David Rose

David Rose – Editor

I have over 14 years' experience working with publishers including Penguin Random House. I want to help you tell stories that matter to you.

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, memoir, fantasy, and narrative non-fiction. My favourite part of being an editor is helping writers to find their voices and to develop the right tools to tell their stories. I look forward to assisting you in writing the stories that matter to you.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Epic Fantasy Magical Realism Romance Science Fiction Short Story
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 Master's Degree in Creative Writing

Work experience

University of Cape Town

Oct, 2017 — Feb, 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

Stellenbosch University

Jul, 2014 — Dec, 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

GetSmarter

Sep, 2010 — Jan, 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.

Self-employed

Jun, 2010 — Present

• 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

David has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kevin R.

Kevin R.

Feb, 2024

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

Kara R.

Dec, 2023

David has very reasonable prices and is amazing to work with, even if you only have part of your book written. I wholeheartedly recommend his services.
WIlma M.

WIlma M.

Sep, 2023

I've just received my first round of comments from David on my fantasy novel. The book is dense and probably too complex, but his reading was insightful and spot-on. He immediately saw where I was trying to go. He is supportive and provided great advice. I recommend him whole-heartedly.
Michael A.

Michael A.

Aug, 2023

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 collaboration. Finally, he went above and beyond, doing a lot more for the work than our agreement will require...
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Timothy L.

Timothy L.

Aug, 2023

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 manuscript more clear, concise, and a page-turner for my readers. I strongly recommend hiring a devel...
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