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 23 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Eileen D.

Eileen D.

Apr, 2024

Bryn was very responsive and understanding throughout our collaboration. I found her suggestions to be quite helpful.
Jacqueline V.

Jacqueline V.

Apr, 2024

Bryn provided excellent feedback in a professional and timely manner. I am excited to get to work implementing the suggestions and corrections she provided! I would definitely recommend working with Bryn to others, and would love the opportunity to work with her again in the future.
Chloe J.

Chloe J.

Apr, 2024

Bryn was instrumental in helping to pinpoint the issues with my manuscript that I (as writers often are) was having trouble pinning down myself! She has a strong grasp of plot structure, especially in the romantic comedy genre, and marketability, which is exactly what I was looking for in an editor. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again!
Alexa W.

Alexa W.

Apr, 2024

Bryn was very professional and added some great thoughts to my manuscript in our developmental edit. She provided constructive criticism in a way that was kind and digestible. So grateful to have worked with her!
Anne S.

Anne S.

Apr, 2024

Bryn was easy to work with and she was very thorough and professional. I would use her again.

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