Diana Gill

Diana Gill - Editor

NYC, NY, United States

I have over 20 years of editorial experience at Big5 publishers, specializing in commercial genre fiction and select narrative non-fiction.

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Overview

I've spent more than twenty years as a commercial fiction and non-fiction editor in Big5 Publishers including Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins, including running Harper Voyager, the science fiction/fantasy imprint at HarperCollins for twelve years. Best-selling and award-winning authors I've worked with include Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, Susan Dennard, Richard Kadrey, Mark Lawrence, Zen Cho, Katie McGarry, Eric van Lustbader, and more.

I specialize in commercial fiction of all genres for both adult and young adult, particularly science fiction and fantasy, but also thrillers, romance and supernatural/horror. I do select narrative non-fiction as well. I'm known for my editorial skills as a story editor in particular. I also offer publishing/marketing consulting--need to improve your social media profile or marketing plan, build a compelling query and pitch? I can help.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Magical Realism
Romance
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult

Work experience

Editorial services

Self-employed
May, 2020 – Present (almost 3 years)

Editorial assessments, developmental editing, query letters, market/pitch assessments, publishing consulting etc.

Executive Editor

Macmillan/Tor Books
August, 2016 – April, 2020 (over 3 years)

Worked with award-winning and bestseller authors including Susan Dennard, Eric van Lustbader, Katie McGarry, Louise Callaghan, S.L. Huang, Rita Woods, and more.

Executive Editor

Penguin Random House
April, 2014 – March, 2016 (almost 2 years)

Executive editor at Berkey Books/Ace Books, working with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors including Charlaine Harris (Midnight, Texas series on NBC in 2016-2017), Mark Lawrence, Zen Cho, Genevieve Cogman, S.M. Stirling, Stephen M. Donaldson, Alastair Reynolds and more.

Executive Editor

HarperCollins Publishers
April, 1998 – March, 2014 (almost 16 years)

Ran Harper Voyager, the US branch of the global science fiction and fantasy imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Working with authors including Kim Harrison, Richard Kadrey, Brom, Vicki Pettersson, David Wellington, Beth Cato, Trudi Canavan, Ian Douglas and many more.

Portfolio (18 selected works)

Remembrance

Rita Woods

"Stunning. ... Family is at the core of Remembrance, the breathtaking debut novel by Rita Woods." -- The Boston Globe. This breakout historical debut with modern resonance is perfect for the many fans of The Underground Railroad and Orphan Train. Remembrance…It’s a rumor, a whisper passed in the fields and veiled behind sheets of laundry. A hidden stop on the underground road to freedom, a saf... read more

"Stunning. ... Family is at the core of Remembrance, the breathtaking debut novel by Rita Woods." -- The Boston Globe. This breakout historical debut with modern resonance is perfect for the many fans of The Underground Railroad and Orphan Train. Remembrance…It’s a rumor, a whisper passed in the fields and veiled behind sheets of laundry. A hidden stop on the underground road to freedom, a saf... read more

Father of Lions: One Man's Remarkable Quest to Save the Mosul Zoo

Louise Callaghan

Father of Lions is the powerful true story of the evacuation of the Mosul Zoo, featuring Abu Laith the zookeeper, Simba the lion cub, Lula the bear, and countless others, faithfully depicted by acclaimed, award-winning journalist Louise Callaghan in her trade publishing debut.Combining a true-to-life narrative of humanity in the wake of war with the heartstring-tugging account of rescued anima... read more

Father of Lions is the powerful true story of the evacuation of the Mosul Zoo, featuring Abu Laith the zookeeper, Simba the lion cub, Lula the bear, and countless others, faithfully depicted by acclaimed, award-winning journalist Louise Callaghan in her trade publishing debut.Combining a true-to-life narrative of humanity in the wake of war with the heartstring-tugging account of rescued anima... read more

Bloodwitch: A Witchlands Novel (The Witchlands Book 3)

Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling, young adult epic fantasy Witchlands series continues with the story of the Bloodwitch Aeduan. Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop a bloodthirsty horde of raiders preparing to destroy a monastery that holds more than just faith. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.“Worldbuilding aft... read more

Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling, young adult epic fantasy Witchlands series continues with the story of the Bloodwitch Aeduan. Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop a bloodthirsty horde of raiders preparing to destroy a monastery that holds more than just faith. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.“Worldbuilding aft... read more

Sandman Slim: A Novel

Kadrey, Richard

A Thousand Fires

Price, Shannon

The Nightjar

Hewitt, Deborah

Echoes Between Us

McGarry, Katie

Diana has 17 reviews

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

Edmund Jorgensen
Diana was quick and gave excellent feedback on the work.

Edmund Jorgensen, September 2021

Diana Gill
Thank you so much! I enjoyed working with you and delighted you'd like to work together again. Thank you! =)

Reply from Diana Gill


Jim Mccleery
Diana was amazing. She helped clarify many mistakes and showed how to make corrections. Great advice, would definitively work with her again. Top notch editing.

Jim Mccleery, July 2021

Diana Gill
Jim, Thank you so much! I am very glad I could be of help and all my best wishes for your revisions and growth in writing. You can do it! All best, Diana

Reply from Diana Gill


Peter Mackey
Having Diana's deep experience applied to my query letter, synopsis, and first 10 pages was an essential wake-up for me, sure to strengthen the appeal of my novel. Her suggestions on what to avoid and what to emphasize were spot on. She responded promptly when I had questions, and she returned her full suite of comments and a detailed line edit several days earlier than I expected.

Peter Mackey, July 2021

Diana Gill
Peter--I'm so glad I could be of help! Thank you. Best wishes on your continued writing journey!

Reply from Diana Gill


Sky Danley
I could not be more happy with the editing work of Diana. Among strengthening the story line and cleaning up grammar, she also fixed all my present/past tense issues and resolved some POV issues. A true professional and I was very lucky to have found her. The book is so much stronger. She gets my highest recommendation.

Sky Danley, November 2020

Diana Gill
Thank you! It's been great wokring with you as well!

Reply from Diana Gill


Paul Jones
Diana's critique of my query letter and suggestions for improving my query package were excellent. She responded much faster than I expected and was accommodating and courteous. I'm very happy I chose to solicit a critique from her and highly recommend her to others.

Paul Jones, August 2020

Diana Gill
Thanks so much Paul! Was a pleasure to work with you!

Reply from Diana Gill

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