Paula Guran

Paula Guran – Editor

I'm an experienced, award-winning editor of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. I'd like to help you make your novel the best it can be.

Overview

I've been editing professionally since 2006 (and earlier on a semi-professional level) of mostly SF/F/H. My job is to help an author tell their story in their individual style while making sure the details—from overall timeline to grammar to moon phases—are feasible. Sure, it may be fantasy, but good fiction is grounded in logic. Whether you are a neophyte author, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, I'm eager to work with you.

Services
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Historical Fiction Horror Magical Realism Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy Science Fiction Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Bram Stoker (2)
  • IHG (2)
  • World Fantasy Award Nominations (3)

Work experience

Self-employed

Dec, 2017 — Present
I edited anthologies and novels for Night Shade; two anthology series for Pyr. I also edit novels, novellas, and shorts for individuals.

Prime Books

Jan, 2010 — Nov, 2017 (almost 8 years)
Acquisition, developmental, substantive, stylistic editing of established and new authors as well as acquisition. Also did PR, publicity, marketing, copywriting, graphic design, production, and contracts; copyediting, proofreading, and webmastering.

Juno Books / Simon & Schuester

Apr, 2006 — Dec, 2011 (over 5 years)
Acquisition, developmental, substantive, stylistic editing of established and new authors. Also did PR, publicity, marketing, copywriting, production, and contracts. Originally an independent press imprint, Simon & Schuster Pocket Books bought it as a dedicated urban fantasy mass market imprint starting January 2008. Implemented a book-a-month mass-market imprint for Pocket in six months.

Portfolio

House of Whispers: Book One Of The Supernatural Properties Series (Supernatural Properties, 1)

Lucke, Margaret

Developmental Editing
Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 1)

Robertson, Linda

Developmental Editing
Dreams of the Dark Sky: The Legacy of the Heavens, Book Two

LeCount Myers, Tina

Developmental Editing
Ascension: A Tangled Axon Novel

Jacqueline Koyanagi

Developmental Editing
Worldsoul

Williams, Liz

Developmental Editing
Everything is Broken

Shirley, John

Copy Editing
Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate

Parks, Richard

Developmental Editing
Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti

Genevieve Valentine

Developmental Editing
Ghost Summer: Stories

Due, Tananarive

Editorial Assessment
Million Mile Road Trip

Rucker, Rudy

Copy Editing

Paula has 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Wayne H.

Wayne H.

Oct, 2026

Paula's review was spot on and immensely helpful. My one complaint would be the wait to get her on her schedule for the review. Although, I'm sure that's a tribute to her popularity and how busy she is. This was my first time through the process, and we a pleasure.
Paula G.
Thanks, Wayne! And your novel is super! Best of luck wth it. Sorry about the wait. I appreciate your patience.
Suzanne J.

Suzanne J.

Sep, 2026

Paula delivered more than I was originally expecting. She provided specific edits and generous notes that covered both what was working and what needed attention. I respected her insights and hope there will be an opportunity to work with her in the future.
Paula G.
Thanks, Suzanne! Yes, I hope we can work together again.
Tim H.

Tim H.

Jul, 2026

Insightful, honest, witty, and a little bit intimidating - everything you want in an editor :) Highly recommend!
Paula G.
Thanks, Tim. Good luck on the book. I know you are hard at work. I don't MEAN to be intimidating. You know, of course, "intimidating" means threatening, producing feelings of fear or timidity. Ar...
Read more
Cazna B.

Cazna B.

Jun, 2026

Paula provided an extremely thorough and detailed developmental edit, with extensive notes that showed a deep engagement with the manuscript. Her professionalism and responsiveness throughout the process were excellent, and she delivered the work on time with clear dedication. Writers who appreci...
Read more
Paula G.
Thanks, Cazna! Was a pleasure :-)
Megan D.

Megan D.

Mar, 2026

Paula engaged deeply with my work, offering clear, actionable notes on pacing, character dynamics, and information flow in a complex, multi-timeline narrative. Her comments were specific, thoughtful, and always grounded in how the work would be experienced by a reader. She is excellent at identi...
Read more
Paula G.
Hope we can work together again, too, Megan! Truly a pleasure to work with you and your fiction.

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