David Rose

David Rose - Editor

I have over 12 years' experience working with publishers including Penguin Random House. I want to help you tell stories that matter to you.

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Overview

An experienced editor, lecturer, and facilitator, I have a strong track record of working with top publishers, including Penguin Random House and Kwela (an imprint of NB Publishers). I have also lectured in English at highly rated universities, and I am an award-winning, published poet with a first-class Master's Degree in Creative Writing. Combined with my expertise in Creative Writing and English Literature, my experience makes me a sensitive and insightful editor and manuscript assessor. Since 2010, I have assisted Claire Strömbeck as a freelance editor and manuscript assessor. I specialise in editorial assessments and developmental editing, and thoroughly enjoy working on literary fiction, contemporary fiction, poetry, and religious narrative non-fiction. My favourite part of being an editor is helping writers to find the right tools to tell their stories. Contact me for any editorial services. I look forward to assisting you in writing the stories that matter to you.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Cozy Mysteries
Epic Fantasy
Magical Realism
Poetry
Romance
Short Story

Certifications

  • First-class Master's Degree in Creative Writing

Awards

  • Heather Drummond Poetry Award (2006 and 2008)
  • NRF Innovation Doctoral Fellowship (2014-2016)
  • NRF Master’s Fellowship (2010-2011)

Work experience

Supervisor (Masters in Creative Writing)

University of Cape Town
October, 2017 – February, 2020 (over 2 years)

• Invited by UCT to host a series of workshop seminars for the Creative Writing MA cohort of 2017
• Supervised MA thesis, which was passed in early 2021

Lecturer in English Literature

Stellenbosch University
July, 2014 – December, 2016 (over 2 years)

• Lectured a semester-long second-year seminar
• Researched and developed course material for weekly seminars of ±20 students
• Seminar was highly weighted in the second-year curriculum and had to be robust, challenging, and original

Creative Writing Teacher

GetSmarter
September, 2010 – January, 2011 (4 months)

• Worked with published author and literary agent, Dr Ron Irwin.
• Taught all the basic elements of writing a novel, from plot and narrative perspective to characterisation and dialogue.
• Oversaw the forum for the creative writing course.

Literary Editor

Self-employed
June, 2010 – Present (almost 13 years)

• Edit, proofread, and assess novels and narrative non-fiction for publishing houses and literary agencies including: Penguin Random House, NB Publishers, Print Matters, and Strömbeck Literary.
• Some notable titles I have worked on include: Being Kari by Qarnita Loxton for NB Publishers; Only the Dead by Hamilton Wende for Penguin Random House; and The Delhi Deception by Elana Sabharwal.
• Edited several short stories that have been shortlisted for the PEN Awards, including by Kyne Nislev Bernstorff.
• Qarnita Loxton won the Philida Literary Award 2021.

Portfolio (12 selected works)

Being Kari

Loxton, Qarnita

Only the Dead

Wende, Hamilton

Mettle

Smith, Rupert, Hassall, Peter

The Delhi Deception

Sabharwal, Elana

Rude Awakening

Dale, Michael, Strömbeck, Claire

Five Hour Pilgrim

Cottrell, Tom, Strombeck, Claire

Between Brothers

Jacobson, Alan D

Murder Is Not a Game

Thorndike, Huby

The Principal

Delpierre, Georges

David has 3 reviews

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

Evy Journey
David helped greatly improve my book through his suggested edits. I would definitely work with him again.

Evy Journey, February 2023


Jehane Markham
I was very happy with David Rose's work. Some of the poems he did not like so well but that is to be expected. I was particularly happy with the last email he wrote me, saying he like my beautiful poems and sending love. It is obvious I have lost the love of my life and that is a very difficult thing to get over, if one ever does. I hope he will send on to agents or publishers. I was conscious ...
Read more

Jehane Markham, October 2022


Austin Kaluba
Dave is widely read and understood every story in my collection. His query letter and synopsis are sellers. I would love to work with him in future literary projects.

Austin Kaluba, February 2022

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