David Layton

David Layton – Editor

Let’s get your story out there. I’m a novelist and editor who’s been teaching creative writing for 15+ years, with a specialty in memoir.

Overview

As a journalist and writer, I've had the good fortune of working with some of the best editors in the industry. But significantly, I've also worked with some of the worst. And I've learned the difference. The best editors aren't the ones who tell you everything is great. The worst aren't the ones who tell you everything is terrible. Instead, great editing is about helping you identify what isn't working and, just as importantly, make what is working even better. Editing can be a frustrating, difficult, and challenging experience, but one that should always be rewarding.

Working for major (and minor) publishing houses, I've also sat at both sides of the desk and know what it's like to approach an editor with a manuscript.

And teaching undergraduate, graduate and also adults in continuing studies has meant dealing with a wide range of experiences and expectations. I've worked with well-established authors and those who've barely shown their writing beyond a small cluster of family and friends.

Regardless of where you are in the writing process, I’m here to help. Most writers aren’t millionaires (unfortunately), so you’ll find my services affordable and offered within a timeline that works best for you.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

University of Toronto

Sep, 2015 — Present
At the University of Toronto, the alma mater of renowned writers such as Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje (author of The English Patient), I’ve taught students for over ten years, helping them develop and realize their talents, from first draft to published novelist.

HarperCollins, Penguin Random House

Dec, 2007 — Present

Toronto International Festival of Authors.

Oct, 2017 — Present
The Toronto International Festival of Authors is one of the most esteemed literary festivals in the world. As the creator and course director of 'Backstage TIFA,' I bring together literary agents, publishers, and writers from a wide range of genres and nationalities to share their thoughts and insights into the art of writing and publishing.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
From Tomatoes to the Boardroom: The Courageous Rise of a Nurse Executive

Sprouse, Mila

Unstoppable Courage to Rise

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Descendants

Chursinoff, Robert

Nightwood Editions

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Forbidden Voice

Deligoz, Onder

Crane Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Peninsula Sinking

Huebert, David

Biblioasis

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
All We Knew But Couldn't Say

Vannicola, Joanne

Dundurn Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Swimmers in Winter

Guenther, Faye

Invisible Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

David has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Andy R.

Andy R.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
I sent my proposal to five editors on Reedsy. David was the only editor who suggested a free sample edit on the first couple of chapters. I can't imagine hiring an editor without first seeing how they edit, how they interact with my material and how they make suggestions. It showed immediately ho...
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Mila S.

Mila S.

Sep, 2025

Pinned
Working with David was one of the best decisions I made for my book. His editorial guidance was not only thorough and insightful but also deeply supportive. He didn’t just edit my manuscript—he took the time to really understand the heart of my story, asked thoughtful questions, and offered clari...
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Garrett C.

Garrett C.

Jul, 2025

Pinned
I started this first novel without any literary training. The rough draft was just that, a "rough" draft. My beta readers didn't have the knowledge to critique my writing. There was a need for creative direction from a qualified professional, so I searched Reedsy and found David Layton. He gave m...
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Thomas S.

Thomas S.

Sep, 2025

David is a very perceptive man. He is easy to communicate with, has great ideas and he is particularly astute at helping you tell the story you want to tell and shape your characters in the way you want your reader to see them.

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