Hilary Doda

Hilary Doda – Editor

Editor with 20+ years experience in RPGs, fiction, and academic writing. Specialties in history, romance, LGBTQ fiction.

Overview

Professional editor with more than 20 years in-house and freelance experience. Available for fiction, non-fiction, and games. LGBTQ works of all kinds are particularly welcome.


CURRENTLY BOOKING FOR MARCH-JUNE 2024.


I am available for developmental / structural edits, copy editing, and proofreading, with or without the Oxford comma. My editing portfolio is heavy on the romance at the moment, but I also welcome historical and modern fiction and women's fiction, LitRPG, mystery, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy of all word counts.


On the non-fiction side, I welcome humanities and social sciences monographs and chapters, whether they're being reworked for submission or polished for a major university press. My Ph.D is Interdisciplinary (humanities), and I have specific expertise in Atlantic history, material culture studies, dress studies, and archaeology.


I have been called "intimidatingly thorough," and I choose to take that as a compliment. I can edit with a lighter touch when that's requested, however, and I always keep a sense of humour. My job is to make you and your text the best it can possibly be.


Please note that, as a Canadian small business, I am required to collect GST and/or HST from Canadian clients.

Services
Fiction
Gaming & LitRPG Historical Fiction Historical Romance LGBTQ Fiction Psychological Thriller Romantic Suspense Space Opera
Non-Fiction
History
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • 2002 Origins Award for Best Game Aid or Accessory - "Gamemastering Secrets"
Certifications
  • Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary: History, Archaeology, Dress Studies)

Work experience

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Jun, 2014 — Present

Performing first-round developmental and line edits for new fiction. Depending on project, focus was either developmental (structure, pacing) or a combination of developmental and copy-edit (structural and grammatical corrections, fact-checking, ensuring consistency of content and authorial voice).

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Program, Dalhousie University

Oct, 2012 — Sep, 2013 (11 months)

Assisted CEBS course developers with general and specialized tasks connected to curriculum development, exam development, program research and materials preparation. Duties included content research, course materials review, proofreading and fact-checking course and exam materials.

Self-employed

Jan, 2002 — Present

Dream Pod 9

Oct, 1998 — Mar, 2002 (over 3 years)

Responsible for determining the direction, content and authorship for books published for the Tribe 8 and Jovian Chronicles roleplaying game lines. Supervised single and multiple-author teams through publishing process from proposal to final draft; collaborated with layout team and artists to determine book appearance; performed copy editing and final proofing on books for Tribe 8, Jovian Chronicles, Gear Krieg and Heavy Gear game lines. Wrote ad copy for hard and soft-copy catalogues, designed and implemented contests, web promotions and public demonstrations of product lines.

Portfolio

Copy Editing Proofreading
I Kissed a Girl

Jennet Alexander

Can an up-and-coming horror actressand the makeup artist for her newest "creature feature"turn on-set chemistry into the romance of a lifetime?Lilah Silver's a young actress who dreams of clim... read more
Developmental Editing
Final Hour

Rushdan, Juno

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Men of Legend

Broday, Linda

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Delicate Condition

Valentine, Danielle

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Ella Kerr, a master pianist and gifted composer in her thirties has a renowned and enviable career but her personal life is at a standstill. Two years after the passing of her husband, she is ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Heavy Gear Technical Manual

Marc-Alexandre Vezina

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Spare Heirs

Michels, Elizabeth

Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Hilary has 37 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Susanne S.

Susanne S.

Apr, 2024

Hilary was THE BEST!!! Absolutely BRILLIANT!!! She gave me precisely the advice and evaluation I needed. Her critique was constructive and positively worded so I felt empowered and excited to continue. I hope I can work with her again (and again, and again)!!!
nicole S.

nicole S.

Feb, 2024

This was my first time going through editing and Hilary has made it seem so much less daunting. Can't wait to do the other edits sessions with her!
Sam S.

Sam S.

Feb, 2024

This is the second time I've worked with Hilary. She is very quick, very thorough, and gives great suggestions that elevate the quality of my writing beyond what I can do myself. I look forward to working with her again!
Dan S.

Dan S.

Feb, 2024

Working with Hilary has been an exceptional experience. Her meticulous attention to detail, deep understanding of language nuances, and constructive feedback have greatly enhanced the quality of our project. Her professionalism and dedication are evident in every interaction. I highly recommend Hilary for her outstanding editing skills and commitment to excellence.
Joshua T.

Joshua T.

Oct, 2023

Hilary literally worked through a hurricane to make sure our deadline was met. Beyond that, she makes my work shine, while always leaving encouraging notes along the way. Her feedback is invaluable and her attention to detail is fantastic. Thanks Hilary!

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