Bryn Donovan

Bryn Donovan – Editor

Former publishing executive and author; exceptional book editor. I give detailed, encouraging edits to help you reach your author goals!

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 from Berkley Publishing/Penguin Random House.

I am LGBTQ-friendly. I do not use AI in any way in my editing or my writing.

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 Romantic Comedy
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

Double Happiness: A Novel

Eng, Heather

Tiny Reparations Books

Developmental Editing
Wrapped Up in Christmas

Lynn, Janice

Tule Publishing

Her Time Traveling Duke

Donovan, Bryn

Berkley

Her Knight at the Museum

Donovan, Bryn

Berkley

Christmas at the Amish Market

Gray, Shelley Shepard

Bryn has 106 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Harriet A.

Harriet A.

Dec, 2025

Pinned
This is the second project of mine that Bryn has worked on, and I am fortunate to find such an incredible editor this early in my publishing career. She has such a sharp eye for mistakes, awkward phrasing, and those pesky inconsistency errors. Also, I genuinely feel like she is excited about my b...
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Lynn R.

Lynn R.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
I had never used a developmental editor before but had a feeling it could improve the quality of my book, so I took a chance. Wow. Just wow. Thanks to Bryn Donovan I am now a firm believer in the developmental edit! She made a number of very insightful observations (almost to the point of me thin...
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Andrea S.

Andrea S.

Aug, 2025

Pinned
This is the second time I've used Bryn to help with a query and she couldn't have been more amazing! My first query for her was a simple check on the comps but THIS convoluted story required so much more digging in and understanding, and Bryn navigated all of that with patience and great energy....
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Robert S.

Robert S.

Jan, 2026

Bryn was wonderful! She got back to us on time as scheduled and with a manuscript full of helpful, actionable, and encouraging notes. After working on the book for well over a year, I thought I was sick of it, but with her feedback, I'm reenergized to go back into it and give it one final edit be...
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Rachel G.

Rachel G.

Jan, 2026

Bryn was a delight to work with! Her suggestions were extremely helpful and helped me see my novel in a new light, making it a better writing and reading experience. She is a knowledgeable and talented editor who is able to provide constructive feedback in a positive manner. I would highly recomm...
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