Erin McClary

Erin McClary – Editor

Former editor at Sourcebooks, specializing in adult fiction and nonfiction. Developmental and line-level editing.

Overview

*CURRENTLY BOOKING FOR 2025*


I am a former professional acquiring editor for Sourcebooks, the seventh largest publisher in the U.S. My focus is on adult fiction and nonfiction. In my previous life, I worked in brand and digital marketing, so I bring a wealth of knowledge when it comes to figuring out how to position a book and what edits are needed to make it shine. I am also a writer myself, which has given me an understanding of craft that I've found to be valuable to my authors as I edit their books. I am particularly adept at evaluating characters, plot, pacing, and dialogue to help your book be commercially viable and appeal to a broad readership. I live for books and reading and love helping writers achieve their dreams!


Books I've worked on have been chosen for Target Book Club, Book of the Month, LibraryReads, Hoopla Book Club, Reader's Digest Editor's Picks, and Amazon Editor's Best of the Month; earned starred reviews from trade publications; nominated/shortlisted for awards, including the Goodreads Choice Awards; and were Indie Bestsellers.


Note: I copyedit/proofread using American English and the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition.


Here's what some of my authors have said about working with me:


"With compassion and a keen eye, Erin walked me through her notes which identified some plot and timeline inconsistencies. Not once did I question her abilities nor did her suggestions stifle my voice." —Terah Shelton Harris, author of One Summer in Savannah and Long After We Are Gone


“I worked with Erin on three manuscripts—all of which were immeasurably improved by her contributions. Not only did my work benefit, but my confidence as a writer matured. She is kind while thorough, encouraging while discerning, professional while personal, and perhaps most importantly she is organized and responsive. I am a better writer for having worked with her.” —Lo Patrick, author of The Floating Girls and The Night the River Wept


“I’ve worked with Erin on three books. She immediately saw my vision and pinpointed what I might do to enhance the story and my telling of it. She’s spotted where the narrative lags, highlighted detail that might be extraneous, and identified inconsistencies in my plot and characters. Erin is an excellent editor and a delight to work with." —Penny Haw, author of The Invincible Miss Cust, The Woman at the Wheel, and Follow Me to Africa


"Erin brought clarity to my organization, my structure, my language, and, most of all, my vision. Without Erin, I don’t think this book would have been as complete, as focused, and successful as it has been!” —Mari K. Eder, author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line


"Erin is professional, responsive and thorough. She made my book stronger through her developmental editing process. If you’re looking for a strong editor, Erin is the smart and compassionate editor every writer wishes to have on their team.” —Megy Karydes, author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Humanities & Social Sciences Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2024 — Present

Independent book editor offering developmental and line-level editing along with nonfiction book proposal assessments and more.

Sourcebooks

Apr, 2022 — Apr, 2024 (about 2 years)

I was hired as an associate acquisitions editor in December 2019 and promoted to editor in April 2022. I acquire and edit about 15-20 books a year across adult fiction and nonfiction.

Sourcebooks

Dec, 2019 — Apr, 2022 (over 2 years)

Portfolio

One Summer in Savannah: A Novel

Shelton Harris, Terah

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Refuge

VanPatten, Bill

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
In Every Mirror She's Black: A Novel

Ákínmádé Åkerström, Lolá

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
#GIRLFIGHT

McKenna Link, Suzanne

Suzanne McKenna Link

Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Long After We Are Gone: A Novel

Shelton Harris, Terah

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
When a Child Dies

Aagaard, Claire

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Secret Next Door

Taylor, Rebecca

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Erin has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laura J.

Laura J.

Jan, 2024

I appreciated Erin's promptness and respect for my time, her willingness to chat with me prior to making an agreement, and her attention to my areas of concern. She clearly understood the story I wished to tell and focused her suggestions on furthering that goal. She worked with the "words on the page," i.e., each comment and recommendation was relevant--not some generic bullet point one might ...
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Erin M.
Thank you so much for this kind review, Laura. I enjoyed working with you immensely on your beautiful and timely novel and would love to work with you on your next book. Wishing you all the best!
Ron T.

Ron T.

Jan, 2024

Erin is a pro. She has an eagle eye that catches even the smallest mistakes, including ones missed by my first editor. My only regret is not hiring her in the first place. I won't make that mistake again. If you're looking for a meticulous, professional editor who knows what they're doing and what to look for, look no further. Erin is your person!
Erin M.
What a lovely review, Ron! I truly enjoyed working with you and would welcome the opportunity to do so again on your next book. Looking forward to picking up a copy of this one once it's out in the...
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Chris D.

Chris D.

Jan, 2024

I had previously hired Erin to copy edit my manuscript. For that project, Erin had more than demonstrated her investment in my project, so much so that I couldn't resist hiring her again to review my query letter. Thanks to her advice, my letter is strong enough for me to make my pitch to agents with confidence.
Chris D.

Chris D.

Dec, 2023

The best I can ever say about any editor is when I can say, "That editor saved me from myself." That was my experience with Erin. She gave me a thoughtful and comprehensive review (a week ahead of time to boot), leaving me that much more confident about my manuscript. Price was eminently reasonable. Thank you Erin!
Erin M.
Thank you for this wonderful review, Chris! It was a pleasure working with you and getting to read your beautiful novel.
Kay F.

Kay F.

Oct, 2023

I thought Erin’s copy editing skills were highly competent and I like the way she often explained her thinking. I never felt she was an adversary questioning my voice. It was a pleasure working with her
Erin M.
Thank you, Kay! Preserving a writer's voice throughout the editing process is always top of mind for me. It was a pleasure working with you; wishing you all the best on your writing and publishing ...
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