Erin Clyburn

Erin Clyburn – Editor

Former literary agent with 15+ years of experience, specializing in developmental & copy edits for MG, YA, horror, mystery, & magic realism

Overview

I am a book industry professional with over 15 years' experience in copy editing, proofreading, and developmental editing.


As a literary agent for eight years, I represented middle grade, YA, and adult authors. I have acquired and edited client projects that have gone on to become award winners and international best sellers. While I represented a wide variety of genres, I gravitate toward the dark and strange: horror, thriller, mystery, magic realism, and grounded fantasy.


I love how collaborative the editorial process can be, and I enjoy working with clients from a big-picture, developmental level—pacing, characterization, worldbuilding, plot, etc.—down to the line-level, nitty-gritty details of grammar and word choice. As I edit, I put as much effort into pointing out what is working well as I do what isn't—I know that your manuscript is your passion on the page. My goal is to elevate your voice and vision to help make your project the strongest it can be.


I particularly love working with debut authors and seeing their projects come to life, but I also have experience working with established authors. I work with authors pursuing both traditional and self-publishing routes.

Services
Fiction
Horror Magical Realism Middle Grade Mystery & Crime Young Adult
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Howland Literary

Apr, 2022 — Dec, 2024 (almost 3 years)
I represented authors of middle grade, young adult, and adult works to publishers, pitched projects, and negotiated deals between authors and publishers. I specialized in projects that are darker in tone: mystery, thriller, horror, magic realism, and grounded fantasy and science fiction. I read and evaluated manuscript submissions. I performed developmental edits and copy edits on client manuscripts, and I represented the agency at conferences and workshops.

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Present
I am a freelance copy editor, proofreader, fact checker, and developmental editor for print and digital clients in food media and tech, including DoorDash, Caviar, Yoga Journal, Vegetarian Times, Outside, and Food & Wine.

The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

Jul, 2019 — Mar, 2022 (over 2 years)
At JDLA, after an internship with a New York–based boutique literary agency, I began to build my client list in middle grade and young adult fiction and adult fiction and select nonfiction.

Dotdash Meredith

Jan, 2016 — Jun, 2023 (over 7 years)
I copy edited and fact checked print and digital content, including stories and recipes, for Food & Wine and Cooking Light magazines. I worked with editors to implement a consistent voice and recipe style, and helped to develop and implement a universal style guide for recipes across all DDM brands.

Erin has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Eric R.

Eric R.

May, 2024

Pinned
Erin was unbelievably helpful in my writing process and helped me come to some much-needed realizations about my manuscript. Her advice and wisdom are invaluable!
Daniel R.

Daniel R.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
I was about ready to toss this manuscript in the "stories to forget" drawer where I intended for it to remain until the crack of doom, but I had spent so much time on it over the last year (not to mention that the story was a personal one for me). I decided to consult with Erin on developmental ...
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Maria M.

Maria M.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
I had so many murky issues with my query and synopsis, I didn't think I'd be able to get out of the rut I was in. Erin was able to pinpoint the problems and give clear direction for how to fix issues and proceed with clarity. She was so courteous and thorough in responding to my questions, provid...
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Mori G.

Mori G.

Jun, 2025

Erin is absolutely amazing. Do not hesitate to work with her!
Mari G.

Mari G.

Sep, 2024

Erin was great to work with, she was quick but thorough, and provided valuable insight in areas of my work that needed looking at for clarity. I thought there would be more of a back and forth throughout the copyediting process, but in hindsight I see for this project it wasn't needed, or its not...
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