Bryn Donovan

Bryn Donovan – Editor

Former executive editor in publishing, specializing in romance and mystery. I give detailed but encouraging edits, and I help with querying!

Overview

Hey, brilliant author. Let's work together!


I have a long track record of doing developmental and copy editing for romance and mystery novels, including USA Today bestsellers and books that became movies. I've worked with New York Times bestselling authors who have published dozens of books, and I've worked with complete beginners.


I'm the former executive editor of Hallmark Publishing, although I also enjoy working on R-rated stories. I'm a #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author (Sunrise Cabin, writing as Stacey Donovan), I developed the storyline for the first movie in the Christmas in Evergreen franchise, and I have two spicy time travel/romantic comedy novels forthcoming from Berkley Publishing/Penguin Random House. I am LGBTQ-friendly.


As an editor, I reviewed thousands of query letters and synopses, and I love helping writers with those, too. Since I became a full-time freelance author in fall 2022, several of my clients have gotten their first book deals. I have a lot of experience with self-publishing and I love working with indie authors, too!


I'm a detailed editor—one client referred to my "freakish laser focus." However, I also make a lot of encouraging notes. I want you to recognize your strengths as a writer so you can make the most of them! I'm particularly good at working with authors on plotting and structure. I've taught creative writing at the University of Arizona and at conferences, and my teaching experience helps me explain edits clearly so you can apply the explanation to future projects.


I'd love to help you level up as a writer and reach your author goals!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Paranormal Romance Romantic Comedy Time Travel Romance
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • MFA, Creative Writing, University of Arizona

Work experience

Hallmark Publishing at the Hallmark Channel

Feb, 2017 — Sep, 2022 (over 5 years)

I headed up a fiction publishing imprint of the Hallmark Channel, specializing in romance and cozy mystery books published in ebook, trade paperback, mass market paperback, and audiobook and sold on Amazon and in Barnes and Noble, Target, and Walmart. I acquired and edited books, art directed book covers, and oversaw book marketing, publicity, and all other aspects of the publishing business.

Self-employed

Sep, 2022 — Present

I provide professional developmental editing, copy editing, and query and synopsis collaboration and feedback for authors.

Portfolio

Sunrise Cabin

Donovan, Stacey

Christmas at the Amish Market

Gray, Shelley Shepard

Bryn has 38 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Alan M.

Alan M.

Jul, 2024

I would definitely recommend Bryn. I found the notes in the manuscript were encouraging and useful. Bryn didn’t shy away from telling me about the stuff I needed to fix either. I found I agreed with the majority of the feedback and the book will be all the better for addressing what Bryn pointed out. I also found Bryn was the best value for money from the available options.
Rebekkah C.

Rebekkah C.

Jul, 2024

Bryn had great thoughts on my query letter. She praised the parts that were working, asked good questions about stuff that needed clarifying, and had great suggestions for everything else.
Alaida A.

Alaida A.

Jul, 2024

Bryn is always amazing and encouraging! She answers my one hundred questions throughout the process and leaves great feedback.
Kym D.

Kym D.

Jul, 2024

Bryn was quick and extremely helpful in reviewing my query letter! She has an eye for detail and even went out of her way to help research alternate comp titles for me! I'll certainly be using her services again in the future!
Madison K.

Madison K.

Jun, 2024

I appreciated Bryn's comments and thoughts she had on my query. She made good comments and overall made it a better query.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Bryn and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Bryn

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Madison Schultz

Madison S.

Developmental editor and copyeditor with experience in memoir/biography, adult/YA/middle grade fiction, romance, and trade nonfiction.

Lawrence, KS, USA

99% reply rate

View profile
Staci Frenes

Staci F.

Versatile editor, published author with 10+ years experience including NYT bestselling authors. Memoir, spirituality/religion, romance.

San Francisco, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Kimberly Broderick

Kimberly B.

Full time editorial freelancer (and former managing editor) working as a proofreader, copyeditor, development editor, and project manager.

Montvale, NJ, USA

94% reply rate

View profile