-selling authors. As a Random House editor, my expertise goes beyond the page. I'm uniquely suited in assessing the market and helping you shape your manuscript in the best way possible for its readership.

I've formerly been an educator, teaching 9th and 10th grade English. I hold my BA in English and MA in the humanities with an emphasis in history. I look forward to working with you and helping you to pursue your creative vision!

What to expect when working with me:
-A detailed and professional read with clear and open lines of communication.
-After reviewing the manuscript, the manuscript will be returned with notes in track changes in addition to an editorial memo.
-If a second round of edits is agreed upon, feel free to message me as you complete the edits.
-If a second round of edits is agreed upon, the manuscript will be returned once more with notes in track changes in addition to an editorial memo.

**NOTICE: Any and all work done with Reedsy is completely separate from my work at Penguin Random House. My opinions are my own and working with me does not imply an endorsement from Penguin Random House.**
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
African American Fiction
Epic Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History

Work experience

Editorial Assistant

Penguin Random House
December, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

I've worked on the latest books by award-winning and bestselling writers including Gary Shteyngart and Angie Kim, as well as debut authors such as Hafizah Geter and The New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham.

My other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Reading, documenting, and organizing submissions.
Draft pass letters, participate in author/agent calls.
Work with authors and other editors on line, structural, and plot edits.
Work with marketing, publicity, and sales to find the best possible positioning strategy.

Editorial Intern

Penguin Random House
September, 2020 – December, 2020 (3 months)

Read submissions for a variety of editors with eclectic lists and drafted rejection letters
Researched comparative titles using MyHouse and assisted with Profit/Loss sheets
Attended editorial, marketing, and design meetings

Communications Associate and Social Media Coordinator

The Wesley School
August, 2020 – December, 2020 (4 months)

Create content for and manage the Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts
Manage, update, and write copy for the school website using Finalsite CMS
Photograph and record events to use for marketing material

English Instructor

La Salle High School
August, 2018 – August, 2020 (about 2 years)

Instructed students in literature, writing, and grammar
Generated an engaging and rigorous curriculum while staying current with best practices

Freelance Lead Editor

Kimball Publishing
July, 2018 – May, 2021 (almost 3 years)

The primary and lead editor on a series of novels, all receiving a 5-star rating on Amazon
Provide grammatical, structural, and plot edits
Work in tandem with author and publisher to achieve best result

Contributing Writer

Pasadena Black Pages
January, 2018 – January, 2021 (about 3 years)

Write and contribute articles pertaining to the African-American community
Generate original content after researching popular and compelling topics
Topics include: Voting, Black Role Models, Black History Month, profiles on influential individuals, etc.

PRISM Literary Arts Journal Editor-In-Chief

Orange Media Network
June, 2015 – June, 2016 (about 1 year)

Edited, managed, and published Literary Arts Journal.
Managed a team of editors, contributors, and graphic designers.

Portfolio (14 selected works)

Probably Ruby: A Novel

Bird-Wilson, Lisa

Solito: A Memoir

Zamora, Javier

The Furrows: A Novel

Serpell, Namwali

Our Share of Night: A Novel

Enriquez, Mariana, Camacho, Pablo Gerardo, McDowell, Megan

Darryl has 13 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Michelle Corbier
This is my second opportunity to work with Darryl. He completed the assignment on time. His comments were thorough and detailed. He gave me interesting ideas to explore and commented on character development, subplots, and plot improvement.

Michelle Corbier, August 2022


Matthew Whetsell
Darryl's feedback has been extremely helpful as I start to further edit my story. I appreciate how he broke down big picture items and provided micro feedback. With his critical eye, I know I can improve my book and make it better than I could have on my own. Would 100% seek his expertise again.

Matthew Whetsell, June 2022


ana frederick
Darryl's notes and story suggestions were fantastic and actionable!!! He totally got what the story was...and its potential to be better. He provided an inciteful commentary that deftly guided me to a better story...as well as encouragement on what worked in the story. Thanks so much Darryl!!!

ana frederick, April 2022


Dathane Turner
Yep, as always, wonderful insights! Darryl is a wonderful developmental editor giving wonderful advice that moves the book towards greatness. I highly recommend him.

Dathane Turner, April 2022


Sheena Williams
I was in a space in my writing where I was getting conflicting feedback from agent full requests. This was demoralizing and left me unsure of where to start any possible revisions on my manuscript. Darryl gave me a sense of direction that was clear and thoughtfully tailored to my writing style. His in-depth feedback not only helped clarify my confusion but gave me new motivation to continue my ...
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Sheena Williams, February 2022

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