Kieran Devaney

Kieran Devaney – Editor

Experienced crime, thriller, and contemporary fiction editor. Books published with Big Five as well as indies. Author and academic.

Overview

Are you ready to complete your book? Do you need feedback and advice on how to self-publish your best work? Are you ready to submit to agents and editors? I am here to support you.

PHILOSOPHY

A good editor helps make your work as strong as possible, without imposing their taste on your book. WHAT WILL YOU GET FROM WORKING WITH ME?

· An experienced editor, novelist, and literary academic who knows how fiction works.

· Supportive, detailed feedback that will help you to make the book as strong as possible, while preserving your voice.

· Advice on how to prepare the book for the literary market.

WHO AM I?

· I have a decade of experience as an editor, teacher, and writer, and my clients have published widely.

· I have worked on books published by the “Big Five” publishers, as well as with hybrid and indie authors. My clients have sold film, and international book rights.

· My commercial clients have included the Royal Shakespeare Company, the University of Manchester Press, and projects funded by the National Lottery.

· I have a PhD in Fiction, and an MA in Creative Writing. I have published a novel and short fiction, and I am aware of how transformative feedback can be to a writer. I understand the process from an authorial perspective as well as an editorial one, and I am sensitive to the emotional aspect of writing and editing.

· Edits can seem overwhelming, but I see the process as creative, and even fun. My clients have commented that I really ‘get’ their stories, and help them to create ‘more compelling’ work, and that the experience of working with me as an editor helped them to turn their stories’ ‘weaknesses into strengths’.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“Kieran was great to work with, he really 'got' my story and what I was trying to do, and all of his development assistance was in the direction of the questions and concerns I had raised. He was great at working with me, on MY story, where I and it are at, as a professional. Will absolutely use Kieran again!”

“Kieran is quite simply an outstanding editor, and I fully recommend his services. Throughout all three phases of editing his professionalism and punctuality were superb. During our collaboration Kieran offered me incredible insight, feedback, and flexibility that I only have accolades for. He will certainly be my first call in the future.”

“It's not the first time I've been working with Kieran. I was so happy working with him. It was a delightful experience. He has been flawlessly professional, meticulous, and very helpful.”

“Kieran has been absolutely fantastic in the process of developmental editing, copy editing and proof reading. He took the time to fully understand the scope of the plot and was therefore able to make well thought out suggestions that helped to create a more compelling book. He has delivered above and beyond the scope of the brief and I would not hesitate to use him again.”

“I have worked with Kieran twice now, and for good reason. He is an editorial stalwart with immense professionalism, timeliness, and outstanding feedback. Kieran should be your first call, and you will not be disappointed.”

“Kieran did a great job with my manuscript. Not only did he identify problems, but he also gave great, detailed advice on how to turn the story's weaknesses into strengths.”

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Historical Mysteries Legal Thriller Literary Fiction Medical Thriller Psychological Thriller Technothriller
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • BA in English Literature, University of Sheffield, 2005
Certifications
  • PhD in Contemporary Fiction, University of Brunel, 2015
  • MA in Creative Writing, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2009

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present
My book clients have published with the "Big Five", as well as with indie presses. My commercial clients have included: the Royal Shakespeare Company, the University of Manchester Press, Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, Brighton University, and the National Lottery-funded Townscape Heritage Project.

York St John University

Sep, 2013 — Jan, 2014 (4 months)
I taught literature and creative writing to final year students at York St John University. I worked with students on their fiction and poetry writing, led workshops and provided feedback.

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present
My debut novel, 'Deaf at Spiral Park' was published by Salt. I have had short fiction published in literary journals. My short story “Sitcom” was chosen for 'Best British Short Stories 2019' (Salt) edited by Nicholas Royle. My critical work has appeared in academic journals and edited collections.

Portfolio

Future Skinny

Rosch, Peter

Blue Bird

Gibson, Matt

Plexus

Garbini, Nicholas

The Museum of Atheism

Laura Joyce,Laura Ellen Joyce

Exit Management

Booth, Naomi

Sealed

Booth, Naomi

Luminol Theory

Joyce, Laura E.

Animals at Night

Booth, Naomi

Swoon

Naomi Booth

Swoon is the first extensive study of literary swooning, homing in on swooning’s rich history as well as its potential to provide new insights into the contemporary. This study demonstrates that passing-out has had a pivotal place in English literature. Beginn... read more
Wing Mirror

Kittani, M. S.

The Luminol Reels

Joyce, Laura Ellen

Deaf at Spiral Park

Devaney, Kieran

Kieran has 94 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jonny T.

Jonny T.

Jun, 2025

Working with Kieran was a wonderful experience. He was flexible and stayed within his proposed timeline for the project. I was also quite happy with the excellent insights he offered towards my story. I would be more than happy to work with Kieran again in the future.
Richard B.

Richard B.

May, 2025

It's been truly eye-opening working with Kieran. As a debut novelist with little idea how to proceed, I've received lots of excellent insight and invaluable feedback on how to shape my writing towards the end goal, and even help me more clearly define what I'm truly trying to say. Kieran has gone...
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Rebecca C.

Rebecca C.

May, 2025

Working with Kieran was a great experience. He was extremely thorough and had great suggestions for each revision. He really understood where to probe to get the most out of the story. You should definitely work with him, he knows what he's doing!
Tim G.

Tim G.

May, 2025

Kieran is prompt, insightful, thorough, inspirational, and knows his stuff. He gives positive and helpful comments, rather than just trashing the novel draft. I am super glad he worked with me, and can't imagine anyone doing better. You will be happy if you choose to engage with him.
Alan E.

Alan E.

Apr, 2025

While I haven't gotten into all the work I need to do from Kieran's feedback on my project, the comments and edit suggestions already are impactful and helping me get to the finish line. His promise to remain available as I go through this part of the process is reassuring, and giving me the runw...
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