David Yurkovich – Editor

book editor | journal editor | graphic novelist | publisher | writer

Did you know that only 0.0005%– 0.001% of the world's population are published authors? If you've completed your manuscript, then you're one step closer to joining this elite group. Although 2025 is almost over, there's still time for you to complete and polish your manuscript, share it with publishing decision makers, or chart your own course by self-publishing. Let's make 2025 your year!

I am grateful to have many repeat clients on Reedsy. Thank you!

I'm an experienced copy editor and developmental editor with > 20 years of experience working in publishing. I am also co-owner of a small press with four publishing imprints. We publish literary, sci-fi, detective, horror, and memoir.

Why you should work with me: I am easy going and detail oriented (some would say meticulously so) in helping authors polish their work. I will edit your work, keeping in mind both the editorial aspect as well as the reader aspect of the manuscript. In other words, my approach to editing is not merely to edit, but to also read the work as a fan. At the same time, I am extremely respectful to your voice and your work. My job is not to rewrite you, but to serve as an objective professional whose role it is to help make your work shine. I've written and/or edited many agent query letters and have performed tons of editorial assessments. I throw in a free query letter and/or editorial assessment with every edit. Every edit I do includes a combination of developmental, line, copy, and proofreading. If I see it, I show you.

Having worked with several agents, I've learned to trust that a skilled editor can objectively spot issues unseen to the author. Ultimately, I want you to be highly satisfied with the work and derive value from it. I strive to ensure the level of editing matches your expectations. I make it my mission not to change your voice or rewrite your story. I sometimes teach in my comments because I want all authors to leave our collaboration empowered and better informed about writing and editing. I began publishing before KDP and print-on-demand existed and can share insights about self-publishing. I've also been repped by an agent and am happy to share my experiences if they're helpful.

I love short stories and can turnaround works of up to 5k words within 24-48 hours if needed. I'm usually online and will reply to your messages quickly, often within minutes.

For large format works, I recommend we work in batches. If cost is an issue, I'm happy to propose options like weekly or monthly word quotas. This can be more economical because it provides an opportunity to see your work reviewed as we go, and to collaborate on revisions. Happy to throw in a free query letter. I'm flexible and reliable; please take a moment to review my Reedsy feedback.

I look forward to reading your stories!