David Rose

David Rose – Editor

Over 15 years' experience working for top publishers, including Penguin RH - I want to help you tell the stories that matter to you!

Overview

I'm an author, editor, and creative writing lecturer with over 15 years' experience working for top universities and publishers, including Penguin RH. As an award-winning, published author with a first-class MA in Creative Writing (and a PhD in English Literature near completion), I know the struggle of bringing vision to the page. Combined with my expertise in creative writing and English literature, my lecturing experience makes me a sensitive and insightful editor and coach.

I specialise in developmental editing, coaching, and editorial assessments, and enjoy working on literary fiction, contemporary fiction, memoir, fantasy, and narrative non-fiction. My favourite part of being an editor is helping writers find their voices, developing the tools to tell their stories along the way. I look forward to assisting you in writing the stories that matter to you!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Epic Fantasy Magical Realism Romance Science Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Heather Drummond Poetry Award (2006 and 2008)
  • NRF Innovation Doctoral Fellowship (2014-2016)
  • NRF Master’s Fellowship (2010-2011)
Certifications
  • First-class MA in Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2010 — Present
• Edit, proofread, and assess novels and narrative non-fiction for publishing houses, including Penguin RH, literary agencies, and private clients • 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 stories by Kyne Nislev Bernstorff and Kevin Ramirez • Qarnita Loxton won the Philida Literary Award 2021

University of Cape Town

Oct, 2017 — Feb, 2020 (over 2 years)
• Invited by UCT to host workshop seminars for the Creative Writing MA • Supervised MA thesis, which was passed in early 2021

Stellenbosch University

Jul, 2014 — Dec, 2016 (over 2 years)
• Lectured seminars on contemporary fiction

GetSmarter

Sep, 2010 — Jan, 2011 (4 months)
• Worked closely with literary agent, Prof. 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

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Mensah's London Blues and Other Stories

Kaluba, Austin

Carnelian Heart Publishing Ltd

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Being Kari

Loxton, Qarnita

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Only the Dead

Wende, Hamilton

Copy Editing
The Delhi Deception

Sabharwal, Elana

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Gray Skies, Concrete Dreams

Denison, Milo

Milo Denison

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel (Between Two Worlds)

Journey, Evy

Sojourner Books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Revolutionary Baby: Strange Tales from the Twentieth Century

Hamilton, Annette

Blackwing Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Refugee On The Threshold: A True Story

Leacock, Timothy

Covenant Books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Love on Bird Lane: a poetic memoir

Letti, Lynn V.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Principal

Delpierre, Georges

Copy Editing
Murder Is Not a Game

Thorndike, Huby

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Between Brothers

Jacobson, Alan D

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Five Hour Pilgrim

Cottrell, Tom

Copy Editing
Rude Awakening

Dale, Michael

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Mettle

Smith, Rupert

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

David has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kevin R.

Kevin R.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
David, as always, remains incredibly intelligent and perceptive, as well as a consummate professional. I can't wait to work with him again.
Michael A.

Michael A.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
David is the man for your job. Trust me! With a critical eye, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of my work, he elevated it with his midas touch. He communicates in a kind and uplifting way, but is clear and precise in his recommendations. I have been really happy with this collaborati...
Read more
Timothy L.

Timothy L.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
David was a joy to work with. His communication skills, especially the clarity of his feedback, are his greatest strength. He thoroughly understood how my story was part suspense, part educational, and part subtle manifesto. He caught lots of areas and offered suggestions where I could make the m...
Read more
Jack S.

Jack S.

Jun, 2024

Lovely to work with.
V. F. S.

V. F. S.

May, 2024

David worked on an editorial assessment of my second novel, which is billed as a fictional memoir. He provided interesting feedback on my manuscript, and was responsive to my questions about his comments.

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